When Bob Burns was hired in April of 1986, TVF (then called Top Value Fabrics) consisted of around a dozen employees. He was 24 and was learning the textile industry from the ground-up. Over the next 40+ years, Bob’s steady leadership and expertise would provide a guiding hand in TVF’s prosperity and growth. He’s mentored and helped countless sales and supply chain employees along the way, but remains humble about his contributions. “Everyone that I’ve worked with over the last 40 years – in one way or another – has affected me in a positive way and, you know, have had different influences on me.”
Bob characterizes what led him to join TVF and stay for more than four decades as divine intervention. He had been working for a short time as a lighting salesman after college, and felt drawn to joining a young company against the advice of loved ones. “My grandfather was so angry at me for doing that, because he had heard of the other company and he’d never heard of Top Value.” The risk paid off for Bob and for everyone he has worked with since.
During his tenure with TVF, Bob has served in roles including sales manager, vice president, and Classic & Vinyl program director. He values the relationships he’s forged along the way, adding that he’s stayed in contact with some of those he met or worked with in the mid-‘80s.
“When I look back at just every step of my career, it was just perfect timing to put me in particular roles,” referring again to the higher power he feels was at play to bring his to TVF. “But you know, I always try to do my best, work hard, and be kind. I enjoyed relationships I had with my customers.” Bob says he still connects with some customers and coworkers he met on week one.
TVF became 100% employee-owned in 2010, a decision that marked a new era for the company. Bob’s lasting advice reflects the importance of an employee ownership mindset: “Moving forward, everybody just has to take pride in the work that they do. Take ownership of their responsibilities, work ethic, state of mind. You always need to think as an owner because you are an owner.”
