Posted June 14, 2016

 

Following is a Q&A with Mike Kingsmore, first vice president of the Southern Textile Association (STA) who is in line to become its president during the group’s 108th Annual Meeting next week in Myrtle Beach. Kingsmore serves as president and COO, Palmetto Finishing, LLC, Easley, S.C. His provided answers to questions submitted by Devin Steele, eTextileCommunications.com publisher.
 

eTC: Mike, your term at the helm of the STA looms. Please share your thoughts as you prepare to lead this, what I call “bionic” textile association, given everything it’s been through to survive 108 years.

 

Kingsmore: I love your term “bionic” textile organization because we have survived a hostile business climate the last 15 years or so. The STA is remarkable, but the people make it that way.

 

When Judson (Boehmer) first ask me about leadership a few years ago, I was flattered, but was also wondering if our company could continue to survive coming out of the 2008-2010 economic troubled waters. We have, and the STA has become stronger as well, with our membership swelling. I'm looking forward to the next year, and very honored for the opportunity.

 

eTC: How long have you been an STA member and how has it helped you grow professionally and personally? (With STA, I have to include the personal part in this question, too, since so many members are very good friends.)

 

Kingsmore: I joined STA in the late ’80s and was active until I changed jobs in the mid-’90s. I rejoined around 2005.

 

It has meant the world to me personally and professionally. People make you what you are, and there are none better than our membership. When we get together it's like a family reunion. We care about each other personally and we care about the success of our companies. If we are ever in a bind, we have so many resources within our organization to help us.

 

eTC: Your dad, Doug, of course, was always involved in various textile and related organizations during his long and successful career in the industry. Did he impart the importance of industry participation in you early on and has he given you any advice as you’ve come through the leadership ranks of STA?

 

Kingsmore: My dad has been the single biggest influence in my business career. What a remarkable run he had in this industry from the 1960s through 2010 or so. He always has been a strong believer of being involved in industry groups. I should not say “being involved,” through – he always wanted his associates to take an active role.