Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - 22
[ PERSPECTIVE ]
Foundations of growth
Ron Nissenbaum reflects on tradition and transformation
as Humphrys celebrates 150 years of success.
W
Ron Nissenbaum
CEO
Humphrys CoverSports
Philadelphia, Pa.
coversports.com
Humphrys Awnings
humphrysawnings.com
Metropolitan Flag
and Banner Co.
metflag.com
Gosport Manufacturing Co.
Gosport, Ind.
gosportmanufacturing.com
ATA member since 1971
Most valued benefit
of ATA membership
Discovering new trends
and products
Written by
Holly Eamon
Photography by
HKB Photo
ith early but short-lived career aspirations of becoming a sports broadcaster,
Ron " Boots " Nissenbaum instead built a 56-year career providing a different
type of coverage-several types, in fact. As CEO of Humphrys, Nissenbaum
oversees three separate Philadelphia, Pa.,-based companies under the Humphrys
umbrella and a fourth recent acquisition:
* Humphrys CoverSports, an athletic cover manufacturer with indoor and
outdoor products spanning field rain tarps, windscreens, fencing, gym floor
covers, gym mats and wall padding
* Humphrys Awnings, a custom residential and commercial awning manufacturer
* Metropolitan Flag and Banner Co. (MetFlag), a custom flag and banner
manufacturer offering signage, billboards, appliqué and digital printing services
* Gosport Manufacturing Co., a tarp manufacturer in Gosport, Ind.
" I like to say canvas is in my DNA-it's always been in the cards for me, " says
Nissenbaum, whose father, Nate, purchased Humphrys in 1948. Founded in 1874
as a wagon cover and awning manufacturer, Humphrys had passed through two
generations of family ownership at that point-a tradition Nissenbaum has continued.
Slow and steady/evolving a legacy
The Nissenbaums' connection to canvas dates back to 1929, when Nate founded a
small textile business providing canvas drop cloths and tarps-products Humphrys
had also incorporated by the time he purchased it.
Although Nissenbaum grew up with an interest in his father's business, he
didn't become an employee until 1968, after working during summer breaks while
attending American University in Washington, D.C.
" I went right back to work after I graduated, and my dad was thrilled. The idea that
the business he started would continue with his son was a really big deal, " Nissenbaum
recalls-and he understands the feeling well. His son, Zak, joined Humphrys as a sales
representative in 2003 and is now president of the company. By 2010, Nissenbaum's
two daughters were also on board-Shana, now vice president of sales and marketing,
and Jamie, vice president of purchasing.
" I couldn't be prouder as a father and as a business owner. They've made a huge
difference in helping us grow by improving process efficiencies and quality assurance.
Plus, they all get along and are a great team, " Nissenbaum says.
Today, Humphrys has 175 employees and 160,000 square feet of facility space. It is
one of Philadelphia's 10 oldest continuously operating businesses and one of the city's
five largest manufacturing employers. " I'm excited about where we are today and where
we'll be in the future, " says Nissenbaum, who remembers being one of just 15 employees
when he first started. " My motto has always been that 'slow and steady wins the race,'
22 SPECIALTY FABRICS REVIEW / September 2024
http://www.coversports.com
http://www.humphrysawnings.com
http://www.metflag.com
http://www.gosportmanufacturing.com
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - Bellyband 1
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - Bellyband 2
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - Cover1
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - Cover2
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - 1
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - 2
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Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - Cover3
Specialty Fabrics Review September 2024 - Cover4
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