We exist to create things where passion and purpose come together
Benchmark is a custom architectural signage studio that takes a fresh, modern approach to crafting custom signage.
By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional and unique materials, we help bring brands to life. Arbor Signs has fabricated signs for over 3,000 companies nationwide, right from their studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Based on Marketing
Benchmark was founded from marketing and branding , which is why we see things from a different perspective—one that puts our client’s vision and business first.
Owner
Matthew Smith
With a foundation in brand strategy, I approach every sign from a marketing perspective. I ensure your vision isn't just manufactured, but strategically crafted to capture attention and drive business growth.
chief of support
Walter Pittman
Meet Walter Pittman, our Chief of Support. Whether he’s "pawsing" for a belly rub or fetching morale, he ensures every project is "ruff-ly" perfect. He works for treats and naps exclusively.
Design is our DNA. We merge aesthetic brilliance with structural integrity, ensuring every sign is a masterpiece of form and function that elevates your brand’s physical presence with artistic precision.
Step into our shop
Benchmark works out of two shops in Ann Arbor, Michigan. One shop is for printing the more delicate signage and one for our carpenters and welders.
Each building is packed with the latest technological wizardry (and the wizards to operate it), with near limitless fabrication capabilities. Want a peek behind the scenes? Call us to schedule an appointment
Meet our team
Our team committed to the sign and design industry and has decades of experience to perfect their craft.
Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith Owner & Creative Strategist Matthew Smith founded Arbor Sign Company with a unique vision: to bridge the gap between high-level brand strategy and physical craftsmanship. With a deep professional background in marketing and branding, Matthew doesn’t just see a sign as a piece of hardware; he sees it as a vital touchpoint for business growth.
Kurt Pittman Lead Designer With an eye for precision and a passion for structural aesthetics, Kurt transforms complex brand identities into tangible architectural landmarks. As Lead Designer, he balances cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to ensure every sign is as durable as it is visually stunning. Kurt’s expertise is the backbone of the "Built on Design" philosophy at Arbor Signs, turning creative concepts into iconic physical realities.
Mandy is a powerhouse in the studio, seamlessly bridging the gap between digital design and physical production. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of materials, she ensures that every project transitions perfectly from the screen to the shop floor. Whether she’s fine-tuning a layout or overseeing the final fabrication, Mandy’s dedication to quality and precision is what brings the Arbor Signs standard to life.
Andrew is the muscle and the machine behind our largest-scale projects. Specializing in heavy production, he masters the structural side of fabrication—handling everything from complex welding to large-format assembly. With a deep respect for raw materials and structural integrity, Andrew ensures that every monument and architectural sign that leaves the shop is built to last a lifetime.
Valen is the artist behind our most transformative interior projects. As our Wall Wrap Specialist, he excels in the precision-heavy world of large-format vinyl installation. From textured surfaces to massive corporate murals, Valen’s expert technique ensures a seamless, bubble-free finish that turns ordinary walls into high-impact branding statements.
Matt is our resident expert in turning local fleets and personal rides into mobile billboards. As a Vehicle Wrap Specialist, he combines meticulous surface preparation with master-level vinyl application. Whether it’s a complex color change or a full commercial wrap, Matt’s precision ensures that every curve and contour is perfectly covered, providing a durable, high-impact finish that moves with your business.
We are dedicated to elevating your brand through precision craftsmanship. From custom apparel to high-impact signage, we turn your vision into a lasting professional impression.
