[1] He worked as a sizer, trimmer, finisher, expert cutter, curler, and plant superintendent.

In 1932, he founded the Hat Corporation of America, merging his brands with Knox & Dunlap.

His son, J. Garvan Cavanagh, inherited vice presidency of the company, but left in 1961 to become a Roman Catholic priest.

[5] Al Webb (b. February 15, 1920), who joined the company after the Second World War, was by 1961 Vice President of Sales for the Hat Corporation of America.

[5][6] At a 1961 PT reunion in Washington, DC, Webb accused his friend of having ruined the American hat industry.