Family & Fabric For The Win
Last week, I traveled to the Carolinas for what I like to call the southern hospitality Jaftex Christmas party tour.
Tuesday, team FreeSpirit Fabrics had a lovely dinner in Charlotte, N.C. Wednesday in Greenville, S.C. there was a luncheon for the Fabric Editions team, the FreeSpirit customer service reps and the FreeSpirit/Jaftex credit team. Thursday was the G&S Warehouse party in Seneca, S.C. for our forty plus employees.
Needless to say, I covered a lot of ground on the three day celebration. In addition, let’s just say my clothing is starting to get tighter…..a lot tighter.
On the trip home, I got to thinking about where my company is now and where we have come from especially as we approach our 90th anniversary.
I must say that there is a lot to be proud about. The most important thing to be proud about though is how we have assembled such an amazing family business. And when I say family business, I am not just talking about my nuclear family of Fortunoffs (me, dad, bro and sis). What I am talking about is my work family. And don’t get me wrong, they are part of the family too.
These are not just faces or numbers as would be the case in a big non-family owned corporation. At each party and every day of the trip, I felt the love and appreciation. I would have to say that the feelings were mutual.
People were happy. People felt good about their jobs and their job security. People felt like they are part of something great…..and they are! People felt good about what they achieved over the last year. People felt proud.
That sentiment was especially echoed at the warehouse. I can’t begin to tell you how many people approached my brother Greg (he’s in charge of the warehouse) to tell him how much happier they were as compared to how it was when they worked for the previous owners. Don’t forget that happy employees are productive employees. It made me proud to know that my family has helped to contribute to better work conditions and a better life for many of these extremely dedicated and hard-workers.
The family theme is one that resonates with me every single working day of my life. I hope that you too feel the love and feel like part of the Jaftex family. If you don’t feel like part of the family, you should know that this is a fabric family affair and everyone is invited in. Not only do I strive to make all my employees feel like part of the family, but I want my customers and ultimate consumers to feel that same love.
With that friends, if you don’t already feel like part of the Jaftex family or haven’t formally been invited in, there is no better time than 2020, when Jaftex turns 90 years old, to join our fabric family. Please consider this an open invitation from me to hop on board the Jaftex train and join us for the long haul on this crazy fabric journey.
Are you in?
Mr. Family & Fabric Fortunoff
P.S. If you order my blog book and anything else on Amazon from using the link below, I will get a commission from Amazon and that money too will go towards my sewing machine giveaway. Stated the proper way, “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. “
14 Comments
Scott Fortunoff
Yes you did Barb and that was super kind of you. And yes, you are part of the family and the familia. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
xxoo
scott
Earl and Maree Whitley
Warmest wishes of the season from our family to yours. Wishing you all a beautiful holiday and a New Year filled with peace, joy, and happiness. Happy Hanukkah and 2020! ♥
Scott Fortunoff
Maree & Earl,
You guys are freakin’ awesome. I am so glad to have met you in my journeys to the south. Your enthusiasm and energy is inspiring. I don’t know how you do it all. Wishing you a great 2020! Hoping I get to see you guys a lot more. Have a merry xmas and a happy new year. Thanks for being with me on this crazy fabric journey. I imagine that you will be here for the long haul.
xxoo
scott
Earl and Maree Whitley
Thanks a bunch, Scott, that’s so very kind of you to say! ♥ Meeting you was definitely a highlight of 2019 and we look forward to seeing you again! Yes, sir, we’re here for the duration and this crazy fabric journey has been a really fun ride! ☺ Happy 2020!
September
I just love this! I have a job that I’m passionate about in this way, but share your passion for protecting/sharing/teaching quilting and preserving it’s great history. I learned to quilt from a woman who was dying of cancer when I was 19 and quilting was NOT mainstream. I had already been sewing for 15 years by then and had won clothing contests, but quilting was different. I’ve now been quilting for 40 years and have to say it is my therapy. Sitting down and even touching fabric calms my soul. I can’t imagine life without. 🙂 Thank you for sharing as you do!
Scott Fortunoff
Hi September,
Thanks for your kind message. I mean every bit of it. Thanks for sharing your story. Glad you are here with me on this crazy fabric journey. Merry xmas and happy new year.
Scott
Carolyn Solomon
Happy Holidays to you and all your families. I love your fabric as well as your statement that happy and appreciated employees are more productive. It is a lesson needed into today’s business environment. Thanks for all you do for the world of fabric lovers, designers and for your generosity.
Scott Fortunoff
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for your comments. Happy Holidays to you too!
Scott
Susan
How wonderful that everyone works together and enjoys it. I was fortunate to be in that kind of mutual respectful working environment once and it was awesome. It’s truly a win-win situation . I know our patients even used to comment on the atmosphere. What a lucky bunch you are! Happy holidays to all of you.
Scott Fortunoff
Hi Susan,
You are so right that when you are happy in your job that everything is so much easier. We are very lucky. Thanks for the comment.
Happy Holidays.
Scott
Janice pope
I love being part of the family. Great Blog post.
Scott Fortunoff
Janice,
We love having you in our family. Happy Holidays and a quick recovery!
xxoo
Scott
Kathleen McCormick
What a great family business. Happy holidays to you and your extended family!
Scott Fortunoff
Thanks Kathleen!
Happy Holidays to you too!