Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Custom Signage & Branding Solutions
Founded in January 1999, Critical Signs began as a race car lettering business operated from a home garage. Through exceptional service and word-of-mouth referrals, the company expanded rapidly, opening its first commercial location in Waterford, CT in 2002. Over two decades of growth led to strategic relocations, culminating in a 4,500-square-foot facility on Route 85 in Waterford. Our team of skilled professionals delivers precision craftsmanship across signage, vehicle wraps, trophies, and promotional products. We maintain rigorous quality control through in-house design, fabrication, and installation. Our commitment to client satisfaction is demonstrated through personalized service, free site surveys, and a 20+ year track record of exceeding expectations.As industry innovators, we utilize advanced technology including large-format printers, laser engravers, and high-performance vinyl materials. Our expertise extends to both residential and commercial applications, serving diverse sectors from local businesses to racing communities. We uphold our founding principle 'Your Image is Our Business' through meticulous attention to detail and client collaboration. With a dedicated workforce and comprehensive service offerings, Critical Signs remains a trusted leader in branding solutions since 1999.
Services
Signage
Trophies & Plaques
Promotional Products
Custom Decals
Sign Repair
Vehicle Wraps
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in custom signage and branding solutions
- Our team provides free site surveys and personalized design consultations
- We maintain complete quality control through in-house fabrication
- We serve both residential and commercial clients with diverse needs
- Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through meticulous craftsmanship
Services
Custom Signage
We create precision-crafted signs using routed acrylic, PVC, dimensional letters, and LED lighting. Our architectural and monument signs enhance business visibility while meeting municipal requirements. Professional installation ensures durability and compliance with local regulations.
Vehicle Wraps
Our high-performance vinyl wraps transform vehicles into mobile advertising platforms. Using UV-resistant materials and advanced design software, we create eye-catching graphics for cars, boats, and commercial fleets while maintaining vehicle integrity.
Trophies & Plaques
We produce custom awards including acrylic trophies, bronze plaques, and crystal awards using laser engraving technology. Our collection features racing trophies, corporate recognition pieces, and personalized medallions for special events.
Promotional Products
Our branded merchandise includes business cards, keychains, apparel, and printed materials. We offer bulk ordering options with customization services to help businesses enhance brand visibility through tangible marketing tools.
Sign Repair
We restore damaged signs through bulb replacement, structural repairs, and lighting upgrades. Our technicians diagnose electrical issues and replace mounting components to extend sign lifespan while maintaining safety standards.
People
Shawn Monahan
Owner
Founder of Critical Signs since 1999, Shawn oversees operations and maintains quality standards. With expertise in vehicle graphics and signage, he ensures client satisfaction through personalized service and innovative solutions.
Jenn Monahan
Owner
Co-owner Jenn collaborates with clients on design concepts and project execution. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence contribute to the company's reputation for superior craftsmanship and service.
Lindsay Brewer
Graphic Artist
Specializing in sign design, Lindsay creates visual concepts that meet client specifications. Her technical skills and creative vision ensure effective branding solutions that align with business objectives.
Aidan Griffin
Graphic Artist
Aidan combines artistic talent with technical expertise to produce precision designs for signage and promotional materials. He works closely with clients to translate ideas into effective visual communications.
Silvestre Cortez
Tint Master
Specializing in window tinting and paint protection, Silvestre delivers high-quality automotive solutions. His expertise ensures flawless installations that enhance vehicle appearance and durability.
Questions
What types of signage do you create?
We produce channel letters, monument signs, architectural signs, and lighted displays using materials like acrylic, PVC, and aluminum.
Can you design vehicle wraps?
Yes, we create custom wraps for cars, boats, and commercial fleets using high-performance vinyl with UV protection for lasting durability.
Do you offer trophy customization?
We provide laser engraving services for acrylic trophies, bronze plaques, and crystal awards with options for personalized medallions.
What promotional products are available?
Our merchandise includes business cards, keychains, apparel, printed materials, and custom packaging solutions with branding options.
Do you repair existing signs?
We offer comprehensive repair services including lighting upgrades, structural fixes, and component replacements for damaged signage.
What are your business hours?
We operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and are closed on weekends.
Reviews (7)
Tony Mangiafico
Apr 18, 2022
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Shawn and Aidan did a great job on the name of my boat. They removed the old name, designed and applied the new name. This is a family owned business and they really care about the product they deliver.
Treasure The Torah
Feb 25, 2022
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Critical sighns expertise is second to none the owner Shawn is a very honest, humorous, and very down to earth man. he did phenomenal work for a excellent price on a graphics kit for me. critical sighns stands at the top of the mountain over looking the valley.
Salem Auto
Aug 10, 2021
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Best tint jobs around, the film they use is second to none and has almost zero heat transfer. Awesome group group of people and a flawless installation
Brett Evans
Mar 05, 2021
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I am extremely satisfied with the service I was provided. In the beginning I felt as though I wasn't being taken care of in a timely manner but when bringing it to their attention they got me in for an install within 3 days. WOW. Shawn, Lindsay, and Jennifer all were extremely professional, extremely kind, and did their best to help in every way possible. I will absolutely continue using them now and in the future.
Tim H.
Dec 21, 2020
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Shawn and co. are the best! I needed 4 custom clear shields for my office reception area and they did a great job. Perfect work and got them done quickly for my reopening. Highly recommend!
Cody Browning
Jun 26, 2020
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Getting through the covid-19 crisis has been difficult enough, but trying to reopen a small business was brutal and the team at Critical Signs made it so much easier. One phone call and they helped outline everything I needed. I was so grateful for their prompt service and quick turn around. Highly recommended!
Jamie Densmore
Mar 10, 2020
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The team at Critical Signs most recently designed and wrapped one of our oil trucks (they have also lettered our service vans). Everyone at Critical is easy to work with an very professional. The truck design (pictured below) was done by Lindsay and she did an awesome job taking our ideas and making them a reality. I highly recommend critical signs for your vehicle lettering and wrapping needs!
