• Mark Kent

Mark is President & CEO of Kentwool…as well as the Chief Sock Rocker for the World’s Best Golf Sock. Talk about having manufacturing in your blood…whew! Mark is the 6th generation of Kent’s to be at the helm of Kentwool Manufacturing. There’s been one common thread, if you will, over that time: Quality.

Mark’s a 20+ year veteran at Kentwool—Chairman since 1993. He has served on numerous textile industry boards and strategic committees, including: the American Textile Export Company (Amtec), the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, the American Yarn Spinners Association, and the J. E. Sirrine Textile Foundation. In 1987, he also completed the International Program of the Australian Wool Corporation. If Mark wasn’t busy enough, he is also President of Greenville, South Carolina-based Kent Worldwide and Kent Worldwide Development. Beyond his executive leadership responsibilities, Kent has been extremely active in South Carolina manufacturing, business, economic development and philanthropic circles. He has served on the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control, and the American Red Cross Upstate SC Chapter. He is a past recipient of signature honors, including the State of South Carolina Philos Award, the American Red Cross Southeastern Volunteer of the Year, and the Liberty Fellow Selection within the national program of the Henry Crown Fellowship of the Aspen Institute.

A native of Philadelphia, Kent is a 1985 graduate of Wake Forest University and a 1986 graduate of Clemson University’s School of Textiles.

Tom Perkinson

As Sales Manager at Kentwool, Tom is a seasoned veteran who knows this industry as well as anyone. He graduated from NC State University in 1975, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Technology. Upon graduation, Tom began his textile career in with Harriet & Henderson Yarns, Inc. in Henderson, NC. After several years there "getting his feet wet in all things textile,” Tom was hired in 1982 by American Schlafhorst Co. of Charlotte, NC (currently Oerlikon Textile Inc.). As Regional Sales Manager he lead a strong team selling Schlafhorst and Zinser yarn manufacturing machinery. He was there for more than two decades, earning a reputation for his vast industry knowledge and emphasis on customer service. In September 2008, Perkinson was named Sales Manager at Kentwool.

Keith Horn

Keith Horn, our General Manager, has been with KENTWOOL since November 1992. Over that time he has proved to be an invaluable asset—not only to us, but our customers. He is hands-on, leads by example and has a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing process and what it takes to make it operationally efficient and effective. As GM, Keith oversees daily manufacturing operations at the Pickens, SC facility—making sure everything is on track and on time. He is also very involved in SCMA (South Carolina Manufacturer’s Association)—and has been the Director for the Plant Managers section on multiple occasions.

Steve Haire

Having been with us for 16+ years, Steve fulfills an indispensible role at Kentwool: Quality Control Manager. Our reputation has been built upon industry-leading quality since day one. It’s Steve’s job to make sure we carry that passion and commitment to quality far into the future. He specifically maintains that everything we use and produce is made from premier quality yarn. He is also very involved with keeping our Uster certification, as well. Steve is one of those guys who "sweats the small stuff.” It’s his attention to detail and penchant for accepting only the best that ensures the highest quality of all Kentwool yarn before it is shipped off to our customers.

Lynn Barrett

Lynn has been with Kentwool since 1995 and fulfills multiple key roles, wearing numerous hats—most importantly, she serves as our Chief Financial Officer. She also serves as a Director and Corporate Secretary on the Board for Kentwool, and works on our raw material procurement and with our real estate division, as well. Lynn stays busy with extracurricular duties too. She has also been very involved with the SCMA: as Director of HR; and also serving on numerous committees, as well. She still finds time to volunteer with the Upstate Red Cross, and resides on the Board in Pickens, SC. Lynn is also a Tiffany Circle lifetime member.