Member Spotlights
Meet the members of ATA 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.
From local store to international leader: Janice Grieshop, Celina Tent
June 2022
"As a company, we try to stay in touch with the changing needs of our customers. This has resulted in a large investment of time and money in our YouTube channel and websites. We want to provide educational materials to support new buyers."
Janice Grieshop
Vice President
From local store to international leader: Janice Grieshop, Celina Tent
June 2022
"As a company, we try to stay in touch with the changing needs of our customers. This has resulted in a large investment of time and money in our YouTube channel and websites. We want to provide educational materials to support new buyers."
Janice Grieshop
Vice President
A hands-on approach: Mike Kallas, Roeming Industries
May 2022
"It’s important to be a part of something larger than my company for the common good of the industry. IFAI provides opportunities to continually develop knowledge, which is especially valuable for people newer to the industry like myself. I’m constantly learning and growing, and IFAI has been a big part of that growth."
Mike Kallas
Sewing Supervisor
A hands-on approach: Mike Kallas, Roeming Industries
May 2022
"It’s important to be a part of something larger than my company for the common good of the industry. IFAI provides opportunities to continually develop knowledge, which is especially valuable for people newer to the industry like myself. I’m constantly learning and growing, and IFAI has been a big part of that growth."
Mike Kallas
Sewing Supervisor
A focus on what we do best: Greg Keeler, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
April 2022
"Our claim to fame is our culture—it’s a really fun place to work. It helps with employee retention and happiness."
Greg Keeler
Owner
A focus on what we do best: Greg Keeler, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
April 2022
"Our claim to fame is our culture—it’s a really fun place to work. It helps with employee retention and happiness."
Greg Keeler
Owner
Pride and passion: Hidefumi Araki, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
March 2022
"When you are satisfied with the outcome of a project you forget about the blood, sweat and tears you poured into it."
Hidefumi Araki
President
Pride and passion: Hidefumi Araki, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
March 2022
"When you are satisfied with the outcome of a project you forget about the blood, sweat and tears you poured into it."
Hidefumi Araki
President
Exceeding Expectations: Shari Albertson, Austin Canvas & Awning
February 2022
"It is important to show grace during this challenging time. We are all just trying to do our best with what is available to us."
Shari Albertson
Vice President of Sales
Exceeding Expectations: Shari Albertson, Austin Canvas & Awning
February 2022
"It is important to show grace during this challenging time. We are all just trying to do our best with what is available to us."
Shari Albertson
Vice President of Sales
Growth Path: Amy Bircher, MMI Textiles Inc.
January 2022
"Anybody’s lack of passion or excitement to innovate in our industry were opportunities for us. We exposed good opportunities and gained trust and built relationships with customers and the buyers."
Amy Bircher
CEO & Founder
Growth Path: Amy Bircher, MMI Textiles Inc.
January 2022
"Anybody’s lack of passion or excitement to innovate in our industry were opportunities for us. We exposed good opportunities and gained trust and built relationships with customers and the buyers."
Amy Bircher
CEO & Founder
Embracing the unexpected: Matt Carroll, Hoover Architectural Products
November 2021
"Opportunities come and go all the time. I’m always asking, ‘Are we positioned to take advantage of good opportunities when they come along?"
Matt Carroll
President
Embracing the unexpected: Matt Carroll, Hoover Architectural Products
November 2021
"Opportunities come and go all the time. I’m always asking, ‘Are we positioned to take advantage of good opportunities when they come along?"
Matt Carroll
President
Strength in simplicity: Wayne Heflin and Glenn Russell, Cross Canvas Co.
October 2021
"U.S.-made products don’t work for every budget, but customers turn to us because they know they’ll receive the highest quality and our undivided attention."
Wayne Heflin and Glenn Russell
Co-Founders
Strength in simplicity: Wayne Heflin and Glenn Russell, Cross Canvas Co.
October 2021
"U.S.-made products don’t work for every budget, but customers turn to us because they know they’ll receive the highest quality and our undivided attention."
Wayne Heflin and Glenn Russell
Co-Founders