New businesses

Integrated Solutions Group has been established by Richard W. Wiese in Glendale. The firm offers technical, marketing and sales support by integrating communications tools into computer-based programs, said Wiese, who is serving as president. He had formerly been executive vice president of General Graphics in Milwaukee.
As an example of its services, Wiese pointed to a parts identification program that Integrated Solutions Group developed for parts-counter personnel and service managers. With the program, users can go to their computers for specific technical information on a part without having to go to a printed manual, and can also visually identify the component where it is located within a machine or system. If a replacement is needed, an order immediately can be transmitted electronically.
The firm is also offering research, technical and creative writing and graphics, video filming and production, design and printing services, and custom computer programing.
A separate division for 3D visualization services has been formed at R.A. Smith & Associates in Brookfield. The firm has decided to separate its 3D visualization and GIS services into two divisions to promote quality and responsiveness to clients. Jon Chapman has been promoted to 3D visualization division manager and continues to put together most of the firm’s 3D images, animations, and panoramas for a variety of site developments and structures. Chapman was a key player in the introduction of 3D visualization services at R.A. Smith when he joined the firm in March 1999.
Mr. Picnic Gourmet Café and Catering has opened at 116th Street and Lincoln Avenue in West Allis. The shop offers sandwiches, soups and salads for dine-in and carry-out orders, said Mike Haase, owner of the new company. Mr. Picnic will also provide catering for indoor and outdoor events, and has rentals of tents, tables and chairs available. The business is an extension of the 10-year-old Mr. Picnic Catering company.
The Estate Strategies Group, an investment advisory firm with offices in 21 cities, has opened an office in Menomonee Falls. Richard Schumaker will head up the office, which is at N80 W14808 Appleton Ave.
Estate Strategies Group is a subsidiary of Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.
The Milwaukee law firm Techmeier & Van Grunsven, which handles personal injury cases, is now known as The Techmeier McCormick Group. Willard P. Techmeier and David J. McCormick lend their names to the firm. The partners are both graduates of Marquette’s Law School. Paulette M. Friesch, also a Marquette law graduate, has recently joined the firm to practice law. The firm (www.techmeier.com) is at 411 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Sign-A-Rama, an international sign franchise, has opened a store at 1922 W. Layton Ave. in Milwaukee, owned by Waukesha residents Paul and Jeneane Lenhardt. Paul Lenhardt is a certified master electrician. Sign-A-Rama, based in West Palm Beach, Fla., has more than 540 locations around the world.
Visual Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of overhead transparencies and ancillary products for educational textbook and supplemental publishers, has added the printing of book components to its list of core capabilities, and has unveiled a new corporate identity. VSI (www.visualsystemsinc.com) is focusing on the manufacture of book components for the college and el-hi markets.
“This is a strategic addition, not a transition away from our other core offerings,” said John Burg, company president.
The firm has unveiled a new logo and tagline, inviting customers to “Imagine what we can do for you.”
VSI employs more than 90 people and has sales exceeding $18 million annually.
Aug. 17, 2001 Small Business Times, Milwaukee