James River Signs is a custom sign and graphics company based in Newport News. Founded in 2018, the company is family-owned and operated with popular products, including indoor signs, lobby signs, vehicles graphics, trade show signs, electronic signs, channel letters and wall graphics. The company works with a variety of industries such as businesses, churches, libraries, construction sites, and schools.
Meet Ann and Dave Gupta, owners and operators. Before opening the business, Dave managed operations for a Hampton company for more than 20 years and Ann worked as a teacher. Their combined experience pushes service, quality and efficiency to the forefront of their work. Their team includes Colbey Gailey and Nevin Walsh, who both work in sign fabrication and installation, and Alexa Gailey, who manages permitting, customer service and design.
“We strive to respond promptly and provide signs and graphics solutions to meet our customers’ budgets—and exceed their expectations,” Dave says. “With our team, we have instilled the mindset to take the extra time and effort to make sure our clients are happy with our products and services. At the same time, we strive to make work at James River Signs a rewarding experience for our employees.”
Dave and Ann have lived in Newport News for 26 years and raised three children in the area. They love the city’s schools, neighborhoods and proximity to the ocean. Their children are graduates of Newport News Public Schools. They are avid baseball fans. Originally from Illinois, they root for the Chicago Cubs but this year they have begun rooting for Richard Bland too, where their son plays baseball as a college freshman. Their oldest daughter moved back to Newport News after graduating from the University of Virginia and has made Dave and Ann grandparents. Their middle child graduated from Virginia Tech in May.
The Guptas spent several years volunteering with Newport News Public Schools, handling activities for the Hilton Elementary School Fall Festival and sponsoring the Warwick High School baseball team when their son was a varsity player. Having this connection to the school system, the Guptas find it rewarding to work on sign projects for the district. “We have provided signs, window graphics and wall murals for three elementary school libraries, the Aviation Academy and four other school entrances,” Dave says. “We have also provided numerous graduation signs and banners for students and athletic teams at local schools.”
Favorite recent projects were for two Hampton Roads staples. “We always like testing our limits so installing 500 signs along the Elizabeth River Trail was such a challenge,” Dave says with a smile. “We also recently enjoyed fabricating decorative trellis displays for a charitable event at the Riverside Foundation.”
The company has grown each year since opening in 2018, even experiencing growth though the pandemic. The Guptas aim to double their business over the next five years and hire more employees and acquire more equipment. The team treats clients like partners and prioritizes quality, care and professionalism in every project. In the coming years, the Guptas look forward to expanding their capacity while remaining focused on quality and customer service.
TO THE POINT:
James River Signs
Address: 724 City Center Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Dave Gupta
Phone: 757-598-4036
Website: www.jamesriversigns.com
