Independent’s Service Company: More Than 85 Years of Printing America’s Billboards
If you’ve spent any time in the billboard industry, chances are you’ve come across the name Independent’s Service Company, or simply ISCO. While the company is well known today for large-format printing, its roots in the outdoor advertising industry go back more than eight decades.
Founded in 1940, Independent’s Service Company began with a single screen printing press producing billboard posters for the Independent Baker’s Association, which is where the company’s name originated. What started as a small family business has steadily grown alongside the outdoor advertising industry itself. Today, the company is still family-owned and operated by the third and fourth generations of founder Frank Berry.
From Screen Printing to Digital Production
Like much of the OOH industry, ISCO has evolved with technology.
The company transitioned from traditional silk-screen printing to modern, large-format digital printing, allowing it to produce everything from classic billboards to transit graphics, stadium signage, banners, building wraps, window graphics, and a variety of custom projects. Their facility in Hannibal, Missouri now processes hundreds of files each day and ships projects throughout the United States.
Still Focused on Out-of-Home
Even as printing technology has changed dramatically over the decades, ISCO has stayed closely connected to the outdoor advertising industry.
One interesting feature is that the company maintains three billboards in Missouri that it uses to test billboard materials and creative. By installing actual posters and vinyls in real-world conditions, they can evaluate durability, readability, and overall print quality before products reach customers. It’s a practical approach that reflects just how specialized billboard printing can be.
Beyond Billboards
Although billboard printing remains a major part of the business, ISCO’s capabilities extend well beyond roadside advertising.
Their portfolio includes:
- Stadium and sports graphics
- Building-side graphics
- Event signage
- Banners
- Window graphics
- Wall coverings
- Vehicle graphics
- Retail displays
- Custom large-format printing projects
Over the years, they’ve completed projects for universities, sports venues, retail locations, and organizations across the country, demonstrating just how versatile large-format printing has become.
More Than Eight Decades in OOH
The outdoor advertising industry has changed dramatically since 1940. Hand-painted bulletins gave way to printed posters. Vinyl replaced paper in many applications. Digital billboards transformed how campaigns are scheduled and displayed.
Through all of those changes, Independent’s Service Company has continued adapting while remaining focused on the large-format graphics side of the business.
In an industry where many companies have come and gone, it’s always interesting to see businesses with deep roots that have evolved alongside outdoor advertising itself. With more than 85 years serving the OOH community, ISCO is one of those longstanding names many billboard professionals have encountered over the years.
