The Uniformer

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with Anil Kariwala, founder and CEO of Kariwala Industries, for a conversation that reaches far beyond manufacturing uniforms. Together they explore how uniforms create psychological safety, why people should never be viewed as "resources," and how purpose-driven businesses can unlock human potential. Anil shares his philosophy on leadership,...

What if a 60-second body scan could transform the way uniform programs are designed, issued, and managed? In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with Ryan Harpur and Jamie Park from Bodd to explore how the company's innovative SizeMatch technology is changing the future of uniform sizing. Ryan explains how Bodd creates a 3D digital twin of each wearer, capturing hundreds of body m...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Kristi Hinton, Business Development Sales Manager for Licensed Contracts at Workwear Outfitters, about the unique world of OEM and licensed uniform programs. Kristi explains how Workwear Outfitters partners with leading automotive, equipment, and service brands to create approved apparel collections that protect brand identity while giving d...

From industrial laundering and high-performance fabrics to personalization and supply chain compliance, decoration has become one of the most technical aspects of today's uniform industry. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Haziel Mitchell, Commercial Director for North America at Supacolor, about how heat transfer technology is changing the way uniforms are branded. Haziel e...

Linda Cohen-Tobin, President of Neptune Uniforms & Equipment, joins The Uniformer to discuss how a legacy uniform dealer continues to thrive in an industry transformed by e-commerce, changing customer expectations, and increasing competition. Drawing on decades of experience serving law enforcement, first responders, transportation, and security organizations, Linda explains why exceptional pe...

How do you build a duty boot that's lighter, stronger, and ready for the evolving needs of first responders and military personnel? In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with Stuart Brooks, Sales Manager at Rocky Brands, for an in-depth conversation about the forces reshaping the footwear industry. Stuart shares the history of the family-founded company, how Rocky has grown into...

Uniforms are becoming more than just what employees wear—they’re increasingly part of a company’s broader brand experience. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Tony Schenk, Director of National Accounts at BAMKO, a division of Superior Group of Companies, about the growing convergence of uniforms, promotional products, and branded merchandise. Tony explains how companies are u...

Synthetic textiles deliver durability and performance—but they also contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Chad Bolick, Director of Global Brand Sales at CiCLO Technology, about how biodegradable synthetic technology is being used to help address that challenge. Chad explains how CiCLO works as an additive in polyester,...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Christina Parise, Director of Product Management for Elbeco by LION, about how public safety uniforms are evolving to meet the real-world needs of the people who wear them. Christina shares how Elbeco’s long history and its combination with LION have strengthened the brand, while also giving an inside look at the technical detail behind mode...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with Gavin Rich, President of Tough Duck, to talk about how one of North America’s long-standing workwear companies is adapting to a changing market. Gavin shares the story of Tough Duck’s family roots, dating back to 1939, and how the company evolved from traditional workwear into a major player in high-visibility safety apparel. The convers...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with David George, Vice President of Sales at Read's Uniforms, to talk about the growth of a dealer-distributor that has expanded from a single medical scrub store into a multi-state uniform business serving public safety, medical, industrial, and other markets. David shares how Read's built its public safety business one department at a time...

In this episode of The Uniformer Live, Rick Levine sits down with Nik Mirich, President and Partner of Headwear USA, for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing role of headwear across the uniform, workwear, safety, and promotional products markets. Nik shares the story of Headwear USA’s growth from its Australian roots into a global operation spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine sits down with Alexander “Alex” Arencibia, Founder and Owner of JA Uniforms, for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality apparel, U.S. manufacturing, and the evolving demands of modern uniform programs. Alex shares the unlikely story of how JA Uniforms grew from making simple restaurant aprons into a recognized hospitality unifo...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Lisa Li, Creative Director for Thames Apparel International, about the changing demands of modern uniform and corporate apparel programs. Lisa discusses the growing importance of comfort, performance, sustainability, fit, and fashion-forward design, along with innovations in stretch fabrics, wrinkle resistance, PFAS-free finishes, and recycl...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine welcomes Sean Kearley, Country Manager for Canada, and Andrew Perillo, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the U.S. at Blåkläder Workwear North America. The conversation explores how the Swedish workwear manufacturer has spent more than 65 years building a global reputation for durability, function, and innovation while expanding its presence a...

What turns an ordinary garment into a recognizable uniform? In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine speaks with Richard Hirsh and John Joseph of Penn Emblem about the evolution of emblems, patches, and garment decoration—and why branding and identification have become essential parts of modern uniform programs. The conversation traces Penn Emblem’s nearly 80-year history, from simple embroid...

Independent testing has become an essential part of designing uniforms that are safer, more comfortable, and built to perform. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Anne Henning, Director of Account Management for Hohenstein Institute America, about the science behind today's apparel innovations. Anne explains how Hohenstein helps manufacturers validate claims for comfort, heat...

For 90 years, Hunter Apparel Solutions has evolved from a traditional tailoring business into one of the world's most innovative developers of PPE and protective apparel. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine welcomes CEO Simon Hunter, MBE, for a fascinating conversation about leadership, family business, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Simon shares the story behind FLEXGUARD®, H...

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...