About Carole Fabrics
In 1958, Charles Marks founded Carole Fabrics in Augusta GA, which he named after his only child at the time, Carole.
Carole Fabrics was a small regional company located on the corner of 9th street and Ellis in Downtown Augusta. Fabric inventory was stored on the first floor with a single office on the second. Marks often told the story of how he would take an order, place it in a can and lower to the ground floor by string, where the order would be fulfilled and shipped.
Over the next 10 years, the company grew, eventually moving to a larger facility on Reynolds Street, and then again to an even larger facility on Highland Avenue, in Augusta’s Summerville neighborhood. At this point, Carole Fabrics had begun producing custom products, and Mr. Marks had also brought on a business partner, Jim Norris, to help him run the company.
In 1969, Marks and Norris attracted the attention of Rollins, Inc. in Atlanta Georgia, and soon after sold the company, but stayed on at Carole Fabrics as President and Vice President.
Over the next 12 years, Carole Fabrics grew tremendously from a regional company to a manufacturer serving the entire east coast and many Midwestern states.
In 1972, Bill Geiger joined the Carole Fabrics team and quickly became an important part of the company. Just three years later, Jim Norris passed away, leaving Marks and Geiger to run the company. The same year, the need for a larger space became evident, and Carole Fabrics relocated to its current site. Although the new space was vastly more appropriate for the ever-increasing business, in 1978 the building was renovated to include an extension, which accommodated a much larger workroom.
In 1981, Marks and Geiger bought Carole Fabrics back from Rollins, Inc., and over the next 10 years, the two extended coverage to all 48 contiguous states, creating new products and new programs, including made-to-measure programs, which proved to be extremely popular. In 1984, Marks was elected Chairman of the Board of Carole Fabrics and Bill Geiger was named the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
Marks and Geiger sold Carole Fabrics to Hunter Douglas in 1990, at which time, Marks retired from Carole Fabrics. Throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s, Carole Fabrics continued to grow and refine its product offerings to meet ever-changing design tastes and requirements.
After 45 years, 33 of which were served as President, Bill Geiger announced his retirement, naming Frank Andrew to be his successor. Frank Andrew, along with his talented team, continue to grow and build the company today.
Carole Fabrics History
Carole Fabrics shifts from making window treatments to face masks for the Augusta, Georgia community and surrounding areas.
Rebranded including the new Carole logo and books to reflect a clean, modern and sophisticated look while maintaining the core values and quality work.
Recognized and received the Small Manufacturer of the Year Award for Augusta, Georgia.
Introduced Decorative Fabric Roller Shades to the long line of products with a contemporary feel, available in thousands of fabrics.
Carole Fabrics continues to host a bi-annual meeting for the sales team to come together, attend training seminars, share ideas and enjoy team-building activities.
After 45 years, 33 as president, Bill Geiger retires from Carole Fabrics, naming Frank Andrew as his successor.
Throughout Carole Fabrics’ history, we have always had consistently high levels of service.
Carole’s growth in production attracts the attention of European textile suppliers.
Carole Fabrics continues to grow in personnel as well as geographical locations.
Hunter Douglas Window Fashions buys Carole Fabrics.
Founder and former Carole Fabrics president Charles Marks retires after 33 years of hard work. Marks founded Carole Fabrics in Augusta, Georgia in 1958.
Carole Fabrics expands to build additional buildings as demand for more production grows.
Carole Fabrics names W.W. Geiger as president and chief operating officer. Former president Charles Marks is elected chairman of the board of Carole Fabrics.
Carole Fabrics continues to expand from servicing 42 states to the entire continental United States.
Carole Fabrics increases product line to encompass more offerings as the company grows.
Carole Fabrics expansion includes an increase of jobs by 153%!
“Our biggest asset, and the main reason we want to remain here [Augusta, GA] is the people who work here.” – Charles Marks
Carole Fabrics grows in personnel and reach. No longer servicing just the Southeast, Carole Fabrics begins to serve 41 states.
In 1975, Carole Fabrics needed a larger building and moved to its current location. In 1977, the building was expanded in to accommodate a larger workroom.