Win/win success through teamwork

September 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Industry News, Management, Perspective

Andrea Lampson and her husband Mark join with employees to retool a struggling business into a solid and vibrant enterprise. By Sigrid Tornquist “I remember the first time I walked onto the production floor and thought: ‘Oh, my.’ There was no water cooler, no refrigerator and no air conditioni…
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Dave Elliot shows strength in economic turmoil

August 1, 2013  |  Features, Industry News, Management, Marine, Perspective

Dave Elliot distinguishes his business from the competition by slowing down and keeping strict standards. By Sigrid Tornquist “The past years’ economic challenges have not been a problem for my business—in fact, I think they’ve made my business even stronger because I’ve separated my b…
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Bad debt and tax savings

August 1, 2013  |  Management

Every uncollected debt will cost you money, but many business debts can be claimed as tax deductions—if you’re careful. By Mark E. Battersby What business owner hasn’t suffered from customers that do not or cannot pay? Accounts receivable are not always collected in full for a vari…
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Investing in new equipment for tax relief

July 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Management

Large purchases have become easier and less expensive thanks to new tax breaks and financing options. By Mark E. Battersby Thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, managers, executives and owners who have hesitated or postponed making capital investments for their specialty fabrics busine…
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Turning engineering into art: the heart of passionate design

July 1, 2013  |  Fabric Structures, Features, Industry News, Management, Perspective

Nic Goldsmith uses his architectural vision to design innovative fabric structures. By Sigrid Tornquist “I think there are a lot of areas where fabric technology could be applied and it’s not,” says Nic Goldsmith, FAIA, LEED, AP, senior principal of FTL Design and Engineering Studio in New Yor…
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Huntsman wins patent infringement case

July 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Management

The Intermediate People’s Court in Shanghai, China, found that the Shanghai Colva Dyestuff Industry Co. Ltd. (Colva) infringed on a Chinese patent belonging to Huntsman Corporation’s Textile Effects Division in Singapore. Huntsman registered the patent (ZL00106403.7), which pertains to a…
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The right gear now

July 1, 2013  |  Features, Industry News, Management, Products

Embracing technological innovations and equipment advancements to stay ahead of the game. By Maura Keller Imagine it is 1973 and you’ve just received an order for custom canvas awnings. One glance around your small shop reveals all the necessary equipment needed to complete the job: handheld r…
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Performance plus

July 1, 2013  |  Features, Management, Products

Equipment suppliers are focusing on service, training and customization to add value. By Holly O’Dell Given the economic turbulence we’ve all endured over the last five years, many businesses have reported doing more with less, and not as a matter of choice. But this common refrain needn…
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Flexible arrangement

July 1, 2013  |  Features, Management, Products

Efficient production means choosing (and changing) the best equipment configurations. By Jill Lafferty Technological developments in the specialty fabrics industry allow end product manufacturers (EPMs) to print larger, faster and at higher quality; to create and save complicated patterns through co…
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Succession planning is weighty matter for business owners

June 1, 2013  |  Management, Markets

Both younger and older generations face unique challenges in succession planning. By Jamie Swedberg Michele Quadri, owner of Al’s Awning Shop Inc. in Erie, Pa., grew up in the family business and dreamed of working alongside her father one day. But it was not to be; he died when she was a teen…
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