Pioneering Innovation in Performance Textiles – A WSA Digital Release – Concept III

Pioneering Innovation in Performance Textiles – A WSA Digital Release

David Parkes, the visionary founder of Concept III, has been a driving force in the outdoor industry for decades, bringing groundbreaking performance fabrics like polar fleece, wicking knits, and Drytex to the global market. In this reflective article from Sportstextiles.com (WSA Digital release), Parkes shares insights on the evolution of textile innovation, the challenges of modern supply chains, and his hopes for the next generation of innovators. Discover how passion, courage, and commitment have shaped the performance textiles industry and continue to inspire change.

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David Parkes

Founder & CEO

David is a skilled marketer first and a textile expert second. Raised in Stafford, England, and armed with a marketing degree from the University of Kent, David began his career at Borg Textiles in the UK where he worked in sales and product development for the famous pile and faux fur maker. After his success in the European market, Borg transferred David to the US in 1973.

Massachusetts-based Malden Mills subsequently hired David away in 1976. Placed in charge of market planning, David was appointed sales director in 1981 for the launch of Polar Fleece – what is now Malden’s Polartec®.

Fully committed to creating textile-based products for a burgeoning outdoor industry, David started Concept III in 1983 as domestic textile resource. The “III” was to stand for service, styling and sales, and still does. For nearly 30 years, David and his staff have helped develop textiles from natural cotton to technical blends for a “who’s who” list of outdoor, active sports and, now, sportswear manufacturers and major retailers.

In anticipation of the coming global economy, David expanded Concept III from a domestic resource to an international one during the 90’s. With a current staff of nine, the company now has offices in both the U.S. and Europe and works with sources worldwide. Concept III is now completely vertical in operation, offering product manufacturing in Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Africa in addition to their development and sourcing services.

Dedicated to the outdoor industry, David has served on the Outdoor Industry Association Board, is past president of the PolyPro Council and has exhibited at and supported the Outdoor Retailer Show since its founding. David believes that the outdoor industry is a unique industry with unique requirements and that creative performance textiles are what drive the outdoor apparel market. He also says that he couldn’t live without “merchandisers who really know what’s going on and what they’re doing.” He is dedicated to staying in front of and focused on his customers.

David resides in Little Silver, NJ. Though described as a workaholic, David’s wife Diana, three children, and six grandchildren come first and share a love for skiing, cycling, and team sports—particularly soccer. His passion for classical music comes second. He performs nationally with his renowned choral group when his busy travel schedule allows.