The Uniformer

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine speaks with TJ Valentino, Sales Manager at Boston Leather, one of the uniform industry’s leading manufacturers of leather belts and accessories for police, fire, military, and workwear professionals. Founded in 1938, Boston Leather remains a Made in USA manufacturer specializing in duty belts, garrison belts, badge cases, equipment holders, suspenders,...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine speaks with Natalie Wilson, Founder and Managing Director of Workwear Solutions International and a NAUMD Board Director, about the evolving world of uniforms, PPE, and workforce inclusivity. Celebrating the company's 10th anniversary, Natalie shares how Workwear Solutions has grown into a trusted advisor to military, police, aviation, transportation,...

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of The Uniformer News Round Table, where Rick Levine (Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors, NAUMD) is joined by panelists Leslie Watt McArdle (Fabian Group) and Aileen Out (Pretty Business NL / Pretty Business World) for a fast, friendly, “two stories each” conversation about what is shaping uniforms, image apparel, workwear, and PPE ri...

Uniforms are never just clothes. They’re branding, identity, safety equipment, cultural signals, and sometimes a lightning rod. In this January 2026 news episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine (Executive Director, NAUMD) is joined by his fellow uniform nerds and columnists Aileen Out (PrettyBusinessWorld.com) and Leslie Watt McCardle (Fabian Group) for a fast-moving roundtable on the biggest i...

In this December episode of Uniformer News, host Rick Levine is joined by columnists Leslie Watt-McArdle and Aileen Out for a fast-moving, global look at how uniforms, workwear, and PPE are evolving. The trio starts with fresh research on workplace dress codes: how “casual,” “business casual,” uniforms, and formal dress break down across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Aileen shares data showing why...

Welcome back to The Uniformer — the show that explores the people, ideas, and companies driving the world of uniforms, image apparel, public safety, and workwear. In this lively roundtable episode, host Rick Levine, Executive Director of the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD), is joined by regular co-hosts Aileen Out (PrettyBusiness.nl) from the Netherlands and...

In this month’s Uniformer News, Rick Levine, Eileen Out, and Leslie Watt-McArdle unpack the stories shaping uniforms and workwear across the globe. The trio looks back at the second annual National Uniform Day, which drew participation from over a hundred companies and associations worldwide. They delve into police uniform controversies in the UK, lawsuits over Starbucks’ new dress code, and the i...

Rick Levine (Executive Director, Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors), Leslie Wale, and Aileen Out swap two fresh stories each and react—from North America and Europe—on what’s shaping uniforms, workwear, and public safety apparel. Topics we cover: Pricing in 2025–2026: tariffs, inflation, catalog timing, and why service—not product—wins when goods feel like commodities...

In this lively roundtable episode of The Uniformer News, NAUMD Executive Director Rick Levine is joined by columnists Leslie Watt-McArdle and Eileen Out for a global look at today’s hottest uniform and workwear topics. Together, they dive into: Accusations of copycat airline uniforms in Asia The blurred line between design inspiration and duplication The direct sale vs. rental uniform debate and w...

In this episode of The Uniformer News Roundtable, Rick Levine is joined by columnists Eileen Out and Leslie McArdle to unpack six unique stories shaping the world of uniforms and workwear. From a U.S. fire department's shift to PFAS-free turnout gear, to the fashion-forward wrist warmers of Air Greenland, to the ongoing global push for properly fitting women’s PPE—this episode has it all. The trio...

In this inaugural News Roundtable episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine is joined by NAUMD columnists Aileen Out (Netherlands) and Leslie Watt McArdle (USA) for a dynamic, unscripted conversation exploring the latest stories shaping the world of uniforms and workwear. Topics include: The military’s surprising influence on everyday fashion Why women’s pockets are still smaller — and the histor...

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 becoming unsellable—understanding what PFAS actually...

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 color selection, size inclusivity, and vertically...

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 government work to launching one of the only platforms de...

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 North America. The discussion covers Carrington's stra...

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 how his experience in supply chain management evolve...

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, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of sourcing...

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 to keep the business on track. He delves into the...

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, particularly for individuals with disabilities. She ex...

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 new salespeople, and managing a five-member sales te...

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), this episode explores the rich history, innovative...

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 president in a smaller organization, highlighting the imp...

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 business, highlighting the 'three C's' - Coach, Connect,...

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 industry. Key Highlights: Circular Economy Focus: Klop...

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, and industrial sectors. The episode is hosted by J...