About Us · Family-owned in Newport News
A Sign Is More Than Just Your Name
It’s the first impression, the thing people remember, and the face of your business on the street. That belief is behind every sign we build.
Our story
James River Signs is a family-owned custom sign company based in Newport News, Virginia. We build signs for businesses across the Virginia Peninsula — from a single lobby logo to a full building-and-fleet rollout — and we treat every one like it carries our name too.
Because we handle design, printing, permitting, and installation — and fabricate much of your signage in-house — you get one accountable team from first sketch to final install, and a real person on the phone when you call. That’s how we’ve earned the trust of Peninsula businesses, one sign at a time.
“A Sign is More Than Just Your Name.”
Meet the owners
Dave & Ann Gupta
James River Signs is owned and run by Dave and Ann Gupta — a true family business. Dave spent 25 years in the corporate world learning what it takes to run a company well, and brings that same standard here: exceptional products backed by customer service that’s genuinely hard to match. Ann, a former teacher, has a gift for keeping many projects moving at once without a detail slipping.
Starting JRS was a leap they took together — Dave ready for something beyond the corporate world, Ann returning to work after time at home raising their family. They decided it was the right moment to build something of their own, and they’ve been doing it side by side ever since.
Dave and Ann have called Newport News home for nearly 20 years, along with their three kids and a dog. Both are Illinois natives and lifelong Cubs fans. Go Cubbies!
What we stand for
The way we work
◆ Craftsmanship in-house
Design, printing, and much of our fabrication happen under one roof — with trusted local partners for specialized builds.
☎ We answer the phone
No phone trees. A real person, and a reply within one business day.
♥ Local & invested
Family-owned and rooted on the Virginia Peninsula, invested in the community we serve.
✓ End to end
One team from concept and permits through fabrication and a clean, level install.
Our process
From first sketch to final install
Every project runs through the same proven steps — so you always know what happens next.
Consultation
We start by understanding your business, your space, and your goals. Call or send your idea and files, and we’ll reply within one business day.
Design & proof
Our design team turns your concept into a sign that’s readable, on-brand, and buildable. You approve a proof before anything is made — no surprises.
Survey & permitting
We confirm materials, mounting, and site conditions. For exterior signs we prepare the drawings and pull the city permit, so your project stays compliant and on schedule.
Fabrication
Most signs are built in our own shop, where we control materials, tolerances, and finish. For monument signs, illuminated cabinets, and other specialized builds, we partner with trusted local fabricators.
Installation
Our own crews install your sign level, secure, and to code — on brick, EIFS, metal, glass, or masonry — using the right equipment and methods.
Support
We stand behind what we build, and we’re here down the road for maintenance, LED retrofits, and refurbishment.
Let’s put your best face forward
Work with a local team that treats your sign like its own — we reply within one business day.