24 Years of Service
We bring your ideas to life with precision and expertise.
At XYZ Custom, we excel in transforming client-provided designs and renderings into cost-effective, safe, and functional realities. Our portfolio spans a wide range of projects, from sophisticated museum structures featuring advanced AI integration to intricate airport environments designed for educational purposes. Additionally, we craft custom trade show exhibits, high-end residential elements, functional units for medical facilities, and outdoor installations for venues and parks.
Whether you're envisioning a groundbreaking museum exhibit or a bespoke residential installation, XYZ Custom is committed to delivering superior engineering and fabrication services tailored to your unique needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to fruition.
120 total years experience
2783 projects completed
250 projects completed annually
81+ clients
95% repeat customers
100% projects delivered on time
120 total years experience 2783 projects completed 250 projects completed annually 81+ clients 95% repeat customers 100% projects delivered on time
Our History
Established in 2000, our roots trace back to a wealth of experience in the trade show industry. Prior to founding XYZ Custom, our team spent 19 years at Creative Productions, a leading full-service exhibit house. This extensive background equips us with the skills and insights necessary to deliver exceptional results to our clients.
Our Approach
Our approach prioritizes efficiency and value. We collaborate closely with our clients to ensure that their vision is translated into reality while adhering to budgetary constraints and project timelines. While museums are a key focus area, our expertise extends to a diverse range of industries and project types.
Our Capabilities
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, our shop boasts a digitally controlled panel saw and a comprehensive array of woodworking tools. This enables us to execute projects with precision and craftsmanship, meeting the highest standards of quality.
TEAM
Steve Hellberg
Founder
43 years experience
Linkedin
Steve Hellberg is the founder and President of XYZ Custom, Inc., a provider of engineering and efficient manufacturing services for designers, architects, ad agencies, corporations, and museums using digital machinery to produce timely, quality fabrications.
Steve founded XYZ in 2000 after spending two decades with the custom exhibit design and manufacturing firm Creative Productions (CP). At CP he worked with clients, designers, engineers, craftsmen, and logistic suppliers to design, fabricate, and manage custom exhibit properties, interiors, and corporate events, splitting his time between account management and assisting in acquiring new business, primarily in the automotive sector with John Pugh.
By the time CP was purchashed by a national competitor in 2000, the business had grown from $4M to $40M in annual revenue since Steve joined CP in 1981. At XYZ, Steve continues the ethos of CP today with a culture of client focus not only meeting expectations but exceeding them. His greatest satisfaction is seeing designs, ideas, and raw materials come in and high quality, on budget, and in time fabrication go out!
John Pugh
Partner
37 years experience
Linkedin
John's journey began at Bowling Green State University, where he earned his BS in Visual Communications Technology before diving headfirst into the world of custom fabrication. His first gig landed him at a full-service exhibit house in Toledo, OH, where he honed his craft.
Seeking more sun and fun, John made his way to sunny southern California, soaking up knowledge in the exhibit industry while balancing rugby and beach life in a small community south of Long Beach. But the call of his roots eventually brought him back to Pittsburgh in 1995.
There, he joined forces with Steve Hellberg at Creative Productions, the fastest-growing exhibit house in the northeast. When Steve sold the company in 2000, John's entrepreneurial spirit kicked into high gear. Over the next two decades, he made waves in the business world, growing a company by a staggering $300 million, dabbling in vegan doughnuts, and even taking a brief dip back into corporate America.
Now, John's bringing all that experience to the table, doing what he loves most: bringing ideas to life. Reunited in partnership with Steve, he's ready to tackle new challenges and create truly remarkable three-dimensional structures. Together, they're a force to be reckoned with, poised to make waves in the world of custom fabrication once again.
Changliang (Charles) Xu
Engineer
40 years experience
Changliang (Charles) Xu is an accomplished industrial engineer and product designer with over 40 years of experience in wood science and wood processing technology. Charles acquired his expert knowledge from The College of Engineering and Technology at Northeastern Forestry University in China.
He spent 11 years at the Sichuan Forestry Reconnaissance Design & Research Institute, where he was involved in designing and constructing forestry product processing factories. These factories produced a variety of wood-based products, including sawmill, plywood, particleboard, MDF, flooring and furniture.
During his 8-year time in Manitoba, Canada, Charles gained hands-on experience by engineering and crafting cabinets, furniture, store fixtures, and exhibits. Notably, he was also entitled Microsoft certificated system engineer (MCSE) during this time. Which facilitated his seamless adoption of digital wood processing technology.
In 2003, Charles joined XYZ Custom Inc. as a CAD technician. His talent quickly shone through as he efficiently managed engineering projects from start to finish. His skills encompass project/product design, estimating, CAD drafting, engineering, CNC programming, machine operation, and assembly.
Charles collaborates closely with project owners and designers to turn their ideas into reality with speed and cost-effectiveness.
Outside of work, Charles enjoys reading, traveling, and remodeling. Charles Xu’s extensive expertise and practical approach make him a valuable asset in the field of industrial engineering and design. His passion for creativity and dedication to craftsmanship have left a lasting impact on customer relations.
C.J. Altman
Production
29 years experience
C.J. embarked on his journey in carpentry after graduating high school in 1995, obtaining a carpentry certificate from Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center. Driven by his passion for creation and craftsmanship, he honed his skills at H.O.P LUMBER from 1995 to 1999, specializing in crafting custom staircases.
Transitioning to Salem Millwork from 1999 to 2006, C.J. continued to thrive in the realm of building, further refining his craft. In 2007, he joined XYZ Custom, where he expanded his expertise by mastering CNC equipment operation, cabinet construction, and emphasizing the importance of intricate detailing.
Throughout his career, C.J. has found joy in collaborating with clients, vendors, and coworkers, enriching his professional journey with meaningful interactions and a commitment to excellence.
