Need: Find an entrepreneurial leader for this one-of-a-kind destination museum
Service: Comprehensive national search
Organization: American Sign Museum, Cincinnati
The American Sign Museum, the country’s largest collection of iconic signage, captures and preserves the innovation and ingenuity of the signs that have shaped American culture over the past century. From its original 4,500-square-foot space in 2005, the museum has expanded twice to accommodate the founder’s ever-growing and carefully curated sign collection. In July 2024, the museum opened an exciting $5.5-million-dollar expansion that increased its size to a total of 40,000 square feet of space, housing the collection of now just under 1,000 signs as well as providing areas for educational workshops and space for private events.
When it was time to find a Director, the Board of Directors turned to The Yunker Group based, in part, on its long-established consulting relationships with the Museum, members of its Board and the founder. The national search was underway when USA Today published its list of the country’s Ten Best Pop Culture Museums in the U.S. That recognition as #5 enhanced interest in the position resulting in 111 applicants, a number far surpassing anyone’s expectation.
Mike Mattingly, Board Chair and Search Committee Chair: “As a fan and collector of old signs myself, I’ve always thought the American Sign Museum was a fantastic place and, in fact, joined the Museum Board in 2019. The latest expansion to 40,000 square feet has been a big commitment, making it paramount to find a new director who, now that the heavy lifting of the expansion is complete, could strategically think about what’s next for the Museum and articulate and guide its future growth and success.”
“We knew we had to find just the right candidate and knew from prior experience in working with The Yunker Group on both executive searches and fundraising that Jim Yunker and his team would not disappoint. Jim, Jody Duckwall, and Irene Harrington worked tirelessly with us to determine the scope of the search, formulate strategies, conduct interviews, and meet a timeline that would allow us to find a new director by the grand re-opening of the Museum.
“The huge response of applicants was a delightful surprise. The Yunker Group quickly and responsibly filtered down this initial list to a manageable number for our review. The Yunker Group team used our time efficiently throughout the entire process. They kept us closely informed of next steps, asked for and listened to our input, and provided us well-organized materials for pre-reading in advance of interviewing the final candidates, all of whom were excellent options.”
“I would recommend The Yunker Group without hesitation. They are the consummate professionals. Full of valuable insights. Lots of practical experience. A smooth search process that ended with our finding a new director who is doing an outstanding job.”
David C. Dupee, Museum Director: “I grew up in Cincinnati but had lived in Milwaukee for the past 19 years where I began and ran a brewery until moving back to Cincinnati with my family only a few months before seeing the American Sign Museum job posting. Though I had no experience in the sign business per se, I was immediately attracted by the similarities I saw in the Museum founder’s entrepreneurial spirit, the opportunity to manage a smaller team of talented employees, and the challenge of thinking creatively and applying branding in a new and strategic direction to attract people to a historical place of unique interest.”
“I heard from Jody at The Yunker Group almost immediately after applying for the role, which was the start of a very thorough and comfortable search process with The Yunker Group. Jim was highly responsive, professional and thoughtful throughout, keeping me advised of the search status, serving as a sounding board for my questions, and being transparent in his guidance. Jody led Zoom interviews and drove constant communication, and Irene conducted very extensive assessments. I can’t say enough good things about Jim and his team.”
“I understand the founder mindset and completely respect anyone who starts something. I am very honored for the Board to entrust me to lead the next phase of this very exciting Museum.”
August 2024