Phil Swain

Phil Swain began his career in the sign business the way many of the middle-aged sign makers in New Zealand did—serving an apprenticeship as a sign writer. He went on to start his own shop, Fine Signs, which grew and changed along with the sign industry. Today with the help of his wife, Anne, their staff of three (which includes their daughter Nicole) provides all the typical types of sign work—and more.

Petone is a suburb of Lower Hutt, which, with its surrounding communities, has a population of about 300,000. Thirty-two years in the business have helped them develop a strong customer base. They do little advertising, with most new customers coming by way of referrals.