Tucked away in an old elementary school a few miles from Alpena is a family run business which is experiencing nationwide growth and recently saluted by Gov. Rick Snyder as one of the 50 companies in Michigan to watch in 2017.

Northern Promotions LLC is a local company that produces framed, matted and framed prints and components which is distributed around the United States. It is owned by Kevan Rogers who was a veteran sales executive in the decor industry before starting his own business from his garage. As his business grew, so did his customer base, his staff and his facility which produces the products he sells.

Northern Promotions had outgrown its previous location and when an opportunity arose to bid on the former Long Rapids Elementary School presented itself, Rogers jumped at the opportunity to purchase it and transform the classrooms and gym into a production facility for shelf-ready pictures and accessories such as frames, matting and prints. He already has expanded the footprint at the former school to include a separate building which will help increase productivity in order to meet the demand from retailers such as Walmart, Bass Pro Shops and others. Rogers said not only are orders filled for the balance of this year, but next year as well and when looking back he is in awe of how large the business has grown from its humble beginning.

“We can’t take on a new customer right now. I’m already working on 2019 expansion,” he said. “Once that is done then we may be able to add more customers, because we’ll be able to increase productivity.”

Rogers said currently there are 13 employees at the plant and he may be the boss, but it’s his family and employees who are the heart and soul of the company. He said he provides a stable, safe, clean and fair work environment for them and they do all of the hard lifting.

“I may stand in the front of the boat, but they are the ones who row it,” Rogers said. “Every once in a while one may fall overboard, but I haul them out of the water and back into the boat. But this business is all about my family, employees and most importantly the customer.”

Rogers wife Renee, who is an RN, plays a role in the business when she isn’t at work. He said his youngest daughter Allison works at the plant and is leaning the ropes. When Rogers learned the company had received the award from Snyder he said he was proud but felt more pride in presenting it to the employees who were the main reason the company was recognized.

“I brought it back and took a picture of everyone with it,” Rogers said. “This award is about them and the work they do. It isn’t about me, it’s about them.”

As demand for products increases and expansion looms, Rogers said every product will continue to include a “Made in America”sticker on it and be crafted to the highest degree. He said putting out quality products is the backbone of the business and keeps demand for them high.

“It is all about quality and the customer. That is what drives us,” he said. “Without the customer there is no signature at the bottom of the paycheck. They are everything to us and have made everything we have done, and plan to do possible.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.