Batavia family makes special celebrations more memorable

BATAVIA – Starting a business in the middle of a pandemic may seem like a daunting task, but the Schlueter family of Batavia didn’t let that stop them from opening Sign Up Your Yard, a lawn greeting company, in early May.

“I have a friend who has a similar business and a light bulb went off. I thought it was a great idea for a family business, and it would spread happiness during a very difficult time,” said Aimee Schlueter, who owns the business along with her husband, Brad, and son, Corey.

The Schlueter family has been busy in the evenings setting up greetings for birthdays, graduations and other happy occasions on the lawns of folks in the TriCities, South Elgin, North Aurora, Elburn, Sugar Grove and parts of Aurora. The greetings remain on the lawn for about 24 hours before the Schlueter family returns to the home to remove them.

“We go out after dark, so it’s a surprise in the morning,” Schlueter said. “This brings joy to people, and it’s fun. It’s nice to have a family business that we can do together and can teach my son entrepreneurship. It’s more than just signs – I can’t tell you how many times people tell me that [the greetings] made their day. We’re really enjoying serving our community, and to give back and make people happy.”

The Schlueters don’t make the signs; they get them from a wholesale supplier. They initially had thought about franchising with a similar company but decided to go out on their own.

“Business has been really good,” Schlueter said. “This has really caught on. People see their friends’ kids have [the greetings], and they want their kid to have one, too. It’s something that people are enjoying, especially since people aren’t able to have a regular birthday party for their child.”

Schlueter said she is looking to expand the business to surrounding communities and all of Aurora.

To order or to learn more, visit www.signupyouryard.com.