The term “excellence” is frequently used to describe the qualities of being superb, first rate and exquisite. Whether or not your projects reach a state of “excellence” (as you describe it for yourself), attempting to reach it is a worthy goal. But this attempt is often thwarted by the common enemies of excellence: fatigue, overwork, boredom, a lack of knowledge about innovative approaches and, most often, just plain laziness.

This issue of Marine Fabricator is all about helping you stay on the path to excellence. “Trends in marine flooring and fabrics” explores materials that are smart, stylish and seaworthy so your projects shine and give your customers what they want. “Tool and shop safety” discusses techniques for working smarter and more safely to keep you energized, efficient and injury-free. “Filling the pipeline” provides examples of companies using internship and apprenticeship programs to attract, train and retain younger workers.

Russ Griffin, Northcoast Marine Specialties LLC, discusses the mindset, fabrication techniques and materials that can help every fabricator achieve a higher level of excellence. Jeff Newkirk, MFC, Precision Custom Canvas Inc., shares tips for designing and building a new seat from scratch, and Adam Penner, AP Consulting and Technical Services, explains how using artificial intelligence in your small business can make your marketing efforts easier and more effective.  

During this extremely busy season, it’s tempting to cut corners, turn off your brain and do things that are expedient rather than “excellent.” One of our columnists puts it this way, “Ask yourself, if this was my boat, how would I want it constructed?” Excellence means pushing yourself harder to make every one of your projects the best it can be. As Vince Lombardi once said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”