United Way honors Saukville firm for mask effort

Rebel Converting in Saukville has been recognized by United Way of Greater Milwaukee for its philanthropic efforts, notably for its production of four million face-mask kits during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Last year at this time when Covid hit, there were no face masks whatsoever and my son Thaddeus figured out the fabric we use, melt-blown polypropylene, happens to be used for hospital-grade face masks and N95 masks,” owner Mike Kryshak said.

In September, the company that makes disinfectant wipes and towelettes at 700 N. Progress Dr. in Saukville’s industrial park started Rebel Reform — a charitable wing of the manufacturing business — that is managed by Kryshak’s wife Loretta.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Mrs. Kryshak was to accept the Gwen T. Jackson award from United Way of Greater Milwaukee, recognizing the company’s efforts to distribute mask kits through United Way’s campaign, MaskUpMKE.

“We were getting calls from major hospital distributors, group purchasing organizations and procurement people from hospital supply chains,” Kryshak said. “It really blew us out of the water.”

Kryshak said Allen Edmonds shoe company in Port Washington and the Medical College of Wisconsin used his company’s material to produce masks for people undergoing surgery.  

“Allen Edmonds turned over their machines from sewing shoes to sewing face  masks. We donated the materials to them, and they were sewing masks that were going right into surgery at Children’s Hospital,” he said, adding students at the Medical College of Wisconsin would make masks in the lecture halls along with some of the patients.

Kryshak said his priority is giving back to the community by sponsoring area sports teams such as the Saukville Rebels youth football organization and Ozaukee High School wrestling team. He also helps with the Ozaukee County Shop with a Cop Christmastime event.

A couple of years ago, the Kryshaks worked with the Saukville Police Department and students from Thomas Jefferson Middle School to fill 250 backpacks with learning materials for students in need at Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA.     

    
They also work with other organizations such as Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge, Advocates of Ozaukee and Portal Inc.

Kryshak said he especially enjoys donating used bicycles to children in Wisconsin and abroad.

“There are so many great organizations out there that people don’t know about. We can keep writing out checks until the cows come home, but there is a limited amount of resources that we have,” he said. “The idea of Rebel (Reform) is to bring attention these organizations so other people can become involved and support them financially, with goods or through volunteerism.”

Kryshak said his company is no longer making face-mask kits because there is a global supply today, but he is ready to answer the call if need be.

Prior to the pandemic, Kryshak said, his business was increasing significantly, which led him to open a second facility in Milwaukee.

He considered moving his entire operation to Milwaukee, but that didn’t last long.

“Saukville will always be our home,” he said. “I’ve realized it is also our mission to remain where we started from.”