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. Jeff is licensed by the Contractors State License Board of California. 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.
Steve Shin - GM, Bright Theory Liaison
Steve puts his B.A. in Studio Arts / Digital Arts from UC Irvine and his experience to good use. After 4 years at MSC.Software» as a Graphic Designer in the Automotive, Shipbuilding, Aerospace & Defense industry, Steve joined the QA team at Blizzard Entertainment». From there Steve teamed with the talented web crew at Deep Fried Productions» and helped launch Bright Theory». Now, with the inevitable evolution of the Sign Industry, Steve has been advancing Custom Quick Sign to the Digital Era.
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 (the original sign company of the Westside since 1946) and joined the CQS team in 2005, where his specialties include hand-painted signs, vehicle lettering and job site signs. An avid biker and softball and basketball player, he can talk to you for hours about the PGA and the NCAA. For reasons no one understands, Kyle always wears shorts to work, even when it's cold.
Soren Barton - Production/Installer
With an exacting eye, Soren produces most of CQS's signs and displays. The Australian native has more 6 years experience in sign production, and is an expert at sign installation.
Debbie Hughes - Administrator
Debbie has a B.A. in English form Berkeley and was the founder of LA Fonts Typography and Huetopia in Los Angeles before joining the CQS family. She specializes in bookkeeping, creation and maintenance of office systems, filing and correspondence.
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.