The Man Behind The Vision

As CEO for 40 years, Richard Seaman grew revenues at an 8% compound annual growth rate while building a values-based, collegial, and results-oriented culture. He loved the day-to-day of leading the company and especially treasured time spent working with hundreds of associates, vendors, suppliers, customers, and community members.

My family business is my legacy…

Our journey began with just two sewing machines in the basement of our home. My parents, driven by passion and determination, started mixing vinyl compounds in our kitchen and curing them in the oven to develop coatings for nylon fabrics. From these humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving enterprise of 450 associates, producing high performance industrial fabrics for truck tarps, architectural and environmental applications, roofing membranes, and military uses.


When my father passed away in 1978 at the age of 55, I found myself with the responsibility of carrying forward not just the business but also his spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. While maintaining my father’s legacy, my vision has always been to grow a business that would span generations. Keeping our family values alive has always meant more than just achieving business success—it's about ensuring our generations understands the significance of our family business history and the true meaning of family ownership: responsibility and stewardship, not entitlement.


Today, our family business stands as a testament to the dreams, dedication, and resilience of not only the Seaman family but also our many dedicated associates. My vision remains clear—to build a legacy that lives beyond me, inspiring and empowering future generations to be responsible stewards and keep our entrepreneurial spirit alive and well.

Richard N. Seaman

Richard Seaman is the Chairman of Seaman Corporation, a leading manufacturer of industrial coated fabrics. Richard took over leadership in 1978, after the premature passing of his father, and led the company as CEO from 1976 to 2015. Under his leadership, Seaman Corporation has grown from $10 million to nearly $300 million in annual sales, transforming it into a leader in its industry.


Richard is also deeply involved in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. He serves as Chairman for the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, which promotes entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system. In 2012, he was appointed by the Governor of Ohio to the Ohio Third Frontier, a billion-dollar initiative to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. Richard is active in several organizations, including Case Western University Family Business Center, Family Enterprise-USA, and the College of Wooster Board of Trustees.


Throughout his career, Richard has received numerous honors. He was recognized as an Honored Life Member by the Industrial Fabrics Association International and inducted into the Wall of Fame by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Ernst & Young named him Entrepreneur of the Year in the Family Business category.


Outside of business, Richard is passionate about skiing, sailing, photography, and tennis. He and his wife, Judy, reside in Wooster, Ohio, where they and their children are committed to being active owners and stewards of their family business.


Learn more about Richard's journey and Seaman Corporation's legacy of excellence.

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