The happiness effect at American Tent

March 1, 2024  |  Features, Perspective

Tony Ehrbar, owner and CEO of American Tent LLC, in Green Bay, Wis., didn’t realize he wanted to be an entrepreneur until he was 32. Burned out from years of consulting work and dissatisfied with corporate life, he was inspired to take on a new professional challenge after watching an episode of S…
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Rachal McCarthy builds on 40 years of progress at NTI Global

February 1, 2024  |  Features, Perspective

When life throws you curveballs, you either need to duck or hit them. Just ask Rachal McCarthy, who is redefining what’s possible for women in the textiles and manufacturing industries.
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Roy Chism on making the most of opportunity, ATA membership

January 1, 2024  |  Features, Perspective

In 2021, Roy Chism retired as owner and operator of The Chism Co. Inc., the canvas and metal fabrication shop his father founded 70 years prior in San Antonio, Texas. Though Chism occupied several roles throughout the years, his earliest task remained most critical to continuing his father’s succe…
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Banner Canvas’ Faith Roberts on the value of ATA networking

November 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

Although Faith Roberts’ business has been mostly a one-woman show for almost 40 years, she has always been a firm believer in the power of networking.
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Andrea Lynn on how shade sails have kept her creative

October 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

It takes less than a five-minute conversation with Andrea Lynn to appreciate her earnest enthusiasm for shade sails—which is why her reflection on a decades-long career in the industry may come as a surprise. “I jumped into the business with rose-colored glasses on,” she muses. “This journey…
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10 business lessons from Southern Stitch of Gulfport, Miss.

August 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

There’s a saying that chance favors the prepared. Sometimes that preparation can take some surprising forms. Just ask Steven Wayne, founder and operator at Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery LLC in Gulfport, Miss. 
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Scott Neville: Prioritize trust to join legacy companies

July 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

Fifteen years ago, Scott Neville was a newcomer to the shade industry. In partnership with his father, Ron, he has since acquired three renowned awning companies with more than 300 years of combined industry leadership. And he’s just getting started.
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George Smith grew Mahaffey through market diversification

May 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

George Smith, vice president of operations for temporary structures for Sunbelt Rentals Inc. (and former president and CEO of Mahaffey USA), never intended to make a career out of the tent business.
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