KATE MITCHELL, RICHARD MITCHELL, JENNIFER MITCHELL-HAKALA
OWNERS
NOMAR
Homer, Alaska
IFAI MEMBER SINCE 1983
MOST VALUED BENEFIT: Information

Transitioning to new leadership for the family business

June 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Kate Mitchell transitions her diverse fabrics business on the Alaskan frontier to her children- who value a courageous past and anticipate a bright future.  We didn’t homestead like the Kilcher family from Discovery Channel’s ‘Alaska: The Last Frontier,’ but we were here before the roads we…
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Mastering the craft

May 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Jerry Margrave keeps his company on track by staying on top of industry skills, technology and opportunities to solve customer problems. “Every time the phone rings we have a new opportunity to see how we can help somebody,” says Jerry Margrave, MFC, owner of Specialty Trim & Awning Inc.…
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From the ground up

April 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Cheryl Yennaco rebuilds a business by making the tough decisions, hiring the right team and setting meaningful and measurable goals. “Last year was our best year, and we’re at another point of growth right now,” says Cheryl Yennaco, owner and general manager of Melrose, Mass.-based Atlanti…
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Bring it on

March 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Jacob Schwartz navigates the design and construction process by leveraging group strengths, examining all options and committing to long-term solutions for clients. “Without exception, the more—and earlier—we are engaged in the design process, the more successful the fabric application be…
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The buck starts here

February 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Chris Ritsema leads his company by building a strong culture that encourages growth and success for his employees. My vision has always been to grow a company that empowers its employees,” says Chris Ritsema, owner of Canvas Innovations in Holland, Mich. “I want to give people a reason to stay h…
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Sustainable Opportunity

January 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Eric and Angie Riggins create new products and capture new markets to ensure a steady stream of work throughout the year.  We’re always looking for opportunities to grow the business,” says Angie Riggins, co-owner of Alpha Canvas, Charlotte, N.C. “We have to be innovative to set ourselves apa…
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IFAI Expo 2016: advanced textiles

December 1, 2016  |  Features, Perspective

Today’s textile testing is challenged with evaluating varied performance qualities for multiple environments. The Advanced Textiles Testing Track at IFAI Expo examined textile testing in light of a new wave of textile developments. Dr. Emiel Den Hartog, North Carolina State University (NCSU) Cente…
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Analyze this

December 1, 2016  |  Features, Perspective

Ed Skrzynski automates production, encourages teamwork and documents processes to deliver quality marine and shade products. There is a common thread with custom manufacturing—it’s very labor-intensive, very expensive and typically done by artisans and skilled trades people,” says Ed Skrzynski…
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Scheduled Evolution

October 31, 2016  |  Features, Perspective

Eric Heischmidt approaches project management with flexibility and an architect’s eye for precision. “Project management means planning ahead,” says Eric Heischmidt, senior project manager, Arizon Structures, St. Louis, Mo. “But more than anything it means being prepared to be flexible, …
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Pete Weingartner builds a team to deliver turn-key projects and target continued growth

October 1, 2016  |  Features, Perspective

Even if projects are going well I try to improve them. I want to find a way to do things better; to do things faster,” says , president of Queen City Awning, Cincinnati, Ohio. “One of the ways I do that is by attending IFAI Expo and reading Specialty Fabrics Review magazine to keep up … <…
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