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About Stryker

At STRYKER, our story is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, family values, and a commitment to excellence. What began in a small basement in Appleton, Wisconsin, has grown into a company known for its innovative solutions and dedication to quality. Our journey is marked by the vision of our founder, Fred Ziegler, and the generations of leadership that have followed.

As we look to the future, STRYKER remains dedicated to building on the foundation laid by our founders. Under Nicole Swanton’s leadership, we continue to innovate, grow, and adapt to the changing needs of our customers and the world around us. We take pride in the legacy we’ve built and are excited about the possibilities ahead. Together, with our work-family, we will continue to push the boundaries and leave a lasting impact on the industries we serve.

Our Legacy of strength, reliability & innovation

Since 1960, STRYKER has built a legacy of strength, reliability, and innovation. As we celebrate our 65th anniversary in 2025, we remain committed to the values that have defined us as a family-owned business—uncompromising quality and customer dedication. From our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the industry, our journey is a testament to the hard work and passion of generations. Watch our story unfold in this video.

Meet the Experts

Our History

1937

Frederic Lawrence Ziegler is born on the family farm in Appleton, Wisconsin.

1958

Fred marries Donna Birkholz, whose father runs a successful wholesale cheese company.

1960

Roman Birkholz introduces Fred to Metalphoto, a durable metal signage product.

1962

Fred and Donna welcome their only child, Lynn. Fred starts producing Metalphoto signage in his basement.

1980

The business, now named Thunderbird Industries, moves to a commercial location in Appleton.

2000

Fred retires after Donna’s passing, and Lynn and her husband take over the business.

2001

The business is renamed Industrial Nameplate Incorporated.

2005

Top Dog Screen Printing, Embroidery, and Design is established.

2007

Nicole Swanton, Fred’s granddaughter, joins the family business full-time.

2014

Nicole becomes the human resources director, focusing on future growth.

2020

Fred passes away. On October 12, Lynn retires, and Nicole becomes president.

2024

Nicole leads STRYKER, continuing the family legacy and driving company growth.

Our Mission

At STRYKER, our mission is to provide high-quality, durable products that exceed the expectations of our customers. We are committed to innovation, precision, and a deep understanding of the industries we serve. Our goal is to create solutions that not only meet the demands of today but also stand the test of time.

Join Our Team

Our Values

Family

We are a family-owned business that extends the values of respect, trust, and support to our employees and customers alike. Our work-family culture is at the heart of everything we do.

Integrity

We believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Honesty, transparency, and accountability guide our business practices.

Innovation

We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, seeking out new technologies and methods to improve our products and services.

Quality

Our commitment to quality is unwavering. From the materials we use to the craftsmanship we apply, we ensure that every product we deliver is built to last.

Customer Focus

Our customers are the reason we exist. We listen to their needs, anticipate their challenges, and deliver solutions that help them succeed.

Customer Reviews

See what our customers say about working with STRYKER.