Ontario’s Regal Tents specializes in high-profile events
February 1st, 2023
Photos: Michelle MacLeod Photography Canadian sales executive Michelle McCulloch knew from age 12 she wanted to become a mover and shaker in the tent rental industry. Growing up in the Ontario-based family business Regal Tents & Structures, the now-40-year-old sales executive was able to learn the tricks of the trade thanks to strong mentorship from […]
Pros and cons of mobile marine shops
December 1st, 2022
When you’re a marine fabricator with a mobile unit, you’re often at a competitive advantage. Not only can you offer customers fast, convenient repairs and service, but you’re often able to recruit business from other boat owners who notice you at their marinas. Vendors who are fully mobile can save money on brick-and-mortar mortgages or […]
Tricky shade projects
August 1st, 2022
Each year, fabricators across the globe set the bar higher by achieving more beauty, functionality and innovation in their shade projects. And each year, the Advanced Textiles Association (formerly IFAI) strives to recognize these industry leaders through its International Achievement Awards (IAA) program. Here, we interview four of last year’s winners about the rewards and […]
Flame-retardant shade sails
May 1st, 2022
Employees at Marlen Textiles conduct final fabric inspections before product is packaged for sale. Over the past year, the New Haven, Mo.-based company has seen significant cost increases for raw materials used in fire-retardant fabrics. Photo: Marlen Textiles As the world continues to call for commercial fabrics that can withstand ever-greater environmental challenges, shade sail […]
Cutting through the fabric ceiling
February 1st, 2022
Faith Roberts, Ltm, MFC, IFM, owner of Ham Lake, Minn.-based Banner Canvas, can think of several examples of gender-based discrimination she’s encountered over her 40-year career. Some struck her as blatantly offensive when she experienced them. Others were less obvious until she really dissected them years later. “Some things I didn’t know were discriminatory until […]
Showroom showdown
December 1st, 2021
Oyster Creek’s floor design gives customers a glimpse of production in progress even if they’re only there to shop for materials. Whether it’s online or brick and mortar, a well-conceived product showroom can make a substantial difference in how customers perceive your company and its offerings. Strategic improvements in both can help your clients better […]
John Delaloye: Innovating for the end user
October 1st, 2020
John Delaloye combines Diamond Brand Gear’s history and reputation with a strategy that focuses on doing what lower-priced competitors can’t. by Michelle Miron I get really pumped about new products, new fabrics, and when we learn from something we’ve researched or read about or seen somewhere and can bring those elements to fruition here,” says […]