<b>Owner(s): </b>
Albert E. Ulmer Jr. and Joanne G. Ulmer
<b>Short bio: </b>
Albert is a former Fairfax County Fire Fighter. He and his wife Joanne live in Springfield.
<b>Why did you choose this particular business? </b>
Albert was a full time Fairfax County Fire Fighter and needed a second job when his daughter was born. He joined National Capital Flag as a part time employee installing flag poles.
Joanne joined National Capital Flag in late 2003 to assist in the company’s growth.
<b>Why did you choose to work for yourself rather than as an employee for someone else? </b>
The previous owner of National Capital Flag, Claude Haynes offered me a full time job with the prospect of a permanent future with NCF. I always wanted to own my own business and when the opportunity came I took it. I learned the business from the ground up and after 26 years I own National Capital Flag.
<b>What have you learned from being in business? </b>
Everyone assumes that I am the boss, but each of our customers is my boss and I answer to them. We treat our customers from ambassadors to engineers the same way. They deserve respect and courtesy at all times. Business is ever-changing and we must adapt to those changes or we will fail.
<b>Share an anecdote of a challenging or humorous experience or biggest surprise learned from working your business: </b>
National Capital Flag was one of the few companies on the East Coast which was able to respond to the unprecedented demand for United States Flags after Sept. 11. Our staff worked 6 days a week, 12 hours a day to respond to the demands. Most of those customers have come back to National Capital Flag to replace their flags since then.
President Bush came to visit us and give a press conference in January 2003. A private round-table discussion took place on the impact his proposed tax incentive would have for small business. It was most exciting for employees to be able to meet the president. The nationwide coverage of the press conference was amazing.
Most recently, Tony Perkins from Channel 4 Fox news spent June 14, 2006 with us making a flag. The 14th was Flag Day and we were able to educate the public about the proper display of the U.S. Flag.
<b>What have been the advantages and/or disadvantages of operating a business in Alexandria? </b>
We are very close to our customers who are all branches of the Federal Government and the U.S. Military.
<b>Key staff: </b>
Albert E. Ulmer
Joanne G. Ulmer
Cora Wilson – Sewing Supervisor
Touch Ell – Sewing Supervisor
Sotha Lam – Sewing Supervisor
Steve Stanton – Flagpole Installation & Services Supervisor
<b>Short bio: </b>
Cora Wilson has been with NCF for 31 years
Touch Ell has been with NCF for 23 years
Sotha Lam has been with NCF for 24 years
Steve Stanton has been with NCF for 18 years
<b>Description of services and/or products: </b>
NCF has one of the largest stocks of U.S., state and international flags in the country. U.S. flags are available from miniature 4x6" desktop models to 30'x50'. In addition, United Nations flags are kept in stock for our international and local customers.
NCF manufactures on its premises, custom embroidered and appliqué flags and banners for U.S. Government Agencies, all branches of the U.S. Military, commercial customers and private use. We are an approved manufacturer for the Department of Heraldry. Military flags and guidons are made to the Department of Heraldry specifications. Custom silk screen flags and banner services for convention, exhibit and trade shows are also available. NFC also carries a complete line of flagpoles and flagpole accessories for parade use.
NCF carries installs and repairs flagpoles for commercial and residential customers. Custom flag pole fabrication and installation is also available.
Indoor flag and flagpole accessories and ornaments for all occasions are also available which will meet the display specifications for U.S. Government, organization, military honour guard and private use. NCF rents both flags and flag poles for indoor use for organizational needs.
<b>Professional affiliations/associations: </b>
Eisenhower Partnership
National Manufactures Association