Kantner & Leaventon Buy Air Waves, Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
COLUMBUS, OH, October 7, 2009 – Air Waves, Inc., a
heat applied graphics manufacturing and screen
printing company, announced Wednesday that its
majority shares have been purchased by Columbus,
Ohio entrepreneurs, Kyle Kantner and Michael
Leaventon.
Air Waves founder, Stanley Peterson, will remain
with the company as an advisor. Robert Grawe,
Chairman & CFO; Kevin Simpson, President &
CEO and Chris Mullins, Chief Creative Officer will
remain during the transition period.
Kantner and Leaventon will assume the direct
management of the company’s day-to-day
operation.
“We’re getting an
outstanding product portfolio, manufacturing
facility and professional staff,” says Leaventon.
Since 1981, Air Waves, a Columbus-based company,
has designed, manufactured and distributed heat
transfers used for the decoration of t-shirts and
other apparel. In addition, Air Waves was
instrumental in the development and distribution of
digital heat transfer paper products and other
imprinted sportswear.
Along with its substantial domestic sales, a
considerable portion of Air Waves’ business is in
international markets. Over the years the company
has sold over one billion transfers in more than
120 countries. Air Waves won the 2001 Governors
Award for Excellence in Exporting.
“The quality of the product offerings, already in
place, are exceptional,” says Kantner. “We are
really bringing new energy to an already very
successful company. Our plan is to continue to
serve our existing loyal customers while developing
new and exciting products for the markets we
serve.”
The company also distributes pre-printed licensed
apparel under the International Harvester and
Farmall brand names. In addition Air Waves markets
under the Country Casuals, Solid Light, Rodeo Rags
and Dixie Apparel labels. Kantner and Leaventon
intend to expand this business, as well.
Air Waves does a significant amount of contract
screen printing and custom heat transfer
manufacturing. These two services will remain
important business segments for continued growth.
The new owners expect to expand the product
offerings to include signage and fulfillment
services.
Kantner most recently has served as the vice
president of business development for AIP
Logistics, Inc. a warehousing and fulfillment
company based in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He works closely
with company clients on contract negotiations,
contract extensions, service and quality assurance.
He has a BS in Business Administration from the
University of Denver.
Leaventon is the owner of Strategic Advisors LLC, a
Columbus consulting company that works with
business owners on financial matters with a strong
focus on mergers and acquisitions. He has a BS in
printing management from Rochester Institute of
Technology and an MBA from Case Western Reserve.
For additional information on Air Waves, its
business units and products please contact the
corporate offices of Air Waves, Inc. at 7787
Graphics Way, Lewis Center, OH 43035, 740-548-1200,
or email kkantner@airwavesinc.com or
mleaventon@airwavesinc.com.