The first thing most people notice about James Durant is his positivity. The next thing they learn very quickly is his dedication to customer service and doing the job correctly. Throughout his more than 36-year career at TVF, “Big Game James” has become a fixture of our West Coast operations and a trusted partner for countless customers.
As the second-ever employee at our office and warehouse in California, James’s steady, encouraging presence helped build a logistical powerhouse from a humble space. “In a sense,” James says of the early days with his signature smile, “it was just one roll at a time… just the stepping stone, if you will.” Working alongside Robert Hinsch, who launched the TVF operations in California and currently serves as vice president of business development, James says he never knew it would grow as large as it has.
Before arriving at TVF, James worked at a different textile company for a short time after serving as a Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Navy. He takes care in understanding his customers’ business and he credits his success and the success of TVF to the blend of talented coworkers. “As we went along in Carson (California), each person seemed to work well with each other,” he says. “They inspire me to do well!”
He considers it a blessing to have come to TVF. James says the 2010 transition to an ESOP has been terrific, adding “people like myself are able to retire and not really worry about money in a sense. You know, it’s pretty cool.”
Consistency, James says, is key for his personal success and a cornerstone of TVF’s principles. “Not just the consistency of the fabric itself, but maintaining inventory,” he adds, saying that in-stock fabrics help TVF stand out. “Every account is so much fun to work with. I’m going to miss a lot of people!”
His lasting message revolves around listening to customers. “They’ll tell you what they want, but it’s important to always have a good attitude towards them. I’m a happy person and I want my customers to know that, as well.”
During retirement, the avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan plans to stay busy with his family, including his granddaughter who he says is a handful and “literally the light of my life right now.”
Thank you, James Durant, for over 36 years of dedication to TVF!
