Like something from a superhero movie, the impenetrable fabric, Crypton®, created by Randy and Craig Rubin solved a major problem in the textile industry. JVS will honor their ingenuity and corporate leadership with the JVS Business Leadership Award at the Strictly Business Networking and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 11 at The Henry in Dearborn. The luncheon is a fundraiser to support JVS in its efforts to put metro Detroiters back to work.

“Crypton® began as a solution to a big problem in the design world,” says Randy. “When a designer wanted to create beautiful patterns in places such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other public spaces, they would vinylize the fabric in order to protect it from inevitable spills and stains.”

But, the vinyl would delaminate and it was very hot and sticky. In 1993, the Rubins went to work developing a fabric that was both stylish and stain-proof. Taking inspiration from an item commonly found on store shelves, they created an innovative solution.

“I was in a Walgreen’s drugstore and saw a huge pile of disposable diapers; that was the magic moment,” Craig Rubin explains. “If it was possible to create something that liquid could not penetrate and yet be breathable, then there must be a way to create a stain-resistant decorative upholstery fabric that could withstand the rigors of heavy public use.”

In addition to their patented high-tech textiles and environmentally-responsible manufacturing facilities, the Rubins promote a company culture of creativity and pride. With over 100 employees between its Bloomfield Hills headquarters and North Carolina manufacturing plant, the company has policies in place for cross-training employees and career advancement. The Rubins promote family/life balance with flextime, provide expanded vacation time, offer education reimbursement and give a quarterly bonus based on company profitability.