Business

<p>The sister-brother team of Maureen and Rick Kelly credit their father&rsquo;s advice for leading them into the flag and banner business.</p>

The sister-brother team of Maureen and Rick Kelly credit their father’s advice for leading them into the flag and banner business.

  • Management

  • Closing the sale

    September 1, 2010

    Closing the sale commences at the time sellers begin prospecting.

  • How to buy dye-sub equipment

    May 1, 2010

    Purchasing equipment for your shop can be a complex routine, but it can be broken down into specific tasks.

  • Maximize your time at trade shows

    May 1, 2010

    I was interested in a recent IFAI LinkedIn message: “Do you agree that online trade fairs are the most cost effective marketing tool for the industrial fabrics industry?” Surprisingly, the responses, including my own, were to the contrary.

  • The benefits of employee certification

    February 26, 2010

    Certification is no longer an elite group of individuals that are being held in esteem for their measurable qualities, but a need for anyone within your company being able to prove their worth.

  • Ask the experts

  • Green cost savings

    May 1, 2009

    Cost-saving techniques companies implement regarding recycling and textiles.

  • Stimulating employee morale

    March 1, 2009

    Considering the current economy and the challenges it presents to our industry and your business, how do you stimulate morale and positivity among employees?

  • Facing green challenges

    January 1, 2009

    Scott Campbell, chairman of the Industrial Fabrics Association International and owner of Rainier Industries in Tukwila, Wash., discusses issues facing the textile industry in its movement toward sustainability.

  • New business development

    November 1, 2008

    Fabric Graphics advisory committee members share their ideas.

  • Equipment and workflow: Industry experts answer

    Sponsored by Fabric Graphics Association

    Taking into account all factors, what are your three most important considerations for making an equipment purchase?

    Quality, versatility and price.
    Susanne Jansson, principal, Better Mousetrap LLC, Long Island City, N.Y.

    In order of importance: One is need, two is advancement of technology since last purchase, three is economies of operation, four is cost.
    Pat Hayes, CPP, chairman, Fabric Images Inc., Elgin, Ill.

    What are the needs of my customer and will this equipment fill that need? What are the operating costs associated, primarily consumables? Will this equipment position me for the future or will it only get me caught up? The preference is future position.
    Tony Schmitt, product development manager, Optima Graphics, Fenton, Mo.

    What is your biggest workflow problem, and what steps have you taken to solve it?

    Problem: Finishing and packaging, because clients do not give you enough time to produce a product, and the delay of production because the client file is not supplied correctly and keeping the same due date.
    Solution: Putting verbiage in your requirements and estimates hoping the client will not be working last minute themselves.
    Susanne Jansson, principal, Better Mousetrap LLC, Long Island City, N.Y.

    Problem: Fast turnarounds, and inter-department scheduling.
    Solution: Alignment of staff needs, implementation of new operations software, improved project management.
    Pat Hayes, CPP, chairman, Fabric Images Inc., Elgin, Ill.

    Problem: Time.
    Solution: I have petitioned to have an extra 75 minutes added to each day.
    Tony Schmitt, product development manager, Optima Graphics, Fenton, Mo.