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THE VOICE OF THE
PEOPLE
We would like to share some
positive words about our boss and friend, Frank Krejci.
It was just announced this week that Frank has accepted a role as
President and
Frank has given his heart and soul to our Company.
When he bought the Company in 1996, we were in serious financial
trouble. Working to help turn
our business around at that time he probably realized that by accepting the
position he was not personally going to make lots of money.
He came to us from our Board of Directors because he believed in our
quality custom furniture capabilities and the talent of the individuals on
our team. He was instrumental in
turning our Company around.
During the last 13 years of his tenure he instilled core values in all of us
who have worked under his leadership:
Make a Quality Product, Be Fair & Ethical (treat people with
respect), Be Creative (“don’t check your brain at the door”), Share the
Wealth (give back to others), and most memorable, he taught us how to Have
Fun and not sweat “the small stuff”.
We have vivid memories of the day
in March 1998 when a devastating fire took one of our facilities in Ixonia.
As the fire was still burning and employees were scattered around the
town taking shelter, Frank came to Loppy’s Bar where many of us were and set
our course and empowered us to make things happen.
A group was sent to Schweiger Furniture in
Frank has taught us to celebrate
victories (big or small). In the reception area of our office you can see
company photographs commemorating such “celebrations”.
There was a group photo taken a few days after our Company fire with
the employees gathered around the remaining rubble.
Another photo was taken at our ground-breaking ceremony in the
Through all the years and all the milestones of progress
our customers have been loyal and our orders have been steady.
Since the photograph in 2006, the economy has been ugly and business
has been “less than steady”.
Frank and Mike Smith (VP of Operations) have had to make difficult decisions
reducing our workforce to be more in line with our lower order rates.
We know lay-offs never came lightly to Frank.
With the most recent cut-back in November he wore his emotions on his
sleeve as he thanked the people he was about to lay-off for their hard-work
and dedication through the years.
In recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in sales and
are hopeful that we are nearing the end of this bad economy.
As Frank moves to Strattec, we are once again being called to
stretch our wings and shift responsibilities to keep this Company going.
It is our mission to fulfill his vision for our future: to regain
business to a level where we call those other members of our family back
from lay-off. Nothing would make
Frank more proud.
He has taught us so much and we thank him for all he has
done. We will miss seeing him
and his crazy outfits around this place. We have very fond memories of all
times he has toured the plant in various costumes: Elvis Presley, Erkel the
nerd, the great pumpkin, Cupid (tights & all) every Valentines Day, Santa
Clause at Christmas time….the list goes on.
Like many businesses, the path to success at The Custom
Shoppe has not been straight. We
at times have felt like we’re on a roller coaster ride taking many
surprising twists and turns along the way (we even celebrated Frank’s
anniversary with a roller coaster cake once).
So here we go again, taking another turn, this time we’ll have Frank
watching us ride from a distance. While we will miss Frank and wish he
wasn’t leaving, we understand his decision and we can proudly share the
wealth of Frank with another organization.
The people of Strattec will now have the wonderful opportunity to
learn the things that he has taught us.
Frank has never been big on taking credit for our success;
he always turns it around to tell us our success is because of us and the
talent of the people at The Custom Shoppe.
Well, now it’s our turn to tell him that we would not be here today
without him. We could not have
done what we’ve done without his vision and leadership. We publically thank
Frank Krejci for all he has done
for us. He is a man who has
taught us how to celebrate the victories, have fun, and not sweat the small
stuff. Once again, he is
empowering us to move this Company forward and we will!
Thanks for the lessons and the memories Frank!
Your Custom Shoppe Family
