Our Podcast: Talking Textiles
- In part two of the podcast on tariffs, the conversations centers around the current landscape and how companies are navigating through uncertainty. Host Tony Ehrbar [Renegade Plastics/American Tent] sits down with Brian Coughlin [Sioen]; Victor Jensch [Ennis Fabrics]; and Jonathan Palmer [Autometrix] at the Advanced Textiles Expo 2025. The group talks about being flexible, keeping calm, and staying in communication, and offers advice on building your relationships and your business despite the current challenges. They talk about changes in lead times, pricing strategies, forecasting, onshoring and offer their opinions on the current policies.
Listen From Anywhere
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
Insights on Codes, Standards, and Best Practices for Tent and Shade Professionals
Listen in as host Dan Litster chats with featured guests Nick Deninno (Block & Roll Innovations), and Paul Armstrong (PACCS) about the codes and standards in the tent and shade industry. They share practical advice on building relationships and best practices for working with code officials. The conversation also covers the upcoming ICC Code Action Hearing, including proposals related to loads and installations for temporary structures in high-hazard areas and floodplains. Plus, get a preview of the AHJ session planned for Tent Expo 2026.
Education Sampler of Advanced Textiles Expo
Tune in for a sneak peek of featured education sessions at the upcoming Advanced Textiles Expo, taking place November 4–7 in Indianapolis. Expo presenters Elizabeth Denly (Technical Strategy and Innovation) and Terry Kelm (Sunbelt Franchise Re-sales) join with Jonathan Sweet (ATA) to preview their sessions. Denly offers insights into her session on PFAS, where she'll discuss how to stay ahead of evolving regulations, prepare for upcoming changes, and manage the liabilities and complexities surrounding PFAS. Kelm highlights key points from his session on selling a business—including how to navigate valuation, avoid common pitfalls, and develop effective planning strategies.
Tackling Tariffs
The episode looks at the uncertainties of tariffs and how companies are making things work amongst the policy changes. They touch on onshoring and nearshoring, being transparent with customers, evaluating new sources, and what can be gained through customer loyalty. Our host is Tony Ehrbar (Renegade Plastics and American Tent) who is joined by Brent Nussbaum (Miller Weldmaster), Kristi Reiherzer (SHADE Industries) and Brian Coughlin (SIOEN).
Our Future Workforce — Leveraging Career Pathways and High Schools to Drive Talent Pipelines
In part three of the Workforce Special Series, host Robert Finnegan, Director of Education and Workforce Development at AFFOA, focuses on how companies can leverage traditional Career and Technical Education (CTE) to develop a talent pipeline for next-generation employees. The discussion covers the historic textiles city of Fall River MA, and how community, school, and industry come together to strengthen career pathways in fashion, design, and technology. Our guests are Judi Vigna, CEO of Specialized Career Guidance, and Patti Rego, Executive Director of Viva Fall River.
