Gettysburg Flag Works 

 

The brightly decorated shop that is home to Gettysburg Flag Works on Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush is a storefront fixture in southern Rensselaer County. Local customers know they can depend on Gettysburg’s large inventory of flags and accessories, as well as the company’s knowledgeable sales staff and customer service department.

 

But Gettysburg Flag Works is much more than a local shop. Thanks to outstanding customer service and a savvy internet presence, this small business sells its products nationally and internationally, including in all 50 U.S. states and in more than 15 countries worldwide.

 

Begun as a home-based business in 1993, Gettysburg founder Mike Cronin was looking for a career change. An experienced professional engineer, Mr. Cronin was searching for a hands-on sales business that would keep him in touch with the public. As his flag company grew, Mr. Cronin found new outlets for his valuable engineering expertise.

 

“Our service includes customized poles, brackets and accessories that are designed to meet the individual challenges of some of our clients,” said Mr. Cronin. “In that respect my engineering background comes into play. It’s part of our customer service and one aspect that sets us apart from the many other places where people can buy flags and accessories.”

Specializing in flags of all kinds, custom banners, poles, brackets and hardware, Gettysburg carries a large supply of in-stock merchandise, including such items as 35-foot flag poles and the flags of major U.S. cities. The company provides full installation and maintenance services, and has several local contracts with colleges, shopping malls and businesses. Some of the regions most recognized flags and poles are installed and maintained by Gettysburg.

 

The company also produces customized “imprintables” on tee shirts, mugs, keyrings, aprons, bibs, dog collars--virtually anything. With a graphic artist on staff, original designs can be created for customers as well.

 

Whether it’s assisting a walk-in customer, or shipping a custom order to the Middle East, the staff at Gettysburg is focused on service. The company’s worldwide clientele is largely due to an extremely effective website and search engine strategy.

 

The result of informed research and investigation, Mr. Cronin’s internet strategy and accompanying web sales account for a majority of the company’s total sales, a figure that rises each year. Overall, the business that began in his home, and is celebrated its 15^th anniversary in 2008, has achieved steady growth ever since its founding.

 

“The Rensselaer County community has always been very supportive, giving us a foundation we’ve been able to build on successfully,” said Mr. Cronin. “In addition, we have a very creative and dedicated staff who are passionate about customer service and satisfaction. With these combined elements, we’re worldwide and growing.”