Longtime textile industry leader Mark Kent dies
Posted September 25, 2017
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Mark B. Kent, CEO of KENTWOOL, Inc. and longtime U.S. textile industry leader, died unexpectedly Sunday. He was 55.
He was the fifth generation of his family to lead the company, which was founded in 1843 in Pennsylvania.
Kent is the second textile industry leader from South Carolina to die in the past month, following the passing of Inman Mills’ Chairman, CEO & Treasurer Rob Chapman on August 23.
“The state of South Carolina and the U.S. textile industry has taken a double hit in recent weeks,” Kent’s longtime friend Jim Chesnutt, chairman and CEO of National Spinning Co., Washington, N.C., told eTC. “Mark was a very good friend for many years who I have always admired. He’s another one of the good guys that is gone too soon. My condolences to Mark’s family, KENTWOOL employees and his industry colleagues.
Kent was a past president of the American Yarn Spinners Association (AYSA) and was active in many other industry associations, including the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO). He also was a well-known philanthropist in Greenville County and the state of South Carolina.
“Mark’s unexpected passing is another severe and tragic blow for the U.S. textile industry,” said Auggie Tantillo, president & CEO of the NCTO. “He was an expert in his field who cared deeply for his workers and the communities that relied on KENTWOOL to provide employment and investment.
“From a national policy standpoint, Mark’s insight and direction on issues impacting the U.S. wool textile sector will be especially missed,” Tantillo added.
Kent was a 1985 graduate of Wake Forest University and a 1986 graduate of Clemson University's School of Textiles.
He became president of then-Kent Manufacturing Co. at age 29 and guided the company through the industry’s downturn. The company, a wool spinner, evolved in recent years to become the manufacturer of “the world’s best sock.” According to the company’s website, this happened after Kent played in a charity golf tournament and was distracted by his badly blistered feet. So he and his team worked to develop golf socks that are used by many golf professionals and amateurs.
Please send your remembrances of Kent here for a tribute next week.
Read the full obituary here.
Mark Kent
KENTWOOL statement:
“It is with deepest regret that we announce the recent and unexpected passing of Mark Kent, chairman, president and CEO of Kentwool. Mark served as Kentwool’s beloved leader for more than twenty years, and was the fifth generation of Kents to direct the family business. Kentwool flourished under Mark’s leadership, and his loss is felt deeply across the entire organization.
“An astute business man, Mark will be best remembered for his kindness and generosity as well as his exceptional character and infectious smile. Mark was a service-focused leader and man who was committed to serving his family and friends, his employees and his customers. The void in our business and our hearts will not soon heal.
"As many of you experienced, Mark was committed to service to his family and friends, his employees and his customers. The Kentwool family will honor this legacy the best way we know how - by continuing to deliver exceptional products and experiences to you in a manner in which Mark would have been proud.
"The days and weeks ahead will be difficult, but Mark leaves with us many lessons, and his ethos will continue to guide us as we continue to serve you.
"We are honored to earn your trust and your business, and we are humbled by the outpouring of love and support that we are receiving from you now."