COMPLETE ARTICLE

3/3/2010

40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Source: Steve Haarstick

I recently received a very nice e-mail from a customer, congratulating us on our upcoming 40th anniversary this March. While he enjoyed my racing memoirs over the past years, he really wanted me to describe how we have managed to remain a successful loft in this age of big name international lofts and the offshore lofts.

This got me thinking about those early years, where the survival of my little loft was a day to day adventure. While I like to think that my constant push to innovate and improve the product was an important factor, I think the main reason for our ability to stay a successful independent sail loft for all these past years has been due to the contributions of so many past and present employees. Without their help, we would never have developed so many dramatic innovations over the years, some of which have actually changed how sails are designed and built today: from computer cutting of sails in 1974, to our “Quilt-Cut” designs in 1979, to our unique “Impact Flutter” cloth testing, and many others, have all contributed to the uniqueness and continued success of our loft.

When our Pattonwood loft burned down in 1983, we were able to stay in business thanks to Stu Sill who turned his sail loft in Sodus over to us, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week until we were able to build a new loft on Clinton Ave that fall. He even installed an air conditioner, because it was too hot in the evening. When we finally moved into our new loft 10 weeks later, I had to virtually force him to accept one of the new sewing machines we bought, as he would not accept any payment for the use of his loft! I have never forgotten his kindness and generosity.

Finally, the fact that we are still thriving as an independent sail loft is due to the loyalty of our customers for all these years. Without your support for these past forty years, we wouldn’t be here. I am very grateful for all the years that I have had to enjoy what I like do best: designing sails, building sails, and sailing. I thank all of you for your support.