Mark B. Kent, the CEO of Kent Worldwide, has died.
Kent, 55, the fifth generation of Kents to lead the textile company that has its headquarters in downtown Greenville, died at Greenville Memorial Sunday after going into cardiac arrest, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Kent has led Kentwool since 1992 after the unexpected death of his father, Warren.
Kentwool is known for its innovation, and Kent played a direct role in the development of what the company bills as the “world’s greatest golf sock.”
The story of the celebrated sock began in 2008 at the BMW Charity Pro-Am.
Three days of competitive golf had left Kent with badly blistered feet. On the 18th hole of his third round, he asked his caddy, “Why doesn’t anyone make a better golf sock?” The caddy answered, “You run a wool manufacturing company. Why don’t you go make a great golf sock?”
Today, Kentwool socks are worn by dozens of PGA and LPGA Tour professionals.
A statement from Kentwool said:
“It is with deepest regret that we announce the recent and unexpected passing of Mark Kent, chairman, president and CEO of Kentwool. Mark served as Kentwool’s beloved leader for more than twenty years, and was the fifth generation of Kents to direct the family business. Kentwool flourished under Mark’s leadership, and his loss is felt deeply across the entire organization.
“An astute business man, Mark will be best remembered for his kindness and generosity as well as his exceptional character and infectious smile. Mark was a service-focused leader and man who was committed to serving his family and friends, his employees and his customers.
“The Kentwool family will honor his legacy the best way we know how – by continuing to deliver exceptional products and experiences to our valued customers in a manner in which Mark would have been proud.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies are with the Kent family during this tremendously difficult time, and our most sincere thanks go out to so many members of the Greenville community who have shared their condolences and support with us today.”
Kent had served as the board chair of the American Textile Export Company, and served on the American Textile Manufacturers’ Institute and the American Red Cross. He had served on the boards of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Historic Greenville Foundation. He also had served as the chair of the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance.
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Pitts said the Palmetto State lost a business icon. “Mark was known for his generosity and compassion and was widely regarded as one of the state’s transformative business leaders.”
Kent served on the S.C. Chamber board and led the chamber’s legislative agenda task force in 2007-08.
Kent was known for historic preservation as well. He owned and renovated the old Chamber building and the Cigar Factory building on East Court Street in Greenville. Both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Greenville Mayor Knox White said Kent left an imprint all over downtown Greenville.
“He set the stage for our embrace of historic architecture by saving and then renovating so many beautiful old buildings,” he said. “Mark insisted on quality in everything he did. He always gave the extra measure in whatever he was doing.”
