Dixie Flag and Banner Company
A legacy client of The University of Texas at San Antonio SBDC since 1993, Dixie Flag and Banner Company has experienced exponential growth since Chairman and CEO Henry “Pete” Van de Putte, Jr. first worked with then Business Advisor, Mary Peters, on an SBA loan that would finance expansion into a 13,000 square foot facility. A manufacturer of flags and banners since 1958, the company has evolved into a trusted industry leader and its work can be seen across some of the most esteemed and recognized venues in the U.S.
Dixie Flag’s relationship with the SASBDC would develop over the next two decades, as would its own leadership. Now a third-generation company led by Pete’s daughter, Vanessa Van de Putte, President and COO, multiple Dixie Flag employees have gone beyond advising with current Business Advisor Crystal Darby and engaged in SASBDC’s Building Business Excellence (BBE) course. The seven-week strategic leadership program supports established companies scale up. Dixie Flag has since adopted the Values Based Leadership (VBL) facet of the BBE training. The nationally regarded professional development tool created by HOLT CAT is practiced by prominent organizations including the San Antonio Spurs.
The Outcome
- Dixie Flag and Banner Company has provided flags for the San Antonio Spurs, the Valero Alamo Bowl, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, five U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, and more.
- The company has manufactured flags as large as 150 feet by 300 feet.
- Since the 1950s, the company has grown to employ 38 staff members and over the last 10 years, the company had plateaued at sales between $2.3 million and $2.7 million.
- Today, Dixie Flag and Banner Company has annual sales exceeding $3 million.
“As we have faced challenges over the years, the SBDC has been there providing amazing service to our small business. The SBDC is a San Antonio treasure! Finding the SBDC’s Building Business Excellence program has had a profound effect on Dixie Flag and Banner Company from the ways we make management decisions to the way the newest employee approaches his or her job. We will continue to send employees to this great program.” Henry “Pete” Van de Putte, Jr., Owner
