2026 State of the industry

June 1, 2026  |  Business

Last year, we were wondering how tariffs would affect the U.S. economy and the domestic portion of the global textile industry, as the rates seemed to change daily at the time the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) annual industry survey was being conducted in the spring. Inflation thus wound up be…
Read More
Daring to delegate

June 1, 2026  |  Business, Shelf Life

One of the most difficult challenges for any entrepreneur is learning how and when to delegate tasks. In the beginning, there was no one to hand tasks off to. You were the head cook and bottle washer and the buck stopped with you. As your company grew, you convinced others to join you, but unfortuna…
Read More
Company profile: Made in the Shade Tent Rental

April 1, 2026  |  Business, Company Profile

Whether it’s a huge concert, street festival, corporate gala or other large event where a sea of tents suddenly materializes to house the festivities, Made in the Shade Tent Rentals (MITS), based in West Sacramento, Calif., specializes in this kind of practical magic.
Read More
Firing family

April 1, 2026  |  Business

"I can’t fire them—they’re family” can be a dangerous phrase in a family business. This deep-seated loyalty can create complications in the business if loyalty over performance is prioritized. Among the many excuses for not parting ways with family are: “It’s not a good time”; “This …
Read More
Busy doesn’t always mean profitable

April 1, 2026  |  Business

Every spring, it starts the same way for tent and event rental companies across the country. The phone rings nonstop, inquiry forms flood inboxes, and weekend calendars fill faster than crews can load trucks. From backyard ceremonies to vineyard receptions and large-scale event installations, weddin…
Read More
What is your business worth?

December 2, 2025  |  Business, Management

Your most valuable asset may be your business. A business owner can spend decades building a business and reputation. As they approach retirement age, they likely have questions: How do they value their business? How do they maximize the value and minimize taxes upon sale or succession?
Read More
Let’s get personal

December 2, 2025  |  Business, Shelf Life

I recently invited Susan Merlo, author of The Digital Distributor, to speak to our peer collaboration community on the subject of personalization and the use of Artificial Intelligence. While she focuses on the digital transformation side of this subject, it got me thinking about how the concept of …
Read More
Don’t skip background checks before hiring

October 1, 2025  |  Business, Management

Every new employee brings a possible threat to your business. Those threats include theft, sexual harassment, physical violence, identity theft, fraud and drug use. The potential for ruinous legal actions is higher today than ever before. That’s why a background check before you hire an applicant …
Read More