Talking Textiles

Building the Textiles Workforce: Assessing and Hiring Talent

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.

Tackling Tariffs Part Two

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.

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).