Owner decides to sell local sign company

YOUNGSTOWN -- Jim Hutz has sold his Hubbard Road sign company after running the business for 35 years.
The new owner of Hutz Sign & amp; Awning Co. is Rob Rhodes, who has operated an awning cleaning business from his Mineral Ridge home.
Hutz, 68, said he is retiring, though he will stay with the company for a year as a consultant.
He said he bought a small sign shop when he started out and built up the business so it has done work across the country. The business has 10 employees.
Hutz said he has been able to expand by establishing relationships with local companies that have set up locations in other states, such as Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & amp; Yogurt and England Custom Furniture Direct.
The business also bids on work in the Cleveland and Pittsburgh areas.
Rhodes, 36, is a Mineral Ridge native who has been a state trooper in Maryland and served in the military.
Hutz said Rhodes is looking to buy a printer, which would allow the company to print pictures and images on signs.