Every participating member of NEFBA has seen the handiwork of Stephens Advertising at just about every event.
And, Stephens Advertising has chronicled the cycles of the building industry in Jacksonville for more than 30 years.
The business has its roots in a partnership between current owner Ann Hicks and Bob Stephens (now deceased) in an ad agency named, "Stephens and Some Others."
"We produced brochures, public relations materials and newspaper ads in those days," Ann said. "Our primary account was the Charter Companies, which had several branches, including oil and real estate development. Apartment complexes were also a large part of our business."
At the time, signs were from out-of-town suppliers, and the fledgling company was having trouble keeping up with the demand to produce new signs quickly and frequently. So the decision was made to bring sign production in house.
Brooks Brandal started his career at Stephens during those early years. Brooks worked part time while still in college. Now the company's creative director, Brooks also recalls the company's growth and movement from the Southside to the Arlington area to downtown and now to the Westside.
"As the business grew and we needed more space, we moved to 700 Union St., in a warehouse that had been in Bob Stephens' family for years," Brooks said. "The family had operated the biggest distribution warehouse in the Southeast for many years. We were fortunate to be able to occupy that space. It was a good location for our business, and we enjoyed about 10 years there."
Brooks, who has been with Stephens 30 years, and other longtime employees Steve Riensche, Andy Kuzera and Margie Oakes are more than co-workers. There's a family atmosphere, a sense of team work and loyalty among them. Steve is a creative designer and fabricator. Bobby is a graphic designer. Andy is the production supervisor, and Margie is the comptroller (and Ann's sister). Between them, they have more than 100 years combined experience in design and production.
Together they create and produce every conceivable type of things that will get your attention. They enjoy having a welding shop, a saw shop with a computer router, and every conceivable power saw any cabinet maker would envy, along with computers used to round out the design and financial end of the business.
"At one time, we did everything by hand. In those days, you were a 'sign painter.' It was an art form unto itself," Ann said. "But we were quick to take advantage of new technology, and as a result we hold a couple of 'first' landmarks. We were the first to use a vinyl cutter in Jacksonville and we were the first to introduce weekend directional signs, an idea that came from Texas."
Stephens has maintained a close relationship with NEFBA for many years and has been honored by the builders association with three Laurel Awards and a special appreciation award from Builders Care. This year, as well as last year, Ann serves on the Parade of Homes Committee.
Ann attributes much of her involvement in NEFBA to longtime and now retired executive director, Arnold Tritt.
"He's a mentor," Ann said. "He is from a generation that believed in rewarding good work, honesty and effort. He is a loyal friend."
Partnering with builders and Realtors gave Stephens a broad base of clients and business associates.
"Our involvement with construction and real estate professionals has been fantastic," Ann said. "We thrived when they were thriving, and we've been with them through the difficult times as well. Back in the 1980s, we went through the slowdown that accompanied the savings and loan crisis, and more recently the banking and housing crisis. When you've been around long enough, you know there are cycles. We are glad to see the beginning of the upside of this cycle."
In her time away from work, Ann enjoys the beaches, biking and photography. Recently married, Ann's husband grew up in Atlantic Beach and is an avid "beachy." So these days the couple spends as many weekends as possible at the beach.
"The wonderful world of sea, sand, wind and birds and my dog, Reggie, who loves the beach as much as I do," she said. "I used to paint, draw, exhibit and sell my paintings. It seems like eons ago, and I don't do too much of that anymore, but photography has become my creative outlet away from work. I still want to manipulate the photos to become my own paintings of expression and color. I guess I'll have to learn Photoshop."
Most of Ann's life has revolved around her business. Now, in addition to learning Photoshop, Ann said it's time to learn to relax and enjoy life.
"It's been a privilege to work alongside Ann for the past 10 years," said Daniel Davis, NEFBA executive director. "Her experience and involvement with the association have been a great help to me because of her long history with us and her commitment to all our efforts. We appreciate Ann and Stephens Advertising's staff and salute them for their contribution to NEFBA."