(Troy, Mich.) -- For those on the outskirts, Detroit has become synonymous with decline, collapse and failure. But for Metamora resident Bob Chapa, 34, his Signarama business located at 1017 Naughton Drive in Troy, is poised for significant growth.

“The economy over the past five years has been tough,” said Chapa. “But this is going to be our biggest year ever. Many of our competitors have closed, leaving room for the strongest brands to thrive and a lot of new businesses are opening up – which is a good thing for us in the sign business.”

Signarama, the world’s largest sign franchise, provides a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both the private and commercial segments of the community. The company offers impactful marketing solutions from digital signs to vehicle wraps, banners, monument signs, channel letters, LED and pylon signs.

Chapa first learned the ropes of business ownership before he was 10-years old. His parents owned an independent sign shop where Chapa worked after school. It was these skills and values he learned at an early age that helped mold him into the successful business owner he is today.

“I started off working very hard and at a young age in the industry,” said Chapa. "Working in my parent’s business taught me a lot about the business and sign making, but also about the importance of maintaining loyal customers. I quickly made a name for myself in Metro Detroit: The Sign Guy.”

After graduating from Lawrence Technology University in Southfield, Mich., Chapa returned home and got a job as a production designer at the very same Signarama he currently owns. Moving his way up the ladder, he eventually took over as store manager for seven years.

In 2005, Chapa took over ownership of Signarama and sales have steadily grown since. He recently expanded his operation with a brand new 15,000 square foot office space and added new services to his menu such as electric signs and LED message centers.

“I knew I wanted more out of my career,” said Chapa. “The business was getting bigger and the former owner was getting ready to retire. I approached him about taking over and by 26 years old, I was a business owner.”

Chapa has now owned Signarama for eight years and plans to continue working on the business to maintain growth and help companies refresh their brands.

Approaching 900 locations worldwide, Signarama was founded in 1986 by Ray Titus and his father, franchising pioneer, Roy Titus.  The company currently has 10 locations in Michigan and expects further expansion in the area, with plans to open at least six franchised units in the greater Detroit area within five years. Nationwide, Signarama expects to open 50 more locations through the end of 2013 and have more than 1,200 locations worldwide by the end of 2016.

For more information, please visit www.signarama.com