Jersey Shore Business Journal

Wildwood Publisher Signs Up New Business

May 13, 2009

WILDWOOD - Local publisher Frank Vogel wasn't busy enough running a real estate publication virtually by himself. He decided to expand into the sign business. Now, his shop at 4909 Pacific Ave., is humming with activity as the tourist season fast approaches.

Vogel custom makes all kinds of signs, from window and vehicle graphics, to decals, real estate signs, special event banners, car magnets and even back-lit signs. He can do design and production in-house or work with your artwork.

"Our sign business is doing well," said Vogel, the majordomo of the enterprise. "We offer signs of many types and sizes at good prices. People appreciate that there's a local place to get their sign made."
Vogel, along with his brother Wayne, published the local classified paper The Trading Post for 10 years. Wayne decided to leave about four years ago to focus on his entertainment career. (Wayne performs at La Piazza Cucina in Wildwood and other local venues.) This was at the height of the recent real estate boom and Frank thought the time was right for a publication focusing on Wildwood island real estate.

Wildwood Properties, and later Cape May Properties, were born.
"There were other real estate publications on the market," said Vogel. "But none focused on the Wildwooods. At the time, there were 34 Realtors on the island. Wildwood Properties hit the ground running. Our monthly publication now has full sections for the Wildwoods, Cape May, and we've recently added a section for the lower cape mainland. It's great because no matter where you pick up your copy, you can see not only your local listings but other area properties as well."

Post Publications, Vogel's company name, also offers a range of printing services, including menus, brochures and business cards. He has printing and folding machines on the premises for fast service and even offers certain signs in one hour or less.

"I feel that the real estate market has begun to turn around," said Vogel. "There has been an increase in activity during the past few months. People want to go to the shore. They have been coming down here since Lincoln was president and they'll continue to do so."

Vogel, a Wildwood High School and Temple University grad, definitely has sand between his toes. He was born in North Philly but has been coming to the Wildwoods since he was 10. His parents bought the Beach Grill at 15th and the Beach in North Wildwood in 1948. Vogel worked there until he went away to Army service. After discharge, he learned printing at his uncle’s print shop in Philly while attending Temple. He returned to Wildwood to stay in 1978. Vogel's love of the area shows with the vintage photos he includes in his publications.

"The Wildwoods are a great place," said Vogel. "We absolutely have the best beach and boardwalk on the East Coast. I recently went to Disney World and we have better rides and amusements right here in Wildwood."

For information about Wildwood Properties, Cape May Properties or Vogel's sign and printing services, call 609-522-6222, visit Frank at 4904 Pacific Ave., e-mail realtorads@comcast.net or visit www.wildwoodproperties.net.