Monte Rogers 1953–2019

I can’t remember how I first came across Monte Rogers and his great-looking sign work. I have a hunch that I heard about him from David Showalter [David Design, Bryan, Ohio], whose work had been in SignCraft just a few issues before. The result was a feature article on Monte in SignCraft’s September/ October 1987 issue.

Monte was a second-generation sign maker with a solid understanding of both effective sign layout and how to run a successful sign business. His father, Vince, had started Vince Rogers Signs in 1960 in Elkhart, Indiana. Monte worked with Vince for years and later took over the business. He eventually changed the name to The Graphics Factory, expanding the business to offer graphic design and imprinted sportswear.

In 1988, Monte was one of the hosts of the 1988 Michiana Letterheads “Signs of Spring” meet, which was one of the most wellattended Letterheads events. He also was a part of many other Letterhead meets—always ready to share his knowledge, some genuine encouragement or a good laugh.