OUR PEOPLE
VP / ACCOUNTING & HR:
Jill Clifford
After graduating from Northeastern University, Jill worked as a senior paralegal in metro Boston. At ARTfx, she oversees accounting, human resources, and office administration… a perfect combination for her naturally friendly nature. Aside from work, Jill spent two decades in classical ballet, performing throughout New England.
VP SALES / 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 an up and coming generation of clientele.
Chief Estimator / Major Projects:
Mike 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!
Executive Director:
TRACI SHEINTOP
After many years coordinating a family business, administration comes naturally to Traci, a seven-year ARtfx veteran. In addition, a master’s degree in counseling is often a valued asset when organizing projects for the company’s top executive.
Business Development:
Rob DeSalle
Rob describes himself as, “An extractor of simple strategies from complex ideas.” A second-generation sign pro with over 30 years experience, he has directed numerous trade show programs, e-commerce websites, and software development in the USA and abroad. At ARTfx, Rob brings a global perspective to business development. He is also an ace photographer and fly fisherman.
Senior Project Manager:
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.
Operations Director:
E.J. Rosen
Emily-Jane, aka E.J., daughter of Lawrin Rosen, holds a design degree from Bennington College and a master’s degree in architectural theory from UC Berkley. Before joining ARTfx, E.J. founded her own home organizing & space planning firm, Space Doctors NYC. She is also a certified Alexander Technique teacher. In her spare time, she avidly journals.
Assistant Project Manager:
Nia Martin
Happiest when assisting clients and coworkers, Nia is an engaging “people person.” Parlaying her bachelor’s degree in criminology and pre-law, and master’s degree in public administration, she aspires to pursue a law career. However, we hope Nia will obtain her doctorate at ARTfx, earning straight ‘A’s’ on important projects. Even after working 65-hour work weeks, she makes time for modeling and exercising.
Project Manager and Design:
Dan DeSalle
A lifetime veteran of the industry, Dan grew up in his father’s sign business where he specialized in many facets of the trade. Beyond managing some of ARTfx’ more challenging projects, Dan specializes in neon. Additionally, he has an extensive design background. In his spare time, Dan enjoys working on home and construction projects.
National Project & Permit Manager:
Matt Haskell
Permitting, like competitive sports, requires persistence. Before joining ARTfx, Matt managed sports facilities at Manhattan College, Boston College, Yale University, and UConn. While earning a BS in sports management and a MS in organizational leadership, Matt played baseball as a catcher, pitcher, and first baseman.
Inside Sales, Project Management
Michaela Othmani
A Louisiana native, Michaela moved to Connecticut via Mississippi, where she coordinated sales and production at a boutique sign company. With a BFA in sculpture and drawing, Michaela describes herself as “A creative-minded person who loves working with people to bring their visions to reality.” Custom fabrication and sign work have furthered her personal artistic exploration. Outside of the ARTfx shop, Michaela enjoys painting, sewing, and roller derby.
Graphics / Project 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.
Graphics Specialist:
William Arcari
With over 15-years as a graphic tech in the sign industry, Will leans on critical experience and creative thinking to prepare and install printed and cut vinyl appliques. His passion for the craft earns him an honorable reputation as a problem-solving strategist for ARTfx.
Lead Painter:
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.”
Paint Technician:
Joshua Krapf
Joshua graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in marketing and finance. In a shift of interest, he switched paths to pursue a career in spray painting and specialty finishing. That move led him to ARTfx where he now serves as an expert painting technician. Outside of work, Josh is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys fishing.
Master Mechanic / Fabrication – Engineering:
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 Journeyman:
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:
Jim St. Germain
Having 33 years of experience in both building and installing signs, Jim is a rare commodity. With knowledge of the trade from beginning to end, he comments, “Having been with several sign companies over the years, there is no doubt in my mind that ARTfx has the most talented personnel and innovative designs of all.” When not at work, Jim is a big dog fan, and he loves fishing, boating, and bicycling.
Lead Fabricator / 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 / Detailing:
Jesse (JJ) Tomlin
With degrees in art and graphic design, Jesse (AKA JJ) augments the artistic arm of our fabrication department. An expert in illustration and airbrushing, Jesse spent years plying his skills as an independent contractor before joining ARTfx.
Fabrication / Assembly:
Lashauna Tate
After years in the pharmaceutical field, Lashauna (Shauna) switched career paths to join “Women Can Weld,” an apprenticeship program offering opportunities in construction trades. Prior to her fabrication position at ARTfx, LaShauna worked as a supervisory technician in the boat building industry.
Road Crew Manager:
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.
Installation Foreman:
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.
Installation Foreman:
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.
Installation Foreman:
Franklyn Espinoza
Calling Franklyn “handy” is an understatement. Not only can he build a house from the ground up, but he can take apart and reassemble a vehicle without consultation. If you see Franklyn working on a mechanical problem, most likely he has a solution. After hours, Franklyn enjoys doing what he does at work – fixing things.
Service / Installation:
Jerry Castillo
With a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry brings extensive experience to the ARTfx service and installation team. Prior to joining our road crew, he worked as a professional mechanic and bus driver. When not at ARTfx, Jerry enjoys playing and watching soccer.
Facilities Manager:
Keith Marshall
After receiving an associate’s degree of applied science in horticulture, Keith cashed in the study of leaves for a bachelor‘s degree in accounting. It all comes in handy at ARTfx, where he assists with the property along with purchasing. After work, Keith uses his carpentry skills to fix up and sell houses.
Archivist:
Ryan Murray
Coming home to Connecticut after earning a master’s degree in history in Dublin, Ireland, Ryan worked in the archival department at an art museum. He quickly developed a keen aptitude for cataloguing, translating, and researching subject matter. At ARTfx, he stays busy organizing 42 years of hand-written and computer files. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, running, and reading.
Photos by Todd Gorman / Rob DeSalle