FONDA – Stewart and Jessica Friesen have accomplished so much on the track during their racing career, but it may be something off of the track which has been most meaningful for the couple. Through their screen print and embroidery shop, One Zee Tees, Stewart and Jessica have built a successful business that has, in part, helped support another passion.
One Zee Tees has been selected as Montgomery County’s Small Business of the Month by County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort and the Montgomery County Business Development Center because of its community impact and important achievement of raising financial support and awareness for autism, which includes a recent donation of $10,000 to an autism classroom at Canajoharie Central School.
“One Zee Tees is a great, local small business,” County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said. “Stewart and Jessica Friesen are great local ambassadors to Montgomery County. They continue to give back in a variety of ways, which includes their non-profit. All of these things are making a difference in our community.”
Stewart and Jessica Friesen have spent 15 years traveling the country, chasing their passion of racing and being professional race car drivers, prior to settling in their current home in Sprakers. Stewart remains a stand out dirt modified racer, as well as a pro on the NASCAR Crafstman Truck Series, while Jessica continue to run 20-25 races per year. After building a home and starting a family, Jessica knew her time behind the wheel would be more limited, so she and Stewart started One Zee Tees, in 2014.
One Zee Tees specializes in custom design screen printing and embroidery, not only for motorsports, but all avenues of apparel needs.
About a year after welcoming their son, Parker, he was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Stewart and Jessica invested all of their free time into learning and becoming educated about autism. After three years of intensive therapy, Parker started making great strides, but the Friesens wanted to use this experience and their platform as business owners and professional race car drivers to educate others about autism.
With the help of their friends and volunteers, Stewart and Jessica started holding small fundraisers, which led to larger efforts. In 2023, with the help of Chris and Colleen Larson from Halmar International, the Friesens launched the not-for-profit, Aim Autism Inc., expanding the possibilities of their autism directed charitable programs.
All told, the Friesens have raised more than $300,000, which they have donated to local school and children’s centers, as well as provide help and assistance for individual families, who have had similar experiences.
“Everything that Stewart and Jessica are involved in is top notch, from their racing careers to their business and their non-profit,” Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose said. “One Zee Tees has high-quality products that are perfect for anyone looking for great merchandise. The Friesens are great people who give back to this community at every opportunity they get.”
You can order merchandise from One Zee Tees on the website www.onezeetees.com or contact through email at OZTonline@yahoo.com.
The Friesens team up to run and operate the NASCAR truck series team Halmar Friesen Racing, based in North Carolina. Stewart and Jessica handle every aspect of all of three of their businesses and they continue to make a great team, both on and off of the track. Even though it’s never a slow season for the Friesens, they continue to look for ways to give back to the community they are a part of and the cause so near and dear to their hearts.
The small business of the month initiative recognizes local Montgomery County businesses that are making a difference in the community. Anyone wishing to nominate a deserving small business for recognition next month should contact the Montgomery County Business Development Center at 518-853-8334 or email vnicosia2@co.montgomery.ny.us with a brief note about the positive impact the company is making on the community. Nominations can also be submitted by sharing a post and tagging the business on the Business Development Center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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ABOUT MCBDC
Montgomery County Business Development Center (MCBDC) provides professional economic development assistance to businesses interested in expanding or relocating to Montgomery County. It offers real estate solutions, financial assistance and incentives, as well as business development and technical assistance. MCBDC acts as the county’s Department of Economic Development, & Planning, the Industrial Development Agency, and Capital Resource Corporation. To learn more visit www.MontgomeryCountyWorks.com.