Speakers

Adam Penner is an Authorized Rhino Trainer, CNC technician, and consultant who works to help businesses of all sizes transform their processes. After graduating from the Colorado School of Mines in 2017 with his degree in Engineering Physics, Adam went to work at Paul's Custom Canvas. In 2019 Adam was part of the team at PCC to receive an MFA Outstanding Achievement award. Afterward, Adam went to work for SDS Automation where he installed and repaired automation equipment all over the world. Combining all this experience at AP Consulting, Adam takes digital fabrication to the next level. He specializes in taking manual processes and digitizing them, combining artistry and craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques so that businesses can work more efficiently and profitably.

Growing up in the sewing industry and following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps, Bill Ackerley began working at Bearse USA in the early 90’s, at a pivotal time period in the sewing industry where the industrial world merged with the computer automated world. Ackerley prides himself on being a steadfast and forward thinking while keeping the industrial part of the company's industry strong. For Ackerley, growth in the sewing field isn’t just professional it’s also personal.

Frank Henderson began his career at Amoco Fabric and Textile Division of Amoco Chemical in Nashville, GA; after finishing Auburn University in Textile Engineering. Frank’s work at Amoco began with engineering with polypropylene fabric in fabric development. In 1976 Frank returned to Henderson Sewing Machine Company, a family-owned distributor of industrial sewing machines, parts, supplies and automatic systems for sewn product manufacturers. Having just completed his 44th year at Henderson Sewing Machine Company, Frank has had the opportunity of travelling domestically to 42 states and internationally to more than 60 countries, visiting manufacturers and suppliers of more than 80 different product types of textile sewn products. Frank speaks at industry events and conferences numerous times a year across the global textile industry.

Jeff Neuville serves as the Director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC), supporting US manufacturers and working to create and retain US jobs. Prior to joining the Manufacturing Solutions Center, Jeff served as Director of CVCC’s Small Business Center, part of the NC’s Small Business Center Network. In this role Jeff helped entrepreneurs start over 100 businesses and create and retain over 600 jobs. In 2021 Jeff was recognized as the state’s Small Business Center Director of the Year. Jeff graduated from the UNC Chapel Hill with a Business Administration degree and received his MBA from the University of Maryland.

Nichole Holroyd is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Spiritus Systems Company, Inc. Spiritus Systems is a tactical gear cut-and-sew manufacturer and brand creating the highest quality equipment for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. Nichole, her husband, and best friend started the company in their home and have grown it into one of the leading brands in the tactical gear market. In a former life, Nichole was a Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP)CM and received her Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on infectious disease and epidemiology.

Shane Cossette has been working at TRS Industries since 1991. The company started with repairing tarps in his grandparent’s garage in 1983. Later, they bought equipment to build tarps and have been growing and expanding their product line ever since. Shane’s parents eventually took over the business and are currently semi-retired. Shane has worked in all areas of running the business. As the COO, he is involved in managing teams, sales, and purchasing inventory and equipment in production. TRS currently has 45 employees and a 69,000 square feet facility with a 15,000 square feet installation shop. Today, the company builds all types of truck tarps, boat covers, custom covers and works on trailers with any tarp system made.

Tanya Wade started with the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) in May of 2013 as the Entrepreneur Intake Administrator and the Project Coordinator for the Carolina Textile District (CTD). Both positions allowed her to help brands connect to domestic manufacturers to produce their products in the US. She also teaches CTD’s Sewn Goods 101 Workshop, which educates people on the domestic production process of sewn goods specifically. In April of 2022, she took on a new role at MSC as the manager of the PPE/Textile Resource Lab that is scheduled to open the first part of 2023. This resource lab will assist manufacturers and brands by connecting them to a variety of material sources and services provided specifically by domestic manufacturers.