Signs rev up Grimco's sales. (Grimco Inc.)(Company Profile)

Once a small company that stamped out police badges, Grimco Inc. has grown into a $12 million sign manufacturer under the leadership of a former bank loan officer.

About 17 years ago, Grimco Chief Executive Robert Hummert worked for the former First National Bank, drumming up loan business with companies whose sales were between $1 million and $30 million. It was during that time Hummert and two other First National Bank employees discovered Grimco, whose annual sales were then around $700,000.

Encouraged by Grimco's promise, the three men, Hummert, Terry Alexander and John McCarthy, took out second mortgages on their homes to finance the acquisition of the company. …