Posted August 29, 2017

In my experience with Rob Chapman over the years, an anecdote that sums up one of his many strong character traits occurred numerous times over. That is, anytime I moved into his vicinity with a camera – which I had in tow in about 90 percent of my encounters with him – he was always quick to smile, cover his face and say, “don't take my picture.”

To me, that recurring situation captures the essence of Chapman – ever humble, ever gracious. Though he served in numerous leadership positions in the textile industry and beyond, he never sought the spotlight, never wanted the credit – which, as a leader, is difficult when your very nature manifests itself through mountains of modesty. He “gave back” for no other reason than to make a difference in this industry and this world. And, man, did he.

The chairman, CEO and treasurer of fabric maker Inman Mills, Inman, S.C., died unexpectedly at his home last week in Spartanburg, S.C., sending shockwaves throughout the industry, the county and the state he loved so dearly. His contributions to textiles and society are countless, but they were not enumerated during his memorial service Friday – which I'm positive was the way he would have wanted it.

Chapman similarly deflected attention from himself last summer, when I and other members of the media were on hand at his plants in Enoree, S.C., as the company showed garments made from Inman Mills’ fabrics that were to be worn by U.S. Olympic athletes in the Summer Games. Though you could sense his excitement for the company to be a part of such a grand story, he agreed to photographs only if some of his employees were included.

You’ll get a better idea of the legacy and impact Chapman had on many by reading the tributes on this page. Trite as it may be to say, he definitely was one of the “good guys” in our industry and, I dare say, one of the rare human beings you’ll be hard-pressed to find one person with a negative word to say about him. He was steady, self-effacing, gentle, unassuming, courteous, faithful … I could go on, but those who knew him know I am not exaggerating.

And, just as importantly, he cared about everyone and their wellbeing. Several times last week, people told me, “he treated everyone the same.” But I already knew that. I’ve walked his manufacturing floors with him and seen him interact with employees. He knew all of them by name, asked how they were doing and asked if he could do anything for them. The care and mutual respect was evident.

Equally, he cared about the communities in which he and his family, friends and employees lived. His many charitable and philanthropic endeavors, along with his strong advocacy for and support of education, confirm that.

The best summation of Chapman I’ve ever heard was delivered by George Abbott, who worked with him for three decades. Abbott, Inman Mills’ vice president of manufacturing, presented Chapman the Southern Textile Association’s Chapman Award in 2014. The award, named in honor of Chapman’s family members (James A. Chapman, Sr., James A. Chapman Jr. and Joseph W. Chapman), was established by the STA to recognize individuals for exemplary service to the textile industry.

Abbott called Chapman “the most accomplished person I have personally known” and a “people person” who “truly cares about others.” “He loves being in the company of others, and he’s comfortable with all people, regardless of their station in life,” Abbott said prior to presenting the award. “And he is the same person whether he’s in the presence of business leaders or people on the plant floor. And, honestly, he has a way of making people feel special when they’re around him.”

Obviously, too, Chapman cared about the U.S. textile industry. In his remarks to the STA, Abbott outlined how Chapman created an environment that helped Inman Mills survive tumultuous times early this century.

“We made it through those times of struggle, thanks in large part to Rob’s vision, perseverance and steadfastness,” Abbott said. “Rob’s leadership, combined with a great staff and a loyal workforce, helped us regain our footing and turn the corner.  But it would not have happened without one thing: Trust – trust that was built, nourished and fortified. And Rob was the impetus behind that trust. He knew it was absolutely vital in order for Inman to get through those tough times. He knew employees needed to trust him and the direction Inman Mills was heading – and he needed to trust employees. And he actively helped build that trust, even as he realized tough decisions would have to be made.

“He gave his employees the opportunity and the leeway to fail as we tried new products, new operations and new processes,” Abbott continued. “He was regularly on the plant floor, addressing team members by their first names and reassuring them that we could do whatever was necessary to get through this period. Despite many sleepless nights, Rob trusted that things would improve, and, because of his positive attitude, encouraging words and insights, we trusted his judgment.”

Indeed, things improved, Inman Mills (now 116 years old) survived and Chapman continued to lead the company for a number of years after that crisis. I’m convinced the U.S. textile industry would never be the same without Inman Mills being a part of it.

Let me add a personal note: After covering the textile industry for more than a decade, I returned “home” after a hiatus because of people such as Rob Chapman. For four years, I missed the people of this industry – the finest lot of folks in the world, as you know. The care, the trust, the fellowship between industry colleagues cannot be equaled by any other industry.

That’s why, during a six-month “discovery” period when I was trying to ascertain the need for a textile news website, Rob Chapman and his cousin Norman Chapman (Inman Mills’ president & COO) were the first people I met with to discuss the idea, thanks to Abbott’s coordination. They graciously gave of their time and shared their feedback on the endeavor. When they gave me the first green light to proceed, I knew I was on to something. Their opinion held weight, and I’m forever grateful for their time and assistance – and, more importantly, for their friendship.

What last week’s solar eclipse did for awe-inspiring, out-of-this-world wonderment, Rob Chapman did many years for mankind, showing us through works and deeds glimpses of humanity at its finest. Rob, thank you for your many gifts, which will endure for years to come. Godspeed, my friend.