Sellers family sells Luminous Neon, Inc. to Mike King

After 63 years of leadership and 53 years of ownership by Hutchinson businessman Mert Sellers and family, Luminous Neon, Inc. is set to embark on a new chapter.

The 95-year-old company will be purchased by investors led by Mike King of Hesston, Kan., a seasoned executive with deep construction industry experience and statewide business and governmental relationships and with plans for innovation and growth. The sale is announced by Mert Sellers, Chair; Ron Sellers, Vice Chair; and Tom Sellers, CEO.

“I’m proud of what our employees have accomplished over the years,” said Mert Sellers, Chairman of Luminous Neon. “We’ve always tried to do things the right way. Mike [King] will have the same goal. This is going to be a great outcome for our dedicated employees and for the thousands of customers we serve.”

The sale of company assets will be completed in late October. All seven Luminous Neon locations including Hutchinson, Olathe, Lawrence, Topeka, Salina, Dodge City, and Wichita will continue uninterrupted operations, as will all employees.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with such an accomplished and respected team of professionals,” said Mike King, new owner. “I look forward to building upon the 95-year-old foundation of success. This is already a truly great Kansas company, and there are many great days ahead for Luminous Neon employees, customers, and business partners.”

Mike will focus on growth, innovation, and continued customer experience while Tom Sellers, CEO, and Joe Ontjes, President, will continue to run daily operations.

This transition comes after a lengthy review of the opportunity by both parties. The ongoing success of the business was among the most important priorities.

“For years, we’ve carefully explored what the future should look like,” said Ron Sellers. “Mike has the right experience, the right connections, and the right personality to help Luminous Neon prosper and remain a prominent leader in the Kansas sign industry for years to come.”

A renewed vision for the company is important as the company continues to grow.

“Mike brings a valuable skill set,” said Tom Sellers. “Our team looks forward to exploring new growth opportunities while continuing to support our longtime customers. Although change can be unsettling, the right things are in place to ensure a smooth transition to an accomplished business leader with a track record of business success.”

More about Mike King

Mr. King, a Hesston native from a multi-generational family of people who build things, brings decades of leadership experience in both the construction industry and at the executive level of state government.

Currently serving as Vice President of Business Development at Hutton Corporation in Wichita, Mr. King will begin focusing full-time on Luminous Neon in early October before the sale of the company finalizes on October 31. Previously, Mr. King was a Region Director at Murphy Tractor & Equipment in Park City and was owner and president at King Enterprise Group of McPherson for 21 years.

Additionally, he was appointed Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation and served from 2012-2016, Director of the Kansas Turnpike from 2013-2016, and has filed to run for Kansas State House of Representatives District 74 with elections in 2024.

More about Luminous Neon, Inc.

Luminous Neon, Inc. has completed more than 100,000+ sign projects across Kansas, as well as regionally and nationally. It serves the signage and visual communications needs of some of the area’s best-known and most-respected businesses and organizations.

The company was founded in 1928 as Wholesale Sign Company by Bob McBride in Kansas City, Mo., at the height of neon’s introduction to the United States. In 1939, the company moved to Hutchinson and changed its name to Luminous Neon.

Mert Sellers, Chairman, joined the operation in 1960. He was named president in 1970 and soon acquired the company. Mert celebrated his 63rd year of service in 2023.

Mert’s brother, Ron Sellers, joined the company in 1970 and served as President until 2016, when he assumed the role of Vice Chairman. Ron is in his 53rd year with the company.

Tom Sellers, Mert’s son, joined the business in 1990 and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2016. Tom is completing his 33rd year with the company in 2023.