Strong supplier-manufacturer relationships benefit businesses

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Abbie Yarger The supplier-manufacturer dynamic is of equal importance to the manufacturer-customer relationship in the marine fabrication industry. “We try to be open and straightforward with our suppliers, just as we are with our customers,” says Jeri Perillo, Custom Canvas of Charle…
Read More
Top 10 tips for high-quality customer service

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Alton Martin 1. Have a service strategy for organization. 2. Keep customer satisfaction data. 3. Use the data to take specific action based on customer feedback. 4. Model good companies that provide excellent service. 5. Look for examples of excellent service outside of your industry. 6. Be open …
Read More
Incentives help maintain relationships with customers

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Abbie Yarger To encourage relationships with customers, and to spur business, some fabricators offer distinctive incentives for using their services. Dennis Bueker, branch manager of Tri Vantage LLC in Cleveland, Ohio, says Tri Vantage has an annual new product show that explains products and ser…
Read More
Consumers’ opinions on eco-friendly furniture

January 1, 1970  |  News

From March 2009 Cargill BiOH Bulletin Consumers demand style, comfort and quality first…but a green angle can help put a product on their short list. In fall 2008, Cargill BiOH sponsored a qualitative research initiative to gain insight into consumers’ opinions on furniture buying and t…
Read More
Tips for a green shop

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Holly O’Dell Set up a recycling program and offer clearly marked bins for disposal. When you’re in the market to buy light bulbs, consider compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or bulbs rated as an Energy Star product. Manage energy costs by turning off the light any time you leave a room…
Read More
Le Bel invests in education

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist Investing in the education of others is one of Claude Le Bel’s passions. In November 2008 Le Bel and others from Sollertia traveled to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in West Africa to install a circus school for the city’s youth. Le Bel and his team volunteered their time…
Read More
Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Claude Le Bel, president and founder of Sollertia Inc.

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your industry prediction? Almost everyone is or will be affected by the economic downturn, but companies that are strong and have the necessary knowledge will survive. What is your business philosophy? If you’re honest, fair and take care of people, everyt…
Read More
Specialty Fabrics Review interviews J.C. Egnew, founder and owner of Outdoor Venture Corp.

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your most important lesson learned? Good will is the best capital business can have. You can be out of money, but if you have the good will of your supply base, your customers and your bankers, there’s always an opportunity to work your way out. What is yo…
Read More
Egnew and USIFI lobby for U.S. fabricators

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist J.C. Egnew and Outdoor Venture Corp., along with others involved in the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI), spend a significant amount of time lobbying Congress on behalf of U.S. fabricators. Paramount among the lobbying efforts are those concerning the Berry Amen…
Read More
Classic Party Rentals gives advice for green tent rentals

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Shelby Gonzalez Clayton Frech, vice president of sustainability and operations for Classic Party Rentals, shared these green tips for tent rental companies. Having a subfloor enhances your client’s event and ensures that the carpet or turf will be in better condtion and reusable after the e…
Read More