Al & Jan Davey
Founders
Davey Textile Solutions as is known today has roots back to 1978 when it was Johnson Wholesale Fabrics. Primarily the business promoted and sold fabrics in conjunction for sales of sewing machines with a related sewing machine retailer. Following a career of 18 years with a denim Jean wear manufacturer in Edmonton, Great Western Garments (GWG) and subsequently Levis, Al Davey started with Johnson Wholesale Fabrics in 1983 as a manager. For the 3 years Al managed the business he changed the focus from a remnant goods store to a legitimate wholesale and distribution business of fabrics and notions. In 1986 Al and Jan purchased the assets of Johnson Wholesale Fabrics and established Davey Fabrics Inc.
Through the 1990s Al and Jan found success in distributing basic fabrics and notions used in Apparel and Crafting. They established the businesses philosophy of a commitment to quality and service in which the business is based on today. They successfully distributed fabrics and notions across Canada, mainly focusing on Western Canada.
In 2001 the succession process was started to the second generation business owners with Grant Davey, Jim Davey and Dan King and successfully concluded in 2002. Today both Al and Jan are enjoying retirement while participating on the Board of Directors for Davey Textile Solutions (formerly Davey Fabrics Inc.).
Grant Davey
President
Grants formal education following primary school is as a Civil Engineer Technologist. Grant graduated from the college of Northern Alberta Institute of technology in 1984. Following a career of 5 years in the construction industry, Grant decided to join the family business, Davey Fabrics Inc.
During Grants 20 year tenure with Davey Textile Solutions (formerly Davey Fabrics Inc.) he has held many positions. His experience with the business has ranged from sales and customer service to purchasing and inventory control. Today Grant is one of three partners in the business and holds the position of President. His responsibilities are the general management of the business with a focus on the development of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Materials and Amann Embroidery products.
Jim Davey
Controller
Jim graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Business Program specializing in Accounting in the year 1991. Jim has had many roles with Davey Fabrics Inc. since joining the company in 1986, His present role is the Financial Controller which he assumed in 1999. Jim is one of three ownership partners involved in Davey Textile Solutions.
Dan King, B.Sc.
VP Sales
Dan graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology in 1984 and then followed up with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from the University of Alberta in 1990. The Computer Science degree majored in business applications.
Following this schooling, Dan worked for 3 years in the Petroleum Industry. He then shifted his career into the Textile Industry. Dan has 18 years of experience in the Textile industry, all with Davey Textile Solutions.
Since the year 2000, Dan has been a partner in Davey Textile Solutions. In his position as VP Sales, he focused on product sales in all regions. Davey Textile Solutions has representation in Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Mexico City and in Columbia. Dan is also currently involved in standards development. He sits on the CSA Z96, CGSB 155.20 and 155.22 committees. He is also chairman for the committee for Clothing Systems for the Protection Against High Pressure Steam and Condensate.
Gail Burak, B.H.Ecol., PHEc., CHSC
Product Specialist
Gail graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1984 with a Bachelor of Human Ecology majoring in clothing and textiles and is registered as a Professional Human Ecologist with the Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association. Gail has over 20 years of diverse experience in the garment manufacturing industry in western Canada. Gail started her career with a major fashion and sportswear manufacturer in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she held the position of Designer and Pattern Maker for 10 years. She then ran her own design business for 5 years based in Stettler, Alberta. Following this, Gail then spent 7 years as Product Development Manager for a major garment manufacturer in Edmonton, Alberta specializing in flame resistant and high visibility work wear. Gail currently holds the position of Product Specialist with Davey Textile Solutions where she provides technical support to internal and external customers respecting high visibility options from reflective trims to fabrications, and flame resistant component options. Davey Textile Solutions provides textile safety solutions to companies and recently Gail achieved a CHSC (Certified Health and Safety Consultant) designation through the CSSE.
Murray Tairney
Purchasing Manager
Murray graduated from Grant MacEwen Community College in 1986 with a diploma of Business management. During Murrays 15 year tenure with Davey Textile Solutions (formerly Davey Fabrics Inc.) he has held positions in shipping and receiving, customer service and inventory control and currently holds the position of purchasing manager. Murrays focus within the business is to manage the current inventory and to procure new products needed for our customer base. Murray is consistently in touch customers and their requirements and manages inventory accordingly.
