Our Story
One flag repair. A family business. A legacy we’re proud to carry forward.
In the spring of 1982, a neighbor asked Irene Morreale to repair the stitching on a flag for a Chicago-area bank. It was a simple request, but it became the beginning of something lasting.
When the bank needed another repair later that year, Irene and her husband, Jim, decided to start a business together. That is how Irene became “The Flag Lady”—and how a small act of helping a neighbor grew into The Flag Lady Corporation.
The people behind the name
Irene and Jim built the business through years of hands-on work. What began with repairing frayed and tattered flags grew into a full-service source for flags, banners, flagpoles and accessories. Their experience started with the products themselves: understanding how flags wear, how they are used and what customers need to keep them flying.
Irene gave the business its name, and together she and Jim gave it their time, knowledge and dedication. Behind the growth were two people willing to keep learning, take care of the details and help customers find the right solution.
As customers’ needs expanded, so did the business. Their work grew to include custom corporate flags, trade show displays, table and wall banners, and flagpole supply, installation and maintenance.
From a local bank to customers across the country
By its 35th anniversary, The Flag Lady had grown to serve more than 4,000 commercial, industrial and government accounts, along with individual customers. Irene and Jim’s original story described customers in every U.S. state, several countries and places as far away as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific.
That reach is a remarkable part of their story. A business that began with one neighbor’s request became a source that thousands of customers turned to for help.
Their message was simple: “Whatever your flag or banner need is… WE CAN HELP!” That spirit continues to guide us today.
Honoring Jim. Celebrating Irene. Continuing together.
Following Jim’s passing in July 2026, his son Bill and daughter-in-law Heather stepped forward to carry on the business. For us, continuing The Flag Lady is a personal commitment to honor Jim’s memory and celebrate everything Irene and Jim built together.
Irene will always be the original Flag Lady. Her name, her work and her place in this business remain at the heart of its story. Jim’s contributions remain part of its foundation and our reason for carrying it forward.
We are bringing new ways to browse, order and connect with us while protecting the personal service that shaped this family business. Our goal is to make buying easier and continue earning your trust through clear communication, practical guidance and attention to your order.
A note from Bill & Heather
To the customers who supported Irene and Jim over the years: thank you. You helped turn a small family business into a legacy we are proud to continue.
To those meeting us for the first time: welcome. From a single flag for your home to an order for your business or organization, we appreciate the opportunity to help.
We carry this business forward with gratitude for what Mom and Dad built, love for our family and a commitment to serve yours.
Bill & Heather Morreale
The Flag Lady Corporation
Family owned since 1982 · Elk Grove Village, Illinois