About

Buddy was born in Jacksonville, Fl, But to him, North Carolina has always been home. He came from a long line of Norris’s dating back at least four generations in the Brunswick County area. Mostly tobacco farmers. He can remember as a child working on his Grandfathers farm in a little corner of the world called Ash, N.C. He was always drawing on something. It was a sort of release for him that later developed into an occupation. He found himself in Commercial Art school doing things he already had taught himself. Boredom soon set in, and he got out. With no job to return to and barely 19 years old he returned to his home in Ash. After much thought he decided to try his luck at Billboards. He had seen those guys climbing on them and painting the large letters and graphics. Peterson Outdoors was the closest Outdoor Advertising to him. Being located in Myrtle Beach, S.C. It was very busy and was only a thirty minute drive from his home. So he paid them a visit. With one small folder in hand with just a few drawings inside he walked in. After a brief conversation with the manager he politely informed Buddy that he didn’t have enough experience and he apologized. He walked out. As Buddy was about to get in his truck the manager appeared at the back door, waving and calling him back. The manager said he might have something for him. There was a commercial sign shop located close by that sometimes hired extra hands for the summer. He called the owner and he said for Buddy to stop by. That was the day that changed his life. Fanjoy Signs, it read on the front of the building. He walked inside and it was there for the first time that he witnessed hand-lettering. It both scared him and fascinated him. He knew he wanted to learn how to do that. To make a long four year story short. Mr. Ed Fanjoy hired him on the spot. He swept floors and through out old paint cans and whatever he was told to do for the next four years. But at the same time he paid close attention to the Masters. By the time he left he was doing most of the hand-lettering for Big Ed.It involved everything from Vehicle lettering to Billboards to Wall Murals to “whatever.” He left Fanjoys in 1983 and set out on his own. Working out of an old tobacco barn that belonged to his Grandfather. His dad had a floor and a couple of windows put in and they opened shop. The environment wasn’t the best, but it was there that he spent the next three years completing what would be the most important part of his training. And this time there was nobody to ask if he had a question. Between the time he left from working in the barn to building the new facility he quit signs for about 4 years to go work at CP&L. I guess you could say he got burnt out and needed a change. He didn’t know God was completing his plan for his life, for it was there that he met his wonderful wife Amy who has been an incredible inspiration to him. He also met a fellow by the name of Glen Phelps whom he ended up working side by side for the next four years. When he left the CP&L plant to return to the sign business not only did he have the support of his new Wife, but he was also blessed with a partner, Glen. He is a wonderful builder and has taught him a lot about structures. Buddy shared his knowledge of the sign industry with him. He picked up on it very quickly. They have become quite a powerful duo when it comes to sign design, manufacturing, and installation. And it shows in their projects. There is one more person who has been an inspiration to him, and that is his beautiful daughter Rhyan. She is so precious to him. Their shop is only possible by the grace of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. He is the true Artist and we are simply the tools he has chosen to use. They consider their selves very Blessed. These days he is in a brand new facility. A 25′ x 35′ building he and his partner Glen built their selves. They are completely computerized with the latest sign making software, plotters, vinyl printers, and all that stuff. They’ve built a good reputation based on honesty and quality. And they hope you’ll drop by and see them the next time your in the town of Shallotte, N.C. It’s about half way between Wilmington, N.C. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. They’d be glad to have ‘yall.

Although Glen is no longer working with the sign company, he remains a close friend, and will always be like a brother to Buddy.

Norris SignWorks • Copyright © 2009 • All Rights Reserved • site admin