Mark Hirshman Jr
Charlotte Hall
Summary
Accomplished business leader with a proven track record of transforming a small family-owned business into a nationally recognized company. Over 15 years, grew revenue from $650K to $7M (17.2% CAGR, 977% total growth) while operating with limited personnel and capital, including 8% growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expertise spans electrical signage, digital printing, vehicle wraps, and visual commercial communications, including UL listing, permitting, fabrication, installation, and inspections. Skilled in strategic problem solving, sales and customer service, and building high-performing teams that drive excellence and long-term client trust. Recognized for elevating the customer experience, turning ideas into reality, and leading company expansion in staffing, facilities, and fleet operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Empire Graphics Signs and Lighting
Accokeek, MD
08.2010 - 10.2025
- Expanded a small family-owned business into a nationally recognized company by strengthening digital printing, vehicle wraps, electrical signage, permits, certifications, and professional business structures.
- Built in-house manufacturing and achieved UL certification for the electrical signage division, securing contracts with top national sign companies allowing significant expansion.
- Elevated the business over 15 years by making the customer experience effortless, listening to their ideas, turning them into reality, and building long-term trust through full-service support.
- Led company transformation, growing the team from 6 to 37 employees, expanding facilities from 3,700 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft., and scaling the fleet from 2 personal vehicles to 16 service vehicles, including six two-person aerial lift trucks and one crane truck, driving business growth and operational excellence.
- Result: Revenue growth from $650K to $7M, achieving 17.2% compounded annual growth over 15 years (977% total growth) with limited personnel and capital, including an 8% growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Skills
- Electrical Sign Expertise - Permitting, fabrication, lighting, UL listing, installation, and inspection
- Visual Commercial Communication - Production and installation of branding for clients, including: vehicle wraps, wall murals, displays, events, and specialty requests
- Strategic Problem Solving - Tackles tough problems with smart, effective solutions that deliver results
- Leadership & Team Building - Build high-performing teams based on accountability and strength, to maximize functionality
- Sales & Customer Service - Build strong client relationships and deliver results 100% of the time while driving revenue growth, without exception
Accomplishments
- Apex Signs
- Atlas Sign Industries
- Cummings Signs
- Identiti
- Persona Triangle
Built strong relationships with national companies, collaborating with internal teams and key decision-makers to secure long-term partnerships. A few key contacts are listed below. Additional references are available.
Timeline
General Manager
Empire Graphics Signs and Lighting
08.2010 - 10.2025