Tales Of A Fourth Generation Textile Executive: Some Things Are More Important Than Quilt Market

Oh, how I know that everyone is so anxiously awaiting my post quilt market blog about my meeting with Karey and everything else in between, but I am not going to give you all that today.  I am gathering all my thoughts and want to take my time in reporting back to everyone….or no one for that matter.  The truth is that there are a lot more important things in life than the Quilt Market, right?

So with that, you should all know that there are at least 3 things that come to my mind this week which are important and certainly a lot more important than quilt market. Veteran’s Day!  Election Day! And, of course, my dad’s birthday! Robert S. Fortunoff is turning 70 years old on 11/11!  I can’t freaking believe it, but for that matter, I bet he can’t believe it either. Without getting overly mushy, I want to tell you a little bit about my dad that makes him so great and why I want to wish him an amazing 70th birthday.

• After over 50 years in the family business, he has played an enormous role in shaping the company in to what it is today.  Who knows where or if we would be here today without his massive contributions?
• Some shrewd business decisions, some difficult decisions, some prescient acquisitions and a little luck have gone a long way. I am sure that Grandpa Everett and Great Grandpa Jack (Jaftex) would be really proud of their boy too.
• As hard as dad worked when we were kids, he was always there to be the baseball coach, teach me how to ride a bike, watch sports and all that other fun stuff in between.  In other words, he didn’t let business get in the way of the family and those milestones that every kid remembers for the rest of their lives. This is really true.  I am not just saying this because it is his birthday.
• My dad is very philanthropic and likes to give back to causes that are near and dear to his and my mom’s heart.  By the way, my mom turned 70 this year too.  Needless to say, this is a big year.  In any case, his philanthropic ways are very admireable.
• Not only is he philanthropic, but he has always been a really generous parent.  I must say that I don’t know how I will ever pay him back.
• He is very honest and very fair.  Probably sometimes too honest and sometimes probably too fair.
• He is full of excellent advice when requested and sometimes when it isn’t requested.
• He can keep a secret…most of the time.
• He is a great role model.
• He is a great dad and a great grand father too.

I can certainly go on a lot longer, but the long and the short of it is that I am super lucky to have such a great dad.  I can only hope that one day my kids will be saying the same about me.  So Dad, please have an amazing 70th birthday because you deserve it.  Happy birthday and many more!

Please feel free to email my dad to wish him a happy birthday, I know he would love to hear from you.  robert@jaftex.com

Stay tuned for the post quilt market blah blah blog!

Have a great week!  Please make sure to vote.  And, of course, try to thank a veteran for their admirable service.

Scott