Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Cindy Boersema, owner of The Nautical Needle

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist

 

What is one way you create and maintain employee satisfaction?

It’s very important to me that our employees feel secure, and a huge part of that is providing health insurance for them. We have an alternative supplement plan in place right now, but are looking into a plan that’s a new part of IFAI’s member benefits. *

What have you changed regarding how you run the business in the last couple of years?

Sales and quoting is the area that has changed the most since I purchased The Nautical Needle. I recognized that sales is not my strong point and I need to stay out of it. Instead I’ve focused on finding the right person for the position, and giving them the tools they need to excel—and it’s working out great.

* IFAI has partnered with Digital Insurance, a company that specializes in providing group insurance and member benefits in the U.S.

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the associate editor of InTents magazine, a publication of the Industrial Fabrics Association International.