The Story of Piel Associates

Piel Associates began in the late 1970s when Al Piel, living in Stelle, IL, joined a small community business making stellewood—a distinctive picture frame moulding crafted from Scandinavian plywood. What started as a local idea quickly grew into the foundation of a company dedicated to creativity and craftsmanship.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Al expanded the business with new moulding styles and machinery, eventually becoming a distributor for AMP. His vision helped Piel Associates earn a trusted place in the framing industry.

When Al stepped back, Bill Gould carried the torch, strengthening partnerships and keeping the company’s reputation for quality alive.

Later, Sue Freudenthal brought Piel Associates into her art materials business, weaving it into a broader creative community. Under her care, the company continued to thrive, balancing tradition with fresh opportunities.

Along the way, Donna Bies joined in 2013, adding her energy and expertise to the team. Together, they’ve continued to serve loyal customers while welcoming new ones, offering trusted products from AMP, Fletcher-Terry, and the former Cassese company.

As of January 2026, Karl Braun of C Braun Enterprise has taken ownership, ready to guide Piel Associates into its next chapter with the same spirit of dedication and innovation.

Rooted in the Chicagoland area, Piel Associates has always been about more than just materials—it’s about helping people bring their projects to life, whether they’re framing memories or building something new. That commitment to care, quality, and connection remains at the heart of the company today.