Impactful Visual Marketing = Impactful Sales
When Merryn Hook first arrived in Pittsburgh, she brought with her a wealth of business experience — and a vision. Having relocated from South Africa and having lived in London for ten years, Merryn chose Pittsburgh for its community-centered culture, strong universities, and supportive small-business environment. But like many newcomers, she faced an early and significant challenge: building a professional network from scratch in a city where she didn’t yet know anyone. With a clear entrepreneurial goal in mind, Merryn understood that creating local connections would be an essential first step before launching her own company.
How the SBDC Got Involved
Merryn discovered the Pitt SBDC through another local small business, and our ongoing online seminars quickly became a cornerstone of her preparation. Our team worked closely with her throughout the process — providing encouragement, supporting market validation, facilitating event participation, and making key introductions that proved instrumental in helping her build her Pittsburgh network.
“I greatly value the SBDC’s programs, resources, and one-to-one consulting. Their ongoing business webinars provide guidance that keeps me aligned with my goals as I continue to grow my business.”
About Signbox Systems
Signbox Systems designs and supplies modern aluminum SEG (Silicone Edge Graphic) display frames for interiors that require a clean, contemporary visual impact. Their glare-free fabric graphics swap out in minutes without tools, making them ideal for seasonal messaging, branding updates, or calming imagery. Frames can be wall-mounted, freestanding, ceiling-suspended, or ceiling grid-mounted, and are available illuminated or non-illuminated. Optional acoustic panel inserts add sound management, giving clients a single system that handles branding, ambience, and acoustic support — with graphics that update effortlessly. Signbox frames are used across offices, universities, gyms, retail spaces, health and wellness environments, and events — wherever a premium, low-maintenance, design-forward solution is needed.
Looking Ahead
The Pitt SBDC is proud to have played a role in the Signbox Systems journey. Merryn’s story is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets the right support system. Our programs, one-to-one consulting, and ongoing business webinars continue to help her stay aligned with her goals as Signbox Systems grows — and we look forward to supporting the company’s growth in Pittsburgh and beyond.