There are certain milestones in business ownership that make you feel like you’ve “made it.” Your first customer. Your first employee. Your first profit. And, apparently, getting your company name on a giant outdoor sign after years of being at the same address. So, this week, I drove by 407 Speers Road and saw something I had been waiting far longer than I care to admit to see:
Right there on the sign. In actual letters. Visible from the road. Not hidden in Suite 203L, behind a directory, around a corner, or requiring a scavenger hunt and three clues from Indiana Jones to locate. Just… there. For everyone to see. I probably stared at it longer than a mentally healthy person should.
My wife didn’t quite understand my excitement. “It’s just a sign…” No honey bunny. It’s our sign. Eh, business owners will understand.
For years, whenever someone asked where we were located, I’d proudly say, “407 Speers Road.” Then I’d immediately have to follow up with, “Suite 203L.” Then, “Upstairs.” Then, “Second door on the right.” Then, “Pass reception area, first door on the left.” And then”Yes, we’re actually there.” Then, “No, really.” Then, “No, we’re not a virtual office.” Then, “Yes, Google knows we’re there.” Then, “Yes, I can prove it.”
At some point, it felt less like giving directions and more like defending my existence.
Now? People drive by and see us. No explanations required, no treasure map required, no interpretive dance required. Just a giant sign saying:
Glorious.
Of course, now that we’re on the sign, I find myself checking it every time I drive past. I don’t mean intentionally. My eyes just drift toward it. A completely normal and healthy behavior. I certainly haven’t taken photographs of it. Or sent those photographs to friends, family, employees, or random people who didn’t ask.
That would be ridiculous.
What makes this especially meaningful is that Oakville Maids is still relatively young compared to Dallas Maids, which I’ve operated for more than two decades. Starting over in a new country was both exciting and humbling. Nobody knew who we were. We had no reputation, no customer base, and no history in the community. Now, little by little, we’re building something.
Customers are finding us, our team is growing, the business is growing, and now our name is literally on the sign. It’s a small thing, but sometimes the small things are reminders that progress is happening. So if you happen to drive by 407 Speers Road and notice Oakville Maids on the sign, know that somewhere nearby there is a business owner smiling a little more than he probably should.
After all, we finally made the sign.