Meet the 2024 Women in Wide Format Winners: Allison Kast Eichenberg

Allison Kast Eichenberg
Owner/Owner
Signarama Chandler

AN ORDAINED MINISTER with a Masters in Christian Ministry, Allison Kast Eichenberg says she was thrown what she calls “one of life’s curveballs” and her career path went in another direction — franchise ownership. Signarama Chandler was first opened in 1997 by Allison’s in-laws. She joined the team in 2007 and focused mostly on sales and accounting. While learning the business, Allison worked in production, sales, customer support, and accounting, gaining valuable training and experience that would advance her knowledge and expertise in signage and business operations. In 2017, Allison and her husband Jim became the sole owners of Signarama Chandler. Here are some her thoughts on women in our industry.

What makes women leaders in the wide-format digital printing industry?

Allison believes that it’s a privilege to work with her customers and help make their dreams a reality, whether that’s starting a new business or promoting an event. She’s invested in their success and works hard to make genuine connections with them so that they feel supported and confident in their pursuits.

“To be a strong leader, you must be innovative, flexible, and willing to listen,” Allison says. “I recognize the importance of asking questions and believe that the simple action of asking is the only way to truly understand my customers’ needs, wants, and goals. Through open communication, I’m able to deliver products and services that are impactful and drive business.”

In 2017 when Allison became the primary owner of Signarama Chandler with her husband, they completely overhauled the business operations, creating a leadership and management team that empowered employees to grow and take responsibility for more projects. This not only created efficiencies in business but created an environment where responsibilities were shared among a team beyond the capacity of any one or two individuals needing to oversee and do everything.

Here are some examples of her community and business involvement:

Giving back is in Allison’s DNA and an important part of her business. In 2011, she created the Signs of Hope program, which provides local organizations with grants to use for signage for facilities, events and fundraisers, and other types of identification signage. To date, Signarama Chandler has given more than $500,000 in grants since the program’s launch.

Allison also serves as the Board President for The Children’s Home Project, a non-profit that works with impoverished children in Honduras to provide education, mental health services, and a family atmosphere to help them overcome adversity and become successful. Allison also leverages her business to sponsor and provide signage for fundraising events.

Additionally, as one of Signarama’s top-performing shops, Signarama Chandler franchise has served as a mentor store for more than 10 years, helping other owners as they open a new location, or take over an existing one.

How does your work push the industry forward?

“I try to commit myself to leadership in the space,” she says. “That means being a good steward in an industry. I work hard to train and lead a qualified team, and ensure my business remains relevant by being an active member of my industry trade association. I believe digital printing can serve to elevate a business and help educate customers, create a welcoming environment, and drive business. I’m committed to hard work, having fun, acting with integrity, thinking big, and doing it together as a team.”