Success Stories

> Flexo Products (IN)

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Customer References

Flexo Products:

Flexco Products Inc. is situated in a quiet country setting of Elkhart, Indiana, boasting its 400,000 square feet campus with its production housed in six separate plants. The magnitude of Flexco’s facilities and production space speaks for the company’s outstanding growth and development
over the last 32 years since its foundation on 1977.
 
However, you find something unexpected out of this industrial campus as you walk into Flexco’s corporate office. From the receptionist desk to the Chief Executive Officer Thomas Jellison’s office, you will find yourself amazed at not only neat but pleasant and beautiful interior accentuated with ivory pillars, plants, paintings, and lamps- all antagonistic to the slitting and the shearing that happen behind the scene. “If you control and maintain your own environment, in which you feel confident, secure, and productive in, you will always win,” says Jellison as he leans forward with sincere passion in his ideal. Jellison’s office is a whole new experience to a visitor who had just finished making a trip down the hallway from the reception area. A solemn statue of a Native American chief, models of antique cars and planes, a dynamic statue of cowboys on horses, and a funny little cushion with the saying “He with the most toys wins!” all represent Jellison’s proactive and enthusiastic attitude behind the seriousness that he takes with his work.
 
Jellison’s story of growth and development as a successful businessman is not uncommon; it is a story of motivation and drive, positivism and audacity- a story too familiar to the readers yet always inspiring. Prior to founding the Flexco Products Inc. in March of 1977 at an age of 26, Jellison had already owned a company and jumped into a pool of negotiations and productions at an age of 20. Growing up seeing his father at work as a police officer and observing the harshness involved in the profession that even put the family under stress, Jellison was determined to venture out to start his own business and be in control over all aspects of the work in which he would be involved. Independent and experienced with work ever since he was a “youngster,” he loved the challenges he met and learned to overcome them with the help of good teachers and his own strive to perfection. “I have always had good people around me- good sounding boards, the kinds of people that helped me develop all the time,” he recalls. “I also learned that you listen a lot and talk very little, in order to learn a lot.” As he recounts his earlier experiences as a young entrepreneur in his 20’s doing business with much older negotiators, executives, and partners, he shares a story that reflects his optimistic, fun-loving attitude behind strong professionalism. “At the first company, I told my 50-years-old partner, ‘Why don’t you keep 49% of the company and I’ll take 51% of the company, and you can be gone 12 months out of the year and I’ll just send you checks!’” He gives a big laughter at his own bold idea, and amidst the enjoyable conversation with him one can’t help but feel respect for his dedication.
 
With such dedication, Jellison has led Flexco Products Inc. for over 30 years, and his company has experienced a substantial growth to become one of the largest metal fabrication manufacturers in Indiana’s competitive metal fab industry. Recognizing the importance of proper investments in latest equipment and machinery to ensure the best quality in production, Flexco took a step forward and looked into laser based equipments in recent years. In 2007, Flexco was finally introduced to Hankwang’s laser technology. “Hankwang’s product is outstanding- it’s the best perceived value on market,” says Jellison. “It develops new technology all the time, and I like that innovative and proactive attitude it carries as it enters the market with its new products.” Business is more than just making profits in Jellison’s perspective; it is a process of developing new ideas for better results, making accomplishments, overcoming challenges, and building memories and relationships that make everything worth the effort. It is these ideals that have fueled Flexco’s engine, which Jellison also values in his partner companies. “Developing relationships with the people you work with that you also trust- that is another part of doing business that I enjoy the most.” He shares enjoyable moments he has had with the people at Hankwang, emphasizing the sincerity of relationship that reaches beyond the business sense. As he talks about his business partners with great fondness, he says, “And they will probably get another laser out of me,” foreshadowing Flexco’s purchase of the third laser cutting machine from Hankwang in the near future.
 
Jellison’s enjoyable disposition is perhaps his most valuable asset that makes him who he is today. His persistent energy has accompanied him throughout his career, enabling him to experience as much as he could and share his knowledge with young business leaders of tomorrow. Acknowledging today’s economic situation to be one of the toughest, he takes joy in teaching young people how to react in the present business climate. During this time of economic struggle, Jellison seems fearless and more determined than ever. “To be honest, I am having quite a bit of fun in these times because everything, including negotiation, is much harder,” he says. “In the long haul, our company will be extremely strong and progressive.” Both Flexco and Hankwang stand strong against the blow of bad economy, never letting go of the commitment to quality and development of their products. With shared ideals and responsible actions that represent them, both companies will continue to grow together in a reliable partnership.