Southeastern Sign Supply is the leading sign supply distributer in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. They provide sign manufacturers with quality products, including plastic and aluminum substrates, commercial products, neon and neon sign supplies, fluorescent and lamp supplies, LEDS and LED supplies, digital equipment, digital media/supplies, and equipment software. As part of their customer-oriented philosophy, they provide training seminars throughout the year on various topics such as software, digital printing, and vinyl cutters.
Southeastern Sign Supply was founded in 1990 with two employees and one delivery truck. Since its humble beginnings, the company has grown to offer a full spectrum of sign making products to their customers. Part of the business’ success can be attributed to owner Ryan Thigpen’s father and uncle, who purchased the company 15 years ago from the original owner. Ryan began working at the company right after graduating from North Carolina State University in 2006. He found that he was very passionate about this business, and eventually he began managing SESS full-time when his father and uncle went into retirement five years ago.
In 2016, Ryan made the decision to purchase the business from his family members and become the sole owner. The company had a business relationship with Jeff Hendrick from FNB, who suggested an SBA loan as a financing option for the acquisition. Mr. Hendrick referred him to one of our experienced Business Development Officers, who put together a creative loan package for the SBA 7(a) loan program. His expertise in SBA lending led to a successful closing for this business acquisition deal.
Ryan Thigpen had the following to say about our BDO and the team at FNB Small Business Finance:
He was a true motivating force throughout the entire loan process. There are a lot of SBA requirements and the process wasn’t always easy, but he kept the ball rolling and properly set expectations for me. Timelines can creep up and even slip by, but he made sure we met our goals and turned in the right paperwork in a timely fashion. He was my big-time cheerleader – thank you to FNB for all of their help with my business purchase!
Since the loan closed in November of 2016, Ryan has transitioned into his role as owner of Southeastern Sign Supply. We are looking forward to what the future holds for SESS and can’t wait to see continued growth and success!
Southeastern Sign Supply
2435 Reliance Avenue
Apex North Carolina 27539
919-363-1722
www.sesignsupply.com
