Oftentimes we are asked if we make flags at our location in Westminster, CO. The short answer is no. The longer answer is, we are a flag dealer, we are like a car dealership. No manufacturing is done here, but from our suppliers. Unlike a car dealership who typically only sells one brand, we sell them all. There are five FMAA certified flag manufacturers in the US that we purchase American flags from. Then there are several factories that make custom products. These manufactures do not sell flags to the end user, they rely on flag dealers, like Custom Flag Company, to market, educate and cultivate sales.
Meet our manufacturer, J.C. Schultz Enterprises / FlagSource. Our first of four manufacturers.
FlagSource manufactures American flags, state flags, military flags, and custom flags. We have had a long standing relationship with FlagSource. When Kim bought Custom Flag Company in 1998 she immediately started purchasing flags from them, primarily Colorado flags.
J.C. Schultz Enterprises / FlagSource History
Founded on June 14, 1920 by John C. Shultz and his wife Lillian in their Chicago home. They started manufacturing regalia for clubs and fraternities. A couple years later he realized his customers had so many flags, so why not add that to his profile. Custom flags were made through the applique process, being the only way custom flags could be made. Lillian was sewing the custom flags. They later added state & US flags to their product line.
In 1932 John passed unexpectedly. However, Lillian kept the business going. She ran it for the next 18 months until her son-in-law, Walter T. Christiansen and daughter, Dorothy Christiansen joined and officially named the company J.C. Schultz Enterprises.
In 1951 J.C Schultz expanded their business and made a move into a small storefront on Madison Street in Chicago. They were now selling to the public and fraternal clubs. They expanded their business by adding flagpoles and a service team.
Watler’s sons joined the business in the 1960’s, John worked sales and marketing while Bill managed operations. In 1975 Janice, John’s wife, was asked to join J.C. Schultz to help with sales.
FlagSource Becomes a Manufacturer
1975 brought unprecedented demands for flags. John told his vendors “Either you get me enough flags, or I will start manufacturing flags myself!”. One year later, J.C. Shultz became a full line manufacturer of US, state, international, and custom flags. Needing more space, they made the move out of the city and into Northlake, IL.
In 1979 J.C. Shultz entered the promotional products industry and created the brand name FlagSource.
When John suddenly passed in 1985, Watler took on the leadership role until his passing in 1987. Bill Christiansen stepped in to run the business until 1989 when he left to pursue a different calling. Dorothy needed help and called on her daughter-in-law Janice Christiansen, who took the role fearlessly.
Modern Day J.C. Shultz
In 1990 Janice was named President. During this transition period the next generation joined the business. In 1985, Jon Christiansen joined and worked his way up to manage production. Spencer then joined in 1989 and worked his way up to managing sales.
In 2005 J.C. Shultz Enterprises moved into their own building at 951 Swanson Drive in Batavia, IL where they still reside today.
In June of 2021, Spencer’s wife Jennifer Christiansen joined the business as Director of Sales and Marketing. This allowed Spencer to move into the President role. In 2023 Janice Christiansen lost her battle to Glioblastoma, and has left a legacy to her family.
J.C Shultz Enterprises / FlagSource is truly a family business. The personal relationships they have with their flag dealers like us, keeps us coming back. And the quality of their products of course.
Over the last couple of years, FlagSource has expanded their US flag manufacturing and custom flag printing by upgrading equipment and processes. They are a very reliable American Made Flag Manufacturer.
