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Books that improved me and my business
January 1st, 2021
Self-education comes in many forms. By Chris Ritsema Education is a valuable asset when it comes to success in life and business. Going to college is the standard road map many people use to get an education that helps them succeed, but I never really enjoyed the classroom. I wanted to get out and get […]
Company values that increase a company’s value
September 1st, 2020
Your shop can be loaded with employees having outstanding skills, but without a supportive, positive environment, low morale and turmoil can thwart all efforts to succeed. by Pamela Mills-Senn Pre-pandemic, SewLong Custom Covers in Salt Lake City, Utah, focused on interior and exterior marine textiles and boat covers. But when the pandemic hit and the […]
Your business can survive this pandemic
July 1st, 2020
By Terri Madden The COVID-19 pandemic offers opportunities and challenges. Hood Canvas LLC (above) and Signature CanvasMakers (below) are providing PPE to meet community needs and provide income to employees. When I moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and registered my business 23 years ago, I had only $2,000 in my pocket. It bought me […]
Gain and retain: creating a rewarding culture for employees
December 6th, 2019
Today’s tight labor market can turn employees fickle, posing challenges for companies that need to maintain a strong and skilled workforce. But with the right approach—and good benefits and wages—employers can keep ‘em coming back. by Pamela Mills-Senn An associate guides a customer through Milliken’s Innovation Gallery located at its global headquarters, the Roger Milliken […]
Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of automation
September 1st, 2018
It’s always important to measure the return on investment (ROI) of any purchase—especially in the areas of equipment. The challenge is to balance the capabilities (and availability) of equipment and employees as automation and technology drive the future of the industry. Canvas Innovations in Holland, Mich., focuses on custom marine canvas and upholstery products, says […]
Train, recruit and keep employees
July 1st, 2017
Competition, especially from overseas manufacturing; increasing costs for equipment, materials and labor; the need to keep up with fast-paced technology; and the general state of the economy, which directly affects the consumer pool, rank as challenging issues for most businesses. Yet the owner of a marine fabrication shop in Portland, Ore., has a more pressing […]
Leading a company by building a strong culture for employee success
May 1st, 2017
Chris Ritsema leads his company, Canvas Innovations, by building a strong culture for employee success. My vision has always been to grow a company that empowers its employees,” says Chris Ritsema, owner of Canvas Innovations in Holland, Mich. “I want to give people a reason to stay here and build their careers—and to do that […]