Brian Richardson credits staff for L & A Tent’s success

February 1, 2025  |  Features, Perspective

In the tent rental industry, there is no ‘tomorrow,’” Brian Richardson, president and CEO of L & A Tent & Event Rentals, Hamilton, N.J., likes to say. Once the event date arrives, rain or not, the event must go on—today.
Read More
Members Only  
3D printing in textiles: The future is (almost) now

February 1, 2025  |  Features

While companies in arenas ranging from jewelry to aerospace are now familiar with using 3D printing to fabricate parts and other objects, “3D printing textiles is a newer concept,” says Jack Forman, doctoral student at the Center for Bits and Atoms of the Tangible Media Group, Massachusetts Inst…
Read More
Members Only  
Cultivating the next generation of leadership

February 1, 2025  |  Features

Like everything else COVID-19 hit, the pandemic delivered a blow to workplace leadership development, says Oren Margolis, founder of Pinetree & Palm Consulting. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., the firm specializes in coaching founders, executives and high achievers to optimize performance …
Read More
Dedication is key for Maple Leaf Awning and Canvas

January 1, 2025  |  Features, Perspective

Most kids don’t dream of running an awning and canvas company when they grow up. Neither did James Dillport, chairman of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, but in 2017, he stumbled onto an opportunity to help lead Maple Leaf Awning and Canvas (MLAC) in Sherwood, Ark. After taking a…
Read More
Members Only  
Indoor shade trends: Regulations, automation and more

January 1, 2025  |  Features

New regulations are affecting shade products, but that’s not the only thing going on in this market. Changes in motorization, the way products are used for light control, available color options and demand for sustainability are all happening too.
Read More
Members Only  
Strategize your social media

January 1, 2025  |  Features

A social media presence has become ubiquitous for nearly every type of business. And while that constant presence may be beneficial, social media interaction can become stale, routine and consequently less effective. For a company that has been engaged with social media for multiple years, it may b…
Read More
Members Only  
Innovative shade solutions for boats

December 1, 2024  |  Features

The owner of a Ranger Tug wanted a full permanent top along with an enclosure on the aft deck, recalls Joshua Davis, owner of Hayden Island Canvas in Portland, Ore. Additionally, the client wanted extension awnings on the sides for more shade, and he wanted them to be angle adjustable.
Read More
Members Only  
SMART ePANTS program works on computerized clothing

December 1, 2024  |  Features

Innovative technological advances sometimes require intensive research and partnership efforts with years of dedicated government funding. Such a program in the smart textiles area is the SMART ePANTS program, which stands for the Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems. Intelligenc…
Read More
ADVANCED TEXTILES EXPO 2024: Highlights from Anaheim

December 1, 2024  |  Expo Report, Features

Advanced Textiles Expo returned to Anaheim, Calif., this year, highlighting the unique West Coast textile industry and plenty of recent innovations.
Read More
Canada’s Rolltec: From an importer to a leading manufacturer

November 1, 2024  |  Features, Perspective

When thinking of places known for fun in the sun or cafe culture, Canada may not immediately come to mind. Yet that is where awning manufacturer Rolltec® Rolling Systems Ltd. in Concord, Ont., Canada, does business—in a big way.
Read More