Family Perspectives at Gemini: Manufacturing Perspectives

Family Legacies Tied To Manufacturing

At Gemini, family is woven into the fabric of our success. As we celebrate National Manufacturing Month in October, we’re shining a light on the people who make our products and the generations of families who’ve made Gemini their home. 

For decades, Gemini team members have turned careers in skilled trades into legacies that span lifetimes. At each of our locations, it’s not uncommon to find fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, siblings, and even grandparents and grandchildren who share the same sense of purpose and pride in what they build together. 

Manufacturing is about craftsmanship, teamwork, dedication, and belonging. It’s also about collaboration with the partners and the sign professionals we serve every day. Together, we build stronger communities, better businesses, and a brighter future for the next generation of makers. 

One family that embodies this spirit of respect and reliability perfectly is the Hernke family, whose story captures the heart of what makes Gemini more than a career. 

Generational Stories in Manufacturing

For Cole Hernke, now a Maintenance Supervisor at Gemini, the company has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. 

“My grandma, Patty, Joe’s mother-in-law, worked here for 30 years,” Cole shared. “I grew up coming to this company. I remember coming here to trick-or-treat when I was a kid. Grandma would bring the extended family up there for us to enjoy the facility.” 

That early connection left a lasting impression. Years later, when Cole began looking for a new opportunity, Gemini was at the top of his list. What he found wasn’t just a job, but a culture that mirrored the family values he’d grown up with. 

“It’s the family atmosphere,” Cole explained. “Gemini puts a very high emphasis on hanging on to those family values. The company does a great job of not laying people off, and that kind of security is important.” 

His father, Joe Hernke, was a union carpenter at the time and frequently traveled. “I wasn’t interested in traveling anymore,” Joe said. “Cole mentioned there were openings at Gemini, and I applied. I got hired, and it’s by far the best company I’ve ever worked for. You can feel that they actually care about you, and that’s pretty huge.” 

These kinds of stories aren’t unusual. Manufacturing careers often become multi-generational, with families passing down both trade skills and a shared sense of pride. That same pride extends to our customers and partners, people who trust Gemini craftsmanship to bring their own projects and communities to life. It’s part of what makes Gemini team members stand out: people who take care of one another, support their partners, and stay because they know their work makes an impact.

Talk From The Manufacturing Floor

Cole and Joe’s professional paths may be different, but their experiences intertwine. Cole began in Building 6 before moving to the maintenance department, while Joe works as a Pattern & Toolmaker in Gemstar Building 7.

“The thing that keeps me going is the people,” Cole said. “The maintenance team, the plant managers, the engineers, we all work together to solve problems for our customers, and that’s what drives Gemini’s success. It’s the family atmosphere and fostering that culture.” 

 That appreciation for people isn’t just a talking point. It’s a legacy. Cole’s grandmother, Patty, spent over 30 years at Gemini, working primarily on the lettering side of the business. “She worked second shift all the time and loved it,” Joe said. “It’d be interesting to see how many days she actually missed, probably a handful, if that. She was very dedicated.” 

 And the Hernke story doesn’t end there. The family’s connection to Gemini manufacturing continues with Blake, Cole’s cousin and Joe’s grandson-in-law, representing a third generation in the same workplace. 

 “Three generations of our family have found their way to Gemini,” Cole said. “That says something about the kind of company it is.” 

The Importance of Skilled Trades

For the Hernkes, Gemini represents more than stability. It means shared purpose. Both father and son take pride in their craftsmanship and the opportunity to keep learning and growing. 

“I’m learning how to program machines,” Joe shared. “It’s something new every day, and it’s exciting to learn something new. Everyone I work with is so upbeat and willing to help. It keeps me wanting to come back to work every day.” 

That spirit of curiosity, mentorship, and collaboration lies at the heart of Gemini’s success. It’s a reflection of the value the company places on skilled trades, the hands-on, detail-driven expertise that keeps American manufacturing careers thriving. 

Cole echoed that sentiment. “Longevity here is amazing. I have four team members retiring in the next few years, and it makes me realize how important it is to maintain a strong culture. These are people who’ve dedicated decades of their lives to Gemini, serving our customers and supporting the sign professionals who depend on us every day. Without them, and without our partners, there is no us.” 

Looking Ahead: Building the Next Generation of Makers

The Hernke family’s story is more than a tribute to their own legacy. It’s a reflection of what we stand for. 

At our core, we’re more than just producing exceptional signage. We’re building partnerships that strengthen communities and empower sign professionals to thrive. As we celebrate National Manufacturing Month, we honor all the families, partners, and team members who have made Gemini what it is today, a place where legacies are built one generation at a time. 

At Gemini, we’re proud to build more than signs. We create lasting connections between our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Discover more about Gemini’s impact over the last six decades.