Collins, Charles C

1917-2007

Charlie worked in 1946 as a delivery truck driver for Pepsi. In the evenings and weekends he started his creation of Collin's La Crosse Sign Co. It was his pride and joy. This company grew to be Collins Outdoor Advertising, Inc. Charlie started with his 1938 Plymouth, a few ladders, paint, brushes, and TALENT.

With his integrity and hard work, Charles created the largest outdoor advertising company in western Wisconsin, including northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Charlie was voted "Man of the Year" in 2001 and in 2003 and received the "Hall of Fame" award for enduring contributions to OOH!

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33184030/obit-charles-c-collins/

Charles C. Collins 89, of La Crosse, died Monday, August 20,2007. Charlie was born in Waukon, Iowa, on December 22, 1917, to John B. and Annabelle Blanche (Clark) Collins. He married Marjorie Harmon on July 5, 1941, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

In his early years, Charlie was the third delivery truck driver hired by Pepsi! In 1946, while still working for Pepsi, Charlie started working part time during evenings and weekends and created the company of his pride and joy, Collins La Crosse Sign Co., now known as Collins Outdoor Advertising, Inc. Charlie only had his 1938 Plymouth, a few ladders, paint, brushes and TALENT. With his integrity and hard work, he created the largest outdoor advertising company in western Wisconsin, including northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. He considered himself fortunate because he had a good, long life, doing what he loved.  His business was his vocation and advocation; always appreciating his talented and devoted employees. He was a member of the OAAA  (Outdoor Advertising Association of America) and was voted "Man of the Year" in 2001, and in 2003 he received the "Hall of Fame" award for enduring contributions to outdoor advertising. Charlie was a longtime member of the OAAW, (Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin) and founding member of the Wisconsin State Electrical Sign Association and the Wisconsin Sign Association. The camaraderie of his "Fayze's coffee group" was very special to him in his later years. He went to the office every day until just before his recent hospitalization.

Charlie also served our country in the Philippines during World War II in the 100th Cavalry in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 839 in La Crosse. Charlie was also a life-long member of the American Legion Post No 0052.