Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery Offers First Spirits in Frederick

A woman in a white shirt pours liquid from a bottle into a small shot glass at a bar, while a decorative metal basket with coaster-like tags and other items hangs in the foreground.

Dragon Distillery became Frederick's first distillery within the City in 2016. 

In The City of Frederick, local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business. 

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery

Founded in late 2014 with a grand opening in early 2016, Dragon Distillery is Frederick's first small-craft distillery in the city. Located 

directly across from the airport, they specialize in small batch artisan spirits, made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Their belief in individuality, creativity, and innovation shines through in their product as well as their medieval-themed decor. They are members of the American Distilling Institute, Maryland Distillers Guild and the Frederick Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to production, Dragon Distillery has a tasting room. Visitors can tour and taste their products on-site. Visit their website for details. 

Dragon Distillery owner Mark Lambert shared some thoughts about Frederick and his distillery.  

Q&A With Dragon Distillery Owner, Mark Lambert

Shiny distillery equipment with copper and stainless steel components, including a large copper pot still, stainless steel tanks, and piping, with a diagram on an easel in the foreground.

Dragon Distillery offers tours and tastings Friday-Sunday. Visit their website for details.

What are your products?

Joust Gin, Clustered Spires Vodka, Bad Bill Tutt Moonshine

What differentiates your products from others? 

We are Frederick City’s first craft distillery. We use locally-sourced products, and hand-craft each batch.

What should customers know about your products? 

We are committed to producing exceptional local spirits. We encourage customers to stop by the distillery to learn about our process, and taste our products

What does Frederick offer a company like yours? 

My family settled in the Frederick area in the mid 1700s. I think Frederick is an exceptional city, and a wonderful destination. The city and residents have been extremely supportive and welcoming. We really appreciate all of the support for our distillery.

If You Go

Close-up view of a wooden barrel with the logo of Dragon Distillery featuring a dragon with outstretched wings. The barrel is banded with metal rings and sits atop other barrels, partially obscuring them.

Dragon Distillery is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check with Dragon Distillery directly for most recent hours of operation.

Hours

Friday: 4pm – 7pm

Saturday: noon – 6pm

Sunday: noon – 4pm

Other times by appointment

Tours are offered on the half-hour, and cost $5 per person. This includes the tour, tastings, and a souvenir shot glass.

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108

Frederick, MD 21701

www.dragondistillery.com 

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Mannequin in chainmail armor with a long, brown beard, holding a sword, next to a wooden barrel branded with

Medieval-themed decor sets the tone in Dragon's tasting room.

Close-up of a copper still with a round, reflective body, a porthole window, and stainless steel piping, likely used in distilling.

The cauldron-like still, the Figgins Reciprocator, is nicknamed “Smaug.” 

Close-up shot of multiple small bottles of

Clustered Spires Vodka, named in tribute to the City of Frederick – the City of Clustered Spires, is clean and crisp. They recommend it for sipping, or as the base of your favorite cocktail.

A group of people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with a man and a woman cutting a red ribbon with large scissors,

Dragon Distillery grand opening on February 13, 2016.

City's Economic Development Advisory Council Reviews 2016 Work Plan

Group photo of the Council and staff posed behind a wooden barrier in a council chamber setting, with flags of the United States, Maryland, and Frederick City displayed above.

Appointed and ex-officio members of the Ad Hoc Economic Development Advisory Council and staff stand for a photo at the September 2015 EDAC meeting.

The City of Frederick Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) meets quarterly to provide guidance on a variety of economic matters including the annual economic development work program, regulatory policy, business incentives and programs, and other special issues.  In 2016, EDAC will address a specific topic at each quarterly meeting:

  • 1st Quarter - Economic development work plan & budget

  • 2nd Quarter - Business impediments and updates to work completed to remove impediments

  • 3rd Quarter - Business support programs and incentives

  • 4th Quarter - Special projects, vision, and business infrastructure 

Most recently, members of EDAC provided assistance with the Department of Economic Development's (DED) 2016 Work Plan. 

In conjunction with the unveiling of an annual work plan, DED introduced a revised mission statement and key concepts for the department:

Mission Statement - The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED) strives to increase economic opportunity in Frederick by supporting and promoting a community where businesses and residents can thrive.

Key Concepts - DED is focused on supporting a thriving community based on the following initiatives:

  • Marketing Frederick to the business community to attract employment and investment

  • Providing and connecting businesses to available resources and services

  • Developing policies and programs to strengthen Frederick's competitiveness

Residents – Economic Development benefits City residents both directly and indirectly:

  • Jobs – Employers provide jobs with family supporting wages and benefits

  • Tax base – Nearly 30% of the taxes paid are by commercial entities

    • Businesses share the tax burden with residents

    • Additional tax revenues provide a high-level of City services (i.e. each additional $100,000 in annual tax contributions equates to a new police officer position)

    • Businesses provide access to services and goods (i.e. shopping, dining, services)

    • Community health – A strong economy and employment base lowers crime rates, foreclosures, etc.

    • Special projects – DED provides support to projects including Carroll Creek Park and the Downtown Hotel & Conference Center

    • Grants – DED grant writing efforts offset City investment and thereby reducing citizen contributions

    • Entrepreneurial support – Providing targeted support to citizens interested in starting a business

    • Community pride – DED marketing and communications contribute to positive promotion of the community and increase pride in Frederick

A work plan slide titled

City of Frederick Bond Rating Upgraded Following 2016 Bond Tour

A collage of four different scenes. Top left features a stone building with a wooden roof next to a waterway with purple flowers in the foreground. Top right shows cyclists on a street. Bottom left depicts a modern building with a field of crops in front of it. Bottom right showcases a display of Shecas de Anis bread with a price tag.

The City of Frederick received an upgraded rating from Standard & Poors (S&P) to AA+ with a stable outlook, following an evaluation last month.  Analysts from each of three major bond rating agencies (Fitch, Moody's, and S&P) toured The City of Frederick in late February to supplement their research and learn about the current and future investment activity within the City.

Read on for a summary of commercial development activity within The City of Frederick and highlighted trend data from the materials shared with each rating agency.

  • Positive population growth

  • Stabilized and increasing housing values

  • Strong business growth

    • Bio/lifesciences and advanced technology

    • Healthcare, services, retail

    • Fort Detrick and National Cancer Institute

    • National Interagency Biodefense campus

    • Construction of new USAMRIID Laboratory

    • Downtown Frederick

      • Completion of Carroll Creek Linear Park (Phase II)

      • Rehabilitative and infill projects 

      • Golden Mile

        • Redevelopment of Frederick Towne Mall

        • East Frederick

          • Small Area Plan development and planned residential and commercial taking shape

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Slide detailing planned development projects in a mixed-use neighborhood, including Frederick Brickworks, Renn Farm with residential units and commercial space, and Riverside Research Park, featuring images of modern office buildings.
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Image of a presentation outlining the largest retail corridor in Frederick County, including a site plan labeled
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Analysts were provided with a directory of commercial development projects in various stages of construction within The City of Frederick.  A complete listing is available for download below.

Access the links below for the complete development directory and bond briefing presentation:

Download - Development Directory (PDF)

Download - Bond Briefing Presentation (PDF)

City Expands Off-site Office Hours to Help Local Businesses

A man in a black jacket walks along a covered walkway with an orange and black sign, overlooking a town and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

A view of the Golden Mile and the future Frederick Towne Center. The Department of Economic Development is expanding its office hours to include hours at the Way Off Broadway Theatre beginning on April 21, 2016.

Staff from the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development (DED) began to pilot off-site office hours in February 2015. The goal for holding office hours is to provide additional opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses in convenient locations throughout the community.  

The pilot program initially included office hours at Frederick's high-technology business incubator (FITCI) and in Downtown at Cowork Frederick. The program is now expanding to the Golden Mile with hours planned for the third Thursday of the month at the Way Off Broadway Theatre beginning on Thursday, April 21 from 1-3 p.m.

In addition to office hours, City economic development staff is always available to meet with businesses by appointment.  

Office Hour Locations & Information

Be sure to follow DED on Facebook at Twitter for updates to scheduled office hours.

Golden Mile Business Facades Shine a Little Brighter

In collaboration with The City of Frederick, Golden Mile Alliance, and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), three businesses along the Golden Mile received facade improvement grants to enhance the image and improve the economic vitality of the corridor.

The City of Frederick received $100,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to support an expanded facade improvement program along the Patrick Street corridor.  The corridor encompasses businesses within the Golden Mile, Downtown Frederick, and East Frederick.

The Golden Mile Alliance Design Committee approved facade improvement grants for Casa Rico, Petersen's Carpet & Flooring and Vista Shops at Golden Mile. The facade improvement program will continue in 2016 as The City of Frederick was recently awarded funding for FY2016 by DHCD.

Additional communication, including a call for applications will be provided once funding is made available.

For additional information on the Golden Mile facade improvement program, visit the Golden Mile Alliance website.

Casa Rico

Two side-by-side images of restaurants with similar Southwestern architectural styles, labeled

Before                 After  

Repair included a new sign, fresh paint for exterior including the roof and gutter replacement.

Petersen's Carpet

Exterior of Petersen's Carpet & Flooring store, a one-story commercial building with a red metal roof and white signage. The building has large windows and a central entrance. The image captures the store's facade with a focus on its architectural features and business name. The parking lot in front completes the setting.

Before             After

Improvements included new stairs and railings, lighting, planter boxes, window casings and a vestibule entrance.

Vista Shops

Exterior of a veterinary clinic next to a white brick wall. The clinic features a blue sign reading

 Before             After

Improvements included fresh paint, graffiti removal, and new paint color.

Inspiring Offices: iHire's Open Office Space Inspires Collaboration & Creativity

Collage of iHire office: logo sign on brick wall, indoor plant with art, exterior of brick building, modern office space, and festive string lights.

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires. From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs. 

Inspiring Offices is a feature that highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside an inspiring office in Frederick - iHire. iHire's office is located in the former Bottling Works building on East All Saints Street in Downtown Frederick. The rehabilitated building retains its original industrial feel while providing a collaborative and efficient work environment for iHire's talented workforce.

iHire provides services to both employers and job seekers. Employers are provided tools to quickly and effectively fill open positions. Additionally, job seekers have access to a single platform that provides postings from numerous online sources.

Learn more about inspiring office, iHire.

blue logo that says

iHire Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Shuster answered a few questions about what she enjoys most about the office.

Why did you choose your current office location and how long has iHire been located here?

iHire has been in Downtown Frederick for about 15 years and in our current location for almost 10.

We chose Frederick, as being in the county enables us to attract employees who prefer not to commute to DC or Baltimore.

Further, the picturesque community has so much to offer our employees in the way of entertainment, dining and family-friendly activities; yet, we are still close to major metropolitan areas.

A modern office setting with two people at desks; one talks on the phone while the other types on a computer. The atmosphere is busy and focused.

Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?

Our space has evolved over the years.

In the past, some customer-facing functions were housed in our Frederick location, such as our Customer Service and Sales teams, which required more traditional settings such as offices or cubicles, affording employees greater privacy/quiet.

Those functions have transitioned to our Indiana office, giving us the opportunity to create a space more conducive to transparency, collaboration and innovation.

While we met with some designers for ideas, we managed the project in-house and inexpensively.

A collage of three images: a box labeled

There's plenty of brain fuel in iHire's well-stocked kitchen.

What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?

Our goals in designing the space were as follows:

  • Create an environment conducive to the greatest degree of collaboration possible (especially cross-functional collaboration)

  • Increase communication and transparency

  • Stimulate more casual conversations and decision-making given the lack of physical barriers, with perhaps fewer formal meetings being held, as a result

  • Inspire greater team cohesiveness

Collage of four images: colored wire spools, a whiteboard with

What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

Our space is a completely open office with a number of “collaboration areas,” and even our senior leaders are “on the floor” with our employees.

Staff members have the option to work sitting or standing at their adjustment desks, which are on wheels and may be moved for maximum flexibility/collaboration.

Private/quiet areas are available for those needing some quiet time or privacy.

What do you or your employees like best about the office space?

Our employees have reported that our new space has fostered transparency and trust, creating a relaxed work environment that is both productive and fun.

Wall display with a Virginia Tech banner and various pennants, including Richmond, Colorado, and Harvard. The scene has a collegiate and nostalgic feel.

In addition, the open office space has improved the follow of communication within teams.

Instead of generating a constant stream of emails and waiting for replies, we ask questions face-to-face and get instant answers, resulting in greater ease and efficiency.

A series of five 3D-printed objects: a blue rectangular structure, a silver bust, a blue frog, a white circular piece, and a green bust, all on a dark surface.

Behind iHire's reception desk resides a 3D Printer.  Employees have the opportunity to upload their designs and create custom artwork as displayed above. 

Find Your Own Inspiring Office.

Framed motivational wall plaque featuring the large, central phrase

  If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help. 

Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream.

If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature.

2016 New & Expanding Businesses in The City of Frederick

solid green banner with red-orange slanted tip. White font reads: 2016 New & Expanded Businesses

In collaboration with partners, the Department of Economic Development celebrates grand openings, business expansions, and commemorative anniversaries within the Frederick business community each year.  This list is a summary of new business openings and expansions within The City of Frederick based on events held by Downtown Frederick Partnership, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and businesses hosting their own celebrations.

January 2016

February 2016

March 2016

April 2016

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

September 2016

October 2016

November 2016

December 2016

City of Frederick Day 2016 in Annapolis Highlights Key City Projects

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Thursday, January 28, 2016 was Frederick Day in Annapolis. Each year, The City of Frederick and its partners update legislators and state leaders on City projects and report on the key infrastructure and growth projects underway. 

"This provides a unique opportunity for Frederick to really showcase our community and the projects that are moving Frederick forward," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick. The Department of Economic Development coordinates with the Mayor's office and city departments each year to plan the event. 

Nine collaged images depicting people networking and attending a conference, with individuals in business attire, some wearing name tags, engaging in conversations and handshakes, with a backdrop of promotional materials and event signage.

Photos from Frederick Day in Annapolis. View more photos from the event.

Together We Can Grow Frederick's Future

Building a Stronger and Safer Maryland - Project Highlights and Updates

Downtown Hotel and Conference Center / Parking Deck 6

Rendering of the Trolley Cafe, a brick building with a black awning, street-level windows, and a corner sign that reads

The City of Frederick is partnering with a hotel developer, selected through a competitive RFP process, to construct a privately owned and operated $64M full-service hotel and conference center in Downtown Frederick. The public on-site improvements, including parking, will cost approximately $20M. This is the top priority of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Major Employers Group, and projected to offer many benefits, including: 

  • 207 rooms with 24,000 square feet of meeting space 

  • Public Parking Garages: 750 spaces (100 on-site/650 off-site) 

  • 280 total jobs 

  • $1.5M annually in State taxes 

  • $25.8M in direct, indirect, and induced spending

Image features the

Frederick Municipal Airport - Maximizing Airport Safety and Capacity

Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) is the second busiest airport in Maryland and well positioned to become the preferred executive airport in the National Capital Region. It is seeking funding to support a multi-year program to extend the primary runway (5/23) and create space for aeronautical development. Current projects include:

  • Design and demolition of aviation obstructions along Bailes Lane, etc.

  • Washington gas line relocation

  • Demolition of obstructions including 14 buildings near the airport that penetrate protected surfaces or zones

  • Relocation of a gas line owned and operated by Washington Gas

  • Engineering tasks to eliminate obstructions and ensure compliance with FAA criteria

  • Partnering with MAA for design of a snow removal equipment (SRE) building; seeking FY17 grant for construction

These projects will enhance safety, increase airport capacity, and allow us to better accommodate corporate operators with available ramp space and hangar development opportunities.

A wildlife crossing tunnel allowing a curved road with a yellow centerline to pass underneath a roadway lined by a fence and landscaped grassy hillsides, illuminated with orange light within the tunnel.

Shared Use Path Connection Under Route U.S. 15

The City of Frederick is planning a shared use path connection to give cyclists and pedestrians a passage under U.S. 15 as part of a path between Waterford and Baker parks. This critical path will unite the east and west ends of the City and provide an alternate transportation link to employment, Downtown Frederick and The Golden Mile, and community resources.

Project Updates

Monocacy Boulevard/U.S. 15 Interchange Improves Safety and Relieves Congestion

The #1 Infrastructure Priority for Frederick City and County for over 5 years

Aerial view of an intersection with highway and local roads, annotated with road names and projected green-line overlays, Estimated Total Cost: $50M, with funding partner logos from the U.S. Department of Transportation, State of Maryland, Frederick County, and the State Highway Administration (SHA).

The Monocacy Boulevard and U.S. 15 Interchange will provide a full-diamond interchange, improving safety by eliminating at-grade intersections on U.S. 15. Design is complete, and construction began in 2015. The project provides:

  • Congestion relief from pass through traffic, local development, and Fort Detrick growth

  • Hiking and biking tails, sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian accommodations

  • Park and Ride with 390 spaces connects to future Rails With Trails 

  • This improvement complements other road improvements, such as Monocacy Boulevard Center Section Phase II, which will add 14,000 linear feet of a 4-lane roadway, alleviate congestion, create safe routes for emergency access during flood events, and add hiking/biking trails, sidewalks, and trees

Culler Lake Renaissance in Baker Park 

Restoring water quality and aesthetic character 

Architectural rendering of a pavilion with a gabled roof and stone columns over a reflecting pond, estimated to cost $2.5 million, with logos of funding partners below.

Culler Lake, in the heart of Baker Park, was established 90 years ago. Today, the park is in need of restoration to improve water quality and the aesthetic character of the lake. In partnership with Friends of Baker Park, a two-phased plan is in place to address the restoration. Construction will begin in spring of 2016. The project will:

  • Dredge and restore Culler Lake (Phase I)

  • Install wetlands and stormwater infrastructure to treat approximately 60 acres of untreated impervious area

  • (Phase I)

  • Add new shared use paths and fountains (Phase I)

  • Add a pavilion and overlook, additional paths, benches, signage, pedestrian crossing and entrance features, and skate house improvements (Phase II)

Thank You For Your Support 

The State of Maryland helped make these projects possible

Interior view of a theater, showcasing a red stage curtain, rows of empty seating, ornate architectural details, and decorative lighting fixtures.

Weinberg Center for the Arts Receives New HVAC System

With your support, the HVAC replacement is underway so the Weinberg can continue providing programming throughout the year. This 1,100 seat historic performing arts theater attracts 70,000 patrons and generates $7M in economic impact annually.

Man in a light blue shirt and khakis looking towards a large fountain with water spraying in a semi-circular pattern; a line of people and a dog are visible on the periphery; buildings and trees are in the background on a sunny day.

Carroll Creek Park Phase II Will Be Complete in Early 2016

This public-private partnership has spanned six administrations. Carroll Creek Park, as a flood control project, effectively removed Downtown Frederick from the 100-year floodplain and restored economic vitality to the historic commercial district. Over $100 million in private investment is underway or planned in new construction, infill development, or historic renovation along the park.

View from inside a boat moving across a calm river, reflecting the vibrant green foliage of trees lining the banks.

Waste Water Treatment Plant Receives Upgrades

Upgrades to Frederick’s Waste Water Treatment Plant will bring the plant into compliance with recent EPA mandates for ENR. It will reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharges to the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries and will improve water quality. Construction started in September 2015 with completion expected in January 2017.

Cars driving on a multi-lane highway at sunset with the sun glowing brightly in the distance over a low-lying mountain range.

U.S. 40 / Golden Mile Improvements

Thanks to the State Highway Administration (SHA) for pedestrian and motorist safety improvements along U.S. 40, also known as The Golden Mile. This multifaceted project included repaving, restriping, reconstructing and upgrading traffic signals, and the installation of pedestrian safety fence.

Contact

If you have any questions about these projects, please feel free to contact Mayor Randy McClement. He can be reached at 301-600-1380.

Thank You To Our 2016 Sponsors

List of logos of 2016 sponsors and gift bag sponsors including: Chamber of Frederick, Leidos, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Downtown Frederick Partnership, Fort Detrick Alliance, Tech Frederick, The Golden Mile Alliance, McCutcheon's, Despina Leos Chocolates.

Introducing Thrive Frederick - A New Marketing Concept for DED

Whether it's your first visit to Frederick or you call it home, you notice it thrives. It has 

  • Thriving Arts, Culture & Music

  • Thriving Shops and Dining

  • Thriving Small Businesses

  • Thriving Manufacturing and Biotech Companies

  • A Thriving Historic Downtown

  • Thriving Students and 

  • A Thriving Economy.

Here, thriving is a state of mind for local business owners and residents and a defining feature of the community. 

When Frederick's Department of Economic Development (DED) wanted to update their marketing materials, it didn't have to look far for inspiration. Every day, the department strives to increase economic opportunity in Frederick by supporting and promoting a community where businesses and residents can THRIVE. 

Beginning in 2016, DED will roll out new marketing materials as they promote their services to the community and represent Frederick as a business destination. The fresh, new colors and design represent the forward-moving and thriving community of Frederick.

Thrive Frederick logo, featuring turquoise and orange geometric shapes above the word

The Process

DED contracted with Jean Peterson Design for the Brand Development Discovery process and to develop the new look and feel for the department's marketing materials. Community partners and business leaders were invited to participate in a brand discovery survey that helped guide the new concept. 

Through stakeholder surveys, it was determined the new look and feel should be 

  • Simple

  • Hi-Tech Industrial

  • Modern

  • Refined

  • Colorful

Favored colors included

  • Blue

  • Navy Blue

  • Orange Red

  • Black

  • Gray

  • Green

  • Yellow / Gold

The information was gathered and analyzed, and with recommendations from senior City staff and the Economic Development Advisory Council, a new marketing concept was chosen. 

Coordinating the Concept 

As a part of the overall project, the same Brand Development Discovery process was used for two additional City departments, Parking and the Airport. Jean Peterson Design found the uniting elements, and created a concept that works across multiple departments. These are harmonious side-by-side, but each can be used independently as well.

Logos for

How The Concepts Will Be Used

These colors and designs will guide printed collateral such as rack cards, advertising, trade show panels, presentations, digital media, and more. It will give marketing materials a fresh look and feel as these departments represent Frederick locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally. The concepts are designed to work in coordination with the official city seal and present a cohesive marketing effort. 

Made in Frederick: ShieldCo

In the City of Frederick, a variety of local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many small businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

Made in Frederick: ShieldCo

Nine images showcasing various fabricated signs and artwork, including a Columbia University logo,

ShieldCois a family and veteran owned business, owned by brothers Luke and Neil Markey, along with their father, Peter Markey. The company is located in Frederick, Maryland and creates custom business signage and interior décor for a variety of clients. 

From business plaques to sports logos, ShieldCo can make a quality piece of interior artwork for any customer. ShieldCo has made custom products for the University of Maryland, Columbia University and many other clients. The company has even created custom metal pieces of Central Park and the Frederick skyline.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development had the chance to stop by ShieldCo's offices and talk to co-owners, Luke and Neil.

Q&A with ShieldCo Co-Owners, Neil and Luke

Neil and Luke took the time to answer a few questions about their business, their products, and why they enjoy doing business in Frederick.

Two men working on a composite material project in a workshop, one wearing a red cap and the other a plaid shirt, are focused on assembling components on a table.

SheildCo co-owners and brothers Luke and Neil Markey.

Photo courtesy of www.shieldcoart.com. 

How long has your company been in business?

2013

What is your product/products?

Custom 3D business signage and interior décor.

What makes your product different?

We turn logos and designs into art. Our technique allows companies to take a 2D logo and make a unique 3D representation. All our pieces are laser cut and industrially powder coated so they can be used inside or out and will last lifetimes.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?

It will make their company or organization stand out from the rest. It is durable and will last and is made locally in Frederick, Maryland.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?

Great support from local customers who believe in us and want to see us succeed. Great artisan and artistic culture that appreciates quality and design. 

Want more information on ShieldCo?

If you would like to see more of the products ShieldCo produces or would like to get information on how to purchase your own piece of custom artwork, visit ShieldCo's website.

Connect with ShieldCo

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Google+

Want to be featured on our blog?

If you or your business has a product that's made here in Frederick, contact us and your local business could be featured in our next blog post.

This story was completed by our fall 2015 intern from Hood College, Nick Masucci.