Central Sign Supplies marks 75 years in Omaha

Central Sign Supplies is celebrating its 75th year in 2026, highlighting three generations of family ownership and a nationwide customer base for sign, print and garment shops. The Omaha distributor says same-day shipping, free shipping on qualifying orders and an expanded product catalog remain central to its growth.

Why it matters: - Central Sign Supplies has stayed in business for 75 years while the sign industry shifted from hand-painted work to digital printing and computer-cut vinyl. - The Omaha distributor serves sign shops, print shops and garment decorators nationwide, making it part of the supply chain behind a broad range of visual-communications businesses. - The milestone reflects three generations of family ownership, a rare run for a wholesale distributor that has remained local in Omaha while shipping across the country.

What happened: - Central Sign Supplies is marking its 75th year in business in 2026. - The company was founded in 1951 by Don Klatt with $19,822 in inventory and three employees. - Don Klatt started the business in Omaha after moving from What Cheer, Iowa. - Jack and Jim Klatt took over the company in 1978. - Jim's sons assumed ownership in 2010 and lead the company today. - Central Sign Supplies offers pickup in Omaha and ships nationwide.

The details: - Central Sign Supplies is an ORAFOL Premier Distributor for Oracal, Orajet and Oraguard products. - The company is an authorized Siser distributor for heat transfer vinyl. - Central Sign Supplies is also a Graphtec dealer and Authorized Service Center. - The product catalog includes sign vinyl, print media, laminates, banner supplies, screen printing inks and emulsion. - The catalog also includes sign substrates such as ACM, aluminum, coroplast, acrylic and PVC, plus Hotronix heat presses. - Orders placed by 3:00 PM Central ship the same day. - Shipping is free on qualifying orders over $149. - Customers can buy without a wholesale account. - The company website includes guides on choosing a Graphtec cutter and on the differences among Oracal 651, 751 and 951 vinyl. - Customers can browse online or call 1-800-999-3160. - The company lists sales@centralsignsupplies.com for media and customer contact, along with 402-734-3160 and www.centralsignsupplies.com.

Between the lines: - The business has adapted as customer needs changed, moving from traditional sign materials to digital tools, equipment and service support. - Ryan and Lee Klatt framed the anniversary as both a celebration of legacy and a signal that the company plans to keep serving a changing industry. - The combination of distribution, product training content and equipment service suggests Central Sign Supplies is trying to be more than a warehouse supplier.

What's next: - Central Sign Supplies says it expects to keep serving customers for many years as the sign industry continues to evolve. - The company will continue offering nationwide shipping, Omaha pickup and support for sign, print and garment-decorating businesses. - Customers can use the company website or phone lines to place orders and review product information.

The bottom line: - Central Sign Supplies is leaning on family ownership, broad inventory and service support to extend a 75-year run in a fast-changing industry.