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How professional sales practices prevent buyer’s remorse
February 10th, 2026
We’ve all been there: you get the call after installation, and the customer isn’t happy. Regardless of the issue, you’re now back in problem-solving mode. These situations can be time-consuming, frustrating and often expensive. Photo courtesy of Keyston Bros. The good news? Buyer’s remorse is largely preventable when sales professionals take a more disciplined, professional […]
Reflections on PAMA and a call to action
November 10th, 2025
John Tavano, vice president, sales, The Miami Corp., and former PAMA board member. As I end my second three-year term on the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association Advisory Board, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how far we’ve come together as a community. When this quarterly Shade & Awning Newsletter launched early last year, our vision […]
Dressing for success in awning sales
July 15th, 2025
In the competitive world of awning and shade product sales, first impressions can be as important as the quality of your materials or the precision of your measurements. Whether you're helping a homeowner envision a cozy enclosed porch or pitching large-scale commercial shade solutions to a business, how you dress plays a key role in […]
Tent industry remembers Kevin McBride
January 7th, 2022
Industry leader Kevin McBride, 68, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in Sun City West, Ariz. McBride, the former owner of PJ McBride Inc., West Babylon, N.Y., was a longtime leader and member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International and the Tent Rental Division and was the TRD chairman from 2004 to 2006. He was […]
IFAI hosting product diversification workshop in February
January 6th, 2022
A shade sail project by Sharp's Tarps With the supply chain challenges facing the industry today, it’s more important than ever to be thinking about changing your product offerings. IFAI will be holding a workshop February 23-24 at Sharp’s Tarps Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah, with education and networking focused on product diversification. Join […]
Sihl Group completes purchase of Dietzgen Corporation
January 5th, 2022
Peter K. Wahsner, CEO of Sihl Group The Sihl Group has acquired Florida-based Dietzgen Corporation. Dietzgen Corporation is a leading provider of converting and distribution services for digital print media including papers, films and textiles to the US market. The privately held corporation has an extensive network of dealers selling their well-known media brands which […]
Vista Outdoor acquires Stone Glacier
January 4th, 2022
Vista Outdoor Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets, announced the acquisition of Stone Glacier, a brand focused on ultralightweight, performance hunting gear designed for backcountry use. "I am excited to welcome the Stone Glacier team into the Vista Outdoor family," said Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer Chris […]
Trelleborg acquires Fairprene and FluoroSeal
January 3rd, 2022
Trelleborg Group has, through its business area Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, acquired an operation in polymer-coated fabrics used in niche applications, including the Fairprene® and FluoroSeal® product brands. The operation is a division of the US-based, privately-owned company Alpha Engineered Composites, and it is selling all its production equipment, customer base, and intellectual property rights. “The […]
Eastman Machine Company announces executive promotions
December 23rd, 2021
Eastman Machine Company, a family-owned and operated business since 1888, has announced multiple executive staff promotions. With the new year, R. Trevor Stevenson will take on the role of president and Steven F. Calzi as chief operating officer. Stevenson’s career at Eastman started in 2004 as a technician and advanced to the executive team in […]
IFAI Expo: Implementing greener chemistry in supply chains
November 2nd, 2021
The global textile industry is moving steadily toward a future dependent on greener chemistries than many of the ones currently in use. There are several factors driving this trend, including increasing consumer demand for greener products, but the process involved with converting to more sustainable chemistries and processes is both complex and risky. According to […]