When Stuart Stein took over his family’s business in February 2020, he had no idea what was waiting around the corner. Just weeks after officially becoming the 3rd-generation owner of ESCO Manufacturing and Stein Sign Display, the world shut down—and Stuart was suddenly faced with leading a 100+ person company through a global pandemic. But instead of backing down, he leaned in.

In this interview with the Growing Business Collective, Stuart shares the raw story of navigating uncertainty, leading with purpose, and turning that chaotic first year into the second-best in company history. From the origins of a patented steel-bending machine to becoming a statewide leader in digital billboards, Stuart walks us through how he’s honoring his family’s legacy while building something even bigger. You’ll hear how he's expanding into Sioux Falls, how he maintains culture across decades of employees, and how his 4:38 a.m. routine fuels it all. This isn’t just a story about signs—it’s about resilience, risk, leadership, faith, and never forgetting your "why." If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader trying to find clarity in the chaos, this one’s for you.