...
test
30 years of kickcharge banner with small lightning bolts and 30s
Glen Lane Glen Lane

Celebrating Who We Are & Where We’re Going

 

It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since KickCharge opened its doors. The world looked a little different back then—we used AOL to get online, and flannel and scrunchies were everywhere. But one thing has stayed the same: our passion for helping businesses grow through powerful, disruptive branding.

Over the past three decades, we’ve poured our hearts into our niche. We’ve collaborated with thousands of home service companies, helped shape their identities, and watched them thrive with brands that reflect who they are and the value they bring. It’s been an incredible journey fueled by creativity, trust, and the belief that great branding can change everything for a whole lot of people.

Every single one of our 30 years of history has been instrumental in one thing: building the company you see today and everything we’re “about.”

door pros vehicle wrap

We’re About Brands

This is pretty obvious, but to us, a “brand” is much more than just a logo or a vehicle wrap. If you’ve met or spoken with us before, you know that we believe impactful brands are the cornerstones of positive and powerful businesses.

KickCharge CEO Dan Antonelli (the “Brand Man”) hand-lettered his first vehicle in 1985. Just two years later, he went on to work in Burt Arthur’s New York-based sign shop to learn the fundamentals of branding. Dan also realized his work could positively impact the lives of entrepreneurs looking to launch their businesses. When he officially started KickCharge Creative (formerly named Graphic D-Signs) in 1995, his “why” gained traction. As the years went on, everyone who joined the team agreed on the same mission. The result was an unmatched level of quality, a drive to grow, and an outlet for our talents that genuinely helps others.

Countless hours of hard work were not always easy, but they certainly paid off. Over the past decade, home service professionals and those they serve ALL began paying much closer attention to branding than ever before. Mark Higbie of Door Pros in California was one of those professionals. “Even as recently as 2016, branding at such a high level wasn’t so well known,” says Mark. “But it’s grown so much over just the past few years. KickCharge has been a big part of that. Their efforts made it easier for me to find them, connect and make my own rebrand happen.”

clear winner truck wrap

Mark rebranded his company because he always wanted a genuine, bona fide brand. Something people would notice and resonate with, not just see. The exact type of identity that Dan and KickCharge were becoming known for.

The Door Pros brand was so successful right off the bat that people began telling him they saw his trucks everywhere—despite only having one wrapped vehicle. “Even now that we have a wrapped fleet of 20+ vehicles, I still hear that all the time,” he says. “I love those interactions. Even something as simple as handing someone a business card. It makes a strong impression on them. It’s about the ‘wow’ factor.”

It’s also what made Mark return to KickCharge to brand a second company, complete with a brand-new name: Clear Winner Glass Windows & Doors. “If I could give my past self some advice, it would be to go through with [the Door Pros] rebrand sooner,” Mark said. “The first time around was so successful that I knew from the get-go that KickCharge should be the team to handle my new company.” This level of trust from our customers is what fuels each and every one of us even further.

We’re About KickCharge Culture

Since the Graphic D-Signs days, Dan has surrounded himself with like-minded creatives. Brands are what KickCharge does, but the people who fuel them are the very same ones who give our company its “charge.”

“When I think of KickCharge, I think of a second home. You don’t feel that with just any job. But you feel it here,” says Amanda Leskovicz, Senior Account Executive. For her and for many of us, KickCharge is synonymous with “family.”

compilation of team photos over the year including a goofy posed shot, a field day, and an NYC trip
A compilation of team photos over the years including a goofy shot in front of KickCharge HQ, the annual field day event and an NYC trip with the remote KC team!

 

Everyone adds something to the table—whether it be a skill or a personality trait. “Our company thrives because it focuses on uniqueness,” says Gary LaCoste, Brand Designer. “We don’t force a pre-determined culture or vibe. We just be ourselves. It’s our individuality that makes KickCharge what it is. Everyone adds to the team in their own unique way, whether they design, write, or manage.”

The culture we’ve built over 30 years stems from a shared love of flexing creative muscles, a good joke with whoever is willing to listen, and leaning on one another to produce incredible work. As of May 2025, the team has grown to over 55 talented and creative minds. But no matter where we may find ourselves in the world, every team member treats the next like an equal or an old friend. Whether that be sharing admiration over logo concepts and witty puns or a friendly argument over which state has the very best pizza. “So much changed for me when I went remote, but I’m very grateful the relationships I’ve formed with the team stayed the same,” Amanda says.

“There’s been so much growth in our entire history, but so much of it has happened in just a few short years,” says Kelly Balboa, Director of Marketing & Sales Operations. “Each year, month and even week brings fresh perspectives and ideas that are incredibly energizing. Everyone works hard to collaborate, push the envelope, and do better today than yesterday.”

service plus garage doors vehicle wrap with kick it forward logo

We’re About Changing Lives

“We Build Brands That Change Lives.” This phrase is front and center on our homepage, and we talk about it all the time. It defines us so strongly that we even trademarked it.

“I appreciate having the opportunity to see our clients at their starting point and to learn about all of their goals and aspirations,” says Kelly. “Once our team gets to work, we all get to see their success blossom to life in real time. That leads to a noticeable impact on their leadership, their team members and even their own customers. That’s the power of our work.”

In 2024, we launched our Kick It Forward Contest to celebrate home service business owners that “change lives” in their own ways. It’s also our way of giving back to the industry that continues to trust us time and time again. Our winner, Service Plus Garage Doors in Tennessee, won a full rebranding package to honor the thoughtful and impactful efforts they’re making in their own community. The contest was a huge success. Service Plus loves their new brand and we love that we could reward them for their kindness and generosity. The Kick It Forward Contest will be back this year—and we can’t wait to do it all over again!

To us, “changing lives” is about more than just seeing a company’s revenue increase over time. It’s about seeing the employees behind these brands feel prouder to wear their uniforms and represent their companies. It’s about knowing that customers nationwide feel more confident in the contractors they choose and welcome into their homes. It’s about knowing that our creative work reaches so many individuals on a daily basis. And it’s about knowing that each and every one of us can combine our creative talents to do what we love for a living.

We’re About the Future

“I’m looking forward to more of the same, but at a higher level. I want people to see incredible quality across the board; even the smallest details. And I want our clients to feel like every aspect of their brand is in the best hands.” – Gary LaCoste

“As we continue to grow, we’re presented with an incredible opportunity to further our mission of building brands that truly change lives. I’m excited to see the impact our expanded offerings will have. Not only in empowering new businesses, but also in deepening the value we bring to our existing clients.” – Kelly Balboa

“I’m excited for … whatever happens! Now that we are a fully comprehensive branding agency, I love knowing that clients can trust us for anything and everything. The future isn’t really the future—it’s right now.” – Amanda Leskovicz

As we celebrate this milestone, we feel nothing but gratitude to each and every person who had a role in our history. But as you can tell, we’re just as excited about what’s ahead. With fresh ideas, new challenges, and even more brands to build, we’re ready to keep pushing boundaries and creating work that makes a difference—for the next 30 years and beyond.

Buckle up … the best is yet to come!
kickcharge team in front of their building wearing 30th anniversary shirts

eco vehicle wrap view of the back paneling and passenger side