What Do We Do When All The Old Guys And Girls Are Gone?

摘要

There's an old adage suggesting that "Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened?" I mention this, because when I first started in the textile industry circa 1983, there always were older guys and gals around for the young' uns to learn from. Many of you know whom I'm referring to. There was the wizened fixer who not only named but talked to his machines, yet knew just how to coax them into running smoothly no matter what we did to them; guys like Bubba, Harold and Big Jim who told fantastic stories that constantly made you laugh until you cried; Ms. Sue in purchasing, all four feet ten and 105 pounds soaking wet who would stand toe to toe with literally anyone, even Mr. Milliken himself, to get you the best pricing; or the crazy mad scientist with his little black book who could create the most vibrant of colors from a bunch of pixie dust. Everyone knows folks like this, and went to them for help and guidance. They're the real-world teachers and mentors that drive the textile industry. Fortunately, I still know and am proud to call many of these now "older folks"friends.