Everything that happens at Insignia is a team effort that leverages cohesiveness to ensure successful results. We work hard to foster a fun, friendly and professional atmosphere that creates an environment that fosters great results. Mouse over on any of the names below and click to learn more about our staff:
Joseph Westbrook
Founder & CEO
About Joseph
Joseph Westbrook is the Founder and CEO of JW Services, LLC, doing business as Insignia Rising. He began his career in the sign industry at age 22 and has spent decades building a reputation in design, fabrication, and nationwide project execution.
Before entering the sign industry, Joseph served in church ministry and held roles in manufacturing, sales, and professional sports operations. He holds degrees in biblical studies and woodworking/cabinetmaking from Vanguard University and Fullerton College.
Joseph co-founded Blasted Wood Products, Inc., which became a leading wholesale sandblasted sign manufacturer serving major franchises and sign companies nationwide. In 2006, he became a licensed C-45 electrical contractor, expanding into electrical sign installation and rebranding the company as Insignia. The business evolved into a full-service design-build firm, later becoming Insignia Rising in 2017 to reflect its national and international growth.
Today, Insignia Rising operates across the U.S. state and internationally. Joseph remains actively involved in high-end sign consulting, design, and project management, with a continued focus on quality and innovation. Outside of work, he values time with his wife, children, family, and friends, and enjoys mentoring others, staying active in his community, traveling, and participating in sports.
Kenny Thompson
President
About Kenny
Michelle Tildy
Project Manager
About Michelle
Michelle Tildy is a results-driven Project Manager with a strong background in operations, client relations, and business development. She has a proven track record of delivering projects on time and under budget while maintaining a high level of organization and communication. With experience across multiple industries and an owner’s mindset, Michelle effectively manages complex project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution from concept to completion. She is dedicated to building long-term relationships with clients and vendors, driving successful outcomes for all parties involved.
Outside of her work with Insignia Rising, Michelle enjoys life as a mom and spends time with her husband caring for their small collection of farm animals in Riverside.
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Shyla Olafsson
Project Manager
About Shyla
Shyla is a Project Manager with Insignia Rising, bringing over 20 years of combined experience in business ownership, design, merchandising, and real estate. This diverse background gives me a strong ability to understand both the creative vision and the business goals behind every project.
I really enjoy taking complex projects and turning them into clear, actionable plans, while keeping everything moving smoothly between clients, designers, engineers, production teams, and installers. My approach is proactive and solution-driven, with a focus on keeping projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with brand standards.
I truly value my client relationships and take pride in being responsive, detail-oriented, and proactive in anticipating challenges before they come up. Most of all, I aim to be a trusted partner throughout the process, delivering signage solutions that not only meet expectations but elevate the spaces and brands.
Denise Denkers
Permit Expeditor
About Denise
Since 2012, Denise has worked alongside Joseph at Insignia Rising as a Permit Expeditor, helping clients navigate the complex world of sign permitting. She specializes in challenging projects that require strategic problem-solving, including variances, code amendments, master sign programs, and unique permitting approvals.
Denise works on behalf of her clients, not the cities, and is dedicated to finding efficient solutions that help bring their projects to life. Over the years, she has also built strong professional relationships with city planners, building departments, and municipal officials, allowing her to effectively navigate complex approvals while maintaining a collaborative approach. She understands that no two projects are the same and enjoys finding solutions that keep projects moving forward.
Known for being responsive, persistent, and detail-oriented, Denise takes pride in creating strong relationships with her clients and being someone they can rely on throughout the permitting process. Nothing is more rewarding to her than overcoming obstacles, securing approvals, and seeing a client happy with the final outcome.
Denise is also deeply grateful for the team at Insignia Rising, whom she considers much more than coworkers; they are like family. She values being part of a supportive team that works hard, celebrates one another, and shares the same commitment to delivering great results.
Outside of her professional work, Denise values meaningful relationships and believes that great business is built on trust, communication, and genuinely caring about the people she works with.
Vanessa Lopez
Project Manager
About Vanessa
Vanessa Lopez is a Project Manager at Insignia Rising, bringing over 16 years of experience in operations, team leadership, procurement, client service, and project coordination. Her diverse background has given her the ability to manage complex projects, coordinate with vendors and clients, oversee logistics, and keep timelines on track while adapting to the unexpected.
She enjoys building strong relationships with clients and believes that every successful project starts with clear communication and trust. Known for being organized, finding practical solutions, and keeping projects moving forward, Vanessa takes pride in making the process as seamless as possible for everyone involved. Whether she's coordinating multiple teams, navigating project challenges, or advocating for her clients, she is committed to delivering high-quality signage solutions that exceed expectations and create lasting value.