The Uniformer

Welcome to The Uniformer, a podcast devoted to the companies, teams, and individuals who provide uniforms, image apparel, and equipment to hundreds of millions of workers across the world. We are the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors, the NAUMD.

The Uniformer is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 63 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Uniformer, a business show with 63 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #66

  The Uniformer Live: Read's Uniforms on Growing Through Service & Technology

  Aug 18, 202643 min

  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, why strong salespeople and manufacturer partnerships matter, and how the company balances retail stores, field sales, private web stores, mobile shows, and a growing B2C medical business. The conversation also explores acquisitions, inventory management, cash flow, technology, AI, and the operational discipline required to scale a uniform distribution business. It's a practical look at what it takes to grow as an independent uniform dealer while maintaining the relationships and service that keep customers coming back.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #65

  The Uniformer Live: Headwear USA from Factory to Front Line

  Aug 14, 202639 min

  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 New Zealand, and explains why the company has built its business around being a true supplier to distributors rather than selling directly to end users. The conversation explores global sourcing, tariffs, skilled manufacturing, ethical sourcing, sustainability, and the growing compliance demands facing suppliers. Nik also discusses how retail trends are influencing uniform headwear, from higher-end decoration and branded details to performance features such as perforated hydrophobic fabrics and sun-protection products. Rick and Nik also look at the increasing crossover between the promotional products and uniform industries, the importance of perceived value, and how API integration, digital platforms, and more connected supply chains are changing the way distributors source, decorate, and deliver products. It’s a practical look at how headwear is evolving from a basic uniform accessory into a performance product, branding tool, safety element, and increasingly important part of the overall uniform program.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #64

  The Uniformer Live: JA Uniforms on Hospitality, U.S. Manufacturing & Innovation

  Aug 8, 202642 min

  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 uniform specialist serving hotels across North America and the Caribbean. He discusses the company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing, why customization remains essential to hotel branding, and how JA balances stock programs with custom design to give properties both consistency and individuality. The conversation also explores heat management and performance apparel, including lighter-weight fabrics, stretch, ventilation, recycled materials, and the growing expectation that uniforms deliver comfort without sacrificing appearance. Alex also explains why flexibility, product continuity, employee relationships, vendor partnerships, and simply listening to the customer have been central to JA Uniforms’ success. It’s a candid look at the business, creativity, and problem-solving behind hospitality uniforms—and how JA Uniforms continues to adapt while staying focused on the people who wear, make, and depend on them.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #63

  The Uniformer Live: Inside Modern Uniform Manufacturing with Thames Apparel

  Aug 8, 202633 min

  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 recycled materials. The conversation also explores Thames Apparel’s use of AI-assisted pattern making, bespoke and made-to-measure production, replenishment challenges, global sourcing, supply chain shifts, traceability, digital product passports, and the growing role technology may play in bringing more apparel manufacturing back to the United States. Lisa also shares how uniform design is increasingly influencing—and being influenced by—the broader fashion and lifestyle markets.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #62

  The Uniformer Live: Blåkläder Workwear on Quality, Function, and Sustainability

  Jul 30, 202638 min

  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 across North America. Sean and Andrew discuss the company's unique approach to owning nearly all of its manufacturing, designing products directly with tradespeople, and developing performance-driven workwear that enhances comfort, mobility, and safety. From 4-way stretch and flame-resistant fabrics to integrated knee protection, hanging tool pockets, women's-specific fit, and a lifetime seam warranty, they explain how thoughtful product design is transforming modern workwear. The discussion also covers sustainability through longer-lasting garments, the growing importance of worker performance and company image, and the future trends shaping uniforms, PPE, and industrial apparel. Whether you're a uniform supplier, distributor, manufacturer, or end user, this episode offers valuable insights into where workwear is headed and why quality and function matter more than ever.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Uniformer. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.