Investing in Entrepreneurs and Jobs

Kurt Koloseike is the energetic CEO and President of FlagZone, a flags and banners manufacturing company in Pottstown, PA. Since founding FlagZone in 1999, Koloseike has built a company known for high-quality products and strong customer service.

FlagZone competes with a small number of companies in a $300 million U.S. market for new and replacement flags. While approximately half of the company’s sales are through dealer distribution, FlagZone also supplies government customers.

Koloseike was eager to diversify FlagZone’s product offering and increase sales. In 2005, with help from TRF Private Equity, Koloseike recapitalized the business and bought out his retiring partner. The investment allowed Koloseike and his management team to maintain control of the company while paving the way for growth.

FlagZone also used the investment to buy new equipment. Two new digital printers that extend its product capabilities, opening doors to new markets. It is also helping increase FlagZone’s market share in dealer distribution.

As part of our services, TRF provided resources to train FlagZone’s employees on the new equipment and the new business processes.

In 2006, more than 100 people worked at FlagZone, many of whom were involved in their cut-and-sew operations and came from the lower income areas in Pottstown.

“This was a great opportunity for our employees to enhance their skills,” explains Koloseike. “Many of them have been with us since we began in 1999, and I want them to be part of the growth I foresee for the company.”