A Dream and a Name
Humble Beginnings
By the time I turned 32, I had already changed careers twice and was still searching for where I truly belonged. That search led me back to college to pursue Christian Ministry. In 2002, while waiting for the fall semester to begin, I took a part-time job at my church. I never imagined how much that season would shape what came next.
A year later, in 2003, I needed another part-time job to help make ends meet. One Sunday after church, I struck up a conversation with a friend of a friend who had just opened a uniform store and needed help. It felt casual, almost accidental—but it turned out to be anything but. The opportunity gave me freedom, responsibility, and a front-row seat to building a business from the ground up. Through prayer, timing, and circumstances I couldn’t have planned, my path quietly began to change direction.
A Name Is Born
In August 2009, the idea to start my own uniform company became clear. The name had actually come to me years earlier while I was on hold with a customer. I thought, “If I ever open my own company, I’ll just call it The Uniform Guy.” It was simple, memorable, and fit me perfectly.
On December 7, 2009, The Uniform Guy officially opened for business.
The Early Days
My first location was a small lower-level office at 2677 Cleveland Ave. NW. While I focused on the function of the space, my wife Theresa and my sister-in-law Jane helped create a warm, boutique-style feel. It was humble, tasteful, and something I was incredibly proud of.
After a few years, ground-level space became available, and we moved upstairs. Theresa and I transformed it into a clean, black-and-white office using our logo colors.
Growing the Team
During this time, Erin from Malone College worked several summers helping with career tech fittings. We’re grateful she was part of the journey.
Then came Kelli. I needed a permanent assistant, and she was the perfect fit. Together, we handled countless group fittings—sometimes under pressure—and grew the business side by side.
As the business continued to grow, Kelli encouraged me to hire another associate. That’s when Megan entered the picture in 2016. I could only promise work through the fall, but she took a chance, and she’s been an essential part of The Uniform Guy ever since.
Outgrowing Our Space
By 2018, we had added more schools and customers and simply outgrew our space. After much prayer, I noticed a building I had driven past for years—this time with a “For Lease” sign out front.
We moved into 1910 Whipple Ave. NW over Labor Day weekend in 2018.
About a year later, I had the opportunity to purchase part of the building, something I never imagined when starting out.
Expanding What We Do
I never planned on having walk-in traffic or carrying inventory. The Uniform Guy was built around making group uniforming easy. But with a high-visibility storefront, new opportunities emerged.
Through a connection with St. Michael School, we were given the chance to provide school uniforms. At the same time, our supplier began offering on-demand plaids, allowing us to expand into private school uniforms without the traditional inventory risk.
That opportunity helped us grow into serving local private and Catholic schools and fully utilize our storefront—while staying true to our original mission.
And that’s how The Uniform Guy continues to grow: step by step, with faith, flexibility, and a commitment to making uniforms easier for the people who need them.
