Category Archives: PEC News

The Pella Engraving Co. ownership team of Cory Vande Kieft, Bruce Van Wyk, Jeff Vroom, and Jarid Purvis welcomes Tim Sadler (center). PEC recently agreed to acquire Sadler Sign & Design.

Two companies with long legacies in Pella have announced they are joining forces. Pella Engraving Company—which creates plaques and corporate awards and provides laser engraving and die-making—has acquired Sadler Sign & Design, a one-stop-shop for signage design, printing, and installation.

The types of signage provided by Sadler Sign & Design will continue to be offered as a division of Pella Engraving Company. Previous owner Tim Sadler remains on to lead client services and signage design. Sadler Sign & Design operations will relocate to the upper level of the Pella Engraving building at 1811 Washington Street later this summer. For now, it’s business as usual for Sadler Sign & Design from its current 16^th Street location.

“This arrangement is a good fit for both of us, and we’re excited,” said PEC Co-Owner Jeff Vroom. “Tim is an expert at creating signage solutions that are upscale yet cost-effective. We admire his craftsmanship and are excited to have him on board, helping PEC reach new customers.”

Sadler agreed. “As two providers of graphic communications in Pella, our paths have crossed over the years. I’ve always respected the work PEC does. Our two niches complement each other, and I am looking forward to working with this team.”

Not only have their paths crossed, the businesses have already partnered on a few projects to create ideal solutions for their customers. PEC’s equipment and technology, such as its world-class paint booth, will make new signage options available to the Sadler Sign & Design customer base.

The combined years of experience the two companies have creating signs, plaques and graphics in general is as impressive as their intertwined history is intriguing.

Pella Engraving Company was founded by Ed Dupree and Duco Zylstra in 1934. Originally a manufacturer of plates for printing presses, the current ownership group of Vroom, Bruce Van Wyk, Cory Vande Kieft, and Jarid Purvis has successfully diversified the company, building it into a leading provider of engraving services, serial/asset tags, and plaques and awards.

Sadler founded his company in 1979 but traces his graphic roots in Pella back 114 years, to when his great-grandfather established Sadler Brothers Publishing. At one time, Pella Engraving Company operated out of the lower level of the original Pella Chronicle building, which was owned by Sadler’s great-uncle, Hoge. From 1952–1954, Vroom’s father, John, worked for Hoge Sadler at the Pella Chronicle. John Vroom bought into the PEC ownership group in 1957.

More specific information on Sadler Sign & Design’s relocation timetable will be shared when it’s available. In the meantime, Tim can be reached at tim@pellaengraving.com.

The PEC customer service team, from left to right: Patty MacRunnel, Alyssa Zickel, Samantha Wallace, and Janeen Eastwood.

“We make it right.” At Pella Engraving, those words aren’t just a slogan; they’re a core value of the work we do every day.

A key part of “making it right” is interacting with customers, getting to know them so we can tailor each project to meet their exact need—whether it’s a custom plaque or award, nameplates or ID tags, a donor wall, or something completely outside the box! . Leading the charge toward customer satisfaction at PEC are the four members of our customer service team. Without their hard work, the rest of what we do wouldn’t be possible.

That’s why we’d like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on them—and give you a chance to get to know each one a little better.

Janeen Eastwood, customer service representative

Janeen has been a member of the PEC customer service team for over 15 years. Her main duties involve interacting with customers and helping them choose the best product and specs for their project needs.

Outside work, Janeen enjoys crafting and hanging out with her family—especially her grandkids. In May, she will move to Johnston, Iowa, with her husband. Janeen is sad to leave her PEC family behind, but she has been training new rep Samantha Wallace to replace her and knows she is leaving her position in good hands.

Patty MacRunnel, customer service representative

Patty has been part of the customer service team for over 14 years. On a typical day, she can be found answering the phone, handling supply purchases and inventory, assisting with outgoing mail, running credit card payments for completed orders, and much more.

Her favorite thing about working at Pella Engraving Company is her co-workers. Outside the office, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, walking, and spending time with her grandson.

Samantha Wallace, customer service representative

Sam is the newest member of the customer service team. She has spent the past couple of weeks learning from Janeen how to prepare customer service quotes and job orders. She also lends a hand in shipping by prepping finished orders for transport.

So far, Sam’s favorite thing about working for Pella Engraving is the friendly atmosphere. Away from work, she enjoys sewing and spending time with her husband and four-year-old daughter, Anna.

Alyssa Zickel, bookkeeper

Alyssa joined the customer service team in March 2017. She is a 2014 graduate of Knoxville High School and completed her two-year General Science degree in July 2017.

In addition to keeping the books for PEC, Alyssa crunches numbers for Sharp Farms, which is owned and operated by her family. She enjoys hunting, the outdoors, and caring for the beef cattle on the farm, as well as spending time with her fiancé, Jake, and her Australian shepherd, Lady.

Janeen, Patty, Sam, and Alyssa—thank you so much for the work you do!

Enjoying New Digs

Over a year ago, the Pella Engraving leadership team decided it was time for a change in the front office area. “It had been a gift shop for over 20 years,” explained Co-Owner Jeff Vroom. “But the other parts of our business—plaque, award, sign, and tag making—were really growing. We needed a place to better serve and meet with these customers.”

So the team got to work. The carpet and office furniture were replaced, and one of the walls was redone. The project took about four months, but the result was bright, professional, and friendly space the customer service team is proud to work in.