Talking Textiles

From Fawcett to Fawcett to Fawcett! Lethbridge Canvas has been in business going on three generations. In our latest episode of Talking Textiles, Craig Fawcett and heir apparent, Jonathan Fawcett share the history of the family's shade and covers business, the handing down from one generation to the next, and the lessons learned bringing the business into the 21st century. Learn why Jonathan (out of all the siblings) decided to join the family business; following his father's footsteps to start at the bottom and now lead the company.

What do a Smithsonian exhibit tent, a synthetic leather clutch and renewable energy all have in common? On today's Talking Textiles, learn this and more from Colin Touhey, founder and CEO of Pvilion, a company whose mission is to integrate solar cells with fabrics and build fabric products that generate electricity. Interviewed by Haskell Beckham of the Colombia Sportswear Company, Colin gives advice for students and how they should push their way into a company they love.

Thad Ribner loves problem solving. Now a research and development senior engineer, learn how a young adult adventure novel helped to shape his future career and peak his interest in the engineering and fabric fields. From early projects designing lift systems for helping patients with muscular dystrophy to working with unmanned underwater vehicles—Thad looks at each new assignment as a puzzle to solve. Interviewed by Mary Koutras, also a Research and Development engineer, Thad shares how his schooling, mentors and work experience have shaped his career. Tune in today to this edition of Talking Textiles brought to you by IFAI's Advanced Textiles Products Division.

King Mukherjee knew he was destined to work in the textile industry. His interest piqued after grading a student's essay, Mukherjee began researching different types of mills and from there his fabric career was born. Today he is still a professor as well as founder and director of a custom fabric company. In this episode, The Golden Age of Textiles, get King's perspective on the textile world—why it has tremendous room for growth and why students to need to be flexible with what they study.

Du Cirque à l'industrie du tissu, découvrez comment l'entreprise canadienne de textile architectural, Sollertia, s'est établi. Sollertia a déjà pris en charge et réalisé certains des projets de structure textile les plus ambitieux au pays. Dans cet épisode, Claude Le Bel nous raconte en toute franchise comment entreprendre de nouveaux projets, ses débuts dans l'industrie, y compris son travail avec le Cirque du Soleil et comment sa carrière et son entreprise ont évolué jusqu'à ce qu'elles soient aujourd'hui. Découvrez comment Claude contribue à façonner notre industrie et à repousser les limites de la façon dont les gens imaginent l'utilisation de l'architecture en tissu au Canada.

From the circus biz to the fabric biz, learn how Canadian architectural textile firm Sollertia built its business. Sollertia has taken on and completed some of the most ambitious fabric structure projects in the country. In this episode, If You Build It, They Will Come, Claude Le Bel shares candidly about taking on new projects, his beginnings in the industry, including his work with the Cirque du Soleil and how his career and business have evolved to where it is today. Get a glimpse on how Claude is helping shape our industry and expanding the limits of how people imagine the use of fabric architecture in Canada.

After dedicating his whole career to the textile shade industry, Canadian business-owner John Conroy, House of Canvas, now finds himself in the challenging position of transitioning his canvas business over to his three sons. In this episode of "Talking Textiles" we explore John's early experiences, his leadership, passion for the textile industry and capture nuggets of his wisdom. Conroy's sons share on growing up in the canvas business, their current roles, and future of the canvas business. Hosted by Mark Tyrrell, LaSalle Canvas and Alex Petizian, Naizil Coated Fabrics.

Episode 1 of IFAI Talking Textiles launches into a conversation with Brydon Roe of Shade Sails Canada, hosted by Mark Tyrrell, LaSalle Canvas and Alex Petizian, Naizil Coated Fabrics. Brydon shares his evolution into the textile industry, introduction to the shade sail market—where his company is today—and the development of additional projects along the way. Brydon unpacks how he transferred knowledge of Australian shade sail technology to his business in Canada and speaks candidly about his time in Australia and his transition back to the northern hemisphere. Learn about the advantages and challenges Brydon undertook while operating his company with long-distance partners and vendors, across vastly different time zones.