Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Cathy Vairo, left, and Diana Smith are co-owners of ServiceFlags.com and have recently launched the National Award and Trophy Company.
ServiceFlags.com
3688 Research Way
841-6227
www.ServiceFlags.com
Name: Catherine Vairo
Position: She started and runs the business with her brother, Dave Smith.
The business: They make patriotic flags, shirts, stickers and other items that can be personalized. They also do general printing and embroidering.
How they started: After Sept. 11, 2001, she and her brother wanted to do something to support America so they opened the online store. She hadn't done printing before, so she said she learned a lot through trial and error.
What's next: They are opening a retail store next to their shop on Saturday so it will be easier for people from Carson City to shop.
What a Service flag is: The Service flag is an official banner authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the military during war. Vairo said her store was the first to be given permission by the department after Sept. 11, 2001, to print the flags.