He decided to venture into his own business ten years ago – today Ibrahim Brohim’s work can be seen around the country, and he is affectionately referred to as the “Sign Man”.
From his Goodwill base – a residence that also serves as his business centre – Brohim’s small company undertakes signage of all types.
“Billboards for outdoors, office signs, we do door signs, lighted signs, we do banners, we do award plaques that people like to recognize persons, we inscribe trophies for customers,” the Sign Man explained to DNO when we visited his work site.
Number plates for vehicles is also an integral part of his business – that was the initial work that his company indulged in from the start.
To date number plates remains the most lucrative aspect of the service he offers.
“We maintain a fair share on the market and customers know us for that,” Brohim said.
Very visible projects have included community signs done in the past for then Cable and Wireless (LIME) showcased usually at the entrance of a village.
Brohim said however it was sad that many of those signs had been vandalized.
A number of the signs on buildings in Roseau were fashioned by the sign man and his small staff of three.
A significant portion of his business comes from the government, but he says that’s equally matched by private sector business that comes his way.
The business is lucrative enough, he admits, but qualifies that by explaining that the overheads are heavy.
“But at the same time while you make money, there is a very heavy expenditure, expenses are very high,” Brohim told DNO.
While for him sign-making is serious business, there is also a fun side.
Brohim looks out for the humorous calypsos at carnival time, and fashions a sign to reflect the particular kaiso, and takes his sign to the streets of the capital on the Monday and Tuesday jump-up (street revelry) days.
He says those offerings are eagerly anticipated, although one or two have riled relatives of those the satirical piece targets.
Ibrahim Brohim says he is happy with his business and tries to give the best possible service.
“When I think of how we started off, to where we are today, we have reached leaps and bounds – I am very much satisfied,” he concludes.
He is happy that he provides employment, and also engages in sponsorship “in terms of assistance especially to schools, to education projects, sporting projects, cultural projects”.
Hey sign man congrats ,you always lend a helping hand thanks for all your help.blessing’keep up the good work
Sign man is alright in my books
Yes he makes money here but he gives back
Sponsoring sports teams schools etc The man has a good heart and I applaud his efforts. He didn’t come trying to rape the country, he has honour and is where he is today after a lot of hard work. The wealth wasn’t instant it was progressive and I’m glad he’s here working hard and hope he continues for many years to come.
A prophet is never honoured in his homeland,but we the Executive, Members and Fanatics of the this institution,commend you on your contribution to the arts and culture and Dominica in general. Mr.Brohim, we also want to congratulate you on the continued upward mobility of your business. we are also saying that you are the most generous businessman that Dominica has ever known.Excellent service sir.
CONGRATULATIONS to Ras Algie the true Artist and original signman no computer no vinyl just paint, brush and true Artistic talent.
Are we talking about Ras Algie or THE SIGN MAN? KEEP TO THE TOPIC! Get an article on Ras Algie and let us praise him but right now we congratulate the Sign Man
Hey bro proud of you no need to say more
@Asterix – This young entrepreneur may have been born foreign but he is a true true Dominican! Came when he was little and while he has achieved so very much he has given back much much more. He lives the old adage “to whom much is given, much is expected ‘ and I am so proud to know he is my brother!
All the comments above are a reflection of the caring and empathetic person that he is. The interviewer forgot to talk about his involvement and passion for football (he is a FIFA qualified referee) and the work that he put in to building the sport in Dominica.
Well done my brother! God bless you and keep you safe in all your endeavours!
I don’t see anything wrong with his signs. He’s signs are “satire” types. ALthough its leaning more towards generating sales through innuendos
but nonetheless they’re awesome. They’re great humor and you really have to be Dominican to get the joke. Like “PAT AT” hahahahha PATAT!!!! hahha He’s a genius and probably needs to leave DA and find a great marketing firm in the US to work for. I love his company’s motto “A business with no sign, is a sign of no business”! hella funny! I’ve heard of the sign man but this is a pleasant surprise :)))))))))))) …lolol love it!!
Aye Sign Man, do you have a website? if yes please post it. Am looking for a particular print, you might just be the guy to make it. Thank you
Brohim my man, fare no one for you are as genuine as a true patriot can be,the contribution you have made to Dominica not much of us can match you.you are one of the better reff in football, that pass through this country, and now you are doing your job just as deligent, you have my two thums up, you go my man,do your thing my man.
Dominica loves you.
Hellloooo Sign Man
I recall when we had a discussions all those years ago that you wished to start a small business – will not go into the reasons. I encouraged you. It was difficult at first, but you persevered.
It seems like yesterday. Keep up the good work, the challenges of all kinds will be ever present – have faith. You have contributed to so many charitable contributions. You deserve a Notional Award.
Your football referee partner.
Ackroyd
Great work keep up the good work. Also make sure your premises are secured with alarm and cameras to keep those vole` away.
Congratulations. You have done more for communities and sports that some much bigger companies.
Sir all the best with your business as you said
you give donations to schools very good the Lord
wll bless you more.
I can recall this guy being a car salesman for a well-known dealer in Dominica and was doing quite well for himself in terms of commission and the company got rid of him because he was just too good at his job and making too much money.
He bounced around a few other places working and got a generous amount of insults from these other bosses whenever he would suggest to them ways to improve their businesses. These bosses’ mistakes became his sweepstakes since we the customers told him what we want and he has pledged to give us what we want at a small profit.
Congratulations to a businessman that listens to his customers for the last ten years and hopes he maintains the attitude of great customer service to his customers.
Congratulations Sign Man! Good corporate citizen. Keep up the good work! Wish you another 10 years!
congrats on your ten years signman…wish u many more blessed years to come….
Good work Signman. Very good work. You are the spirit of Dominica.
Thanks for the donation. Your professionalism, generosity and drive are reflected is your work. The sky is the limit.
You have persevered over the years and you are making progress.
Gook job Sign Man…..keep up the good work..never give up.
good
The chicken breast sign is degrading to women. We are not objects or pieces of meat.
get over it it’s just breast! You know what really degrades dominican are dominican women who continue to throw themselves pathetically on peoples husbands, who dress like cheap prostitutes on carnival day whilst bending their behinds in the road foe everyone to see and don’t forget those who just to comfortable being “baby mamas” for tom dick and harry! Go some where else with that nonsense. Dominica women out number dominican men and aren’t repressed like women in afghanistan yet dominican women continue to set low standards for themselves!
i really appreciate that comment ROBIN HOOD.you definitely shot the arrow straight.sign man continue the good works and dno thank you for this one
Congrats to him and his business!
having siad that however, what kind of sign is that? so not loving this!
as a person Brohim is great..but I would really like to know what kind of message is KFC sending out. From a marketing background and one who works as a marketing consultant I really loathe and despise this advertising flyer. What do they mean by liking my chicken smooth?? I really cannot see the humour in that at all.
@no name. perhaps you were not familiar with the lyrics of a popular carnival number this year which actually spurred on the advertisement. Most locals can identify with the wording of “liking the chicken smooth” from that song. Thats the element that understandably you could not connect with. As for the salacity of a billboard aimed at a family audience..umm, I am not sure the KFC corporate marketing dept would approve, but hey it sells.
well i’m not in Dominica so I have no knowledge of the local calypso.. I’m in international community looking on..thanks for the clarification however.. my perception still however is that KFC is meant to be a family business and I still don’t think its sending out a positive message on that flyer.
This is not about KFC but about Wux Sucks calypso by the same name
Big up Sign man! Always positive, love the vibes!
That is such a marvelous idea and project that this gentleman have undertaken.
Signs do generate a better idea of what something is in society.Wished his work would be more cherished and respected than vandalized.
Thumbs up Brohim….keep up the good work
Good Job Sign Man! Keep up the good work especially being such a good corporate citizen.
Both thumbs up to the Sign Man!! I really admire your perseverance as a business man. You do some great work!
On a side note, I think this flyer is disasteful. I like the concept however I can see the young lady’s nipple…not cool!
If you can see the young lady’s nipple, then you must have really scrutinised that picture papa! Because up to now, I haven’t seen the nipple and I got my eyes checked just last month. Doctor told me I had 20/20 vision. So you need to take a deep breath and calm down.
nice one MOT you always drizzel me with your wit.
glad to know you still around, i thougt you make these guys run you ,but i know you are stronger than that.
@ tect nee cal lity: Look again!! This is not Moth Of The South (MOTS). This is MOT…whatever that means. I myself almost said “welcome back”.
Not impressed with the sign shown here
This is a sign that the man made for his carnival jump-up!!!! …as the article said its based on the calypso by Walksup, and expresses the exact double meaning in the song. What you expect, a lady in a long sleeve suit??!! A force allu Dominicans jus frustrate me (in a pure local acent
)!!
Not frustrate…it’s “KONTWARYAY”
keep striving brohim…true son of the soil
Thats the spirit of entrepreneurship…Congrats to the man with the same two names…Brohim Brohim..my padna
@ Pro. Wikileaks: The man’s name is not Brohim Brohim, it’s Ibrahim Brohim
I think some people are handed too much on a plate by their families – it makes them lazy. Many time Haitians come from a harder background and they are determined, and commit to being a success.
@Pensive, what are you implying, that Brohim is lazy???
Because you would have to wheel and come again with what you saying there, ka mem!!
but wait, I hope Pensive not calling Brohim lazy much less implying he is wealthy? You better get your facts straight and stop the uncessary discrimination. Just looking at the mans’ last name and skin colour and la meme you grudging and promoting Haitians over him. What Brohim do to you? Consider how much he has given back to schools, sports, volunteer services in Dominica his homeland and show a Haitian that has done 1/8th. Brohim is NOT a rich man, maybe if his family business wasn’t burnt, and allthe misharps they suffered he would have been, but this is a hard working DOMINICAN!
Haitians work hard, tief hard, lie hard, make souceyeh hard and do a whole lot hard like all other nationalities. Any immigrant to a new land is always desperate to assimilate. I hate this notion that Haitians are harder working than any other person. That is one one the greatest myths perpetuated. Americans view west indians and Mexicans the same way. Jobs Dominicans won’t do back home, or can’t find they will take 3 or 4 in the US, SM or even Guada.They frown upon the natives the same way and make the same backward statements like you. Try visiting the US and for every hard working Haitian I will show you 5 that are scheming, tiefing and criminals. Enough with the put down of Dominicans!
@Pensive you’re a complete and total utter moron! Brohim wasn’t given anything on a silver platter and if he did you can trust he has put every last dime into the Dominican community. Specifcally dominican culture. I grew seeing this man particpate and contribute to Dominica. He’s 100% Dominican not dumbi-in-a-can like yourself. One of the few Dominican males who actually actively contributes to the development of this country. He could probably be anywhere but he putting up with you ungrateful people in DA. You see this the shit i cyan not stand with DA people that’s why the closest I does come to them is DNO. A set of ungrateful, racists and spiteful humans alone that from DA Give and take a few off course… :
Bro was not handed anything by his family – it is all his blood sweat and tears as the wise men say!
Elbow grease!
Please don’t judge what you do not know about!
shut up idiot….Dorival john
Mr.Brohim, I want to congratulate you on the continued upward mobility of you business. I must say that you are the most generous businessman that I have known. In that I have never heard you that you shy away from assisting anyone who approached in the past fo assistance. As human I often asked ” is he making profit?” However my friend contnue to put people first, by givng the excellent services that you have been giving and you will continue to propser with the help of he almighty.
I am a very strong supporter/patronizer your business (this is a business that can be referred to as a humblebeginning). Go Ibrahim go and continue doing your thing.
Good luck to you my boy.you need a project to direct people travelling around the country,especially going to the airport through the carib territory, these placs need visible signs.
I foresee this story getting little or no comments but I really admire fellas that work hard among many many hurdles.
And some people complain that there is nothing going on in Dominica while we see Haitians and other foreign nationals ‘making it.’
If they can, why can’t we?
I totally agree with your comments. Hats off to the signman. It is the character of the man. While most of us lament things are hard and the government not doing and doing that, the signman has a positive attitude.
Haitians that build Dominica man? fuss you see some of you and your kissing of Haitians does vex me. If they so damn good why is Haiti so backward with all the aid they getting, they should be innovative enough to develop their island! Stop waging wars on Dominicans. Haitians have no choice but to work in Dominica, if they were in the US the would likely get minimum wage jobs and collect benefits, what you all don’t know older than you. I work for the state and I can tell you many many Haitians are hard working like all other people, but countless of them work in minimum wage jobs, and collect every single form of benefit available in the US. Housing, healthcare, food stamps, name it they in it.Once one finds a way all others are in, and they sadly get counted like Black Americans who people think are the chronic welfare fatsos, not saying that it is not so, but Haitians will milk any system they can, ask Bahamas, they have no choice but to work in Dominica.
Is Brohim a foreing national A..H
foreign that is
Well your foresight seems a bit dissorted as the article has generated many comments. If I were you I’d stick to commenting on whats real instead trying your hand at telepathy!!!!