In the latest episode of “Talking Textiles,” a live podcast produced by Advanced Textiles Association, our very own Keith Purves joined a panel discussion on the state of the marine industry and tips for teaching and learning the craft. Purves, business development and training manager for Trivantage®, is a marine industry veteran, having operated a custom marine canvas shop for 20 years prior to joining Trivantage.
The podcast, hosted by Marine Fabricators Association member Kyle Van Damme, seeks to inspire the next generation of textile professionals. Purves and the panel delved into trade careers, including hiring for character, teaching skills necessary to succeed, learning a craft, and managing a multi-generational staff. They also discussed building an “environment of belonging” and ended their conversation with succession planning and how to prepare for selling your business, topics Purves knows well.
“I grew up in this business, and my experiences as a fabricator have helped to shape my career,” Purves said. “There’s nothing that gives me a greater sense of value than when I can share my experiences and help make someone’s job easier, better, faster, or more profitable.”
Purves is immediate past chair of MFA, longtime member of ATA, and was honored with the 2022 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the industry organizations.
