GREENVILLE, SC - Kentwool, a local business established in 1843, recently named Justin Ferdinand its new Chief Operating Officer. Before making this significant decision, Kim Kent, CEO of Kentwool, spent time assessing all lines of business under the Kentwool brand. Justin initially joined the team in December 2021 as President of the Performance Division. Kentwool has efficiently adapted to an ever-changing industry for the last 179 years, and to continue doing so, it was necessary to refine its strategic operations process. Ferdinand, who has a background in manufacturing operations and data-driven decision-making, was an immediate contender for this position. Kim Kent states, “Through conversations about his assuming this dual-role, and the support of an experienced team, I knew his empowering leadership style would help position Kentwool for its next phase of growth in the wool market.”
Kentwool’s long history of family ownership and strong brand reputation is what initially captured Justin’s interest and led him to join the team. Having worked for businesses large and small, he most enjoys the commitment a family-owned company has to its employees.
After working with the Performance Division to successfully define strategic direction and implement an execution plan, he’s excited to bring his efforts to the Manufacturing Division. Ferdinand looks forward to expanding upon the company’s commitment to employee safety, optimizing production processes, and promoting a One-Team mindset through continual collaboration and employee appreciation. When asked how he balances two roles, he says, “It is easy when you have a great team as I do.”
Over the next five years, Kentwool Performance expects to expand product lines and break into the outdoors market. Kentwool Yarn plans to continue its 179 years in business by aligning with macro-economic trends and remaining the preferred source for worsted wool yarns. When asked about what lies ahead for the Kentwool brand, Justin Ferdinand concludes with, “The potential is enormous. The best is yet to come.”
Kentwool has been a family-owned and operated business since 1843 and has earned a reputation as a manufacturing pioneer. As an innovative textile leader based in South Carolina, Kentwool has developed a truly state-of-the-art wool-based yarn spinning operation that produces the highest quality yarns in the industry.
This yarn is the key component in the brand’s signature performance socks. It is the only company in America and one of just 66 in the world to receive the Usterized Quality Certification, indicating the highest level of quality assurance in yarn production.
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