TEXTILES.ORG
Particulates, protection and partnerships
July 12th, 2017
First responders put their lives at risk on a regular basis to meet whatever challenges arise—which is why specialty textile developers and manufacturers continue to invest R&D resources in finding new and better protective gear for those brave men and women standing in harm’s way. Globe Manufacturing Co. in Pittsfield, N.H., develops gear for the […]
Mike Peterson reshapes company culture at SugarHouse Awning
July 1st, 2017
Mike Peterson restructures an awning company’s culture by asking hard questions, collaborating on the answers, and fearlessly changing the rules. Our old philosophy was to focus on profitability and the end result—and in order to get there we did our best to take care of our customers, and our employees came last,” says Mike Peterson, […]
Layers of safety: textile innovations offer protection when disaster strikes
June 29th, 2017
A suit of plate armor weighing up to 100 pounds. A 10-foot-thick stone fortress wall. A thin piece of highly engineered fabric. Whether the danger is a force of nature or a manufactured threat, all three provide protection. But much has changed since medieval days of storming the castle and the logic that “the heavier […]
Transitioning to new leadership for the family business
June 1st, 2017
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 were paved,” says Kate Mitchell, founder and co-owner of NOMAR […]
Mastering the craft
May 1st, 2017
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., Bakersfield, Calif. “That’s the way we […]
Bring it on
March 1st, 2017
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 becomes,” says Jacob Schwartz, owner and director of engineering and construction for International Tension Structures (ITS), Phoenix, […]
Green glamping
February 17th, 2017
Eco-friendly glamping structures designed to keep Mother Nature smiling. Glamping brings together the best of two worlds—all the splendor Mother Nature has to offer in posh, elegant accommodations. As if that weren’t enough, glamping structures are usually designed with fabrics that blend into the surroundings that leave less of a footprint to challenge the environment. […]
Glamp it up
February 1st, 2017
The growing glamping trend brings together comfort and the great outdoors-whether for a weekend getaway or as a way of life. Glamorous camping—aka glamping—is more than camping for people who want a weekend in nature but don’t want the challenges that come with being outdoors. Glamping is fabric at its best. It’s soft shadows that […]
The buck starts here
February 1st, 2017
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 here and build their careers—and […]
Sustainable Opportunity
January 1st, 2017
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 apart from our competitors—we find ways to meet […]