Our Company History

Jutras Signs was founded in the 1940’s by Adelard Jutras, who ran a neon shop from the front window of his barber shop on Lake Avenue in Manchester, New Hampshire.  When he passed away, his widow sold the business to Aime Paradis.  Aime and his son, Roland, worked together building this sign business, and in 1960, they incorporated to form Jutras Neon Signs.

Within 10 years, Roland Paradis Sr. assumed controlling interest in the company.  The company continued to expand at such a rate that it outgrew its 7000 sq. ft. building on Spruce Street, and in 1974 the company moved to its present location on Mast Road.  Originally, this 20,000 sq. ft. building constructed in the 1800’s, was used by the City of Manchester to store its trolley cars.  Presently, the building houses the Jutras sign manufacturing plant, the company’s fleet of cranes and trucks, the graphic design and decoration departments, and various sales and administrative offices.

Today, Jutras Signs, Inc. is a private corporation owned and operated by Cathy and Joe Champagne.  Cathy Champagne, formerly Cathy Paradis, worked with her father Roland for 18 years before acquiring the business in 1998.  Cathy and Joe have completed several building renovations over the past year, and by hiring additional skilled professionals, and adding state-of-the-art equipment, they continue to grow their sign and flag business.

Jutras Signs is certified by the Department of Transportation as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).  The DBE program is a federally mandated program headed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).  It is primarily funded by the U.S. DOT and administered by the New Hampshire DOT.