The Millennial customer

Millennials, the largest generation of buyers in U.S. history, are even more demanding than Baby Boomers or Generation X. Millennials have more products available to them than any consumer in history, easier direct access to those products over the Internet, and the least consumer loyalty to established brands. Studies show that they crave a boutique, exclusive experience (the fewer principle), have little patience with delays in getting what they order (the faster principle), and demand quality and supply chain transparency (the finer principle).

Fewer, faster, finer

March 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

How U.S. manufacturers can adapt to changing expectations of customers. Back in 2007, Trans-Tex LLC, based in Cranston, R.I., was struggling to survive. Management quickly concluded that the company, a dye sublimation heat transfer printer of narrow web fabric, could not compete against overseas com…
Read More
Creatively Pleasing

February 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

Phyllis Mitchell is the owner of Phyllis Mitchell’s Island Style Marine Canvas & Upholstery in Kemah, Texas. Since its opening in July of 2013, the company has been specializing in the design and fabrication of all things sewn on a sail or powerboat. Here, Mitchell shares her thoughts about th…
Read More
Tax law changes

February 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

How the Trump Administration may affect businesses. Any change in Washington, D.C., brings the possibility—and the likelihood—of tax law changes. The election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States is no exception. In his campaign, President Trump highlighted several goals of…
Read More
Keeping up with the Joneses

January 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

Stephan Kåmark is president of Oxnard, Calif.-based Advanced Canvas & Upholstery Services. The Channel Islands Harbor shop specializes in flooring, enclosures, covers, solar power and repairs in the marine, industrial, aviation and military sectors, offering quality fabric and hardware from the…
Read More
Good people, bad choices

December 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Even the most well-intentioned employees are vulnerable to slipping into unethical choices when their lives lack balance. Ask an average person, “Would you voluntarily do something that is unethical or illegal?” Generally, he or she will reply something like, “Heavens, no!” People naturally …
Read More
Northern niche

November 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Kate Mitchell is the owner of NOMAR, a Homer, Alaska-based company that develops unique items to serve the local industries. NOMAR first opened its doors in 1978 as Mitchell’s Marine Canvas & Upholstery. Today, it employs 15 skilled employees and offers American made clothing, ‘Laska Luggage…
Read More
The Halo effect

November 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Threading carefully to minimize damages from patent infringement. The smart textile industry continues to respond to customer interest in interactive fabrics that meet a variety of needs, including the monitoring of athletic performance and the improvement of tissue reconstruction. This growth drive…
Read More
Shading for land or sea

October 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Sandy Sturner is the managing director of Marine Tech LLC, a St. Thomas, Virgin Islands-based sail and canvas shop that thrives on challenging and unusual projects. Established in 1999, Marine Tech focuses during the winter “high” season on marine canvas with an emphasis on mega-yachts, and duri…
Read More
Blair Belluomo brings a strong and appreciative management style to the family business

September 1, 2016  |  Business, Features, Management, Perspective

I went to school with many kids whose parents had businesses, and they thought that just because their parents ran a successful business, they could just step in and be successful as well,” says Blair Belluomo, owner and president of Belle Isle Awning in Roseville, Mich. “So many of them failed…
Read More
Test of time

September 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Bea Heinz, owner of Jefferson Tent & Awning Co., St. Louis, Mo., has a bit of experience in the custom canvas industry—51 years to be exact. Established in 1911, the majority of Jefferson Tent & Awning’s business consists of the custom manufacture of commercial and residential canvas awn…
Read More