The New Normal: Lockdown Living During the Coronavirus Era
Darren Fradin, president of Rockland Mills, shares how he and his family are living and working during the “new normal.”
May 21, 2020
EDITOR’S NOTE: F&FI will have a new section in its next print edition about living and working during coronavirus lockdowns: called the “new normal.” Send us your letters and photos on the subject to: Ray@FabricsAndFurnishings.com. Here are Darren Fradin and his thoughts during these unique times.
BALTIMORE -- “To my friends and colleagues,
“As we continue to navigate through this challenging time, I felt the need to connect with you.
“Like you all, I've had to pause from what was formerly my 'normal' life. But it's given me a lot of time to reflect. Our world of home textiles is unique to any other industry of which I've ever been a part. Many of us were born into it; many others have had great careers born from it. One thing is for certain -- once you have textiles in your blood, it stays there.
“I've known a lot of you for decades, some as far back as 30 years. We have seen tough times before. Right now, I just miss the everyday business -- the ringing of the phones, the flow of new orders, and projects to work on, new concepts to explore, challenges to overcome, but, like you, I have taken the time to focus on what's truly important: ensuring the safety of my loved ones.
“Over these past few months, we've all taken on additional roles: we've become cooks, gardeners, schoolteachers, and more. But this is also a time to focus on strategies, on ideas, new technologies, and on the future. We all have a hand in shaping the tomorrow of the textiles industry.
“I don't know exactly what that tomorrow brings, but I look forward to it. It will be brighter than today. And I look forward to this textile community, this family of ours, getting back to producing and designing and fabricating and purchasing the beautiful, the sustainable, the functional, the performance-driven, timeless pieces of cloth art that we put in our hands and crumple up and pin to our office walls.
“I’ve spoken to several of you recently. I feel the groundswell of business coming back. Here’s to us all coming out of this better than we were before.
“Stay safe and healthy.
“Sincerely, Darren.”
Here are photos of the Fradin family during the new normal.
Fradin says, "Business casual is now a T-shirt and sweats. Hair is a little longer and I have the best co-workers ever."
Fradin says, "Baking a pineapple upside-down cake with Max (Came out great!)."
Fradin says, "Marco taking care of the plants."
Fradin comments, “We are making the most of this time together! We have to roll with the punches, right? I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would get three months to spend with my little ones like this – and I’m taking full advantage of it. At the same time, it’s been good to be able to have the time at home -- to think, to plan for the future, to talk to people that I hadn’t spoken to in forever. Rockland has a long history – and that final chapter hasn’t been written just yet!
“Thank you for always being so supportive, my friends.”
BALTIMORE -- “To my friends and colleagues,
“As we continue to navigate through this challenging time, I felt the need to connect with you.
“Like you all, I've had to pause from what was formerly my 'normal' life. But it's given me a lot of time to reflect. Our world of home textiles is unique to any other industry of which I've ever been a part. Many of us were born into it; many others have had great careers born from it. One thing is for certain -- once you have textiles in your blood, it stays there.
“I've known a lot of you for decades, some as far back as 30 years. We have seen tough times before. Right now, I just miss the everyday business -- the ringing of the phones, the flow of new orders, and projects to work on, new concepts to explore, challenges to overcome, but, like you, I have taken the time to focus on what's truly important: ensuring the safety of my loved ones.
“Over these past few months, we've all taken on additional roles: we've become cooks, gardeners, schoolteachers, and more. But this is also a time to focus on strategies, on ideas, new technologies, and on the future. We all have a hand in shaping the tomorrow of the textiles industry.
“I don't know exactly what that tomorrow brings, but I look forward to it. It will be brighter than today. And I look forward to this textile community, this family of ours, getting back to producing and designing and fabricating and purchasing the beautiful, the sustainable, the functional, the performance-driven, timeless pieces of cloth art that we put in our hands and crumple up and pin to our office walls.
“I’ve spoken to several of you recently. I feel the groundswell of business coming back. Here’s to us all coming out of this better than we were before.
“Stay safe and healthy.
“Sincerely, Darren.”
Here are photos of the Fradin family during the new normal.
Fradin says, "Business casual is now a T-shirt and sweats. Hair is a little longer and I have the best co-workers ever."
Fradin says, "Baking a pineapple upside-down cake with Max (Came out great!)."
Fradin says, "Marco taking care of the plants."
Fradin comments, “We are making the most of this time together! We have to roll with the punches, right? I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would get three months to spend with my little ones like this – and I’m taking full advantage of it. At the same time, it’s been good to be able to have the time at home -- to think, to plan for the future, to talk to people that I hadn’t spoken to in forever. Rockland has a long history – and that final chapter hasn’t been written just yet!
“Thank you for always being so supportive, my friends.”
