At Whistler Billboards, we are proud to announce an exciting moment for our team.

Huge congratulations to our incredibly talented graphic designer, John Morgan, for winning the prestigious 2025 Indie Impact Award for Breaking Convention at this year’s Independent Billboard Operators (IBO) Convention!

John’s fearless creativity, bold vision, and cutting-edge design style continue to break new ground, not only for Whistler Billboards but for the entire out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry. His recognition at one of the industry’s top events is a testament to the spirit of innovation we aim to bring to every client and campaign.

Breaking the Mold: What the “Breaking Convention” Award Means

The “Breaking Convention” Award is given to the designer or campaign that challenges norms, pushes creative boundaries, and redefines what billboard advertising can achieve. Winning this award signals that a designer is not only thinking outside the box—they’re building a whole new box entirely.

For John Morgan, this honor highlights years of dedication to original thought, trend-setting creativity, and unwavering courage to take risks in a traditional medium. In an industry that can sometimes play it safe, John’s work stands out for being fresh, fearless, and incredibly effective.

The Winning Project: Pier King Foundation Repair

John’s award-winning design was created for one of Whistler’s standout clients, Pier King Foundation Repair. The campaign needed to grab attention, build trust, and communicate complex services in just a few seconds—the real test of great billboard art.

Rather than relying on the usual industry visuals, John chose to mix vivid imagery, bold typography, and an emotionally resonant message. The end result? A show-stopping billboard that made people look twice — and remember.

His design captured the essence of Pier King’s brand: strong, reliable, and deeply connected to the needs of homeowners. John took what could have been just another service ad and transformed it into a true visual experience—proving that even industries like foundation repair can benefit from top-tier creativity.

Why John’s Work Stood Out

Several key factors made John’s design a clear winner:

• Fearless Composition: John wasn’t afraid to break “safe” layout conventions. He used dynamic angles and non-traditional framing to create tension and drama.
• Bold Color Choices: His use of color helped separate the ad from everything else on the road. The bold tones not only popped but also conveyed trust and urgency.
• Clear Messaging: Despite the creativity, John kept the message simple and powerful. Within a few seconds, drivers understood who Pier King was, what they offered, and why they mattered.
• Audience Connection: Great design isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling right. John’s billboard tapped into homeowner fears about foundation problems—and gave them hope with Pier King’s solution.

A Moment of Pride for Whistler Billboards

At Whistler Billboards, our mission has always been to push the envelope and deliver results-driven creative that makes our clients proud. John’s achievement is a huge milestone not just for him personally but for all of us.

When one member of our team is recognized for excellence, it reflects our shared commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and true partnership with our clients.

“John embodies the Whistler spirit: creative, bold, and always focused on client success,” said Shawn, President of Whistler Billboards. “We couldn’t be more proud to have him representing us on a national stage.”

About the IBO Convention and Indie Impact Awards

The Independent Billboard Operators (IBO) Convention is one of the leading gatherings in the OOH industry. It brings together billboard companies, designers, advertisers, and thought leaders to share insights, showcase trends, and celebrate innovation.

The Indie Impact Awards were created to spotlight the best independent talent—the designers, creators, and thinkers who aren’t afraid to shake things up.

Categories like “Breaking Convention” highlight how independent operators are often the real drivers of change in the OOH world. John’s win shows that true innovation doesn’t just happen in big corporate studios—it thrives in passionate, nimble teams like ours.

What This Means for Our Clients

For clients of Whistler Billboards, John’s award win is more than just a nice headline. It’s a real-world proof point that working with Whistler means working with the best.

When you partner with us, you’re not just getting space on a billboard. You’re getting access to some of the most creative minds in the industry, people who are ready to elevate your brand and make sure your message doesn’t just “blend in” but stands out.

We believe that even the “simplest” message deserves great art. That’s why we invest in talent, celebrate innovation, and encourage our team to think bigger every day.

A Message from John Morgan

Reflecting on his big win, John shared:

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Indie Impact Award for Breaking Convention. It’s a dream to work with a team like Whistler that encourages bold ideas and always backs creative risks. Huge thanks to the IBO and to all the other amazing designers out there who continue to inspire me.”

John also emphasized how grateful he was to work on the Pier King Foundation Repair project, noting that great clients who trust the creative process make all the difference.

Looking Ahead: Creativity Without Limits

While we’re taking a moment to celebrate, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.

John’s win energizes our entire team to keep taking risks, keep dreaming bigger, and keep proving that when creativity and strategy work hand-in-hand, incredible things happen.

We’re doubling down on pushing boundaries for our clients and making sure every billboard we produce—whether it’s for a small business or a national brand—delivers maximum impact.

If you’re ready to see how award-winning creativity can transform your brand, contact Whistler Billboards today. Let’s make something unforgettable together.

Congratulations Again, John!

From all of us at Whistler Billboards: Congratulations, John! Your creativity, your passion, and your fearless spirit make us all proud. Here’s to many more breakthroughs ahead!

Ready to work with the most creative billboard team in the business? Contact Whistler Billboards today!