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Remembering Bill Trucksess, Former PSCO President

Bill Trucksess Bill was an industrial engineer who took the helm of his family’s company and built it into a national leader in the sign industry. In the 1960s, when Bill Trucksess was in his 30s, he became president of Philadelphia Sign, founded in 1911 by his father, Andrew, who was 18 at the time and purchased a sign business for $500. Under the Trucksess family leadership, Philadelphia Sign (PSCO) has grown to be one of the largest, most influential sign companies in the nation. The company’s timeline mirrors the growth of the U.S. and at times, has reflected the history of the world. From the heyday of neon through wartime efforts to the rise of retail chains and multi-site conversions, PSCO has been at the forefront over the decades. Bill Trucksess, oversaw all corporate operations from the 1960s to 2012.  He passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018 surrounded by family and loved ones. He was eighty-seven years old. During the 1970s and 80s with onset of all mergers including banks and clients expanding nationally, PSCO grew with them adding large scale production capacity and computer technology. Bill transformed the business from a “custom sign shop” to a full-service, multifaceted national sign company, capable of servicing a wide range of customer needs on a national, regional, and local basis. Bob Mehmet, the current president and CEO of Philadelphia Sign, said Bill was the consummate entrepreneur. “I’ve known him since 1973 and been working here full-time since 1980, and he’s been nothing but an inspiration to me,” he said. “His success was because he never gave up. He did whatever he had to do, to get the job done while remaining competitive. He had a vision, and that’s why the company has and will remain successful.” Today, PSCO is a recognized leader in sign design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance, specializing in branding and conversion programs around the world. As the country’s oldest turnkey national sign provider, PSCO earned the trust of the world’s top brands through inspired design engineering, unlimited manufacturing capabilities and world class program management. Through Bill’s leadership, the tenure of employees is close to 20 years on average making the success of the company possible. Bill’s last words were to “keep it going, baby.” And for Mehmet, he plans to honor Bill by continuing to grow the company. His legacy will live on though the PSCO’s ongoing success. Rest in Peace, Bill.