Robert Mattatall, founder and consultant of Mattatall Signs Ltd. in Dartmouth, NS, and Mark Granberry, president and CEO of GSG in Dallas, have each been presented the Kirk L. Brimley Distinguished Service Award. The award is the highest honor of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry.
Mattatall was named the 2021 recipient while Granberry was presented the award for 2022. With the International Sign Association’s ISA Sign Expo returning to an in-person event, both men were honored at a reception Thursday night in Atlanta.
John Yarger, ISA board chairman in 2021, recognized Mattatall as a “tireless advocate for the sign industry and industry associations for decades.” Mattatall served on the Sign Association of Canada’s board and on the ISA board, including a stint as board chair. He founded Mattatall Signs Ltd. in 1979 and recently passed the company on to the next generation, who also have committed to serving the industry through association work.
“It’s a humbling experience,” Mattatall said of learning he would receive the award. “I feel that there are a lot of other people more deserving. I’m still gobsmacked that my name was put forward and the committee decided to bless me with the award. It’s a nice recognition, and it coming from the peers means that much more.”
Michael Hage, ISA board chairman in 2022, presented Granberry with his award, noting his ability to “see around corners,” which has helped drive technological innovations within the industry. Granberry also helped ISA prepare for the future during his tenure as ISA board chair. Granberry has served in a variety of positions in regional affiliated associations.
“I thought I’d been punked,” Granberry said of receiving the award. “I enjoyed my time on the ISA board and think I did a lot of good work. But so did a lot of people. It’s pretty humbling to have your industry peers decide that you deserve this.”
