Make It Happen Signage Academy

About Make it Happen

Sam Armstrong

Sam Armstrong was a problem solver from an early age, she had a passion to make a difference, whatever she turned her hand to.

After 16 years of working in the signage industry at various levels, she decided it was time to take the leap and form her own company, Make it Happen.

​The name was born as a result of conversations with several clients about the new venture, the responses were all the same:

“Sam, whatever you decide to do, you will make it happen!”

Michelle pedley, sign engineering

“5 star reviews. Dynamic and interactive! Loved the examples provided in the slide show and physical samples. Great variety of information. It was awesome!”

She’s a highly motivated individual who I’d feel comfortable recommending to any of my network – keep up the great work Sam.”

Meet the team

Sam

Founder and CEO

Sam Armstrong is Founder and CEO of Make it Happen. Sam has over 20 years experience and is well regarded for being a true champion for the sign and print industry. She is passionate about providing training and support to enhance and develop skill sets at every level.

Sam’s energy is contagious and her workshops never fail to deliver both on sound commercial content and entertainment – even signage veterans claim to leave with a new spring in their step and with some added strings to their bow!

Her contribution to the industry was recognised in 2021 when Sam became President of the UK International Signage Association and in 2023 as Award Winner, ‘Industry Champion’ at the UK Sign Awards.

Sam makes it happen… with her knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, flair for entertaining, organisation and her passion to encourage improvement generally within the sign and print industry.

Wendy Graves

Partner

Wendy Graves joined the signage industry in 2013 when her husband, Lloyd purchased Signarama Louisville East. She first intended to join the company in a supportive role, but little did she know signage would become her passion.

Her wealth of knowledge led to her becoming the company’s operations manager. Wendy had the foresight for growth and in 2020, inSIGNia Wholesale was born!

As a viable member of the sign industry, she noticed a void in the inclusion of women and their accomplishments in the industry. As someone who thinks outside the box, Women In Signs, Etc. (W.I.S.E.) was created in January 2021. The group fulfilled the need for lack of connection with women in the signage industry.

Joining the Make It Happen Signage Academy team allows her to bring all the passions of training, mentoring, product knowledge improvement and a general cheerleader of others in this amazing industry.

Mike Lev

Partner

Mike has been in the sign industry for over 30 years. He started his career as an installation helper on the crane trucks. Along the way he has overseen operations, installation, project management, purchasing, and performed in sales/account management roles. Mike is passionate about process improvement in manufacturing. He uses his tenure and knowledge of the sign industry to provide guidance and solutions to help co-workers, colleagues, and associates succeed in their chosen careers. Education and development of himself and others are his passions.

Mike actively participates on committees, boards, and chairs in several sign associations. Currently Mike serves on the ISA’s Board of Directors. Past President of the Mid-South Sign Association (2020) and recognized as its 2021 Agnew/Condray Excellence Award recipient.

Proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy.