Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Wendy Tankard, administration director of Baytex Mfg. Co.

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist

How have you managed to continue to grow the business despite the recent economic challenges?

We started an Australian branch of the company about eight years ago, after selling our products in the country for 13 years. We are also partners in Baytex USA. We made the decision to diversify so we had a broader economic base. Last year—a recession year—was our biggest year largely because of our exports.

How do you manage to keep your employees motivated and engaged in the business?

Besides paying well and offering training and promotions, we produce a staff newsletter. It includes images of installed projects so they can see what they’ve achieved, as well as staff profiles. We also include information on trade shows we’ve been to and what feedback we’ve received from clients.

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the associate editor of InTents magazine.