Company President John Lay grew up around his dad George's sign shop. Growing up, he never thought it would become his career too. John worked at the sign shop during summers while going to Wichita North High (Go Redskins!), and joined the business after graduation from the University of Kansas in 1979. He became President of the company after George’s passing in 1991. "I’ve learned about the sign business from a lot of great people – including estimators, artists, metal and plastic fabricators, painters, and installers here, as well as mentors at other sign companies. When I started working, our bookkeeping was in hand-written ledgers, and signs were designed on a drafting board in pencil. Today, our computers are important tools for both our office, and our production, much like our pencils and paint brushes were in earlier days."
Brian Rader grew up in Wichita, and graduated from North High (another proud Redskin). He began working for George on summer breaks in high school. He rejoined the company in 1989, working primarily in service and installation. Brian became our "go to guy" for electronic message signs. His years of experience in the field provided a great background for his current responsibilities in major account sales, including petroleum and c-store accounts.
Mary began in outside sales with George Lay Signs in 1994, after working as a store manager for a local pool store. Mary is a native of Plainville, in north central Kansas. She attended the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, where she graduated in 1992. She works in sales for both electric signs and billboard advertising. She is experienced in working with a broad range of clients including retail, financial, churches, lodging, restaurants, and health care. Mary has been involved in many projects using electronic message signs. She also has assisted clients with challenging sign permit issues, including variances, adjustments and historic preservation compliance.
Kristy McFarland grew up in Wichita, and graduated from East High and Wichita State University. She joined our staff in 2011 after a successful career in yellow page advertising, and telecommunications. She works in sales for both electric signs and billboard advertising, and has quickly established a customer base including retail, lodging, health care, restaurants and other businesses.
Clint McBroom grew up in Wichita, and graduated from Wichita Heights High School. He holds a Christian Ministries degree from Mid-America Christian University, and is currently pursuing his MBA degree. Before joining our staff, he served four years in the Army Reserve, and served as pastor for a church in LaJunta, Colorado. Clint works in estimating, project management, and cost accounting.
David Vernia serves as our lead estimator and project manager. David is another Wichita native, and a graduate of Bishop Carroll High School. He began working at another local sign company in 1981. David is a skilled sign fabricator, and brings years of product knowledge and fabrication experience to his position as estimator and project manager. David joined George Lay Signs in 2003, and quickly put his skills to work dealing with our sales, fabrication and installation staff. David also serves as our primary contact for installation and repairs on national forwarding accounts.
Carolyn has worked in our art and production area since 1993. She grew up in the Flint Hills near Madison, Kansas and graduated from Madison High School. Then it was on to the "big city" of Emporia where she graduated from the graphic arts program at Flint Hills Technical College. Before joining our staff in 1993, she worked at a sign company in Emporia. Carolyn has produced and installed vinyl and digital graphics for thousands of signs and vehicles.
Nick grew up as an Air Force brat, living in Germany as well as several locations in the States. He graduated from high school in North Carolina, then attended Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC. He started working part-time at George Lay Signs in 1998 when his family relocated to Wichita. After Nick graduated from Wichita State University in 2002 with a major in fine arts, he changed to full-time status. After working in art production for several years, he now spends most of his time designing electric signs and billboards, and preparing the jobs for production.
Deborah is our accounting supervisor. She is a native of Herington, Kansas and a graduate of Wichita State University, with a degree in accounting. She worked in medical and oil and gas companies before becoming our "chief bean counter" in 1995. Deborah is our primary contact for HR, payables, payroll, and other accounting issues.
Your first question – how do you pronounce Quirarte? Just say Q-R-T, and you've got it. Carol has kept our office in line for over 20 years, starting as a part-timer in 1987. She's a native of Duluth, Minnesota, where she graduated from Central High School. She attended University of Minnesota at Duluth before she relocated to the sunny south of Kansas in 1967. But she still has a hint of her Minnesota accent (ya, don'tcha know!). Carol is our primary contact for accounts receivable.
When you call our offices, Donna is the one who answers the phone 90% of the time, which she's done since 2002. She is also a Wichita native, graduating from North High. Previously, she worked for several retailers and offices in the Wichita area.
The sign in front of your business
is the first impression your
customers encounter of the level
of professionalism and
commitment... read more
When it comes to selling your product or service, nothing can beat the
bold, larger-than-life
images that can be
printed... read more
George Lay Signs offers advertising
within the Wichita metropolitan
area, offering over 40 billboards
on busy streets and
highways.... read more