In this essential episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine, Executive Director of NAUMD, sits down with Bruce Calder, VP of Consulting at Claigan Environmental, to unpack the growing concerns and confusion around PFAS in uniforms and protective apparel. With new state-level regulations cropping up across North America—and inventory at risk of bec…

In this episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine speaks with Eric Rubin, President of Blue Generation, who shares his unique perspective from decades of leadership in the apparel and promotional products industry. Eric reflects on the company’s evolution, from its roots in uniform manufacturing to becoming a standout brand known for its unmatched…

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with Aileen Out, writer, speaker, and influencer behind prettybusinessworld.com. Based in the Netherlands, Aileen has become a global voice in the world of workwear and corporate fashion, with a passion for uncovering the stories behind uniforms. Aileen shares how she transitioned from governm…

In this insightful episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine chats with Anles Cabrera, Group International Marketing Manager at Carrington Textiles. Anles provides a behind-the-scenes look at Carrington's global operations, with production facilities in the UK, Portugal, and Pakistan, and a strong focus on serving markets worldwide, including Nort…

In this engaging episode of The Uniformer, Jose Gomez, President and CEO of Edwards Garment, sits down with host Rick Levine, Executive Director of NAUMD, for an in-depth conversation about his journey in the uniform industry and the transformation of Edwards Garment under his leadership. Jose, who has been with Edwards for over 13 years, shares ho…

In this episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine, Executive Director of the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD), sits down with Michael Lowery, President of Sales for North America at Motives International. Michael shares his extensive experience in the global uniform and workwear manufacturing industry, highligh…

In this episode of The Uniformer podcast, Rick Levine, Executive Director of NAUMD, sits down with Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, to explore the dynamics of leading a global company in the emblem and uniform industry. Randy shares insights into his role as CEO, managing a team across multiple locations, and the importance of systematic strategies…

Join us on this enlightening episode of The Uniformer as we sit down with Kate Annett-Hitchcock, Professor Emerita at the Department of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management, Wilson College of Textiles. In this conversation, Kate shares her expertise on the critical role of adaptive apparel in ensuring inclusivity within the workforce, part…

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine, Executive Director of NAUMD, sits down with Richard (Rich) Hirsh, National Sales Manager at Penn Emblem. They delve into the intricacies of the uniform industry, particularly focusing on Penn Emblem's distinct operations. Rich explains his multifaceted role, which includes generating sales, training ne…

In this captivating episode of "The Uniformer," we sit down with Simon Hunter, CEO of Hunter Apparel Solutions, for an insightful conversation that delves deep into the heart of the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry. Hosted by Rick Levine, executive director of the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD), t…

Join us in this engaging episode of The Uniformer as host Rick Levine, president of the NAUMD, sits down with Scott Corrao, the dynamic president of Reflective Apparel. Scott shares his journey from the safety industry to leading a company at the forefront of high-visibility and reflective workwear. He delves into the multifaceted role of a preside…

In this episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine, Executive Director of the NAUMD, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Anil Kariwala, CEO of Kariwala Industries. Anil shares his unique perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of being a coach rather than just an executive. He delves into his innovative approach to busine…

In this enlightening episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine engages in a comprehensive discussion with Rossella De Angelis from Klopman International, a leading European textile company. Rossella, with her extensive experience in communication and marketing, delves into the significance of circular economy and sustainability in the textile indu…

Dive into the world of specialized leather accessories for the uniform industry in this captivating episode of The Uniformer, featuring TJ Valentino from Boston Leather. Broadcasting from their impressive facility in Sterling, Illinois, TJ unveils the art and dedication behind creating top-notch leather products designed for public safety, postal, …

Jeff Mergy is the Vice President of Product Strategy, Partnerships, and Innovation for Bold Metrics. The company has a mission to change the way the world’s most innovative brands design, produce, and sell apparel. This talk with host Jeff Mason presents creative thoughts around how we as manufacturers and distributors can better approach sizing, g…

Join eCommerce Director for Military at Galls, John Arquette, and Josh Sandhaus, Vice President of Operations at US Patriot Tactical (a Galls Company). Both John and Josh, military veterans themselves, embarked on the US Patriot Bravery Tour this summer. Spanning 90 days, these Galls executives and a number of other team members covered 25 military…

Mark Smith is the President of LION Americas, which serves the personal protective equipment, uniform and logistics needs for fire departments and law enforcement agencies, emergency services and military markets. In this episode we talk about how the needs of these first responders have evolved, as well as where innovation will come from in the co…

Rhiannon McMahan is the Sales and Operations Manager at Midsouth Solutions. She is a passionate leader driving herself and her team with a "can and will do" attitude. Together with host Jeff Mason, they discuss specific ways Midsouth is recruiting and retaining employees which allows them to be fully staffed. The pair talk about the growing importa…

Charles Wang is the Chief Operating Officer for Winnitex. He has an extensive background in workwear textiles and apparel manufacturing. The company has factories in China, Vietnam, and Central America, making their service attractive to North American workwear brands. For example, Winnitex helps solve the problems of sourcing cotton and other mate…

Jeff Mason is the owner of North59, LLC, a sales and marketing agency representing various public safety and outdoor brands. He has worked at Oxford Industries and Propper International. Over his career, he has also developed a well-respected approach to the customer experience. His company SimpleBiz360 has a mission is to assist companies with ide…

Enzo Cancellieri is the Vice President at GAME Sportswear & Workwear. He is an experienced and passionate executive of workwear, outerwear, and safety apparel. Together with host Jeff Mason, the conversation dives into customer service and thoughts on accommodating the needs of long-time customers. Game is adept at understanding the importance of l…

Jill Coleman is the Vice President Of Business Development Alvanon, Inc, a global innovations company that helps apparel brands improve their fit to reflect modern-day consumers. Jill's background with Alvanon and years at Avery Dennison give her a rich perspective on how we as an industry are handling a number of processes related to sizing, suppl…

Andrew Ashcroft is the International Business Development Manager for Carrington Textiles, a global workwear textiles manufacturer with factories in Asia and Europe, producing over 130 million metres per year. Andrew has worked with a number of brands, including uniforms, on strategies for opening markets and selling in the Middle East, Africa, Ind…

Louise Becart is a Business Strategy Analyst at Pincroft Dying & Finishing. Louise is relentless in her pursuit of improving processes and eliminating waste. Pincroft is part of the Carrington Textile group. The company is involved in the preparation of fabrics worn by the military in a number of countries, textiles for corporate uniform programs, …

Bob Getto is the President & CEO at Fechheimer - a Berkshire Hathaway company, makers of the Flying Cross & Vertx brands. Bob is a leader within the public safety and military uniform markets. For the past 15 years, he has been at the helm of the 180-year-old Fechheimer company. We talk about current events in the world and industry. We discuss how…

Tom Wheeler is the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Martex Fibers, a leading textile recycling company. He has held the CEO role at the former uniform Fashionaire, at Special Markets Group and Bitwell Clothing for Hartmarx, at Wormser Apparel, and at Wigwam Mills. His knowledge of custom image apparel production, textiles, and uniform program …

James Bottoms is the EVP of Strategy & International Business Development for Logistic Unicorp Inc. He is a comprehensive, fast-paced business leader with diverse global experience. A veteran executive at multiple uniform companies he offers his perspective on how to build successful organizations, manage uniform programs, and create value for stak…

Lara Mazzoni is the CEO of Bodi.me, a fashion fit technology company that is helping solve the uniform industry's size matching dilemma. Lara has extensive experience in advising brands on uniform design, sizing challenges, and technology solutions. We discuss the balance required between uniform styles and helping an employee find the right fit wh…

Brigid Rumpf is the Creative Director of Broome Uniform Accessories. She is a veteran designer of uniform accessories and neckwear. There is a significant amount of detail to be considered when it comes to making accessory components for top uniform programs, and Rumpf is a recognized expert. Her work philosophy and operations flow are inspiring le…

Harvey Klein is currently an executive and advisor to a number of companies serving the uniform and image apparel industries. He works with HUB1916 on clothing made from 100% recycled plastic, with BodiData on sizing technology solutions, and others. Harvey was the President and co-owner of Red The Uniform Tailor (RTUT) for 40 years. RTUT had thous…

Tom McCauley is the President of Kentucky Uniforms. For over four decades he has focused on how best to service his uniform customers to the very best standards possible. We discuss the secrets to running a long-standing retail operation, outlasting the competition, and staying true to the mission of good service. Tom offers a matter-of-fact, commo…

Mukesh Vijaywargi is the Area Director for Klopman International Branch Middle East. He is passionate about uniforms. For decades he has focused on how textiles affect the lives of workers first, how companies can get more from their uniform spend, and only then does he sell products as a result of the conversation. We discuss the emerging uniform …

Mike Marmor is the President and co-owner of Hero's Pride. Mike and his business partner Dave Steinman have known each other since they were 14 years old and have been working together on the company for 30 years. Mike brings an authentic, do-the-right-thing philosophy to his management style. The company has grown from start-up to manufacturing, w…

Benny Belcher is VP of Stationwear at LION. He is a true pioneer in the apparel, workwear, and uniform sourcing business. Playing key roles at Fruit of the Loom, Carhartt, Galls, and now LION, Benny has seen much of the past 30 years of evolution in uniform sourcing and merchandising. We talk about LION's stationwear plans, about industry trends, t…

Ed Gribbin is Executive Advisor at 3DLOOK, Winds Group and CEO at Gribbin Strategic LLC. He has roots in the uniform industry spending a dozen years at Angelica Corporation. He then on to become a pioneer in the sizing technology and research space, assisting major brands worldwide. He runs a strategic advisory practice focused on growth strategy, …

Leslie Watt McArdle is a Sr. Merchandise Manager at Aramark, working in the Merchandising/Design Department for Uniform Services. Aramark employs over 14,000 people. They work with over 300,000 companies, and say that no two are exactly alike. Leslie talks with The Uniformer about a job that is equal parts producer, uniform program developer, garme…

David Lurio is the President and co-owner of Elbeco. He started with Elbeco in 1985, after trying a variety of jobs outside of the industry. Elbeco, previously known as Wide Awake Shirt Company, was founded by his great-grandfather in 1907. While he is responsible for the entire company and its performance, he is now concentrating his day-to-day fo…

Harvey Arfa and Caroline Massel are the dynamic father/daughter team that leads Gruner & Co. Since 1949, Gruner & Co. has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing outerwear, rainwear, and tailored overcoats. They have developed extensive uniform programs for leading airlines, hospitality chains, and real estate companies. Listen as we di…

Mike Fadden is the CEO of Galls, LLC. As the son, grandson, and nephew of three retired police officers, Mike has a great passion for the public safety industry. As a hands-on leader, he understands the importance of a company that fosters the internal trust of its leadership. Mike is currently building a culture at Galls that is relentlessly focus…

Luly Yang is the CEO of her namesake company Luly Yang. Her operations include a dynamic portfolio of multifaceted operations. Luly Yang Couture is her award-winning fashion house founded in 2000, that specializes in couture red carpet evening wear, bridal, and bespoke suiting. The Luly Yang Design Group designs and manufactures custom corporate un…

Chris Collopy is the Vice President - Americas at IEA Global. He is a uniform uniform industry veteran. He has been a key employee at companies such as Brookhurst, Men's Wearhouse, Clipper and now IEA. He has been on the team selling and managing many of the world's largest uniform programs. He is an experienced and respected senior leader in tailo…

Lee Galperin is President of Smith & Warren. He is an adept business executive with broad knowledge and experience in manufacturing, sales, marketing, advertising, finance/accounting and management. Smith & Warren is a leading manufacturer of metal badges and insignia for public safety professionals. More info about the company at: smithwarren.com …

Phil Newman is the CEO of Cobmex. Cobmex Apparel is a leading knitwear supplier to both the Corporate and Public Safety Uniform Industries in North America. We spoke with Phil about leadership, motivating employees, and keeping the Cobmex corporate culture front and center in everything he does. Phil shares his story of how the uniform industry pul…

Steve Robinson is the CEO of Liberty Uniforms, a privately held manufacturing company based in the foothills of South Carolina, the heartland of the American textile community. At the heart of their product line are shirts, trousers and outerwear geared toward public safety professionals and private security. Additionally, Liberty manufacturers som…

David Ludmar is the CEO of Eiseman-Ludmar, a leading U.S. manufacturer of dress uniform accessories. Their reputation is known throughout the country and abroad for offering the highest quality products in our industry. They manufacture shoulder boards, collar brass, lace, chin straps, and thousands of hard-to-find items. More info about the compan…