Veteran canvas guy opens shop

Aug 15, 2017 by Lucy Chabot Reed

Rodney Welch, who started in the marine canvas industry in 2006, has opened his own shop, Rodney’s Marine Canvas in Fort Lauderdale.

Welch learned the business with Fort Lauderdale’s Creative Canvas and had planned to buy the business when the economy turned in 2008. He worked there nearly 10 years before leaving to take time off.

Rodney Welch in his new shop in Fort Lauderdale.

“I was trying to buy it when things changed with the economy,” he said. “I was tired of being an employee.”

When a friend needing a canvas job called in 2015, he did the job out of the back of his house. That friend referred him to another, and then referrals continues. Within a year, he was in business for himself.

Two of his former co-workers — Cindy Murfey and Elena Rosales — work with him, as does his son, Ryan, part-time. Find the shop at 3118 S. Andrews Ave. or call 954-205-5324 for more information.

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About Lucy Chabot Reed

Lucy Chabot Reed is publisher and founding editor of The Triton.

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