- January 8, 2026
After 37 years in business, Ormond Beach residents Ron and Carla Cornelius saw the signs: It was time to retire.
The Corneliuses sold their sign and banner business, Speedi Sign, in late September 2025. The couple founded the Holly Hill business in 1989, and from then on, they served thousands of local customers — including Volusia municipalities, all the AdventHealth hospitals in the area, and several real estate agencies. All with a staff of five people, including themselves.
"We lived up to our name: Speedi Sign," Carla said. "It was hard sometimes, but we did live up to our name."
Ron, who was born and raised in the Daytona Beach area, has been a business owner since he was 23. He previously owned South Daytona Auto Parts and then worked in the self-storage business. After that, he was looking for something new and got into the sign and banner business, he said.
What helped with Speedi Sign's success?
"Treating our customers well," Ron said. "Treating people like we want to be treated and getting the orders out on time."
The Corneliuses sold their business to Jake Muhleman, and they said they're confident he will carry on their legacy.
When you have a local company, Carla said, it's easier to serve your community.
Ron added that Speedi Sign could deliver orders to big clients, like cities, in a couple of days, where previously, these clients often waited 6-8 weeks to receive orders.
The business was originally located on the corner of Eighth Street and Nova Road in Holly Hill. Today, it sits at 421 Ridgewood Ave.
During the time they owned Speedi Sign, the Corneliuses worked through events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We were fortunate," Ron said. "Not that everything that happened was good, but everything that happened caused people to buy signs."
And when it was their time of need, the community also stepped up to help them.
In February 2022, the Corneliuses suffered a fire in their business caused by one of their machines. The building didn't burn down, but everything inside their store was covered in soot.
"We just had to throw out almost everything," Ron said. "Put in new walls, new floors, new air conditioning — everything in our side of the building, and then try to keep our customers."
They worked out of a small warehouse in the back of their shop, as well as remotely from their home. It was a challenging time, Carla said, but their customers were there for them.
For example, Ocean Deck's owner offered to send over some employees to help the Corneliuses clean their store, as did other businesses.
"That was very heartwarming, the support that we had during that time," Carla said.
After almost four decades of business, it was hard to let people know that they were retiring, Carla said. They're hoping to take the time to do more traveling.
"We sincerely appreciate the support of the local businesses," she said.
Their advice for small business owners?
"Do what you say you're going to do," Carla said.
"And do it the best you can," Ron added.
Editor's note: This article was updated to correct the year Carla and Ron Cornelius opened Speedi Sign. A previous version of this article reported they opened in 1989; the business opened in 1988.
