Our Story

Gable’s first team photo, circa 1985

Our Humble Beginnings: Turning Passion into Purpose

As a youngster growing up in his hometown of Pasadena, Maryland, Paul Gable had earned a reputation for his imagination and artistry in his school and community. At the age of 8, he won a school poster contest that ignited his interest in the graphic arts. For his family, friends, and teachers, he quickly became the go-to kid for just about any type of poster, sign, or lettering project they needed, and he eagerly obliged.

Through his later years in school, he advanced his skills through studies in commercial and industrial art, which armed him with further confidence to design and construct any type of sign imaginable. During these years, he became aware of the many shops and storefronts in his neighborhood that were in dire need of visual improvements and felt that he could make a difference through his design and sign-making skills.

Armed with only his creative ideas and a bicycle, he began making his pitch to local businesses, with the hope that they would give him a chance to prove himself.

To his surprise, people were willing to pay for his services, and he took great joy in earning money while pursuing his passion. From the dining room table in his parent’s home, he began making sketches of what he envisioned for his new customers. In his father’s garage, he put his sign-making skills to the test and began perfecting the craft of lettering and building all types of signs for the local business community.

His passion for revitalizing tired-looking storefronts sparked a desire to be a unique resource for businesses, helping them better connect with their audience through creative signage. He was driven by the belief that businesses should not be detractors of the communities they serve but rather be a source of inspiration and good design.

He soon realized he could make a positive difference in the neighborhoods and communities nearby. His reputation soared and so did his reach into the world of business, fueled by a passion for design and craftsmanship has become a hallmark and remains the foundation for what Gable is today.

This was the beginning of Gable’s journey in the business of signs and visual communications.

The Journey Unfolds

From modest beginnings, the vision expands.

After graduating from high school in 1980, Paul turned his part-time passion into a full-time business. In just a few short years, this small company blossomed into a prominent signage provider in the Baltimore-Washington region. By the late ’80s, Gable’s customer base and projects transcended state boundaries, extending Gable’s name across the country, and delving into industries he had never imagined before.

What had initially started as a young person’s outlet for boundless creativity soon transformed into a talented team of committed professionals and craftsmen, who were armed with an unwavering determination to collaborate with clients who shared our vision of improving the places where we work, live, and play.

As Gable continued to expand, our purpose evolved into something greater than we had initially envisioned. It became a mission to reshape commercial landscapes and craft extraordinary visual experiences. Guided by a passion for thoughtful design, exacting craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology, each project carries the essence of our original vision: to enhance the appearance of businesses and instill a sense of pride within communities.

A Vision for All

We believe in the power of visually transforming the world around us.

Today, Gable stands as a leader in the visual communications industry, connecting people, places, and brands across the nation. Providing strategic, innovative, and thoughtful design, we implement these plans into carefully crafted products and provide in-the-field expertise to get the job done right, on time, and just the way our clients want it. All in all, our journey remains rooted in that childhood pursuit that is now a shared collective passion of our entire team of creatives, makers, and techies.

Today, Gable is more than just a sign company, as our responsibility goes beyond the products we design, build, and install; it’s about crafting lasting impressions, sparking emotions, and leaving a mark. This is our unique value to those we do business with. Not only do we help elevate their brand and customer experiences, but we also help tell their story to the audiences that they value the most. We believe in creating projects of beauty, and our commitment to this vision extends beyond mere business; it’s a commitment to making our world more beautiful, one project at a time.

Join Us On the Journey

As we journey forward, we invite you to be a part of it.

Whether you’re a valued customer, a dedicated partner, or a team member, together we can make the world a more inspiring place. Whether it’s on a local, regional, or national scale, join us in our mission to elevate visual communications—one project, one business, and one community at a time!