Specialty Fabrics Review February 2023 - 27

to pivot and try to recoup revenues by
renting tents that enabled vaccinations
and public health checks.
Now it's in the process of rebuilding
its U.S. business, which came to
a screeching halt when borders
were closed due to the pandemic.
That segment of the business has
traditionally centered around the West
Coast and Washington, D.C.
This year, it was able to complete
several U.S. installations, and revenues
rose back to pre-COVID levels.
" We have a social media
marketing strategy and do a lot of
that, " McCulloch notes. " But luckily,
we've had a lot of growth just from
answering our phones. "
Regal reputation: Team effort
leads to success
McCulloch gives much of the credit
for Regal's success to its team of
employees, which temporarily expands
from 45 to about 100 people during
the May-through-October busy
season. Some loyal workers have been
with Regal for longer than 30 years, a
happy situation she attributes to luck,
investments in employee training and
a family-like company culture.
" We have this incredible team
of experts, from sales managers to
operations managers to crew leaders
SpecialtyFabricsReview.com 27
and their crews, " she says. " We're
committed to partnering in every event
and doing everything we can to make
events successful. My dad used to say
that the best customers are ones who
had used other tent companies before,
and had one or two bad experiences,
so they can come experience our
commitment and expertise. "
That's not to say maintaining those
standards is always easy.
" I think the greatest challenge is the
seasonality of it, " she says. " We make
80% of our revenue in six months
of the year. It can also be difficult to
retain incredible talent and to bring
in new inventory products when the
market is seasonal. "
For better or worse, the off-season
is almost equally busy for McCulloch,
who spends that time developing her
teams, buying new inventory, evaluating
issues from the previous season and
forming new strategies for spring.
" Maybe this sounds a little kitschy,
but you've got to come to work and have
fun and enjoy the people you work with, "
she says of her managerial philosophy.
" If it's not fun, you shouldn't be doing
it. And investing in your team and your
people is the most important thing. "
Michelle Miron is a freelance writer based in Hugo, Minn.
To what extent is
Chair-man Mills Corp.
still dealing with supply
chain issues, and what
are some ways it's
combating those issues?
We're planning as far in
advance as possible. What
used to take eight weeks
to ship now takes 16. By
anticipating trends a year
ahead and placing orders early,
we're able to invest in new
inventory and meet demand.
You mention being a
parent and placing a
high priority on work-life
balance. What are some
ways you make that work
when you're in such a
demanding role?
The new work environment
has flexibility in the office
and options to work from
home, which has seriously
helped my work-life balance.
I work in the office to achieve
collaboration with my team,
and I make sure to work
from home with intention.
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Specialty Fabrics Review February 2023

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