Meet the members of IFAI and hear about the benefits of membership in their own words. Members come from all over the world and from every market segment, and each brings a unique view on the industry.
Fabric on the frontier: Eric Walton and Devlin McKee, Custom Canvas Alaska
February 2016
Eric Walton and Devlin McKee bring fabric solutions to Alaska’s wild and wondrous terrain.
"“An educated/informed consumer is our best customer. An educated/informed employee is our best worker. An educated/informed owner has got to succeed—as long as the learning process continues.” "
Back to shore: Jeff Schmitt, The Coleman Company Inc.
January 2016
Jeff Schmitt balances the reality of off-shore manufacturing with how to bring production back to the U.S.
"A lot of people say that the reason to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. is to improve quality. If they’re saying that, that means they don’t have the appropriate levels of quality coming out of their factories in Asia—which is a situation nobody should ever allow their business to get into. "
Charting a course: Katie Bradford, Custom Marine Canvas
December 2015
Incoming IFAI board chair Katie Bradford takes the helm, using business expertise and networking know-how to lead the association.
"The captains of industry all had to start somewhere. Thirty years ago I was just a kid with a sewing machine in a leaky old shed thinking, ‘I’m never going to make it.’ But I did. I want those starting out to know they can make it too. "
Demand + Supply = Prevail: Robert Cole, Goodwin-Cole
October 2015
Robert Cole brings decades of experience and common sense to the time-honored but always evolving economic model of supply and demand.
"Everybody in our company is a salesperson. They may not be doing sales work as such, but they’re all salespeople for the company."
No fear: Per Lindstrand, Lindstrand Technologies
September 2015
Per Lindstrand sees obstacles as stepping stones as he develops new methods and products for fabric engineering.
"With our buildings, because they’re all fabric, if a strong wind comes they act like a wind sock. They can stand up again and there’s no damage."
Selling shade: Conrad Masterson, SHADE Industries
August 2015
Conrad Masterson builds his business by focusing on what clients really want—and what employees need.
"I try to get the clients to spend a decent amount of time talking about their goals. It may not seem like an important conversation to them at the time, but it saves time down the road. "
Beyond the competition: Patty and Charly Smail, Shelter Structures Inc.
July 2015
Patty and Charly Smail build their business by learning from each new customer—and finding gaps in what the competition offers.
"We feel very strongly that good customer service extends from when you first confer with a customer to design a custom product for them to after the sale is complete—almost as if we still own it. –Patty Smail We try to focus on what the client really needs, which isn’t always what they come in asking for. By working with the client on designing with an eye toward structure function, we often find that there are opportunities to generate savings. –Charly Smail "
Form & function: Maureen MacGillivray, Central Michigan University
June 2015
Dr. Maureen MacGillivray uses her functional apparel expertise to design and test textiles and teach those skills to the next generation.
"Functional design is multidisciplinary, with the user at the very center of that design process."
From surviving to thriving: Dan Hooks, Party Reflections Inc.
May 2015
Dan Hooks propels his organization to new heights by maximizing regional opportunities and building a management team.
"We know that we can only provide the best possible equipment and service if we make the profit necessary to maintain that equipment and pay for the services provided."
Productivity paired: Stewart and Ross Brown, Brown Sales Corp.
April 2015
Father and son team Stewart and Ross Brown embrace the challenge of change by making the most of their strengths.
"There’s no harm in trying new things, and you can always go back to Plan A if Plan B isn’t working. —Stewart Brown The interesting thing about systems is that once you start organizing one piece of information, it soon has a domino effect. Soon you’re able to organize other areas because you’ve tackled that first one. —Ross Brown "
Good, Better, Best: Charles Webster, DOWCO Inc.
March 2015
Charles Webster uses lean techniques to continuously improve production and efficiency.
"It’s really important to establish an integration plan when you’re opening a new facility. With a new place full of new people things can easily get off course if there’s confusion about communication."
Trendsetter: Vernon Schaefer, Glawe Awnings & Tents
February 2015
Vern Schaefer is what is known as an “early adopter,” trying new equipment as soon as it’s available. As he transitions company leadership to his daughter, he’s still setting trends.
"“Before you make a significant purchase you have to start laying the groundwork with the employees. They’re the ones who are going to be using it, and if they’re not comfortable with it, it’s not going to work.”"
Rest stops on the road to success: David Snoad, Pinz Pty. Ltd.
January 2015
David Snoad implements systems and empowers employees so his business can flourish—and he can take a vacation.
"When you give people new responsibilities, they’re going to make mistakes—and some of them will be costly. You have to let them know that you’re aware they’ll make mistakes and when they do you’re not going to blame them."
Everything’s connected: Mr. Sadao Izumi, Izumi Co. Ltd.
December 2014
Mr. Sadao Izumi moves the tent industry forward—by keeping the big picture in mind.
"While of course your individual business is important, you have to be aware that the industry has to survive or your business will not be able to grow. You can’t only focus on being competitive."
The human factors: Aris Makris, Med-Eng
November 2014
Dr. Aris Makris and his team keep their sights on the end user when developing personal protective equipment for Soldiers.
"Between the person and the threat that may endanger his or her life there is a pile of materials—and materials science. Understanding the threat, the person and what the materials can do is how we solve these problems."
Boldly genuine: Bob Jacquart, Jacquart Fabric Products Inc.
October 2014
Bob Jacquart uses the “power of pluck” to expand his company and build a strong brand identity.
"But I also always made sure to have somebody around who could help pull me up to the next level. It's important to have someone who can criticize and challenge you."
Entrepreneur in action: Steve Frost, Stamford Tent & Event Services
September 2014
Steve Frost advances his company by standardizing processes—and being willing to change.
"I think at some point, companies reach a level where the best move is to specialize."
Partners in leadership: Susan Shields and Mike Miller, Airtex Design Group
August 2014
Susan Shields and Mike Miller foster leadership skills and personal accountability to pursue entrepreneurial excellence.
"I think at the core of this process is getting the right person in the right seat—making sure they can do their job in the best possible way, defining what that possibility is, and connecting the dots of people to make sure they’re accountable and that they understand that accountability. –Susan Shields"
Trust the process: James Gallagher, Tensile Integrity Inc.
July 2014
James Gallagher manages projects from conception to completion—by paying attention to detail and practicing transparency.
"I’m very particular on this; there is a clear chain of command. I’ll communicate with anybody under the sun, but I have only one customer."
The next steps: Carol Racine, Racine Design
June 2014
Carol Racine takes on one challenge after another as she and her husband build a business and make plans for a sewing school.
"There’s such a desperate need for people who know how to sew, particularly in the upholstery arena. My dream is to teach the different techniques to people who intend to make a career of it."