About Us

Custom Quick Sign opened in 1990 in Venice, and immediately began building its reputation as the go-to sign solution company for Westside businesses, large and small. Under the management of owner Jeff Gruen, CQS has become known for offering customized, professionally produced and installed signs with friendly, personal service. CQS moved to Santa Monica in 2005, merging with Castle Signs, which had served the Santa Monica community for several decades. From the most advanced digital graphics to more traditional hand-painted signs, CQS is proud to offer the right graphics/sign solutions for every customer.

The Custom Quick Sign Team

Jeff Gruen, Owner

Jeff started Custom Quick Sign in 1990, and has built the company's well deserved reputation for professionalism and integrity. He enjoys guiding customers through the process of choosing the most appropriate sign solutions with his friendly and accessible manner. Married with four kids, the Chicago native still roots for the Cubs, enjoys hiking, single malt whiskey, playing guitar with his teenaged son, and the occasional fine cigar. He only pretends that he doesn't really love the family dog, Ken. (See below.)

Steve, Graphic Designer

He doesn't have a Southern accent, so you'd never know that Steve was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He puts his B.A. in Studio Arts from U.C. Irvine and his experience (19 years of Photoshop and 14 years of Illustrator) to good use in print/web design. Steve enjoys travel, aquariums, and spending quality time with his family and friends. 

Diana Lim, Graphic Designer

Diana is unusually normal for an L.A. native. She's got a degree in Visual Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a wizard with print and layout design. She has a love of all things design-related and of jazz. She also admits to a bad case of wanderlust.

Kyle Scott - Production, Design and Handpainting

Kyle grew up in Central California and studied art and sign-painting. Kyle is the former owner of Castle Signs and joined the CQS team in 2005, where his specialties include hand-painted signs and job site signs. An avid biker and softball and basketball player, he can talk to you for hours about the NCAA tournament. For reasons no one understands, Kyle always wears shorts to work, even when it's cold.

Shifra Hastings - Office Manager

Shifra hails from Los Angeles and has a background in engineering and teaching. The mom of three great kids, Shifra also helps manage a local band and is involved in many community projects.

Sonny D - Production

With an exacting eye, Sonny produces most of CQS's signs and displays. He has more 15 years experience in sign production, and is an expert at sign installation. Sonny enjoys drawing, t-shirt and tattoo art and design.

Ken, the Official Canine of Custom Quick Sign

Ken has zero experience with Photoshop or Illustrator, but can sniff out a barbeque from 20 miles. His claim to fame is that he became the subject of a quote on a Starbucks cup, written by one of his human companions, Judy Gruen (wife of Jeff). The funny thing is, Ken doesn't even drink coffee.