The Canvas Shop Continues to Thrive In Shipshewana Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided
Michael Troyer, the owner of The Canvas Shop in Shipshewana, says he knows he is more fortunate than other small business owners. He stepped into a business already in place and one that has been growing steadily for more than four decades. It is the longevity of the business that has been the key to its success, Troyer explains, as well as the element that sets The Canvas Shop above its closest competitors. “It’s tough to start a business from scratch,” Troyer says. “To me it’s my customer base that gives me the [edge].” There have been four owners of The Canvas Shop since its beginnings in the late 1970s. Most recently, Troyer took over the business from his father, Danny, who purchased it in 2006. Michael has been the owner for the last three years, leaving a job in the Recreational Vehicle industry at Forest River to take on a new role as the boss. “Dad still gives me advice,” he adds. Troyer worked for his father for several years include marine and boating, some RV work, before leaving to work in a factory. agriculture and miscellaneous products. Marine products has been among the The Canvas Shop manufactures canvas fastest-growing segment for at least the last covers for boats, awnings and canopies for decade. a mix of commercial and private clients. The industries served by the business Troyer is Amish and uses only the telephone
and fax machine in communicating with potential customers. “I don’t mess with technology,” he says. “People will call in the measurements for what they need, and we draw it by hand.” Mixed in this is a run-through on the
THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com
