OUR PEOPLE
PRESIDENT:
LAWRIN ROSEN
An industry innovator in architectural sign design, technical illumination and specialty finishes, Lawrin’s lifelong love affair with creative sign manufacturing has propelled ARTfx’ reputation to worldwide recognition.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER:
Melissa Boehm
Beginning over twenty years ago as Assistant to the President, Melissa mastered multiple fronts of ARTfx’ manufacturing and computer technology. Her management of all daily operations is indispensable.
VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL COUNSEL:
SHADDY KESSING
From a career in a fast-paced, nationally recognized, New York City law firm, Shaddy shifted careers to join his cousin, Lawrin, playing a leading role in a fast-paced, internationally recognized creative enterprise.
GENERAL MANAGER:
ISTVAN DECSY
A student of sign industry masters, Istvan is a vital link from old to new. His depth of knowledge is daunting – from masonry through metal fabrication to expert finishing and technical engineering, he does it all and with incomparable precision.
DESIGN MANAGER:
PAULA HANSEN
Starting as our screen printer, Paula honed a slew of technical skills including drafting, digital design and engineering, eventually taking charge of the design department. She is also a valued advisor to the president.
ART DIRECTOR:
Paul D’LUBAC
With a creative marketing background spanning 28 years in corporate America, Paul infuses a brilliant marketing sensibility into our design department.
SENIOR SALES REP/MARKETING:
CHEYNEY BARRIEAU
Former fashion model, current professional photographer, notable food influencer and social media marketing guru, Cheyney dynamically bolsters ARTfx’ front line with contemporary sophistication and savvy.
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER:
TODD DERY
With years of practical experience in architectural rendering and graphic design, Todd brings a superb skill set to the ARTfx front line. Clients depend on him for expert oversight and impeccable organization.
CHIEF ESTIMATOR:
BRIAN D’Annolfo
A veteran of several related construction trades such as glass installation, metal wall construction, architectural restoration and commercial masonry, Brian brings a broad breadth of experience to ARTfx’ quotations.
PROJECT MANAGER:
STEVEN RAVIS
A true building trade professional, Steven owned an interior construction business for 35 years before bringing his expertise to the ARTfx front line. Beyond his project oversight, Steven also assists with permitting.
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT:
TRACI SHEINTOP
After many years coordinating a family business, administration comes naturally to Traci. In addition, a master’s degree in counseling is often a valued asset when assisting the company’s top executive.
Permit Supervisor:
Lynda Laureano
ARTfx welcomed Lynda from the “other side of the table.” Previously, she served as a Hartford, Connecticut, zoning official. Skilled in regulatory research and interpretation, she understands firsthand state and municipal approval procedures.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & IT DIRECTOR:
Paul DeCrisantis
With a background in sales, engineering and computer technology, Paul develops ARTfx’ business programs to increase operational efficiency. Additionally, he is well known throughout our region’s business community and has served as the president of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Fine Artist / Muralist:
Michael Ulrich
Mike, an art school graduate, began his career as a billboard painter in New York City. In 1986, he opened Big Picture Studio, a large format printing company he ran for 30 years. At ARTfx, Mike oversees faux finishing and mural painting.
Master Mechanic / Woodwork:
Todd Gorman
Twenty years with ARTfx and another 15 in the display business translate to incalculable experience. Beyond his legendary woodworking capabilities, Todd is an accomplished sculptor, leathercrafter, painter, illustrator, photographer and all-around “Renaissance Man”.
Master Mechanic / Fabrication – Neon:
Heather Abiera
A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in glass blowing and sculpture, Heather began her ARTfx career as a neon tube bender. 15 years later, she leads our fabrication department, managing nearly every critical aspect of the company’s most complex projects.
Master Mechanic / Fabrication – Installation:
Jim StGermaine
A 30-year veteran in the sign business, Jim has spent much of his time as an installer. Now, as a chief fabricator in the ARTfx shop, he focuses on the details of sign construction which facilitate ease of installation and service.
Master Mechanic / Engineering – Fabrication:
Mike Bastis
“I bring renderings to reality.” It’s a humble claim for a multi-skilled veteran of the trade. Starting in 1976 as a helper in his father’s sign shop, Mike heads ARTfx’ engineering and CNC machining. He also “pinch-hits” for every position in the shop.
Master Mechanic / Welding:
Tim DeGreenia
A veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees and a certified welder for over 30 years,
Tim applies his expertise to everything from underground steam lines to hundred foot pylon signs. When structural safety is a critical factor, ARTfx depends on
experts like Tim.
Master Mechanic / Heavy Equipment:
Brandon Savoie
There’s not much in the way of backhoes, skidsters, dump trucks or snow plows that Brandon hasn’t commandeered. At ARTfx, he gets to the bottom of things while managing our excavations, and stays on top of matters hoisting our signs sky high.
Master Mechanic / Installation:
Carlos Tapia
He started on the top… hanging billboards for the outdoor advertising trade. At ARTfx, Carlos controls many of the more involved ARTfx installations, making certain the end result matches the plan.
Graphics Department Manager:
Sara Lock
Whether printed, stenciled or lettered with vinyl, the majority of ARTfx’ work passes through Sara’s hands before it leaves the facility. Additionally, she oversees all of our mural installations, window graphics and vehicle wrap applications.
Accounting:
Donna Vumback
She started her bookkeeping career behind a hand-written ledger, penning in accounting entries and typing invoices on an IBM Selectric. In other words, Donna has balanced books a bit. At ARTfx, her experience is invaluable.
Fabrication / Electronics:
Corey Perrault
A self-described “Navy Brat,” Corey grew up in three countries and 13 states. With a tinkerer’s knack for fixing things and the personal motto, “If there’s a wall, I’ll scale it,” Corey manages our servicing and oversight of electronic signs.
Road Crew Specialist:
Ben Rice
If a worker in an ARTfx uniform shows up at your business wearing a perpetual smile, there’s a good chance it’s Ben. He’s a guy that maintains his cool and a positive attitude through the most difficult assignments.
Painting Technician:
Irv Suprenaut
Despite 45 years of experience in the spray-painting and powder-coating trades, Irv states with modest reflection, “Whether I’ve been doing this for a long time or not, I want to learn something new every day.”
Painting Technician:
John McGovern
Accuracy… it’s the critical component of spray painting. Is the color correct? Is the surface dust free? How about the sheen level? As the Northeast U.S. Dart Champion, John aims for perfection in his painting. It’s just like throwing a bull’s eye.
Plant Supervisor / Installation:
Alex Pytel
A trade license is required for sign installation and service. In Connecticut, it is mandated by the Department of Consumer Protection. Although he has switched roles from road crew to facilities, Alex has proudly held a sign license for 15 years.
Fabrication / Letters – Glass:
Mike DelGiudice
Known as the “The Glassman,” Mike‘s career began many years back as a glazier in his father’s glass shop. Now, a long-term ARTfx veteran, he fabricates illuminated letters and oversees any projects involving glass.
Fabrication / Assembly:
Merle Smith
From years on the ARTfx road crew to the ARTfx shop, Merle expanded his lengthy skill repertoire to include welding and sheet metal fabrication. In his spare time, he relaxes fixing small engines of all kinds.
Installation:
Vinnie Socasi
There’s a lot about Vinnie that is arresting. Before he worked on the ARTfx installation crew, he was a traffic cop in Ecuador. Although he’s traded his ticket book for an electric drill, he still directs traffic in the field.
Photos by Todd Gorman