Press
Farmsite turns into canvas-making factory thanks to couple
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Agri News staff writer
PERHAM, Minn. — Thirteen miles east of Perham is an unassuming farmsite that serves neighboring farms and cities across the nation.
David and Amy Sobieski have converted their farm shop into a canvas product factory where they make everything from parking meter covers to vinyl barn curtains.
The couple moved to their country home four years ago to raise their two young sons, John and Henry, and to be near Amy’s family. They’d intended to expand their business from meter covers to boat covers for the area’s strong recreational industry.
The they discovered a need for their business in the ag community.
Using their canvas sewing equipment and vinyl welding machines, they have made everything from seed pallet covers to barn curtains.
David grew up in Ohio. While in the military he was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base where he packaged and sewed parachute equipment. He moved to the Twin Cities when his military service ended and attended the University of Minnesota. David worked for the university’s the parking department.
He had problems getting meter covers for no parking areas or reserved parking but, with his knowledge of canvas sewing, designed and manufactured his own. He saw an opportunity to start his own business.
David used the couple’s wedding money to purchase the machines and set up business in their living room. The orders grew and soon they were renting space as their operation grew. Amy left her 10-year position with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to work with David. They decided to move to Amy’s great-uncle’s farmplace near Perham to raise their children and expand their business.
Once again, the couple is planning another expansion. They’re converting the hip-roof barn’s hayloft into a work area where they will weld and sew barn curtains while the main floor will become the children’s play area.
It was by chance that a Midwest Seed Genetics associate saw the Sobieskis’ business and applications for seed protection. He worked with David to design the seed pallet covers that protect bags being transported from the seedhouse to the farm.
The result is a $120 investment that ends up protecting several thousands of dollars of seed, David said.
Brian, Jeff and Bradley Hendrickx saw another application for the canvas for their dairy barn doors. Most companies selling vinyl barn doors and curtains have a standard size that farmers cut themselves to fit, David said. He custom-designed and constructed a vinyl curtain that handles the climate.
He knew the material could do it, he said. Air Force materials have to stand up to very rigorous conditions in any part of the world. The same canvas and vinyl materials are used in the fabric welding and sewing the Sobieskis offer.
The ag niche has been a great addition.
“If you have a boat and you moor it at the lake, you may decide you don’t need a cover,” David said. “But if you are a farmer and you need a curtain or door or cover, you need it. You aren’t going to question the purchase because it’s an important part of your farm operation. The materials, too, are very utilitarian and can withstand the conditions.”
Although they don’t have livestock or crops, the Sobieskis have made their mark in the ag community.
“We’ve had neighbors who see our shop lights on at night stop by to check out what we do,” Amy said. “They’ll poke their head around the door and say, ‘So this is what you do.’”
They are more than willing to explain the process and show the materials they work with, they said.
While orders for their ag products have increased, the Sobieskis continue making meter covers and have shipped them nationally.
The couple has a web site. Their blog detailing their life in the country is linked to the site.
For more information, check the site at www.canvaswork.com or call (218) 346-2686.
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