ShieldCo Art transforms your logo or design into three dimensional metal art fit for any gallery. From interior entry way to large exterior outdoor signage; ShieldCo can help your business stand out among the crowd.
An interview with co-owner, Luke Markey
Tell us how ShieldCo got its start.
We started in 2013 when I quit my job & began creating metal art for college athletic teams with my brother & co-owner, Neil. From there, the projects became bigger & more involved – businesses & companies from around the country began placing orders for their logos to be made into metal art. We began focusing our efforts on business signage & incorporating custom LED lighting & using different metals & finishes.
Over the years, we have recruited more help, expanded our physical warehouse space, & are continuing to improve our processes & designs. We are a “Kaizen” motivated business – meaning we are always striving for continual improvement
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
I absolutely love that we’ve created an environment where many different people can work together & be happy. I always say “work is work, everyone has to work, but if you can do it in an environment you enjoy, it makes it all the better”. Whenever we have a visitor to the shop, they remark, “the shop has a great vibe – everyone is so happy!”. The initial agreement between the design team & the sales team was “if you sell it, we will build it”. The sales team has full range of design latitude which allows them to continue to create new cool art pieces. I love walking around town & seeing the different designs we’ve created – we are going to do a ShieldCo scavenger hunt. Maybe I’ve overused the word love, but I love that 80% of our sales come from outside of 3 hours from Frederick, that means we are bringing in outside dollars into our community & increasing the wealth of our beautiful town.
What makes ShieldCo so unique?
While other signage companies create traditional two dimensional business signage, we are the only company that can call our product three dimensional metal art. There are so many cool designs & logos that just don’t get their deserved justice on flat, two dimensional signage. Our unique process takes all the intricacies & design elements of your logo & adds depth & perspective like no other signage company can. Our signage makes a statement & tells your clients that you are the best in the business.
What do you want ShieldCo to be known for?
We are going to be known as a place of high integrity, that keeps their promises, that designs uniquely, that questions the status quo, that uses logic in judgements, that values employees, that encourages growth, that takes pride in their work, that grows & expands, that uses Kaizen philosophy as a guiding light, that celebrates wins, & that has fun with everyone.
Can you tell us about your involvement in the community?
The past few years, we have made metal art awards for the United Way organization using our signature ShieldCo process. Additionally, we have made metal art for the Pointe Du Hoc foundation & for military bases not only around the country, but around the world. We also recruited our first intern who is learning about engineering and general workplace etiquette. We pride ourselves on hiring local & working with local businesses.
Give us your best elevator pitch for ShieldCo Art.
We design impactful signage that is more than just a sign, it is truly metal art. Our attention to detail & signature process transforms not only your logo, but the entire look & feel of your workspace. Your business means a lot to you, & your signage reflects that. It is just a matter of fact that ShieldCo signs carry a certain swagger to them that other signage companies simply cannot compete with. That’s our ShieldCo guarantee.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.