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.  

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. 

Julie Tinsman [Strataglass LLC] sat down with featured guests: Charlene Clark, IFM [Signature CanvasMakers LLC], Jeff Newkirk, MFC [Precision Custom Canvas], and Andrew Oatley [Oatley's Top Shop] at the Advanced Textiles Expo to talk about seasonal business. They covered the year-round business and strategies for slow times, from products to training to business improvements, to setting expectations with customers during peak times. They shared on common client misconceptions about being a skilled trade, negotiating for a better price, and trying to jump ahead of other customers.  

Liz Johnson [Brookwood Companies] sits down with featured guests Tanya Wade [Manufacturing Solutions Center at CVCC]; Jennifer Fennell [Polo Custom Canvas]; and Robert Finnegan [AFFOA] to record a live podcast from Advanced Textiles Expo 2025, focusing on how to assess and hire talent. They open by exploring key qualities to define strong candidates—such as drive, curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to contribute to a larger purpose. The discussion then shifts to the importance of educating prospective workers about the opportunities within the industry and the landscape of today's industrial fabric trades. The guests also highlight the value of creating environments that support work–life balance, foster leadership development, and offer pathways of innovation and technology growth. They conclude by discussing innovative training tools like Thread X, which uses augmented technology to help train employees on manufacturing processes.