Jim Brush, Owner
Fifty years ago, Empire began as a one-man operation. James A. Brush wanted the name of his new company to reflect the vision of what he wanted it to become, thus Empire Screen Printing, Inc. was born. Empire is now located on 170 acres in Onalaska, Wisconsin, and employs over 200 employees. Check out our About Us page for more info on Empire's rich history.
John Freismuth, President
John Freismuth is the President of Empire Screen Printing, located in Onalaska, WI. Empire is a leading producer of Screen, Digital and Flexographic printed overlays, decals, POP signage and doming to name a few. Since becoming President in 2009, John has dedicated his time to changing the company's culture and philosophy by implementing Lean Manufacturing. Through innovation and technology, John's main focus is providing the customer with products and services that produce sustainable results and business practices. He strives to improve the process by listening to the needs of the customer, collaborating with business partners, and developing employees through education and training. His goals are to establish print methods that are environmentally friendly and implements a safe and healthy work environment into all aspects of operation. John started his career at Empire while in high school, "from the outside looking in," by mowing the lawns. Over the years, he moved up in ranks, performing odd jobs and maintenance around the plant. John spent several years as Plant Manager on 3rd shift, gaining hands-on experience and working to develop employees in every dimension of Empire's production process. In 2004, John was promoted to VP of Operations, which he held until 2009. His only interruption in his tenure at Empire was four years of military service in the Navy. In more recent years, John has become Green Belt Certified and a TWI Trainer. He is also on the Board of Directors for GPI. In his free time, you can find John teeing off at his favorite Golf course.
Doug , Billings VP of Marketing
Doug has been the VP of Sales & Marketing for Empire since 2004. He was born in Ripon, Wisconsin and has called Wisconsin his home for most of his life. Doug has a background in retail management, grocery, and hard-lines distribution, having worked for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. from 1988 until 1999. He is currently an instructor of Marketing and Supervisory Management at Western Technical College and serves on the Marketing Advisory Committee. Doug also serves on the board of directors for the LaCrosse Children's Museum. Doug's goal is to listen to each customer and find solutions to problems or needs they may have and, in turn, building life-long relationships. He believes in Sam Walton's quote; "There is only one boss, the customer, and he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else."
Lee Vieth, Plant Manager
Lee began his career at Empire in 1991 as the Art Department Coordinator. During that time, he implemented many improvements in computer graphics, digital, and film output, that kept Empire on the leading edge of technology. In 2005, Lee was appointed as Plant Manager and became responsible for all areas of production and personnel. Lee holds an A.A.S. degree in Printing and Publishing from Western Technical College, as well as Rochester Institute of Technology 4-Color Certification/WEB training. During his 35 years in the industry, Lee has gained extensive knowledge about graphic arts, screen printing, offset and flexographic printing, small and large format digital printing, and numerous finishing methods. In 2009, he earned his Green Belt certification, focusing on supplier partnerships.
