MEET JOHN
For as long as he can remember, John Yarnell has had an eye for design. Born into an artistic family, he excelled at anything that required a creative touch, from decorating skateboard decks, to painting portraits. After graduating high school, John spent four years in the U.S. Navy as a damage controlman (a Navy firefighter). He served aboard the USS John C. Stennis, a nuclear-class aircraft-carrier, and made several exciting trips around the world. Upon returning to civilian life, John considered becoming a career firefighter, but couldn’t resist true passion: the world of art and design.
Diving Deep
John got his first job in a sign shop in 1997. From there the fuse was lit, and he set about learning the craft of sign-making with a voracious appetite. While simultaneously working full-time and starting a family, John pursued a degree in fine art and graphic design. He started his own company, Yarnell Signs, in 1999 in Hilmar, California. For the following six years, John’s business excelled at delivering top-notch designs at competitive prices. All the while, he remained a diligent student of the trade. He sought out masters of environmental design and learned their secrets, both artistic and technical.
In 2005, an opportunity presented itself that was too good to pass up: the chance to work alongside a distinguished environmental designer in Boise, Idaho. John sold his business and relocated his family. Shortly after moving, John met Jason Keeble and the idea for Trademark Sign Company was conceived. Several fruitful years later, John and Jason decided they were ready to start their own company, and launched Trademark Sign Company in September of 2009.
John is a strong advocate of local business, a competitive bicycle racer, and a devoted family man. He loves his job at Trademark, and is excited by how his business has grown both in size and stature.
