Q: You’ve been with Morbern for a few months now. How’s it going so far?

A: It’s been great! The people here have been so welcoming, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the team. Morbern has such a community feel, and it’s been refreshing to work in a place where everyone is so friendly and supportive.

Q: You’ve had quite the career before joining Morbern. Can you tell us a bit about your journey?

A: I actually started in banking 30 years ago—hard to believe! I was a financial advisor, handled investments and lending, you name it. My career took me all over—from the East Coast to Florida—and I got to experience so many different business cultures. But after a while, I transitioned into HR, working for Walmart in their logistics division, where I helped manage 800 employees. It was quite the adventure!

Q: You moved back to Cornwall after some time in the U.S. What drew you back?

A: Moving back to Cornwall felt like the right decision when our oldest son was in high school. We wanted to be close to family and give our boys a sense of home. Cornwall has this wonderful small-town charm, but it’s also perfectly located between Ottawa and Montreal, so we get the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s such a beautiful place, right on the water, with hidden gems like Birchwood. It’s more than just where we live—it’s where we belong.

Q: Speaking of family, you have two sons—what are they up to now?

A: Yes, I do! My oldest just got married last month, and he’s finishing up his police training. My youngest is thriving in the HVAC trades. Seeing them grow into such amazing, kind-hearted men has been one of the greatest joys of my life. And my husband Sean, since we moved back, has opened up a barber shop right here in Cornwall!

Q: What originally drew you to Morbern, and how has your role evolved since starting?

A: Honestly, it was the work-life balance that drew me in. Coming from TD Bank, where the hours were long and weekends were rare, the chance to have more time for myself and my family was such a gift. Now, I can plan dinners, enjoy my weekends, and really focus on what matters most. The team here is incredible, and I’ve found so much joy in recruiting new talent—it’s so fulfilling to help others find their place at Morbern, just like I did..

Q: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned since joining Morbern?

A: How spotless the plant is! I walk through a portion of it every day to get to the office, and it’s always clean and organized. It’s just one of those little things that makes working here feel special.

Q: How would you describe Morbern in three words?

A: Community, friendly, and clean. You can tell it’s a locally owned business, and there’s such a warm, welcoming atmosphere here. It’s a pillar in the community, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Q: If Morbern had a mascot, what would it be and why?

A: Oh, that’s easy—it would definitely be a dog! Dogs are loyal, friendly, and always there for you, just like the team at Morbern. In fact, I’d say my own Boston Terrier, Bella, would make the perfect mascot! She’s kind, loyal, and full of personality. I’d be happy to loan her to Morbern anytime—we’d be in good hands with Bella leading the way!

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting at Morbern?

A: The opportunities here are endless! Don’t hesitate to go after roles that spark your interest, no matter how new you are. Morbern truly values its people, and if you bring your best self to work every day, you’ll definitely be noticed. My motto is, “Your attitude is your altitude!” It’s all about how far you can go when you stay positive and motivated.

Q: And finally, what keeps you motivated every day?

A: It’s all about building people. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone grow, knowing that I had a small part in their success. Helping others reach their potential brings me so much joy, and at the end of the day, that’s the legacy I hope to leave behind—people who’ve thrived because I believed in them and helped them believe in themselves.

Moving from the vast plains of Alberta to the charming town of Cornwall wasn’t just a change of scenery for our HR Director—it was a move driven by family, passion, and a lifelong dedication to making a difference in people’s lives. Let’s dive into his story!

Q: What brought you to Morbern?

A: It was all about family. My daughter Rebecca is attending McGill University this fall, and with my younger daughter Christina set to join her next year, being closer to them was a priority. Plus, Cornwall has its own charm that drew us in—it’s a great place to call home.

Q: You’ve had quite an adventurous career in HR. How did it all start?

A: Believe it or not, I kind of stumbled into HR by accident! I studied business administration and majored in marketing, but it didn’t quite click for me. My boss at the time saw something in my ability to build teams and appreciated my attitude, and that’s how I got into HR. It’s been 25 years, and I haven’t looked back since.

Q: Your work has taken you all over the world—what stands out the most?

A: Oh, where to begin! From Egypt to Iraq, Algeria, Pakistan, and the USA, each place taught me something different. However, my most memorable experience was leading HR for the construction of the largest methanol plant in the USA. Dealing with people is my passion, and seeing cultural transformations in the workplace is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or like to give?

A: Stay humble, always put yourself in others’ shoes, and focus on facts, not emotions. These principles have guided me through some of the toughest situations, whether I was working in challenging conditions abroad or leading a team through change.

Q: How did you develop such adaptability in your career?

A:  I think it’s a mix of experiences and innate qualities. My dad was a big influence—he was humble and down-to-earth, and I learned a lot from him. Living with a host family during my high school track and football days also taught me flexibility. But it was those early career experiences in different countries and industries that really pushed me to adapt and grow. Plus, winning the state championship in American football during my high school years at Wyoming and being a three-time medalist in track and field taught me the value of perseverance and resilience—qualities that have been crucial in my career.

Q: Speaking of track and football, where do your daughters get their drive?

A: It might run in the family! Rebecca is ranked in the Top 10 in Track and Field and was valedictorian, and Christina has her own talents and ambitions. I guess they’ve seen what hard work and passion can achieve, and they’re following their own paths with determination.

Q: After such a dynamic career, what keeps you motivated?

A: Seeing the impact of my work—whether it’s establishing policies, improving morale, or watching a company culture transform. And, of course, being part of a team that’s making a difference every day. That’s what drives me.

Q: Lastly, how do you like Cornwall so far?

A: It’s been wonderful! The community is welcoming, the pace of life is just right, and it’s great to be close to my family. Plus, working at Morbern has been an exciting new chapter. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

Splash was designed, engineered and manufactured by Morbern, a North American-based organization. The creation of Splash was only made possible through the close, collaborative work with Morbern’s marine customers. The catalyst for Splash was threefold:

· To improve the longevity of the material in the marine application

· To improve the appearance of soft trim parts in the boat

· To ease the process of tailoring by the marine employees.

This innovative construction was the result of days and weeks of meeting with the marine shop personnel to understand their challenges in making best-in-class products. The guidance of the shop personnel led Morbern to create the unique 4-way stretch characteristics of Splash. This allows for 360-degree pattern cutting of the material, which reduces waste and increases yields. As an additional benefit, it improves the tailorability of the product and reduces demands on the shop personnel.

A key challenge marine material must overcome is pink staining. Microorganisms thrive during the wet, hot and humid environments of summer, a time when most boat owners enjoy using their vessels. These microorganisms lead to the concern commonly referred to as pink staining. Splash is uniquely formulated and manufactured to significantly mitigate the adverse conditions caused by the microorganisms.

Splash’s versatility extends beyond marine settings, making it a viable option for contract interiors. Whether it’s a luxury yacht’s sleek interior or a fishing boat’s open-air seating, Splash delivers unmatched performance and style.

Available in six distinct patterns, including Sandpiper, Voyager, Surf, Mink, Rio, and Bayside, Splash offers a range of aesthetic options. Each pattern is crafted to complement the design aesthetics of a range of boats, adding a touch of sophistication to any marine setting and allowing boat owners to personalize their boat’s seating options.

Backed by a 5-year limited product warranty, Splash assures peace of mind for boat owners and manufacturers alike. Its enduring durability, combined with Morbern’s decades of expertise and rigorous testing, makes it the gold standard in marine upholstery fabrics.

From its exceptional weather resistance to its seamless fit on complex seat cushions, Splash redefines marine upholstery with its unmatched performance and comfort. For those who cherish life on the water, Splash by Morbern is not just a fabric—it’s a premium experience designed to elevate every voyage.

How long have you been with Morbern and in what roles?

 I began work at Morbern in 2011 as the National Operations Manager and moved into the role of Director of Global Operations in 2018 as our business expanded internationally.

 Why work for Morbern?  What makes them stand out?

 Morbern has been an industry leader for decades and it carries that passion for growth and innovation today.  I had the opportunity to combine my sales and operations experience in my roles, and I’ve relished the opportunity to provide comprehensive support to our hard-working sales agents in the field.

 How do our products stand up to the competition?

 High quality and locally manufactured (Canada) are some of the most common talking points I hear from our customer base.  When quality and sustainability are a focal point of our products, that matters to our customers.

 Do you have a favorite Morbern product? Tell us what it is and why you like it.

 The operational side of me says my favorite product is the one with the most inventory turns! I’ve had the great fortune of seeing groundbreaking products such as Allante Free, and more recently Evohide, be introduced to the markets.  It’s been exciting to see those become household names since their launches.

 Where do you call home?

Jamestown, N.C.  It is a small suburban community just outside Greensboro, N.C. where we are two hours from the mountains and three hours from the beach.  It’s about as “perfect” a location as there is for a North Carolinian.

 What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

 With a 17- and 13-year-old at home, my wife and I find ourselves immersed in all of their respective sports and academic activities.  I try to find time to enjoy a round of golf here and there, and my wife and I enjoy being outdoors with our two dogs, Tot and Rudy.

Can you tell us about a fun, or funny, time during your tenure? Any remembrances you look back upon and laugh?

In the spring of 2012, we held a sales meeting in High Point and the last evening it snowed two to three inches.  Two to three inches of snow might as well be two to three feet to most North Carolinians so of course, no one was in the office.  I drove in to update the closure message on our phone line and walked in to see all the executive leadership from Cornwall.  It was quite entertaining “explaining” how this weather shuts everything down in North Carolina to a group of Canadians.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

 It wasn’t necessarily advice but a mantra to always be open, honest, and candid in everything I do. I carry this mindset in both my professional and personal life.

Who has been your greatest mentor?

 While I have had the fortune of working alongside amazing leaders both past and present, my mother has had the most profound impact on my life.  She handles adversity with grace and determination, all with a smile on her face.  I try to emulate that each day.

What would you put on a billboard?

 Perfection is unattainable.  That is no reason not to strive for it today.

What are you currently reading?

I’m enjoying “Icons and Idiots” by Bob Lutz. 

 Every few years, I re-read “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon.  In my humble opinion, this is a must read for everyone both personally and professionally.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I have successfully completed the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh, N.C.  It was definitely a one-time event for me.

What habits have you purposefully developed (in business or in life) that have served you well?

 Always be prepared.  Whether that be for a meeting or the day in general.

 What do you consider your greatest business accomplishment?

 This probably sounds cliché, but I feel the most accomplished when those around me experience success. Fortunately, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many people around me succeed throughout my career.  It’s hard to describe the satisfaction when someone reaches a goal that they never thought was possible.

How long have you been with Morbern and in what roles?

I just celebrated my 34th anniversary with the company on January 8. I started on the shop floor and worked in different roles. In 1996 I became a Q/C lab technician and a production supervisor in 1998. In 2000 I was promoted to inspection & shipping manager and I managed the department for 21 years. During that time, I was trained as the traffic coordinator, production scheduler and inspection data administrator. Since 2021 I have been the manager of the Extruder Department and just recently became embossing manager.

Why work for Morbern? What makes them stand out?

Morbern is willing to give people opportunities to grow throughout their career and working for the company has allowed me to grow. For the past 34 years, I have had the good fortune to work alongside many amazing individuals who helped me succeed in my career.

How are Morbern’s vinyls superior to other products in the marketplace?

The first thing that comes to mind is the quality of Morbern vinyls. Working as the inspection shipping manager I’ve seen competitive vinyls from around the world and I know that Morbern’s quality is far superior to other products.

Do you have a favorite Morbern product? Tell us what it is and why you like it.

I don’t have just one favorite product. After working for this company for 34 years I’m very proud of the products we produce and ship all over the world.

Where do you call home?

I was born and raised in a small town called Long Sault, just on the outskirts of Cornwall. I now live in Monkland, a smaller town 30 minutes outside Cornwall.

What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

In the spring and summer months, I spend a lot of time looking after my yard. We have three acres of land with a large pond and it’s like an oasis. I also spend time working out and enjoying life with my wife Heather.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

I was once told that when you work for someone, work as if you owned the company. If you do that you will always find success.

Who has been your greatest mentor?

My work mentors have been Lew Stanley and Marc Beaubien, whom I’ve worked with for many years. Outside of work, my Grandfather, and my parents have been my greatest mentors.

What would you put on a billboard?

I have a tattoo with this quote from Rocky that’s important to me: “Nobody is going to hit as hard as life, but it ain’t about how hard ‘ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. THAT’S HOW WINNING IS DONE!!!” It resonates with me, reminding me to keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at me.

If you wrote a book about your life, what would be the title?

The title of my book would be “Survivor.”

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’m a very honest guy so I don’t think there’s anything that would surprise anyone, though I’m sure some of the personal life lessons I endured might make people say, “WOW!”

What habits have you purposefully developed (in business or in life) that have served you well?

Taking the time to understand the people you work with or interact with is a guiding principle for me. I think it’s important to develop relationships with people and understand what makes them tick.

What do you consider your greatest business accomplishment?

I’ve spent most of my work life supervising others. If any of those people can look back and say they enjoyed having me as a manager and I had a positive effect on them, that feels like a great accomplishment to me.

How long have you worked with Morbern, in what role, and when will you retire?

I have been in the vinyl business for 44 years, 30 of which have been with Morbern. I have been a manufacturing sales representative for almost three decades, starting in the automotive and marine market, then as a salesman for Futureline Fabrics in Philadelphia. Since becoming a sales representative for Morbern, I diversified and now work with the hospitality, healthcare and auto and marine aftermarkets.

Of the markets you have served (contract, marine aftermarket, recreational vehicle, etc.) do you have a favorite?

I really enjoy the automotive and marine markets because I spent most of my career there and became friends with many of the distributors. The markets often change as automotive OEMs change their patterns and colors yearly. But those changes don’t impact the aftermarket for three to four years.

Are you a car guy, being in this business?

Maybe it’s because I travel a lot, often driving as much as seven hours to see a customer, but I really just need a car to get me where I’m going. My wife and I have a beach house on the Jersey shore, and I do enjoy the classic car shows on the Boardwalk every summer where there could be 400 to 500 corvettes on display. But I never got into collecting cars.

No boats either?

Honestly, I’m not much of a collector. I’m a golfer. I love to play golf and I enjoy the history of golf and of course, I have lots of golf paraphernalia. My favorite courses are Pine Valley, which is five minutes from my house in Clementon, NJ, and ranked the number one course in the world. My second favorite golf course is Pebble Beach.

Or do you have a favorite product line?

By far, my favorite product line is Allante. It has consistently been my number-one seller and can be used in the automotive, marine and hospitality markets. And it’s the most beautiful piece of vinyl I’ve ever seen and felt.

What will you miss about Morbern after you retire?

I don’t even have to think about that answer – it’s the people. Mark Bloomfield’s father hired me at Morbern. In all my years with the company, I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t been kind or fantastic to work with. Morbern people are intelligent, from the executives to the mill employees and sales representatives. And I’m proud to say they are all personal friends of mine.

Do you have any funny or poignant stories to tell about your time with the company?

When it’s time to work, we work and there’s no nonsense going on. But over the years we also had a lot of fun together at conventions and sales meetings. I have plenty of memories of staying out late with coworkers and having drinks, telling stories about our golf game and playing liar’s poker. We always had a lot of good, clean fun.

What is your most marked memory about visiting Cornwall?

Cornwall is a pretty small, quaint town. Over the years we have had events at the nearby escape room or casinos. It is a nice town, but I could do without the weather! Or maybe we should have meetings in Cornwall in June rather than in February or March when it’s still so cold. Two years ago, we had plans to go curling during our visit but COVID ruined those plans.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Be yourself and make friends. It’s easy for any salesman to be professional, but you need to establish relationships with people in order to be successful. I’m proud to say that I’ve been invited to customers’ weddings and their children’s christenings. I’ve even joined them on vacations to the beach, the golf club and on fishing expeditions. I have my customers’ home phone numbers and I consider them my friends.

What are you currently reading?

I don’t read many novels anymore, but every morning I read the newspaper. I like to stay up-to-date on current events in this country and abroad, as well as entertainment and sports. I want to know what’s going on in the towns that I work in, and reading a newspaper provides me with that information. It’s also helpful when working with customers as it allows you to be educated and informed about what’s going on in their world.

Do you have any quotes that guide you in business or in life?

If at first you don’t succeed, knock on their door again.

What would people be surprised to know about you?  

 There probably isn’t much they don’t know about me! I do take things seriously. I don’t take the answer “no” very well. And while I make it a point to laugh with my customers, I do take business very seriously.

What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

I love going on vacations. I recently took a river trip down the Mississippi River. I also enjoy golf vacations. Sports are a big part of my life, including pulling for the Philadelphia Phillies and my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, with whom I’m a season ticket holder. But my favorite thing by far is spending time with my three-year-old granddaughter.

What do you consider your greatest business accomplishment?

For 44 years, I was in sales and I was never guaranteed a paycheck. If I didn’t sell anything, I didn’t get paid. Over the years I made a nice living not being guaranteed a penny.

What habits have you purposefully developed (in business or in life) that have served you well?

I’m a good conversationalist. And because I’m a big reader and stay up-to-date on current events, I can talk to anyone about anything.

What are your plans for retirement?

I plan to spend as much time as possible with my granddaughter, and hopefully my future grandchildren! I also plan to travel with my wife and spend more time with my children.

As sales agent for the West Coast, Chris Zappala leads the company’s presence in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, within the contract market, marine aftermarket and the automotive aftermarket.

How long have you been with Morbern and what is your experience in coated fabrics?

I have been with Morbern since March 2018.  I began my career with coated fabrics in 2009 with Naugahyde.

You previously worked with the venerable Uniroyal brand. What were you doing for them?

I was a Senior Account Representative at Uniroyal, working in the Contract, Industrial OEM, Mass Transportation, Vac Form, and Distributor markets segments.

You have a lot of experience working in/with Central & South. America.  Can you tell us about that? How did that come about?  Do you have a particular interest in this part of the world?

When I was in college, my then-girlfriend was from Costa Rica, and I visited there on spring break and immediately fell in love with the country.  After college, I had the opportunity to move there and study medicine for two years, before pursuing a career in business. I  continued to live in Costa Rica for the next six years.  During that time, I became “encantado” with Latin culture, and had incredible experiences with friends across many different countries.

If my research is correct, you hold a degree in biochemistry.  How did you go from science to sales?

When I graduated from Tufts University, the objective was always to go to medical school, but I also worked at a big pharma/life sciences company before moving to Costa Rica. After studying medicine for 2 years, I had an opportunity to open an import/export business on my own, and my heart followed in my father’s footsteps – he was a businessman and salesman.

Why work for Morbern?  What makes them stand out?

As with any successful company, Morbern puts innovation first.  This focus on Innovation allows me to bring solutions to my customers, rather than just another roll of vinyl.  Without innovation, you become just a commodity product with no way to stand out.

How are Morbern’s vinyls superior to other products in the marketplace?

Again, I will say innovation.  Look at Allante FRee – we were one of the first on the market to make a product with no additional FR additives, which became a hot topic when California passed AB2998 requiring seating material (as an example) to comply by not having FR additives.  Morbern continues to perform at a high level in the marketplace because of their focus on innovation.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be afraid of failure. Too many times, people’s fear of failing prevents them from even trying. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t take steps forward even when I was afraid of failing.

What are you currently reading?

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins.

Do you have any quotes that guide you in business or in life?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am a huge country music fan! My favorite artist is Garth Brooks and in particular his song,  “Unanswered Prayers”.

What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

My evenings are filled with dinner around the table with my wife and daughter.  We talk about our day–the highs and lows–and then I usually walk our dog.  The weekends are spent with family, oftentimes at a cousin’s house, filled with homemade Mexican food.

What do you consider your greatest business accomplishment?

Learning from all my past failures to successfully launch EMZ Contract Sales in 2018  with Morbern as my sole line.

What habits have you purposefully developed (in business or in life) that have served you well?

The answer is very simple: I remind myself to say please and thank you.  Showing gratitude can soften the hardest of hearts.