Our Podcast: Talking Textiles
- Jonathan Sweet, ATA, sits down with Richard Martin from Pro Em to discuss his company's tent installation for the UFC 250 at the White House. Richard shares about the unique challenges of working with government bodies in Washington, DC, such as complexities of the bidding process, and stringent security requirements. He covers what it was like being in the national spotlight, and how the project scope evolved as more stakeholders became involved. Martin also touches on safe tent installation practices, his team, and leaning on the tent industry for assistance.
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Join us each month for insider views, best practices and tips from successful companies in the industrial fabric market. Discover the road to the fabric industry and gain insight from shared experiences.
Previous Episodes
Textiles in Rhode Island: Education, Sustainability, and the Future of Manufacturing
In this episode of Talking Textiles, host Michael Woody speaks with Dr. Karl Aspelund of the University of Rhode Island about the growing future of the textile industry and the importance of collaboration between academia, manufacturers, and community organizations. Together, they explore the origins and impact of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network, efforts to close the textile skills gap, and the development of regionally focused workforce education programs designed to reconnect students with modern textile manufacturing.
Designing Large Canopies: Collaboration with Engineers
Listen in as Dan Litster [Keyston Bros] sits down with featured guests Michael Yungman, [Yungman Engineering], Ethan Halpern [American Awning and Blind Co.], and Scott Neville, [Welhener – H.B. Wall Awning and Kansas City Tent and Awning Co.]. Yungman shares on how he became interested in engineering and his experiences with his clients. The conversation covers communication with your engineer and your customers. The guests touch on building relationships, the design process and problem solving, surveying your site, and identifying the scope of work.
Inside the FASTR Lab with Lynn Wagner
Listen in as Jasmine Cox, Executive Director at Gaston College's Textile Technology Center and ETC Chair, interviews, Lynn Wagner, Senior Research Textile Manager, FASTR Lab at the University of Maine and ETC Board Member. The discussion focuses on the Fiber & Specialty Textiles Research (FASTR) Lab at the University of Maine. The lab is a is a state-of-the-art research and development facility dedicated to advancing the frontiers of industrial fabrics. Lynn notes that while the university does not directly teach textiles, it emphasizes advanced composites, where materials can function as sensors or integral components within larger systems. Learn more as the discussion continues about priorities for the lab and student work within the lab.
Branding and Rebranding Your Marine Canvas Business
Kyle Van Damme, MFC [Marine Tops Unlimited], got together with Mike Boatman [Boatman Marine Canvas], and Justin Jones [SewLong Custom Covers] to talk about branding and rebranding your marine canvas business. The importance of being consistent across your digital and social media platforms to build customer trust and company perception was discussed. Using brand as a tool to take your company to the next level, along with being intentional about your brand at the start of your business was covered. Plus, tips on when it's important to transition to a rebrand and how making gradual changes is key to rebrand success.
