P rofiles In Excellence • Decorative Signs

Desperate Enterprises

By Wes Feathers

Desperate Enterprises was founded 30 years ago by Ohio entrepreneur Robert (Bob) Secrist. Bob had a love for nostalgia and was an avid collector of antique advertisements and signage. He founded the business with the primary mission to reproduce some of our nation’s iconic advertising legacy as metal signs and make them available to all at very modest prices. Starting with just six images, he began selling these at flea markets and antique shows. Over time, the business has grown, and it has truly become a global business.

Currently, Desperate Enterprises produces over 830 unique images, with worldwide distribution. The primary formats are either 12.5-inch-by-16-inch rectangular signs, or 11.75-inch in diameter round signs. The company holds a multitude of licensing agreements with DC Comics, Warner Brothers, Ford, Coco-Cola, General Motors, Anheuser Busch, and many, many more.

The business continues to grow as we expand our product offerings with new sizes, new images, and new products. But Desperate Enterprises continues to be rooted in our core family values, customer-centered