When you think about architectural branding, canopies and louvers might not be the first things that come to mind, but the team at Awnex Inc. has turned those metal details into an art form. Headquartered in Ball Ground, Georgia, Awnex is quietly transforming commercial spaces across the U.S. with sleek, durable, and thoughtfully engineered architectural metal systems that don’t just look good but also tell a brand’s story.
Awnex is a brand builder, a problem solver, and a valued partner for some of the biggest names in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. But the company’s story didn’t start in aluminum and powder-coated finishes. It began with an idea, a family, and a solution to a frustrating process.
Awnex’s roots go back to the early 1990s, when founder John F. Dicks launched a company that made custom fabric awnings for retail locations. But he quickly noticed a recurring challenge: the labor-intensive process of installing fabric awnings. “You used to have to lace them on by hand,” explains Trey Herndon, President at Awnex Inc. “John came up with a better way to do it, a frame that allowed you to staple it in. That small change made a big difference.”
This early ingenuity set the tone for what Awnex would eventually become. As it became clear that fabric wasn’t durable enough for long-term use, the company pivoted to aluminum, offering a cleaner, more consistent, and longer-lasting solution. In 2003, Awnex Inc. was officially born, focusing exclusively on architectural metal systems.
“That shift to aluminum was a game-changer,” says Herndon. “It opened the door for more innovation, more consistency, and better brand representation for our clients.”
Today, Awnex specializes in transforming ordinary buildings into branded destinations through sleek and functional metal elements like canopies, louvers, fences, and patio covers. Its products enhance the curb appeal of commercial locations, but they also serve a strategic purpose. “It’s not just about making something look nice,” Herndon says. “It must function, drain properly, handle wind loads, last for years. But it also must tell a brand story.”
Architectural branding is where form meets function. Awnex ensures each project contributes to a customer’s overall brand identity, from the colors used to the structure’s shape and placement. The concept of a “store in a box” encapsulates Awnex’s approach: delivering a full suite of customizable architectural elements that can be applied across multiple locations, enabling brand consistency and speed to market.
“Whether it’s a single store or a national rollout, we provide everything needed to ensure consistency in the look and feel of the brand,” says Herndon. “It takes the guesswork out for our clients.”
Beyond aesthetics, Awnex pays close attention to engineering and buildability, making sure that architectural elements are not just beautiful, but also easy and efficient to install. By collaborating with design firms and general contractors early in the process, Awnex can identify challenges before they arise.
This commitment to both form and function has earned the company longstanding relationships with some of the most recognizable names in the QSR industry. From corporate rollouts to custom solutions, Awnex is more than a supplier; it is a strategic partner.
“We have clients we’ve worked with for decades; there’s trust there. They know we can take a concept and get it to market quickly without sacrificing quality,” says Herndon.
That level of trust is crucial when timelines are tight and brand standards are non-negotiable, and Awnex’s ability to execute consistently across markets has become one of its key differentiators, allowing national chains to expand with confidence. “Our clients know that if they give us the specs, we’ll deliver every time—on budget, on time, and to spec.”
In many ways, Awnex becomes an extension of its clients’ design and construction teams. In commercial construction, speed is non-negotiable, and the company has even been called on to develop turnkey packages that streamline everything from permitting to delivery. That level of involvement speaks volumes about its reputation for reliability and results.
Indeed, one of Awnex’s biggest advantages is its in-house production model. From fabrication to powder coating, nearly every component is handled internally, allowing for unmatched lead times and quality control. “Because we’re vertically integrated, we’re not waiting on third parties to deliver,” Herndon explains. “That gives us a lot of flexibility.”
The company’s powder coating line, an essential piece of the puzzle, enables high-quality finishes in a fraction of the time (Awnex is already building a second powder coating line to meet rising demand, reducing turnaround time even further). The company also invests in technology and lean manufacturing practices to ensure efficiency and minimize waste. This allows the team to take on complex, high-volume projects without compromising on craftsmanship.
This expansion has led to the launch of Awnex Manufacturing Services, a new division that provides contract fabrication and powder coating to other companies in the region. “We saw an opportunity to serve other businesses who were struggling to get quality finishes on time,” says Herndon. “Some were too small for big shops to take seriously; others were too big for smaller providers. We’re filling that middle space.”
By making manufacturing expertise available to external clients, Awnex is not only diversifying revenue streams but also strengthening the regional manufacturing ecosystem. “We’ve already had multiple accounts come on board, and word is spreading quickly,” Herndon adds. This service model is particularly beneficial for OEMs, sign companies, and construction firms who require architectural metal components but lack the in-house capabilities to fabricate or finish them. It’s yet another way Awnex is expanding its impact without losing focus.
Of course, behind every successful project at Awnex is a dedicated team. With around 90 employees on site, the company is intentional about creating a values-driven culture based on integrity, teamwork, quality, innovation, and respect. “Our goal is to make Awnex a great place to work,” says Herndon. “That means clear communication, opportunities for growth, and recognition for great work.”
The team gathers regularly to align goals, celebrate wins, and ensure everyone feels connected. From company cookouts to holiday parties, the leadership team invests time and energy into cultivating a workplace where people feel valued and heard. “Culture isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we build every day,” Herndon emphasizes. Mentorship, training, and career development programs are also prioritized, with a focus on promoting from within.
Awnex is just as committed to its hometown of Ball Ground, Georgia. From sponsoring local events to hosting field trips for the elementary STEM Academy, this team sees community engagement as a responsibility and a privilege.
“Some of the kids who came through on Halloween tours years ago now work here,” Herndon shares. “We want to be a company that gives back.”
This commitment includes supporting local schools, participating in civic activities, and working with city officials on initiatives that improve the community. “Ball Ground is more than our location; it’s part of our identity,” he says. “As we grow, we want to grow with our town, not away from it.” The relationship is reciprocal; Awnex views community support as a vital part of business sustainability, helping to create a strong, stable environment where both employees and the company can thrive.
As Awnex looks to the future, its focus is on smart growth and continuous improvement. Plans are already underway to expand operations, with an eye on the West Coast market over the next five to ten years. The company is also exploring ways to integrate sustainability into its product lines and processes. “We’re looking at solar integration, more eco-friendly materials, and even AI tools to streamline workflows,” Herndon tells us. “We’re not just growing for the sake of it—we want to lead.”
He believes the future holds even more opportunities for tech-driven innovation. Whether it’s engineering software or production automation, Awnex is “constantly evolving,” he says. “Whether it’s the way we build, the way we manage, or the way we serve our clients, we’re committed to doing it better every day.” The company is also exploring strategic partnerships and certifications that will allow it to compete in LEED-certified and government-regulated projects, broadening its market reach while upholding responsible building practices.
What started as a simple solution to a lacing problem has grown into a national brand that designs, manufactures, and delivers architectural systems with impact. But ask Trey Herndon what he’s most proud of, and he doesn’t point to a marquee project or revenue milestone. He points to the team. “What makes Awnex special is the people,” he says. “The relationships we build with each other, with our clients, with our community—that’s what drives us.”
In a business defined by specs and schedules, Awnex remains committed to the human side of success. As the company continues to expand its footprint and influence, one thing remains clear: at Awnex, innovation may be the product, but integrity is the foundation.
