By Justin Powell, CEO, Huntington Billboards

When I first dipped my toes into the billboard business, I was a complete novice—zero knowledge, zero connections. In a leap of faith, I started emailing billboard companies, asking if anyone would be willing to spare a few minutes to talk to me. Most ignored me, but one person didn’t: Tom Giesken. He not only responded but invited me to meet up and ask all the questions I had. That was the beginning of a friendship that would shape my career and leave a lasting mark on my life.

Tom and I hit it off right away, bonding over our shared faith. Eight months later, when I was ready to put up my very first billboard—a modest 10×20 structure, just 20 feet off the ground—Tom showed up to help. He rode his motorcycle down and patiently guided me through installing my first vinyl. I’ll admit, I discovered a fear of heights I didn’t know I had, but Tom’s steady encouragement got me through it. That day, with his help, I hung my first sign—and I’ve never forgotten it.

Over the years, Tom became more than a mentor; he was a friend and a constant source of inspiration. Anyone who knows him will tell you the same: he’s unbelievably kind, endlessly encouraging, and always willing to lend a hand. We stayed in touch regularly, and his wisdom and positivity were a gift to me and so many others in the industry.

Several years ago, Tom entrusted a piece of his billboard legacy to Huntington when he sold us his northern Ohio billboards. Those assets remain some of the finest in the business—testament to the care and excellence he poured into his work. It was an honor to carry forward even a small part of what he built.

This last week, Tom sold his last billboards to Lamar and is retiring from billboards (though he is still consulting and helping future OOH leaders), but don’t mistake that for slowing down. Through his work with LifeWise Academy, a Christian ministry training students in the gospel, and his new hospitality projects, Tom continues to be a bedrock in his community. He’s a good man doing good things. The billboard industry has been lucky to have him, and his community is even luckier to keep him.

Here’s to you, Tom Giesken: a legend in our field and a friend I’ll always be grateful for. Enjoy this next chapter—you’ve earned it.

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