After a successful 25-year tenure at Wood & Wood Signs, Waitsfield, Erik Joslin has purchased the business from founder, Sparky Potter. The transition, which has been in the works for over a year, marks a new chapter for Joslin as he takes on the challenge of continuing and expanding the legacy of the custom sign company and for Potter as he works his way into retirement with his wife Peggy and their family.
In a recent interview, Joslin, Warren, expressed his excitement about taking the reins. "I've had the pleasure of working with Sparky and the team for many years, and it’s been an incredible experience,” said Joslin, a native of Colchester, Connecticut, with grandparents in The Valley.
Joslin’s journey into the sign business began in 2000 when Brett Belknap encouraged him to start making signs. What started as a side project with Potter turned into a full-fledged venture. Over the years, Joslin has honed his skills in engineering, fabrication, design, and installation, taking on a diverse range of projects – from designing ice cream cone signs to creating elaborate mahogany signs for resorts.
“Wood & Wood is a pretty dynamic place to work,” Joslin continued. “We have 12 employees right now, most of whom are part-time, with a few remote. It’s a great team, and we all bring something special to the table. We’re excited to keep things rolling and keep pushing the boundaries of what we can do.”
As part of the transition, Potter will continue to work with the business for the time being, helping with client outreach, conceptual design, and site visits. "Erik is a great fit for the business, and I’m confident he’ll keep things moving forward,” said Potter. “I’m not leaving entirely, though – I’ll still be involved with some design work, particularly with clients and projects that I’ve been working on for years. But it’s time for me to slow down a bit and enjoy life with my grandkids.”
Potter, 76, who co-founded Wood & Wood with his wife Peggy five decades ago, said that he had been considering leaving the business a few years back.
“About a year and a half ago, I was ready to step away. The business had slowed down a bit, and I had started cutting back my hours. But when things picked up again, I got excited, and that’s when I started talking to Erik about a potential transition. We spent about a year testing out the arrangement, making sure it was the right fit for both of us,” Potter said.
Potter will remain invested in the business, focusing on client relationships and helping to secure high-profile projects, but he looks forward to having more time for personal pursuits. "I’ll be skiing with my grandkids and taking some time for myself. But I’ll still be around. I love this business and I’m excited to see what Erik does with it."
Joslin said he will continue Wood & Wood's commitment to quality craftsmanship while looking to expand the company’s reach in the industry. “We’re going to continue doing what we do best – creating beautiful, custom signs – but we’re also looking to expand our design services, grow our client base, and keep things fresh and innovative.”
The Potters will continue to own the building where Wood & Wood Signs operates.
