History
Venezuela
The Beginning
Little did Gustav Bartole know that this dinner with his small family would change the direction of his life.
He had taken his wife and infant son to a popular restaurant in Caracas Venezuela where they lived. He and his wife Ursel had decided to build their lives in Venezuela after visiting on their honeymoon, infuriating Ursel’s father, back in Germany. Now as he sat, unemployed, and needing some hope.
In the very crowded restaurant, a German friend of Gustav’s cannot find a seat, and asks to join the small family. Gustav was very happy to invite his friend to join them. As they were catching up on old times, the gentleman learns that Gustav is recently unemployed. To Ursel and Gustav’s surprise the mad invites Gustav to come to the Top Flight Golf Venezuelan office to interview for a position in their printing department. Where a new adventure would begin.
Gustav was hired into the label printing department of Top Golf where they very quickly sent him to learn the business in Chicago. Having to learn a third language now, he asked for a bit of time but one month later was in Chicago for several months. A few months after that his quick learning and hard work earned him a promotion in Venezuela over the labeling division.
Flexovenca
A couple years later, a friend of Gustav’s offered to build him a new machine. One that he believed would be better and faster than the printing presses he was currently using. After it was built, Gustav’s manager from Chicago came to town and saw the machine, accusing Gustav of stealing business from Top Golf. He fired Gustav on the spot.
Gustav did the only thing that he could, he was told to take the machine with him and then he started his own business. Flexovenca was born. A business that was quickly promoted by his ex-employer who accused Gustav of stealing the machine to start his own business. The customers knew better based on Gustav’s reputation and their personal dealings with him. It was not long at all before Gustav found himself investing in new machinery and personnel as his young company began to thrive. Before he knew it, the company had twelve Comco Printers, several label counters and some of the most loyal employees anyone could ask for, quickly becoming the largest label provider in Venezuela.
Political Troubles
After successfully running his company for 30 years in Venezuela, Gustav became very concerned with the governmental change that Hugo Chavez introduced in the early 2000’s. An Ongoing socioeconomic and political crisis began to unfold, reminding Gustav and his German friends of similar activities that they grew up around in Germany. Worried for himself and his family, Gustav packed up one Comco Printer (that is still in use today) and moved his family and business to Orlando Florida. He translated the name and opened under Flexolabels Inc.
Graphic Labels
For the past 20 years, Graphic Labels has proudly served local customers as well as companies all over the United States, Latin and South America. Providing a personal feel to an ever-growing population of clients. As the company has continued to grow, Gustav refusing to quit doing what he loves. He and his family are still very active in the business and always looking for the next great adventure.