Our Legacy
Blanchett Neon Staff Photo- Circa Late 1940’s
A Legacy of Excellence
Blanchett Decorators: Neon & Sign Division was founded in 1947 by George W. Blanchett when he saw an opportunity to service the business Boom following WWII.
Born in 1909 into an artistic, and business-savvy family, at the age of 15, George was given the opportunity to intern for Clyde Hook (of Hook Signs) and began applying his talents to the production of commercial signs, bulletins and pictorials.
George W. Blanchett
Neon & Sign Division
George’s younger brother Ted, having served with the Canadian Air Force in WWII, was discharged in 1946 and the two brothers drove down to Calgary to purchase a used neon bending & pumping unit and formed Blanchett Decorators – Neon & Sign Division
The business continued to operate as a decorating firm during the day, but design, fabrication and installation of neon signs were the top priority evenings and nights.
11448 Jasper Ave Location
Second Location
With Ted operating the decorating side, and George the neon division, the two operations were incorporated as separate companies in 1947, and thus, the birth of Blanchett Neon Inc.
In the business boom that followed the Second World War, the large demand for signage led to quick expansion, and the two companies moved into new premises at 10224-109th Street in 1952.
The business continued to grow over the next 17 years, with George’s values of supplying clients with only the highest quality goods and services produced by the most skilled, professional craftsmen, leading the company to move locations a third and final time, to our current location of 12850 St. Albert Trail.
10224-109th Street Location
Current Space
Now with 28,000sq ft of office & production space, Blanchett has the space to design, draft, manufacture and install signage for all of Western Canada.
The company was passed down to George’s son and son-in-law, Keith and Robert (Bud) respectfully, and then to Daryl Blanchett, George’s grandson, who shares George’s vision of producing only the highest quality business signs, delivering a great buying experience and total customer satisfaction.
12850 St Albert Trail NW
Work Family
Today our President Daryl Blanchett, along with his daughter Vice President Taylor Blanchett carry on the family legacy and share the same vision and enthusiasm as their predecessors. Daryl and Taylor together look to the future to stay innovative while honouring the values of founder George Blanchett.
The family aspect of our family-owned-and-operated business is an extremely important factor in our continued success and we are proud that many of our staff remain with us for their entire careers:
- Multiple staff have celebrated over 40 years with Blanchett.
- Deploy specialized tradespeople with formal training and extensive experience in their respective fields.