Member Spotlight: Jeff Tomczak, Rocky Mountain Flag & Kite Company

Jeff Tomczak,
Rocky Mountain Flag & Kite Company

Number of years in Business: 32 years total (23 years as a second-generation owner)

Area of Expertise: Business: Flagpole installation

How did you end up in the Flag Industry?  My father started the flag store in 1986.  After leaving the USAF, Department of Defense and local police academy, I decided to take over the family business.  My earliest "patriotic" experience was in 1976 during the Bi-Centennial celebration.  I actually started painting fire hydrants in my neighborhood, red, white and blue (until the fire department stopped me).

Who do you most admire? God - He has performed many miracles in my life and I am grateful.   On earth, people like John Wayne, Chuck Norris and Michelle Malkin - extremely patriotic individuals in my book!

What are your hobbies? Skiing, hiking, rafting, camping, guns and target competition.

What surprises people about you? That my K-9 partner and I worked with the Secret Service to protect the Vice President and Air Force 2.  
 
Favorite Vacation Destination: Sandals Resorts - St. Lucia is our favorite, but we have been to 6 of the resorts in the Caribbean.

Tell us about any honors or awards you have received: United States Air Force: 2 Commendation medals, 2 Achievement medals, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Airman of the Quarter and other unit citations.Top 20 family-owned business (2-time winner) & Top 250 Privately-Owned Business (2-time winner)  (Source: Denver Business Journal)

What is your work philosophy? Work hard, treat everyone fairly, be polite & courteous always, and always be honest.

Do you have a favorite project & why? World Prayer Center / New Life Church in Colorado Springs (54 flagpoles). Our largest flagpole project to date.

Any advice for new NIFDA Members?  Get away from the daily routine- go somewhere new, meet new people and get involved.  Even if you don't attend the convention every year, find time to stay connected.    

What is the best thing about your job? I am proud to take care of the American Flag every day because it represents everything I believe in.   It's an honorable profession and career field.  Every day is something new, that brings new adventures and an opportunity to see Old Glory flying high.