Wizard International - Computerized Mat Cutters and Framing

MUKILTEO, Washington -- Two of Wizard International Inc.’s founding members, Mike Bell and Duane Weaver, Wizard’s General Manager and Controller respectively, announced their retirement at the end of December 2003. Wizard ‘s Assistant Controller of three years, Rob Clark, will assume the general management position and new hire, Cyril Faulkner, will step into the role of corporate controller.

As original employees since Wizard’s inception in 1994, both Bell and Weaver have made significant contributions to the successful introduction of the retail picture framing industry’s first computerized mat cutter. In the early days of Wizard™, the company’s goal was to sell somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,000 CMC’s nationwide. As general manager for the past 10 years, Bell helped build the foundation that now supports more than 3,800 Wizard customers worldwide, more than all other CMC manufacturers combined, according to company officials. With the successful introduction of the new Wizard CMC 8000 and accompanying software package, MatDesigner™ 5.0, Bell has laid the groundwork for the next chapter of framing innovation for Wizard International.

“To lead and be a part of the phenomenon Wizard has become in just 10 short years, is both a great accomplishment and something I take immense pride in, both personally and professionally,” said Bell.

Weaver played a key role in developing Wizard’s infrastructure in the areas of accounting systems and management reporting during his career with the company. He first worked as controller at US Mat, which was later sold and initiated the spin-off of Wizard International, Inc. He has been working in the accounting field for more than 30 years and finds it only fitting to retire his career at the company he helped to create.

“Both Bell and Weaver have left an unmistakable mark on the framing industry as pioneers and champions of framing technology and will be deeply missed,” said Wizard co-owner, Lloyd Everard.

Rob Clark has been named Wizard’s new general manager and will officially take post in January 2004. With his 26 years of accounting and management experience, Clark’s vision is to continue to manage Wizard’s domestic growth, while expanding its international market appeal, including the newly opened Wizard of Europe office.

“There is a strong vision within the walls of Wizard to bring affordable framing technology to frame shops of all sizes. I want to work closely with our customers both in the US and abroad to continue to manifest that vision,” said Clark of his plans as the new general manager.

To make a smooth transition of accounting leadership, Cyril Faulkner was hired as Wizard’s new controller in November 2003. Faulkner brings to Wizard 20 years of accounting experience coupled with proficiency in operations management and systems development.

Wizard International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of framing technology tools, began selling computerized mat cutters to custom framers in 1994. An innovative force in the picture framing industry, Wizard continues to manufacture the leading computerized mat cutter, placing over 3,800 machines worldwide. For more information on Wizard International and its family of products, call toll free 1-888-855-3335.