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.
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.
GENERAL COUNSEL/Permit Supervisor:
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.
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.
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.
SENIOR SALES REP/MARKETING:
CHEYNEY BARRIEAU
A former fashion model, current professional photographer, and social media expert, Cheyney perfectly balances ARTfx’ front line. A flair for contemporary marketing coupled with years in corporate and retail sales support her connection with a new generation of clientele.
Project Management:
Gregg Reed
With master degrees in computer engineering and business administration, Gregg spent years in New York City analyzing statistics for advertisers. After returning home to Connecticut, he joined ARTfx to oversee key accounts. Gregg also studied art and enjoys painting on weekends.
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.
Estimating:
Michael Savio
A disciplined numbers guy, Mike arrived at ARTfx having skills in project management, material purchasing and architectural estimating. Beyond preparing quotations, Mike assists with project coordination. In his spare time, he plays drums in a band and he works out daily beginning at 2:30 AM!
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.
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.
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.
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 / 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:
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.
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:
Sean Rasmussen
With 30 years in the sign business, Sean’s trade experience can best be described as diverse. After graduating from technical school in 1987, he first worked as a general fabricator and installer. As his career progressed, Sean learned the art of neon glass-bending which he performs at ARTfx in addition to sign and awning production.
Fabrication / Assembly:
Lashauna Tate
After 15 years in the pharmaceutical field, Lashauna (Shauna) switched careers to take on metal fabrication. She joined the “Women Can Weld,” an apprenticeship program designed for women looking for opportunities in construction trades. Soon after she excelled in a college premanufacturing training curriculum and graduated with honors. Prior to her fabrication position at ARTfx, LaShauna worked as a technician and supervisor in the boat building industry.
Fabrication / Assembly:
Satyanand (Tooch) Sukhraj
Tooch brings traditional, time-honored expertise to the ARTfx shop. He grew up learning welding and metal construction from his father, a lifelong ironworker. To broaden and further hone his skills before entering the working world, Tooch studied automotive repair, metal fabrication, and paint refinishing in technical trade school.
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.”
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.
Service / Installation:
Jaime Molina
Jaime arrived in America from Ecuador with a degree in systems engineering. Initially, he spent five years as a carpenter specializing in home construction. However, his aptitude for mechanical functions earned Jaime a position at ARTfx conducting meticulous field surveys and installations.
Service / Installation:
Sergio Aristega
For many years Sergio was involved with multiple aspects of construction. From foundations to framing, he did it all… in both Ecuador and his new homeland of America. A strong work ethic and multiple building skills makes Sergio a perfect fit for ARTfx’ installation and service team.
Facilities/Service:
Benjamin Rios
Prior to joining the ARTfx team, Benjamin, or “Benji” as he is affectionately known, traveled extensively while mastering careers in computer repair, machinery operation, security system installation and cell tower climbing! Suffice it to say, Benji brings a multitude of valuable skills to our trade.
Team Mascot:
Bear
This German Shepard has informally gained the title of “Corporate Mascot.” He grew up from a puppy, and continues to grow into adult dog-hood, spending most of his formative days in the ARTfx offices. Besides an occasional inadvertent pile or pool on the office floors, Bear hasn’t produced much creative work yet, but he has effectively relieved most ARTfx staff members of their excess food scraps.
Photos by Todd Gorman