As of this writing, I am reaching the finish line of my first year at Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) and Marine Fabricator. My standout impression is that I felt so immediately welcomed by so many folks in this industry; whether it was engaging with me in digital spaces or at my first Marine Fabricators Conference, I didn’t feel like an outsider.

There’s an attitude of connection amongst marine fabricators that may be hard to appreciate if you’ve been in this industry for years—it really is special. In these pages, you’ll find great advice on starting a business, staying profitable and thriving at work. The folks who are quoted shared their wisdom because they want everyone to succeed.

You may be holding this magazine at the Marine Fabricators Conference; if you’re a newbie like I was last year, be prepared for a communal experience. If you’re not already a Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) member, now is a great time to ask your fellow attendees about what makes this community worth joining. This issue’s preview of the 2026 Time Standards Manual demonstrates one of the many benefits members enjoy.

While you’re at the conference, I’d encourage you to find an MFA board member and thank them—not only do they put in a lot of work to make the conference and all MFA events beneficial for you, but you would not believe the number of emails they’ve had to field from me. If you’ve enjoyed any Marine Fabricator content this past year, the board likely had a hand in making it great.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this first year a memorable one. I hope you’re as excited for the years to come as I am. If you see me at the conference, make sure to say hi!