Business Details
27 Years
experience
Custom Signage & Design Solutions in Waterford, CT
Founded in 1999 by Shawn Monahan, Criticalsigns began as a race car lettering service and quickly expanded through word-of-mouth referrals. Starting from a home garage, the business grew to its current 4,500-square-foot facility in Waterford, Connecticut. Combining expertise in signage, trophies, and vehicle wraps with a commitment to quality, Criticalsigns delivers tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and racing clients. With a dedicated team and a focus on innovation, we pride ourselves on transforming client visions into impactful visual identities. 
Services
Custom Signage
Trophies & Plaques
Promotional Products
Vehicle Wraps
Sign Repair
Decals & Graphics
Engraving Services
Permit Expediting
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We provide free site surveys for sign installations.
- Our team has over 20 years of experience in sign design and fabrication.
- We offer comprehensive services from concept to installation.
- We specialize in laser engraving for personalized awards and plaques.
- Our vehicle wrap division caters to boats, cars, and large fleets.
Services
Custom Signage
Criticalsigns creates interior and exterior signs using large-format printers and materials like vinyl, aluminum, and acrylic. Services include channel letters, LED neon lighting, and architectural signs. Our team ensures durability and visual impact for businesses and special events.
Trophies & Plaques
We produce custom awards including acrylic trophies, bronze plaques, and crystal glass awards. Our laser engraving services personalize items for achievements, dedications, or corporate recognition programs.
Vehicle Wraps
Full or partial vehicle wraps transform cars, boats, and trucks into mobile advertisements. We handle design, installation, and permit requirements for fleets and single-vehicle projects in Waterford and surrounding areas.
Decals & Graphics
Criticalsigns offers window decals, wall wraps, and die-cut graphics for residential and commercial applications. Options include reflective, fluorescent, and 3M high-performance vinyl for long-lasting visual impact.
Sign Repair
Our repair services restore damaged signs through bulb replacements, storm damage repairs, and mounting bracket installations. We service existing signs regardless of original manufacturer, extending their lifespan and functionality.
People
Shawn Monahan
Owner
Owner of Criticalsigns since 1999, Shawn built the business from a single race car lettering operation to a full-service signage and awards provider. He remains actively involved in daily operations.
Jenn Monahan
Owner
Co-owner Jenn works closely with clients to ensure their projects meet Criticalsigns' quality standards. She plays a key role in client relations and business development.
Lindsay Brewer
Graphic Arts / Production
Lindsay contributes to both design and production processes, ensuring client visions translate into high-quality signage and trophy solutions using industry-standard software and equipment.
Aidan Griffin
Graphic Arts / Production
Aidan works on design projects and production tasks, bringing technical expertise to sign fabrication and customization projects requiring precise execution.
Silvestre Cortez
Tint Master
Specializing in window tinting and paint protection, Silvestre applies his expertise to automotive and commercial tinting projects with meticulous attention to detail.
Questions
What types of signage do you create?
We produce interior/exterior signs including channel letters, LED neon, architectural signs, and monument signs using materials like aluminum, acrylic, and wood.
Can you repair existing signs?
Yes, we repair damaged signs including bulb replacements, storm damage restoration, and mounting hardware repairs for existing signs regardless of where they were originally made.
Do you make personalized trophies?
Yes, we offer custom trophies, plaques, and medals with laser engraving for corporate events, racing competitions, and organizational awards.
Are vehicle wraps available for fleets?
Yes, we specialize in full fleet vehicle wraps including box trucks, cars, boats, and specialty vehicles with custom designs and permit assistance.
What promotional products do you offer?
We provide business cards, keychains, mugs, coasters, lanyards, and marketing materials with customized printing and branding solutions.
