Jornik Manufacturing (asi/63549) is under new ownership, but the Stamford, CT-based supplier firm is staying in the family. Founders Peter and Jacquie Herz have transitioned ownership of Jornik to their daughter Jordie Freedman and son-in-law Rory Freedman. Going forward, Jordie will serve as president/CEO, while Rory will be treasurer and secretary. Operationally, nothing is changing at Jornik, meaning there will not be an impact on distributors or the company’s vendors, the supplier says.

After 25 years of running Jornik, the Herzes felt it was time to pass the company on to the next generation. They said Jordie and Rory are well-equipped to guide the firm to greater growth, noting that Jordie in particular has worked at Jornik since 1999. “We know they understand our original dream and they have learned our culture through osmosis,” says Jacquie Herz. “We are very excited to watch them and give them all the help we can.”

Jordie Freedman said clients can expect the same creative solutions, strong customer service and conscientiously made products from Jornik. “As we start the next chapter here at Jornik, Rory and I, as well as our amazing Jornik team members, will remain focused on industry-leading product design and development, expertise in safety and social compliance, standout personal service and outstanding imprinting capabilities,” Jordie Freedman said.

The Herzes began Jornik with a small product line that included writing instruments, name badges and even imprinted walnuts. Since then, Jornik has grown to offer more than 450 products in two dozen categories. There is everything from toys, adult coloring books and beach balls to tech products, keychains, tools, fishing lures and more. Many products are exclusive to Jornik.

Peter Herz said he is proud to have helped build a suppliership that has been able to meet a diverse range of client needs. Still, now seemed like the appropriate time to take the next step in life after having been in the promotional products business since 1971, working on both the supplier and distributor side of the industry before founding Jornik. Said Peter Herz: “It’s been a great 46 years.”