Irene Z. Longino

Applique Flag Making Artistry
World-Wide Service

Until a career change in 2006, Irene was a full time state certified horticulturist in both Georgia and Florida.

Seeking to use her creative talents Irene stopped getting her hands dirty and worked with a well-established local flag maker in Florida. Seeing the change from appliqué to screen printing in the industry, Irene recognized the need to keep this old art of flag making alive. A professional studio was set up, and it was the beginning of SMS flags.

Irene is totally committed to the art of flag making and will not cut corners; quality must prevail. Each order receives Irene's full attention, combining her artistic abilities, her excellent skills, a commitment to quality and high work ethics.

Custom flags can be ordered for any occasion and also make excellent gifts.

Because each flag is custom designed by Irene a nominal completion time of 3 to 4 weeks is generally required. The flags take time to design, sew, trim and pass the final inspection prior to delivery; this is definitely not a one or two hour process. The more complicated design with multiple colors take time, this is the only way it can be done, no short cuts, just the old fashioned way.

Despite the short time in business Irene has developed a strong following, many who have urged her to create this web site. Give Irene a call, you will not be disappointed.

SMS flags is a division of Schiffner Marine Services, owned and operated by William Schiffner, a well experienced marine surveyor who is certified with the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors.

After enjoying a educating career in the marine insurance industry that spanned a period of 10 years in both underwriting and claims, Bill started surveying with ITS Marine Surveyors in 1981 under the mentoring guidance of Nathan Tracy, a past member of the National Association of Marine Surveyors and a leading senior surveyor in the Tampa Bay area at the time.

Due to restructuring of ITS' parent company, Bill started Schiffner Marine Services in the last half of 1983 and has been surveying full time since. Enjoying a good reputation in the marine industry, Bill has competed well over 5,000 surveys and is considered to be dependable, thorough, fair and reasonable.

Although based on Florida's west coast in the Tampa Bay area, Bill willingly travels at reasonable costs to serve the needs of his clients and is not confined to any continental boundaries.