The human factors

November 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Dr. Aris Makris and his team keep their sights on the end user when developing personal protective equipment for Soldiers. “A lot of the necessary skills for this job grow from being in contact with the end user community,” says Aris Makris, Ph.D., vice president of research and development …
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The secret sharer

October 1, 2014  |  Management

There are some not-so-obvious benefits to attending industry events. You already know why your upcoming convention and trade show is important: it’s a chance to discover new products and new suppliers, discuss emerging industry trends and best practices, and learn from the people who make up your …
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Boldly genuine

October 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Bob Jacquart uses the “power of pluck” to expand his company and build a strong brand identity. “If you’re going to really ramp up your business you have to have that world of brand strategy experts look you over,” says Bob Jacquart, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products Inc. (JFP) in Ironwood, …
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The next generation

September 1, 2014  |  Management

How to develop future leadership and ensure a smooth transition for your business. Over the past eight years, I’ve had the opportunity to research hundreds of family businesses to better understand what makes some family businesses thrive over generations while others fail. One thing has become cl…
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Entrepreneur in action

September 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Steve Frost advances his company by standardizing processes—and being willing to change. We try to develop best practices and focus on repeating them, which includes making lists and standardizing problems,” says Steve Frost, president of Stamford Tent & Event Services, Stamford, Conn. “Bu…
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Working with difficult clients

August 1, 2014  |  Management

Pre-solve problems by anticipating conflicts before they arise. By Melynda Norman-Lee So you have a client you don’t like to work with. Have you taken the time to figure out why? What is it about working with this client that bothers you? Is it the client’s lack of communication? Or too …
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Economic influence

August 1, 2014  |  Management

A bill for women-owned small businesses; SBA award winners; new AAFA president. Legislation to encourage women’s business ownership and give women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) more opportunities to win federal contracts was introduced in late June by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH)…
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STOPfakes

August 1, 2014  |  Management

Safeguard your intellectual property, in the U.S. and overseas. By Dr. James Chan Theft of intellectual property (IP) causes U.S. manufacturers and service organizations $25 billion in lost sales and 75,000 jobs each year. This is a central message in a series of nationwide “STOPfakes Road Sho…
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Protect your people

July 1, 2014  |  Management

And keep workers’ compensation costs under control. By William J. Lynott If you’re a typical specialty fabrics business owner, workers’ compensation costs—or the threat of them—can quickly become a major expense burden. Almost every business in the United States that ha…
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Trust the process

July 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

James Gallagher manages projects from conception to completion–by paying attention to detail and practicing transparency. By Sigrid Tornquist At the end of the day our work isn’t only about making a sale; it’s about engaging in relationships where we understand client application, identify…
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