Our Story

Roman® was founded in 1963 with humble beginnings by Ronald Jedlinski. He and his wife, Diane, started the business in the back of Ron’s father’s store, Roman’s Art and Gift Shop. What began as a religious articles business grew to an award-winning manufacturer and distributor of Christmas items and inspirational products while still keeping its religious articles base.

Roman is dedicated to offering a unique selection of products to help people celebrate everyday joys and the special occasions in their lives. Roman is so grateful for outstanding employees, customers, suppliers, artists and friends, many of whom have been around for decades. The company continues to be family owned and operated with Ron and Diane’s daughter, Julie, and her husband, Dan Loughman, at the helm.

Mission Statement

Roman is an inspirational gift and home décor company with unique, innovative, high-quality products which enhance people’s lives and bring inspiration to their homes. We strive to provide superior service, operate at the highest ethical standards, and enable all with whom we associate to prosper.

Our Partners

Fontanini

In 1973, Roman became the exclusive distributor for Fontanini products. Already a world-famous name in Italian craftsmanship for 65 years before the nativities became widely available in the United States, the much sought-after collection was prized for its lifelike sculpting, meticulous hand-painting and attention to detail. The partnership with Roman has made Fontanini the most popular nativities in America.

The family patriarch and company founder, Emanuele Fontanini, embarked on his career of figurine crafting in 1893 as a talented 13-year-old apprentice to an artist in Bagni di Lucca, an area of Tuscany known for its great arts and crafts. Fontanini expanded his knowledge and skill in art through travels to European cities. He returned to Bagni di Lucca to launch his company in 1908, using money earned from the sale of his wares throughout the continent.

Working with the finest painters and sculptors in Tuscany, Fontanini began crafting figures and decorations of heirloom quality in a single room shop. In time, Fontanini gained recognition and acclaim for its work and Emanuele Fontanini’s sons joined him in the business. Although no longer housed in the cherished room used by Emanuele in the early 1900’s, Fontanini continues to operate in the village of its founding. Today, the namesake of his great grandfather, Emanuele, along with his brother, Stefano, have assumed leadership roles in the family business.

Joseph's Studio

In 1998 we met a young artist named Joseph whose sculpting ability was unlike anything else we had seen. He could capture the two-dimensional art found in classic Renaissance paintings and sculpt them into three-dimensional figures so well, it was destined to be one of the most successful product lines Roman has ever brought to market. What started out as a few garden figures has blossomed into hundreds of subjects in the Joseph’s Studio line.