(In order of appearance)
Displayit is proud of the staff we have built over the years. Each one of our team members takes great pride in offering our clients dependable, knowledgeable service. Our team members have a wide range of experience and capabilities. Please take a moment to learn more about the people who will be helping you create a fantastic trade show exhibit.
Fred Axelberd
Founder
Fred has retired from the day-to-day operations of Displayit and is currently serving our Nation in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Fred founded Displayit, one of the first sellers of exhibits via the Internet, in 1996 after spending six years in operations with a major U.S. portable trade show manufacturer. Fred has always enjoyed creating new and more effective sales and distribution methods.
His experience includes 10 years general business consulting with Coca-Cola bottling companies, as well as 10 years as an owner/manager of snack food and restaurant businesses. Fred enjoys tennis and swimming.
Josh Axelberd -
President/CEO
Josh joined Displayit in 1999. He has 12 years of exhibit experience, including stints in sales, marketing, and project management. Josh manages all aspects of customer service, marketing, and operations. He takes a common sense approach to his job: "My job is to help exhibitors all over the country find the best products at the best prices."
Josh's favorite pastimes include watching college sports and spending time with family and friends. He is a 1995 graduate of Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA.
Michael Rector -
Senior Account Manager
Michael joined Displayit after 15 years of operating his own custom electrical services business. He oversees all of Displayit's more customized displays and projects. Michael is also our in-house "truss expert," providing outstanding display solutions through the use of steel truss.
Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing his guitar, and staying active in his church.
Jeff Nordman -
Web/Product Manager
Jeff joined Displayit in 2006, coming from customer service and information technology backgrounds. Jeff studied civil engineering and industrial management at Clemson University and has a degree in computer information systems from Gwinnett Technical College, graduating on the dean’s list. Jeff is Displayit's web and product manager, but helps in any aspect he can.
Jeff enjoys flying, SCUBA diving, traveling, spending time with his wife Krista, his son Grant (cutest boy in the world!), his dog Noelle (cutest dog in the world!), playing bass guitar in four bands, and helping family, friends, and neighbors with projects.
Andrew von Essen -
Operations Manager
Andrew joined Displayit in 2007, coming from a background in customer service, sales, and operations management. Andrew studied psychology at Georgia Perimeter College and received his associate's degree in 2003.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, as well as playing guitar.
Scott Simmons -
Designer
Scott began his career in the trade show industry in 2005, and he joined the Displayit team in October 2007 as a graphic and exhibit designer. He is a 2005 graduate of the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia (BFA, Digital Media). He was also one of the first recipients of a New Media Interdisciplinary Certificate from UGA's New Media Institute.
Scott lives in Dacula with his wife Kimberly and their two kids. He enjoys creating art, reading, walking or biking in parks, and he is also a beginner GeoCacher.
Ben Forlaw -
Senior Account Manager
Ben joined Displayit in 2008, after several years in the insurance claims industry. He graduated from The University of South Florida with a history degree in 2004 and has worked in various fields such as retail sales and a skilled trade.
Ben enjoys spending time with his wife Danielle and daughter Riley, watching and playing sports, reading fiction and nonfiction, and hanging out with friends and family.
Kimberly Simmons -
Marketing Assistant
Kimberly joined the team in August 2010. She earned her BBA in international business from the University of Georgia. (Gooooo Dawgs!)
Kimberly's background encompasses customer service and management, with experience in the retail and shipping supply industries.
In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with family, reading, and going to the beach.
Jack Bierman -
Senior Account Manager
Jack is the newest addition to our team, joining us in December 2010. Jack worked with Josh prior to joining Displayit, and he brings 13 years of industry experience with him. Jack has worked in every facet of the business and has handled everything from customer service inquiries to managing million-dollar projects for large corporations. No matter the size of the project he’s handling, Jack works hard to see its successful execution.
When he’s not working or enjoying life with his wife Lisa and their two children, Jack can be found playing tennis, golfing, participating in his church, or cheering for the Florida Gators.