John Bruellman, President and CEO of Sign-Zone, LLC, began his leadership journey by receiving his B.S. in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point. John honed his leadership skills through several advancements within the U.S. Army, serving as an Armor Officer. Following his service in the Army, John received his M.B.A. from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and began his business career. This has included progressive leadership roles with Nordic Track, Honeywell, Ceridian Corporation and now Sign-Zone. His business career includes experience in marketing, manufacturing, process improvement, business strategy, international management, mergers & acquisitions, supply chain processes and general management. Read More

John joined Showdown Displays, a division of Sign-Zone, in 2006 as President. He was promoted to President and CEO of Sign-Zone in 2011. Under his leadership the company has received many awards, to include placement eight times on the Inc. 5000 list and two-time recognition as “Manufacturer of the Year” in Minnesota. In 2014 John was chosen as “Executive of the Year” by Minnesota Business Magazine. He is most proud that Sign-Zone has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by a number of different publications.

John holds many community leadership roles as well. He is active in Common Hope, Junior Achievement, the University of Minnesota Veterans’ Initiative, and many others. John treasures his time with his family, much of which is spent at soccer fields and hockey rinks! But his favorite family time is spent at the place he most loves… his cabin in the Minnesota north woods.

Patrick (Pat) Matthews has been with Sign-Zone since October, 2010. As Vice President of Product Management, Pat created Operation Innovation, a think-tank for developing new product ideas. The think-tank is made up of employees who volunteer to share their ideas and creativity. As a result of Operation Innovation, his Product Management team averages eighty new products a year for Sign-Zone. Prior to Sign-Zone, Pat spent sixteen years with Polaris Industries managing Accessory & Apparel Product Development and Corporate Licensing. Pat received his Business degree from the University of Minnesota. He is married, has three children and enjoys spending weekends with his family on Minnesota lakes.

Phil Carlson is Vice President of Operations for Sign-Zone, LLC He holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Bethel University and is a Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt. Phil has over 20 years of leadership experience in various operational areas including purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation. This experience has taken Phil all over the world to set up supply chains and build teams of people in support of his ultimate goal of delighting the customer with the product and service they receive.

Phil joined Sign-Zone, LLC in 2015 as the Director of Production and in his current position provides executive leadership in Purchasing, Production, Distribution, Transportation, Graphics, and Maintenance. Read More
Phil’s focus every day is providing a legendary experience to our customers through the quick-turn fulfillment of quality products while building teams and processes to support a growing business.

When not working, Phil enjoys spending time with his wife and son. His family loves to travel and have visited 36 states to date on their quest to see all 50 states. Phil also enjoys getting outside and enjoying all Minnesota has to offer year-round whether that be camping, downhill skiing, or golfing with family and friends.

Sign-Zone’s Vice President of Human Resources, Janet Bearmon, received her M.A. in Industrial Resources from the University of Minnesota. Working initially as an HR generalist, Janet assumed a series of more challenging HR positions in the insurance, high-tech and telecommunication businesses. Her move to Sign-Zone, in 2012, introduced her to the manufacturing industry.

Janet joined Sign-Zone as the company’s first Human Resources leader. In 2014, she assumed the role of Director of HR and, in 2016, Vice President of HR.

Janet’s expertise encompasses a broad knowledge in benefits, compensation, recruiting, training, and talent Read More
management. Recognizing her contribution to making Sign-Zone’s Human Resources Department first class, Janet received the Emerging Leader Award from Minnesota Business Magazine in 2015. Her speaking engagements include Manufacturer’s Alliance and Gears ‘n Gadgets.

Janet lives in Hopkins with her husband, Dave, and their four children. She supports a little girl in Guatemala through Common Hope and is active in several Twin Cities HR groups. She enjoys playing piano and practicing qigong.

Vítek Zajicek is President of Jansen Display Group, Ltd. He has been with Jansen for more than 20 years, having been there when the company was founded. He started with Jansen as a sales assistant, and his responsibilities have been growing ever since. His past duties include sales, operations, human resources and branch management. He is passionate about producing high-quality products for the display industry.

Vit earned his degree from Charles University in Prague. An avid world traveler, he is well-versed in many cultures and languages. He has spent time living in Poland, Hungary, and even briefly in Shanghai. Read More

An accomplished athlete, Vit has competed on the national stage in Rugby for the Czech Republic, and he also plays soccer and golf. He coaches soccer, encouraging “the littlest footballers" to be the best they can be. Vit loves spending time with his wife and three children.