In 1963, Frank Huschitt, Sr., left his homeland of Germany at the age of 20 and came to the United States equipped with his Master’s Degree in cabinetmaking and a dream to build a company that would produce the finest custom architectural woodwork in America. Settling in the Chicago area, Frank, along with a small group of craftsmen whom he personally trained and guided, set to work making that dream a reality. The work was modest at first, compared to the monumental projects the company completes today, but as customer satisfaction grew exponentially and a reputation for excellence was forged, Imperial expanded. As we expand, our European-trained craftsmen continue to pass on their knowledge to new craftsman creating an exceptional workforce that continues to grow with the company.
As the company’s reputation flourished, so did Frank’s family. In 1983, Frank Huschitt III strengthened the family team after earning his BBA from St. Norbert’s College and currently serves as our President. Frank learned the trade by starting on the shop floor of our Palatine facility and learning first-hand from our expert old-world craftsmen. Throughout his tenure Frank has served on many trade and design committees and continues to do so today. He particularly enjoys grasping the designer’s vision and bringing it to reality while sharing the knowledge he has gained though his decades of hands-on experience with both clients and associates.
In 1991, Annette Huschitt Purcell further strengthened the family team after earning her BBA from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame and her MBA from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Business and currently serves as our Vice President of Finance. She enjoys the family business and assisting in the management of the family of companies.
In 2012, Frank William Huschitt joined the family team after earning his Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude from Western State Colorado University and currently serves as Project Manager. Frank is proud to be a part of the long-standing tradition of quality without compromise and continues to build on the team work ethic set forth by his father and grandfather.
We’ve seen many changes over the last 59 years, but some things still remain the same: Our commitment to and focus on quality, service and craftsmanship. In addition to the Huschitt family, there are many members of our Imperial family that have helped to make the company what it is today. While there are too many to name individually, we would like to thank our dedicated employees, loyal clients and dependable vendors without whom we could not have achieved what we have. Their hard work and dedication is truly appreciated.