About Us
The original franchised Budget One-Hour Signs, then located at 3368 E.Grant Road, was started by Bob Pry and Joe Schmerl. Don Thompson was hired as an installer in 1987; he met Wendy Dunham in 1990, married her in 1991, and she too became an employee. Together they bought the place in 1997, renamed it "Budget Signs and Graphics" and moved it to its present location at 923 N. Swan Rd.
Don still installs the signs and keeps the business running, along with partner and production manager Dan Wrubel. Wendy stays busy with tasks such as purchasing, bookkeeping, marketing, photography, and proofreading.
Budget Signs and Graphics has a special affinity for race cars — Don's a former race car driver and 3-time NASCAR Champion, having sped around the turns at Tucson Raceway Park for seven years and has never lost his love or respect for the sport.
There's also a sweet spot for animals at Budget Signs and Graphics. Wendy has bred Champion sporting dogs, rescued companion animals, worked at a vet clinic, and trained horses. She and Don still keep their house full of critters and volunteer to rescue organizations whenever they can.