Many Minnesotans love anything on a stick (à la the Minnesota State Fair food extravaganza), so why shouldn’t celebration proclamations get the same treatment? Casey Pierce of Maple Grove thought so, and she went from turning a need into a business thanks to her creativity and the help of Card My Yard.
Specializing in making big days even bigger (and cuter), lawn greeting service Card My Yard crafts unique yard signs fit for most occasions. From birthdays and graduations to anniversaries and more, this full-service sign company designs, sets up and retrieves each installation regardless of rain, snow or shine. “The signs are so big and so bright and fun,” says Pierce, Maple Grove Card My Yard franchise owner. “When someone gets one, it’s like, ‘Hey, you’re not forgotten. We are still celebrating you, and you are still important.’”
Brainstorming ways to celebrate her son’s socially-distant birthday during the pandemic, Pierce turned to creating her own sign after discovering Card My Yard, a Texas-based company established in 2014. Receiving positive feedback on her homemade replica from friends and neighbors, she turned to starting her own franchise based in Maple Grove that also serves to Champlin, Corcoran, Golden Valley, Hamel, Hopkins, Medina, Minnetonka, Osseo, Plymouth, Rogers, St. Louis Park and Wayzata.
Creating one-of-a-kind signs with clients’ interests in mind, Pierce works with customers to specify the event they are celebrating, display location, as well as preferred shapes, characters, colors, hobbies or interests. “I think what makes Card My Yard so successful is Casey because her attention to detail is like no other, and she will go the extra mile to make sure that the client is happy,” says Maple Grove’s Shelly Beissel, avid Card My Yard customer.
Purchasing over 10 signs for a variety of celebrations, Beissel has used Card My Yard to create a welcome home greeting for her sister, who finished chemotherapy and radiation treatments; a Halloween “You’ve Been Boo’d” surprise, a welcome-back-to-school sign, teacher appreciation recognition and five birthdays. “It is unique in the fact that it just spreads joy in such a different way,” says customer Desiree Morrison. “It is nice for people to have a way to celebrate with you, and when they [recipients] see the sign, it makes them feel happy and brings a smile to your face.”
Leaving lasting impressions and creating happy memories are top of the list when it comes to pleasing clients, but Pierce says taking down the signs can be a difficult part of the job. “You feel like you’re taking their present away,” she says.
In just its first year, Card My Yard has created over 600 signs. With hopes of expanding her outreach even further to more community organizations, Pierce says that her main goal is to continue to stay connected, give back and spread joy.
