Signature Event: Stitch by Stitch - Weaving Innovation into Your Family Business
Longevity in family business doesn’t happen by standing still, it’s earned through continual reinvention and a culture that welcomes new ideas.
At the heart of enduring enterprises is a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem-solving, and the confidence to evolve while honoring the past.
Seaman Corporation exemplifies this mindset. From its origins sewing lace on baby diapers to becoming a global provider of high-performance industrial fabrics, the company’s history is defined by reinvention and innovation.
Join us for an inside look at how this multigenerational business has built a culture that embraces change, navigates transitions, and positions the organization for long-term growth.
Our featured speaker, Richard Seaman, will share reflections from his decades of leadership and reveal how the company embeds innovation into its operating rhythm through:
- Strategic planning that anticipates shifts in markets and technology
- Digital and operational tools that unlock new opportunities
- Leadership practices that encourage creativity and collaboration
- Purposeful next-gen pathways that bring fresh thinking into the business
Richard Seaman is the Chairman of Seaman Corporation, where he served as CEO from 1976 to 2015. He assumed the leadership role of his family business in 1978 after his father passed away at the young age of 55. Under his leadership, Seaman Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial-coated fabrics, grew from $10 million in annual sales to over $350 million in sales today.
Richard serves as Chairman of the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, whose mission is to support entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system. In 2012, he was asked by the Governor of the State of Ohio to serve as a Commissioner of the Ohio Third Frontier, a billion-dollar initiative focused on creating an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. In addition, he is a member of the Young President's Organization and an Emeritus Trustee on the board of the College of Wooster.
Richard was recognized as an Honored Life Member of his industry trade organization, the Industrial Fabrics Association International, and was selected as a Wall of Fame Honoree by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Richard was chosen by Ernst & Young as Entrepreneur of the Year in the Family Business category.
Richard is an avid skier, sailor, photographer, and tennis player. Richard and his wife, Judy, live in Wooster, Ohio. They and the families of their three children are committed to being active owners and stewards of their family business enterprise.
Date and Time
Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM EDT
Location
Watermark Country Club
1600 Galbraith Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Lakeshore Ballroom
Fees/Admission
Public Registration: $200
Grand Rapids Chamber Member Registration: $100
Member and Partner Registration: Free tickets in accordance with level.
Refund Policy: No refunds allowed.
