A talk with Mike Marmor of Hero‘s Pride
October 7, 2021
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, warehousing, and distributing over 10,000 SKUs across a range of duty gear, patches, badges, insignia, and more.
More info about LION at herospride.com
More info about the NAUMD at: naumd.com
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, the challenges of global sourcing, and the challenges facing us in the near term.
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, business development, branding, marketing, product development and supply chain innovation.
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 focus on business and product development, two areas that he is passionate about. David talks frankly with The Uniformer about his focus on the perennial polishing of the Elbeco brand, challenges he and his team faced in recent times, where innovation will come from, and the company’s bright path forward. A compelling view of our industry from a thought leader.
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 discuss family business partners, uniform fashion, outerwear production and learn lessons about how to sustain a successful manufacturing business.
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 focused on the customer. He is personally invested in helping the public safety professionals that Galls serves and is backed by 25 years of experience in the uniform industry. Listen as we discuss uniform retail topics, recruiting best practice ideas, thoughts on public and private companies, the future of Galls, and the optimism Mike brings to the uniform industry.
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 uniforms; and specialty lines featuring luxe accessories and ready-to-wear separates. Listen as we discuss uniform design, fashion design, the similarities, and the nuances between. A single vision focus on the wearer drives every decision. We talk about the airline, hospitality, and logistics customers she and her company are proud to have as customers.
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 tailored corporate apparel and uniform industry. Skilled at leading teams through successful implementation of complex multi-layered programs for Fortune 100 Companies. Successfully built several companies from launch to nine figure top line. 
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.
