2010 NAUMD AWARDS--A CLOSE-UP!
22 awards represented a
sub-category, accenting unique appearance and functionality in the workplace. Each contestant had multiple requirements--some
similar, some different. Competition
was tough. Interestingly, the traits or
concepts that made one winner a success was what another winner
pooh-poohed.
"New technologies,
fabric enhancements and innovation in design and composition are key to being
named the best of the best!" exuded Richard Lerman, President and CEO of
NAUMD.
*
AWARD: University Police Department
WHO: Red the Uniform Tailor, with Michael Buck
FOR: University of Delaware
Police
FOCUS: Customization, keen
eye to detail, fit, fabric, quality, attention to unique body shapes.
SPECS: 60 officers dressed
the same, gold thread from shoulder emblems/hash marks/chevrons, the same color
as inlaid cloth stripe on navy pant leg.
14 oz. poly-wool serge, matching Class "A" military navy dress
blouses, wide shoulders, narrow waist.
Room for Sam Brown-styled gun belt worn over shoulder. General Pershing styled navy hat. Shirts, (long and short sleeved), a lighter
weight, lighter blue--11 oz. or 8 oz.
Sewn-in creases, double elbows, reinforced pockets, hidden zipper front.
HOT POINTS: Same design used
for years. A re-vamp, and more attention
to details and customer needs, made all the difference.
*
AWARD: Police Department
Under 50 Officers
WHO: Red the Uniform Tailor, with Bruce Klein
FOR: Old Saybrook Police Department , Connecticut
FOCUS: New Sheriff with new contemporary design.
SPECS: P&F blue poly-wool
with lighter blue, knit ties with square bottoms, Trooper cowboy hats. Gold trim.
HOT POINTS: "Image is everything in this
business. How a department looks and
presents itself is what makes the difference between an agency that can solve a
situation with speech, vs. getting into a brawl. If the uniform is so classy that no one wants
to mess it up, then the instigators will be less willing to engage, and the
officers will be less willing to fight," said Bruce Klein.
*
AWARD: Special Organization
WHO: Perfection Uniforms with
Miranda Brock, and dealer Ronk's Uniform Center
FOR: West Virginia Sheriffs'
Association
FOCUS: 65 counties wearing
same uniforms; patrol cars painted to match fabric. Grass roots with folks paying for uniforms,
one department at a time. Functionality,
comfort, water repellency. Teamwork with
multiple agencies providing several different aspects of the uniform.
SPECS: 800 members from every
department, with black for shirts and trouser stripe, grey for pants, to blend
with rugged state terrain. Better
technology in manufacturing, stain resistant fabrics, gussets in crotches,
expandable waistbands.
HOT SPOTS:
Sentimentality of statewide public support for uniforms to boost officer
morale. "The recession has allowed
so many people to have so many choices.
They could go anywhere, but they chose us," said Miranda
Brock. "The troopers chose uniforms
that were non-invasive or frightening, yet reminded the public who was in
charge."
*
AWARD: County Sheriffs'
Departments
WHO: Guidry's Uniforms, with
Tom Meagher
FOR: Vermillion Parish
Sheriff's Department
FOCUS: Need for tight budget, morale boost, and
practicality. New sheriff recognized
Louisiana floods of Katrina and Rita caused huge losses to deputies. Ordered only from the best suppliers: Blauer,
Fechheimer, Southeastern, Smith & Warren.
Customized stock garments.
SPECS: 450 sets made of
polyester gabardine, American-made, non-fade, easy-care, less expensive,
washable, and water resistant. Royal
pants with piggyback stripe in yellow-gold and silver, tan shirt with royal and
yellow-gold, waterproof LAPD navy jacket with removable lining, Smokey Bear hat
with royal trim: A totally new look in Louisiana.
HOT SPOTS: Tremendous attention to customers' needs,
both emotionally and practically.
"Service, trust, long-term relationships, and quality are the
secrets to customers. Our focus is on staying
positive," said Tom, president of the family-owned business.
*
AWARD: County Sheriffs' Departments
WHO: Nye's Uniforms, with
Bill Nye
FOR: Roscommon County
Sheriff's Department
FOCUS: Good-looking dress uniform,
custom-measured, every detail attended
to. All accompanying uniform accessories
provided.
SPECS: 30 dress blouses,
shirts, and pants in tan and brown , with color changes and reversals for
various departments. Some wore hats,
some didn't. The fabric was a poly-wool 16.5
oz. elastique.
HOT SPOTS: For 75 years, Nye's
has been providing public safety apparel.
It uses Red the Uniform Tailor, whom Nye feels is the best anywhere,
going from off-the-shelf to custom garments.
Garments paid for by the town, department by department. Nye's has been a NAUMD winner for the last
four years.
*
AWARD: State Agency
WHO: Fechheimer, with Fred Heldman
FOR: California Highway Patrol
FOCUS: Tightly specked, well
fitted, high standards of discipline, inspections, and maintenance that
projects authority.
SPECS: 6,800 uniforms in wools and wool blends,
which are best for appearance, comfort, and durability. Traditionally khaki colored with campaign hat
and blue & gold trouser braid. Dress
uniform includes green jacket and royal blue tie. Cold weather and utility uniforms are dark
blue.
HOT SPOTS: A Fechheimer customer for decades, the California Highway Patrol sanctions
several companies to produce its garments.
"There is no question," says Heldman, "that Fechheimer
won the award due to experience and expertise in uniform manufacturing, and
particularly high-end tailored garments."
*
AWARD: Special Agency
WHO: Galls-Aramark, with
Molly Roberts
FOR: U.S. Mint
FOCUS: Over 200 separate items needed to complete
contract. Appearance, key to the award. Everything matched perfectly. Honor guards, operations teams, transporters
of coinage, security officers: Perfect. No counterfeit money, no counterfeit
uniforms = Trust.
SPECS: Different for various
locations, climates, duties. Cool Max
and Under Armor for comfort, a professional, clean look. Navy blue, no striping. Hats varied with function. Outerwear dependent
on climate. All badge and patch
applications done at Galls'. Goods is
poly-wool, one weight for everything.
Durable, colorfast.
HOT SPOTS: "The Mint
prides itself on classy, traditional looks with new innovations as they are
developed," reflected Molly. "This
is the second win for Galls and the Mint."
*
AWARD: Canadian Safety
Department
WHO: R. Nicholl's
Distributing, Inc., with Brian O'Connor
FOR: Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary (Police Department)
FOCUS: Tremendous attention
to detail and comfort, environment, and price.
SPECS: 280 members with 1,120
uniform sets, made by Perfection Uniforms.
Fabrics are recycled pop-bottles and polyester. Navy with royal braid. Cargo- styled pants, standard (forager) police-cap,
and outer body armor. Crotch gussets,
expandable waistbands, wicking inside the garments, moisture repellency
outside. Shirts stretch under arms. All uniforms the same, other than ranking.
HOT SPOTS: "The uniform is basically the same as it
was in the past, but new attention to detail is what convinced the Constabulary
that we were right for them," says Brian.
"We were big enough to handle the order, we were new, they liked
our product, and they liked Nicholl's."
*
AWARD: Healthcare
WHO: Cintas Corporation with
Brian Garry, Jamie Overbey, Andi Vance
FOR: Florida Hospital
Cardiovascular Institute
FOCUS: Apparel program for
five different departments within the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular
Institute.
SPECS: Uniforms trimmed with
a custom heart-shaped design along with Florida Hospital logo to honor focus of
the renowned organization.
HOT SPOTS: "This
prestigious award truly reflects the integrity of our apparel program,"
said Danielle Johnson, Assistant Vice President of the Hospital. "This facility is committed to quality care,
so we wanted a uniform program that reflected our brand, while enhancing the
job functions of each employee. By
working with key personnel throughout the process, Cintas helped us to develop
a program that met everyone's needs."
*
AWARD: Hotel, Single Unit,
United States
WHO: Cintas Corporation with
Brian Garry, Jamie Overbey, Andi Vance
FOR: The Pierre Hotel
FOCUS: Luxury apparel program
balancing the high-class nature of the age-old establishment, with the
durability and comfort necessary for work.
SPECS: Traditional European styling that combined
form and function enhancing guest experiences and celebrating hotel's $100
million renovation.
HOT SPOTS: "Cintas
developed a luxury collection that echoes our brand and the environment in
which our employees serve," said Heikio Kuenstle, General Manager of The
Pierre Hotel. "We wanted to set the
standard for outstanding hospitality, and an award-winning uniform program
further sets us apart from the competition."
*
AWARD: Restaurants, Fast Food
WHO: Cintas Corporation with
Brian Garry, Jamie Overbey, Andi Vance
FOR: The Panda Express
FOCUS: Importance of
showcasing top-of-the-line apparel for back of house staff; the fast food
restaurant operates with an exposed kitchen.
SPECS: Asian-inspired
uniforms include black complementary chef and cook tunics, each with red
accents and iconic Panda Express logo on right arm and back. Chef version is differentiated by Chinese
character trim. Traditional skull cap was
updated and re-thought to include mesh panels and adjustable straps. Both uniforms with four-way reversible
aprons.
HOT-SPOTS: "Panda's
mission is to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences to our guests during
every visit. When guests enter a Panda
Express, we want to wow all five senses and showcase the culinary skills of our
chefs preparing delicious Asian cuisine with fresh ingredients," said
Nader Garschi, Executive Director of Concept Innovation at Panda Express.
"Cintas was a great partner in executing that goal by creating a cultural-connector
uniform that properly reflected the higher quality of the Panda Express
brand."
*
AWARD: Cruise Lines
WHO: Cintas Corporation with
Brian Garry, Jamie Overbey, Andi Vance
FOR: Royal Caribbean of the
Seas
FOCUS: Providing vacationers opportunities
based on their personal styles preferences, or moods.
SPECS: Day, evening, and
formal wear garments, enhancing new "Neighborhoods" concept: Blue theme for day, black charcoal for
night. Formal wear difficult to maintain
when dry-cleaning services not available; however custom poly-wool blends both
easy to care for and durable.
HOT SPOTS: "These awards are a testament to the way
our designers and merchandising team are able to work with our customers and
create functional fashions that match any aesthetic," said Andi Vance.
*
AWARD: Transportation
WHO: Apparel Solutions, with
Ron Steel
FOR: Hawaiian Airlines
FOCUS: 80th birthday for the
constantly on-time airlines that completely revamped planes, ticket counters,
and uniforms. Easy online-ordering for
each employee's job description and garment needs. Meticulous attention to detail. Design styles complement brand--Asian.
SPECS: 2,300 uniforms. For ticket counters and attendants: Colors
muted with teals & azures in blouse and shirt prints, solid greys for
elegant blazers and skirts. HMS fabric,
8.5 oz., soft hand, easy care. Baggage
handlers in Day-Glo orange T-shirts.
HOT-SPOTS: Buttonless blazers have mandarin collars;
neither shirts, blouses, nor blazers have pockets; all buttons either
monochromatic or non-existent.
Minimalist, simple.
*
AWARD: Retail Establishment
WHO: Lion Uniform Group, a
G&K Services Company, with Jeanna Peifer
FOR: ampm Convenience Stores (Partnered with Arco and BP)
FOCUS: Revamped, transposed
into workable uniforms that were comfortable, functional, easy to launder,
reasonably priced. Provided eye-catching
memory for customer.
SPECS: 10,000 uniforms for long and short-sleeved
shirts, male and female stylings, outerwear, and aprons. Pants: employee-provided. Astute design team created garments, and
coordinating print; pattern done with sublimation color process, accenting
stores' inventories: Reflects store motto, "Too much good stuff."
HOT SPOTS: Diversity as
company morphs from one focus to another.
Identity with branding of corporation is key factor as teamwork plays
huge part.
*
AWARD: Special Recognition
WHO: Lion Uniform Group, a
G&K Services Company, with Jeanna Peifer
FOR: Class V
FOCUS: Coterie designer,
Richard Tyler, produced high-end, tailored group of garments. Elegant, classy, eye-catching in 138
countries. Friendly, employee
approachable, comfortable.
SPECS: 25-50 employees in each location. 14 different colors to accent white blouses
and shirts, black blazers, skirts or slacks, and outerwear. Linings, collars, scarves, accessories,
jewelry. Elegant with subtle but
definite weave and presence of religious crosses.
HOT SPOTS: Customer at once drawn
into theme, engaged by garments.
*
AWARD: Restaurants,
Multi-Unit
WHO: Superior Uniform Group,
with Janice Henry, Viv Smith, and Sandy Pegler
FOR: Ruby's Diner
FOCUS: Theme is paramount;
the visual experience. Complete
dedication to customer preference.
SPECS: 1940's red and white:
Gals in white half aprons, red and white striped outfits, waitress headbands;
fellows in black pants, slim-Jim ties, white broadcloth shirts and soda-jerk
hats. Everything matches.
HOT-SPOTS: "This is a
perfect example of a manufacturer giving the customer exactly what he
wants. It's about customer attention,
and having a wonderful time. How lucky
we are to have such a great in-house design department!" expressed Janice.
*
AWARD: Hotels, Multi-Unit
WHO: Superior Uniform Group,
with Janice Henry, Viv Smith, and Sandy Pegler
FOR: The Hilton Corporate
FOCUS: Global involvement
with environment, ecosystems, and going "green." Details, design, enhancing interior decor.
SPECS: Color palette: Chocolate,
bark, charcoal with black. Neutrals and
earth tones, only. Color-forecasting and
design. Pants, skirts, blazers, in
stunning blues; silver& bronze--solids and a stripe--in blouses and
shirts. Eco-friendly fabrics: recycled
polyester, standard polyester, Lycra.
Washable, stretch elbows, moisture wicking backs, soft hand, luxurious
feel. Two Superior style-groups
involved: Select & Signature.
HOT SPOTS: Younger employees want trendy designs with ecology
and comfort in mind. Cerebral
experience, taking into account the edifice, purpose of the uniforms, and high
fashion allowing uniforms to be worn on the street.
*
AWARD: Hotel, Single Unit,
Canadian
WHO: Omega Uniform Systems
(formerly Omega Frontline), with Margaret Ramsdale
FOR: The Pan Pacific Hotel
Vancouver
FOCUS: Doormen's uniforms
coordinated with glass and steel building, lake, mist, mountains, and grey
environment. Each employee with online
web account for ordering, garments drop-shipping to front door.
SPECS: Four to six doormen;
24 uniforms overall. Monochromatic look of blacks, charcoals, and greys. Clean design, matching simplicity of
structure. Winter uniforms charcoal with
light grey accents; summer, lighter weight in lighter grey with charcoal
accents. Pewter buttons, silver striping
in matte finish.
HOT SPOTS: "The Pan
Pacific uniforms are the result of taking traditional styling and interpreting
it in a contemporary way," smiled Margaret. "Everything is neutral, and nothing is
shiny. Low contrast, minimalist, low
key. The customer was thrilled with the
aesthetics, and the doormen loved the functionality as well as the
style."
*
AWARD: Service Apparel
WHO: Brookhurst, Inc., with
Elena Morgan
FOR: Mary Kay, Inc. and its
Red Jacket Program
FOCUS: High fashion, fitting all figures and age
types. Looking fabulous to fit the image
of cosmetic giant.
SPECS: 13,000 people
involved. Multiple specs, depending on
year of design, and level of achievement within Mary Kay. Fabrics vary.
This year, mélange worsted wool fabric with silk piping, in black. Skirts available in two styles, five
lengths. Jackets available in three
styles, three lengths. Additional
accessories, prints, sweaters, and tops available.
HOT-SPOTS: Durable,
comfortable, able to be worn year-round throughout the world. Integrity of garment and good looks for the
lifetime of the program, is a must.
*
AWARD: Casino
WHO: Unisync Group, LTD, with
Ryan Beliveau
FOR: Niagara Fallsview Casino
Resort
FOCUS: Beautiful look and
fit, comfort, type of garment, rush order, custom measuring.
SPECS: 150 uniforms, black
cocktail. Durable, body-hugging,
polyester/spandex-jersey blend, machine washable.
HOT SPOTS: "At Unisync, we have some of the best
people in the industry who can bring an image to reality, " said Ryan
Beliveau." "In addition to
developing and manufacturing these highly customized garments and uniforms, we
have a long history with high-end garments.
Total Program Management differentiates us from other companies. Our 100,000 sq. feet distribution center says
it all."
*
AWARD: Arena or Sports Facility
WHO: Walt Disney World, with
Jodie White and Pam Flint
FOR: ESPN (Entertainment
Sports Programming Network) Wide World of Sports
FOCUS: Created a costume that
reflects branding of new partnership.
Representing all sports. A
"today" look that cast members feel good about when wearing garments. Comfortable, easily sized.
SPECS: 700 cast members;
8,500 costumes. 85% wear ESPN red polos
with black pants or shorts, red fleece jackets or windbreakers; 15% in same
outfit with light grey, instead. Baseball
caps. Champion stretch athletic fabrics,
wicking for moisture, safety reflective tape, logos everywhere .
HOT SPOTS: Cast having a very
good time and feeling good about themselves.
*
AWARD: Restaurant, Fine
Dining
WHO: Walt Disney World, with
Jodie White and Pam Flint
FOR: Sanaa, South African
motif set in Animal Kingdom Resort Lodge
FOCUS: Authenticity of
design, decor, environmental sensitivity, cultural awareness. Functionality, surprising guests, keeping
casts happy. Full size-range kept in
stock.
SPECS: Tremendous research of
fabrics and styles. 40 greeters: Men in shirts (dashikis) and slacks, with
small pillbox hats (kufis); women in tightly flared-out skirts and matching
tops. 250 wait staff: Slacks with
colorful shirts and vests. Coordinated
two groups of costumes. Spice, electric
blue, rust, brown, beige, or gold, orange, yellow, and red. Poly-cotton dyed and printed to look like
thick twine/kuba cloth.
HOT SPOTS: "We are so
proud of what we produce here, and it's nice to have a chance to brag about our
product," laughed Jodi White.
"We are the industry leaders in the type of work we do, and it's
nice to be recognized for it."
