Raven Magazine Fall 2023

In sunny South Florida, Sunbrella shade fabrics make outdoor areas comfortable, stylish and enjoyable. | Page 02

Glen Raven is no stranger to change. For more than 140 years, change has kept our company at the forefront of innovation, and it’s also what keeps us moving forward regardless of the challenge. I know many of our customers would agree that if you aren’t moving forward, you’re falling behind, and a case in point is those profiled in this issue of Raven magazine. As you will read, these partners embraced change, identified new solutions and wowed their customers and the industry alike.

In a family tradition that dates back to 1929, Miami Awning was founded by the Reilly family with a simple philosophy: The customer deserves optimum service at competitive prices. Today, Miami Awning continues to be family owned and operated under the leadership of CEO Michael Reilly, and his sons represent the company’s fifth generation. The company uses only the highest-quality materials to create long-lasting awnings and shade solutions, which is why it partners with Trivantage ® for the Sunbrella ® fabrics consumers want.

Innovation comes standard at LaPorte Products in South Carolina. This North Charleston marine fabricator is known for its innovative work on T-top covers, and it has also created remarkable shade applications for food and drink establishments in downtown Charleston. LaPorte was founded on the principle of providing quality service and products so that time spent on the water is focused on one thing: enjoyment. And it relies on Sunbrella fabrics to do just that.

The power of change is at the heart of the very essence of Bestwork Industries for the Blind. This private, nonprofit corporation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are

blind by providing training and employment opportunities in a supportive work environment. What began as a small state contract workshop has evolved into a dynamic organization guided by the principles of lean manufacturing, technology and automation. Timely delivery is central to the company’s business strategy, and Glen Raven Logistics is proud to partner with Bestwork as its carrier of choice.

Sometimes it’s the people who change, and when that happens at Glen Raven, it offers us a chance to recognize those who contributed mightily to our company’s success while also ushering in a new voice equally focused on our company’s forward direction. That is the case at Trivantage, which is undergoing its first executive leadership shift in nearly 15 years after Steve Ellington announced that he will retire in January 2024. Steve’s name is synonymous with integrity, and his steady hand and calming influence are felt across Trivantage and Glen Raven. He has earned the respect of an entire industry, and we are all fortunate to have learned from one of the best.

It was Steve who hired Bret Kelley as vice president of sales in 2014, and Bret has been on the move ever since. Bret is a remarkable leader who is committed to our customers’ success, a trait that will serve him well as the next president of Trivantage. Details of the transition, including Q&As with both executives, are inside.

At Glen Raven, we pride ourselves on serving as a partner to our customers and welcome the opportunity to learn more about how we can strengthen our partnership with you.

Fall 2023 | No. 35

ON THE COVER:

Miami Awning has elevated outdoor spaces for nearly a century with residential and commercial shade solutions made to create cozy and protective retreats.

Leib Oehmig CEO

MIAMI AWNING

Elevating Outdoor Living Spaces for Five Generations in South Florida

Sunny days, mild weather and pristine beaches have lured many to the Sunshine State. But when excessive heat hits, the need for shade and protection in Florida is crucial to enjoying the outdoors.

In Miami, Michael Reilly’s awning business has elevated outdoor spaces for nearly a century with residential and commercial shade solutions made to create cozy and protective retreats.

Reilly’s great-grandmother started the company in 1929 — a time before air conditioning — and Florida residents and business owners relied on awnings to keep cool. His father took over the business in the mid-1950s, and Reilly began working full time for the company in the late 1970s after finishing college at St. Edward’s University in Texas — and spending several years traveling and fishing in the Florida Keys.

“I grew up around the awning business but didn’t expect to find a passion for it,” Reilly said. “When I came back from the Keys to Miami, my sister told me to give it a few years and it would grow on me and, well, she was right.”

Since its founding, the Miami Awning Company has weathered many storms, from the Great Depression to World War II and economic recessions. The key to being resilient in the industry, Reilly says, is by putting their customers first and adapting to the changing times.

Sunbrella has been a major part of our success. The fabrics continue to get better, and the brand continues to come up with new patterns that show a commitment to thinking ahead, which fits in with what we’re trying to do here.

–DANIEL REILLY Director of Design

“Our biggest focus is on quality and producing the best product that we can for our customers,” Reilly said. “One of the reasons we’re able to make that happen is that our people aren’t looking just to make a sale — they’re looking to see what the customer really wants and get their input and then show them some things and see what they really like.”

Reilly’s sons, Joseph and Daniel, who both worked summers in the business growing up, have also become leaders in the company. The business has moved twice to bigger and more convenient facilities in Miami and developed a reputation as a leader in awning production in the southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

From its current office in South Florida, located on over an acre of land, the family business is poised to continue its place as an industry innovator and creative force. The menu of products from Miami Awning ranges from fabric awnings and canopies to retractable awnings, shade sails and umbrellas. Over the years, the company — operated by five generations — has upheld a conscientious attitude toward the quality of its products and the needs of its customers, only using premium materials, such as Sunbrella ® fabrics, to get the job done.

With each product, our goal is to give our customers something they love. Sunbrella fabrics have helped us do that.

–MICHAEL

REILLY Owner and CEO

“Sunbrella ® has been a major part of our success,” Reilly said. “The fabrics continue to get better, and the brand continues to come up with new patterns that show a commitment to thinking ahead, which fits in with what we’re trying to do here.”

With fabric products manufactured on-site, Miami Awning ensures each component of its products is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

“If we want to source parts or pieces for our products, we end up having to go through a lot of different sources and research in order to see what’s out there,” Dan Reilly added. “But when it comes to fabrics, Trivantage ® is very much a one-stop shop for any direction we go, and that’s a huge advantage to us. Most times, customers specifically request the softness

and the fabric/cloth look of Sunbrella, which doesn’t really happen with any other material product. Aesthetics are very important, so Sunbrella is the obvious choice.”

Whether it be for a home, commercial building, park or anywhere else, Miami Awning believes finding the right awning color can make all the difference in creating an outdoor oasis. The company’s residential and commercial customers made Sunbrella its No. 1 fabric of choice because of the brand’s refined quality and its performance.

“With each product, our goal is to give our customers something they love,” Michael Reilly said. “Sunbrella fabrics have helped us do that.”

On the web at miamiawning.com

LAPORTE PRODUCTS Shade Solutions for Land and Sea

Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, the LaPorte family spent a lot of time on the water — navigating their boat offshore, crabbing in the local creeks and canals, and fishing in the Cooper and Ashley rivers. It’s a natural evolution that they are now one of the leading marine fabricators in the area, known for innovative work in boat covers, shade solutions and, soon, umbrellas.

LaPorte Products has provided boaters and homeowners with quality shade solutions and boat cover products for the past 47 years with an unparalleled quality of service and attention to detail. The company is dedicated to producing the highest-quality products in the marine accessories industry while always providing an unmatched customer service experience.

Darren LaPorte’s father, Maynard, started the company in 1976 after retiring from the Air Force and, at the time, was focused on furniture and automotive upholstery while LaPorte's grandfather was fabricating boat seats from scratch.

As a teen, LaPorte spent his summers at LaPorte’s Upholstery working with his grandfather on the marine side. He developed a passion for marine upholstery, and in 1999 when his father retired, he took his family’s namesake company into the marine upholstery industry exclusively.

Working out of a humble marina on the Ashley River, LaPorte Products took off, creating T-top boat covers and other styles and patterns that were unique to the market. LaPorte made all of his products with Glen Raven’s Sur Last ® marine fabric and, due to customer demand, started to incorporate Sunbrella ® fabrics into the T-top covers in 2022.

“When we introduced Sunbrella into our T-top boat covers, we had a tremendous response from customers transitioning from polyester to Sunbrella,” LaPorte said. “With Sunbrella being a premium fabric, it’s interesting to see people recognizing the superior quality and that they’re willing to invest in the quality of their shade needs.”

LaPorte Products has always been rooted in a family heritage of craftsmanship, a love of learning and an enjoyment of life. Working alongside his father, LaPorte learned at a young age the value and importance of innovation, perseverance and the wellbeing of people. His passion for a relaxed lifestyle and the marine industry inspires him and his talented team to engineer products that not only define spaces but also are customized to fit the unique needs of their customers.

Since 1999, LaPorte has used Glen Raven fabrics almost exclusively for a wide variety of applications: bimini covers, T-top covers and industry shade products.

Today, they sell their products far and wide. The company’s e-commerce site provides dealer access in countries such as Australia, Puerto Rico and Dubai. LaPorte says it’s very rewarding to be on the water anywhere in the country and see their covers being used on boats.

Sunbrella fabric just has an appeal to it — for commercial use, poolside use and residential use.

–DARREN LAPORTE Founder and CEO

“It’s really neat for our employees to be able to go on vacation and see their work out in the world,” LaPorte added.

The LaPortes are adding 12,000 square feet of space to their already expansive operation to add umbrella manufacturing to their portfolio. The high-end umbrellas will be constructed with Sunbrella ® fabric, and LaPorte Products plans to expand its reach to residential homes, poolsides and docks.

“Sunbrella fabric just has an appeal to it — for commercial use, poolside use and residential use,” LaPorte said. “The ambience that Sunbrella brings to any application is just impeccable compared to other fabrics on the market, particularly for umbrellas.”

The company is also looking forward to growing its existing team of 48 employees. LaPorte is passionate about his people, attributing the culture to the success of the company.

“Without the people, we wouldn’t be where we are today — I can’t say enough about our employees and what a great team that we have,” LaPorte said. “Working with Glen Raven, I feel it’s the same there — knowing the people and the product they put out with Sunbrella is equally compatible with the service and quality we put out. It’s great to be in that environment and have that relationship with great people.”

Looking ahead, the LaPortes also want to eventually begin building outdoor poly-furniture to complement the umbrella operation. And, of course, they’ll be using Sunbrella fabric on all the cushions and pillows.

“We have quality products, and we use quality fabrics,” LaPorte added. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with Glen Raven and Sunbrella all these years.”

With so much innovation on the horizon, the LaPortes remain rooted in the founding principle of quality service and products so that time spent on the water is focused on one thing: enjoyment.

BESTWORK INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND

A LEGACY OF SERVICE

In a 50,000-square-foot facility in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Bestwork Industries for the Blind has earned a reputation for detailed workmanship.

Founded in 1981 by Jim Varsaci, a World War II veteran who lost his sight in battle, the nonprofit corporation has been competing in areas of manufacturing and service contracts since its inception four decades ago. In those years, the company had defined its North Star: to provide meaningful training and employment for people who are visually impaired.

“We want to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired so they can achieve and maintain economic independence,” said Jon Katz, president and chief executive officer. “Even though we’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we operate under a typical, self-sustaining business model, producing primarily military clothing for the U.S. Navy and Army.”

With a team of more than 70 visually impaired employees, including veterans, Bestwork has evolved into a dynamic organization guided by the principles of lean manufacturing, technology and automation. Today, the mission-based enterprise produces:

• Navy fleece parkas

• Running pants

• Flight deck jerseys

• Army cold-weather underlayers

• Fire-retardant and moisture-wicking T-shirts

• Commercial lines of cold-weather, fire-retardant garments

“I was a Marine for 23 years, so I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that we directly support the war fighters through the products we produce,” said Katz, who formally served as vice president of National Industries for the Blind in Virginia.

“Many people on our team, because of their physical condition, could not serve. For them, this is their sense of service to their country — knowing they’re providing quality products for our servicemen and women.”

Bestwork operates under the AbilityOne ® Program, which is the nation’s largest provider of employment for people who are blind or have disabilities. At Bestwork, Katz offers his team an array of work opportunities, from textile manufacturing and kitting to warehousing, distribution and packaging.

“After onboarding, our employees undergo a sixweek training program,” Katz said. “During those six weeks, they learn how to operate three primary sewing machines. Then we move them out to the floor using the same sewing machine they trained with. The trainers will maintain close coordination to make sure they feel comfortable and confident before working independently.”

In 2021, when Katz assumed the role of president and CEO, he knew he wanted to grow and diversify Bestwork’s competencies to develop more opportunities for people who are visually impaired. Always looking for new ways to innovate, the company is currently in the early stages of adding document scanning and digital imaging services to its line of business.

“Our training program is expanding as we expand lines of business,” Katz said. “Textile manufacturing will always be our core business — it’s who we are, and we won’t abandon that — but we are also growing into other markets. Recently, we launched our e-commerce platform, bestworksupplycenter.com, which created additional jobs in our customer service center. We also have plans to partner with state, local and private organizations to implement high school internship and transition programs for students who are blind in the South Jersey–Philadelphia region. The goal is that the internship will help lead them to future employment opportunities.

“The long view, though, is to transition from a selfsustaining manufacturing facility to a full-service social enterprise where we will provide low-vision and vocational services to people who are blind and visually impaired,” he continued. “This includes creating a sight center at our facility where lowvision specialists can provide eye exams and have an adaptive technology center so they can help marry our employees with different devices that will aid them. Then we hope to have a full vocational rehabilitation center with orientation mobility specialists who can provide life skills, independentliving skills and business skills.”

The goal is that the internship will help lead them to future employment opportunities.

–JON KATZ President and CEO

Over the years, as Bestwork has leveraged opportunities to grow and scale, Katz says timely delivery and customer service have remained central to their business strategy. To maintain this commitment, Bestwork partners with Glen Raven Logistics, an independent, full-scale transportation and logistics solutions provider owned by Glen Raven, Inc.

“Within the last year and a half, we’ve made the commitment: Glen Raven Logistics is our primary carrier for all of our inbound fabric supply and our carrier for all of our outbound military finished goods,” Katz said. “GRL is a strong partner. They help enable us to meet or exceed our production schedules through their reliable, on-time shipments.”

In 2022, Bestwork nominated Glen Raven Logistics for the National Industries for the Blind supplier of the year award. NIB recognizes companies that support the AbilityOne Program and their dedication to finding new and innovative ways to provide employment opportunities to people who are blind.

It’s my job to make sure that when people come to Bestwork, they have a safe, positive and supportive work environment.

–JON KATZ President and CEO

“We take careful consideration of nominees,” Katz said. “What stands out about GRL is that they provide great overnight, direct door-to-door service. At one point, we were having some problems with carriers bringing items to transfer terminals here in the area. And then because of COVID-19, there were driver limitations among other issues. We get exceptional customer service from GRL, and that’s what’s important to us.”

A commitment to quality has served Bestwork well over its decadeslong tenure as a textile and apparel manufacturer. The company’s greatest strength, Katz says, lies within its culture.

“It’s my job to make sure that when people come to Bestwork, they have a safe, positive and supportive work environment,” he said. “We use state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to produce quality items, and the people behind them are highly skilled and highly motivated.”

On the web at bestworkindustries.org

Bret Kelley Named President of Trivantage, LLC

Bret Kelley, who has served as vice president of sales for Trivantage since 2014, will be the next president of Glen Raven’s distribution business following the retirement of Steve Ellington in January 2024.

“Bret is laser focused on solutions for Trivantage ® customers,” said Leib Oehmig, CEO of Glen Raven. “He demonstrates every day the power of relationships and puts the customer first and foremost in every decision.

Bret’s vision and tireless energy will serve him well as the next president of Trivantage.”

Kelley, whose career in the high-performance textile industry spans nearly 30 years, joined Trivantage after 21 years with Highland Industries, Inc., where he led sales and marketing efforts for technical fabrics in commercial, industrial and military applications.

“At Trivantage, we need to be where our customers are before they get there,” Kelley said. “Our partners are evolving at a rapid pace, and we are committed to their success over the long term. My priority is to ensure customers can count on Trivantage for new product innovation, best-inclass service and a customer experience that is second to none.”

Ellington has made a significant contribution to the growth of Glen Raven’s global business during his 41-year career with the company. He served as president and general manager of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics (now Glen Raven Material Solutions Group) and was instrumental in the acquisition of Dickson-Constant, which established Glen Raven as a global company. He was also instrumental in forming Trivantage, one of Glen Raven’s largest global subsidiaries, and has led the distribution and marketing services business since 2009.

Ellington said Kelley’s passion for serving customers and earning their trust will continue to transform how Trivantage serves its partners.

“Bret’s deep industry knowledge, strategic vision and customer-centric approach make him the ideal choice to lead Trivantage into its next phase of growth,” Ellington said. “He is a trusted advisor who is steadfast in his commitment to our industry and the customers we serve. look forward to working closely with Bret to ensure our transition is seamless and provide the support our customers count on from Trivantage.”

Q&A With Bret Kelley

What are your goals as the next president of Trivantage?

First and foremost, it is important to me that I have a clear understanding of customer preferences, which is why have spent the last few months visiting and listening to our customers in one-on-one meetings. Only through active listening will Trivantage continue to deliver a best-in-class, end-to-end experience. also want to better understand what is working well, those areas to emphasize and where we have areas of opportunity. I have no doubt our customers can count on Trivantage for innovative new products and services, and I value their input on how we can deliver for them.

What is your vision for Trivantage over the next five years?

Our organization is positioned well for growth. We have the most talented team in the industry and are aligned with great customers, strong supply partners and premium brands. want Trivantage to be a place people seek out, whether it’s customers, supply partners or associates. We will enhance our trusted advisor position in the industries we serve by actively helping our customers grow their businesses. Only when you stand so clearly apart from your competitors can you change the way you do business and how your business evolves.

How would you describe the evolution of the company during your tenure?

Trivantage is not the same company it was five years ago, and it won’t be the same company we are today five years from now. This is due in no small part to how our company exemplifies a fierce competitive spirit, high integrity and determined resolve. We also are forward thinkers, and to that end, we remain focused on an omnichannel environment,

which provides customers with a seamless brand experience regardless of channel. Given increased shopping habits through technological advancements, including for online, mobile and app experiences, we must identify new and different ways to separate ourselves from the competition.

Describe the next phase of growth for Trivantage.

Our next phase of growth will come from the foundation of building a world-class experience for our customers to drive growth from our core markets while expanding our products and services to bring more value to our customers. The customer experience always comes first at Trivantage, and this approach will only fuel our growth over the long term.

What’s your message to Trivantage customers?

At our core, we remain firmly committed to their success and will work very hard to earn their business each and every day. They can count on Trivantage to listen and understand areas we need to emphasize and where we have opportunities to improve. There is always room to improve. We must lean into the strong partnerships we have developed for more than two decades and really listen to what our customers are telling us.

If we all get a little better at what we do each day, the tide will lift everyone’s boat.

Q&A With Steve Ellington

What prompted you to pursue a career in textiles?

becoming more well known by the day. Glen Raven’s acquisition of Dickson-Constant in 1998 changed that — virtually overnight. We were now a global company, and you could sense the mindset shift internally on day one. We went on to open Glen Raven Asia in China less than a decade later, and Sunbrella continues to revolutionize the marketplace.

What is the biggest challenge Trivantage faces in the years ahead, and how is it prepared to meet that challenge?

Glen Raven and Trivantage are creatures of transformative change. Change is part of both companies’ DNA, and this willingness to adapt is what led Glen Raven to found Trivantage in the first place. We must continue to reinvent ourselves — every day if necessary. This will allow Trivantage to balance growth in new markets, develop new partnerships and maintain key partnerships in our core businesses. We must also continue to enhance the customer experience, and know Bret and the entire team at Trivantage are laser focused on the customer and stand ready to provide an experience that is second to none.

I wouldn’t say it was by accident, but it certainly wasn’t planned. was an accounting and business major at Elon University, so the textile industry wasn’t on my radar. After I graduated, joined an industrial engineering firm, and three years later, a college friend who ran Glen Raven Transportation, which today is Glen Raven Logistics, recruited me for a position in industrial engineering for Glen Raven corporate. It wasn’t long until moved into a sales role for Sunbrella, which was emerging as a national brand. My career trajectory was underway, and 41 years later, here we are.

Describe the biggest change Glen Raven went through during your tenure.

In my early days with Sunbrella ® Glen Raven was a relatively small company that primarily sold into U.S. markets. We did some international business, but there wasn’t a global mindset at the company. We were simply a North Carolina–based textiles manufacturer with a brand

What advice do you have for Bret as he takes the helm at Trivantage?

It’s less advice than it is reaffirming what he and talk about constantly: If you don’t have a customer, you don’t have a business. The most important thing anyone can do is listen to your customer. If you are present and give your customer your undivided attention, you’ll learn a lot, and you’ll also earn their respect. I would also remind Bret and everyone at Trivantage that they must play to win versus playing not to lose. There’s a huge difference between the two, and playing to win is a whole different mindset.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully I’ll be more in control of my schedule (laughs). More than anything, my wife and are looking forward to some personal travel, and the North Carolina coast is at the top of our list. In the short term, I’ll unplug, relax and refocus.

Longer term, suspect I’ll remain involved in an industry that has been so good to me. Once textiles are in your blood, they become part of who you are. don’t see that changing.

MIDDLE EAST AUSTRALIA

ASIA

GLEN RAVEN, INC. Corporate Office Burlington, North Carolina, USA

336.227.6211

The Link Burlington, North Carolina, USA

336.227.6211

GLEN RAVEN TECHNICAL FABRICS, LLC Corporate Office Burlington, North Carolina, USA

336.227.6211

SHAWMUT LLC Park Avenue Facility Burlington, North Carolina, USA

336.229.5576, 336.227.5650

TRIVANTAGE LLC Corporate Office Burlington, North Carolina, USA

336.227.6211

GLEN RAVEN CUSTOM FABRICS

Sunbrella HQ Burlington, North Carolina, USA

336.227.6211

GLEN RAVEN LOGISTICS Corporate Office Altamahaw, North Carolina, USA

800.729.0081

STRATA SYSTEMS, INC. Corporate Office Burlington, North Carolina, USA 800.680.7750, 336.227.6211 Corporate

CUSTOM

TUNALI TEC

Cuernavaca

Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico

800.00.88.6254, 52.777.362.0636

Guadalajara

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

800.00.88.6254, 52.33.3657.3660

Center Manager Corporativo

Malecón Américas

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

52.998.279.3502

Europe and Middle East

DICKSON CONSTANT

Corporate Office

Wasquehal, France

+33 320 45 59 59

Dickson Constant Italia SRL

Gaglianico, Italy

+39 015 249 63 03

Dickson Constant GMBH Fulda, Germany

+49 661 380 82 0

AB Dickson Constant Nordiska Frölunda, Sweden

+46 31 50 00 95

Dickson Constant España

Barcelona, Spain

+34 93 635 42 00

Dickson Constant Oddzial W Polsce Wieliczka, Poland +48 603 203 690

Dickson Constant Nederlands Breda, Netherlands +31 65 434 56 24

SUNBRELLA/DICKSON

Turkey Sales Representative

Kadıköy/Istanbul, Turkey +90.533.600.88.79

Middle East Sales Representative

Dubai, United Arab Emirates +971509519006

Asia

GLEN RAVEN ASIA

China Sales Office

Shanghai, China 86.181.1615.3195

Corporate Office/Manufacturing Plant

Suzhou Jiangsu Province, China 86.512.6763.8151, 86.512.6763.8205

STRATA GEOSYSTEMS (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

Corporate Office

Mumbai, India +91.22.4063.5100

Daheli Plant

Gujarat, India 91.992.043.2001

SUNBRELLA/DICKSON

Hong Kong Sales Representative

Hong Kong +852.6850.4459

India/SAARC Sales Representative

Mumbai, India +919619536455

Phillippines Sales Representative

Manilla, Phillippines +63 908 958 8404

Thailand Sales Representative

Bangkok, Thailand +66.81.751.1447

Vietnam Sales Office

Chi Minh City, Vietnam +84 906 397 888

Servio Serviced Office

Jakarta, Indonesia +6221 8066 9600

Central and South America

SUNBRELLA/DICKSON

South America Sales Office

Canelones, Uruguay + 598 99209219

Andean Region/Central America Sales Representative

Bogotá, Colombia +57.310.461.0776

Australia

SUNBRELLA/DICKSON Office 8

Queensland, Australia +61 (0)4 3299 5334

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