Friday, May 17, 2013

A Blast From the Past

Paramount started as an excellent headwear manufacturer that took pride in their products. The legacy that was started in 1929 is still leveraged by our community today.  Bourbon has been our home since 1936.  We found this article in our archives where The Bourbon Standard announces Paramount’s plans of moving its headquarters to the area on May 28, 1936. Mark Rubenstein and Bruce Levinson, the third generation of ownership connects the founder’s decision to move from St. Louis to Bourbon as one of the biggest contributions to Paramount’s success today.  Bourbon has graciously hosted our business since 1936 and our success today is because of this community’s people, ethics, and drive contributed by its countless sons and daughters.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Greg Norman Belt at THE PLAYERS Championship

One of PAi’s Greg Norman belts will be available in the merchandise tent at THE PLAYERS Championship, taking place May 9th through the 12th at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. THE PLAYERS Championship headlines world-renowned golfers such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and recent Master’s Champion, Adam Scott. THE PLAYERS Championship is also nicknamed “The 5th Major” a title referring to the tournament’s reputation but lack of official Major status. TPC Sawgrass is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Home to the PGA Tour and its signature Par-3 17th hole “The Island Green”, TPC Sawgrass is considered one of the best stadiums in golf. The Greg Norman belt being sold in the merchandise tent is a black/white reversible leather belt with a retro THE PLAYERS Championship logo laser etched on the buckle.  For more information about this belt check out our 2013 Spring Greg Norman catalog. For more information about the players Championship visit the PGA website. 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Greg Norman Belts at 2013 Masters Golf Tournament

PGA Tour players John Senden and Robert Garrigus will be wearing Greg Norman Collection apparel while competing in the Masters Golf Tournament this week. The Greg Norman belts that accompany the golfers’ looks are provided by Paramount through our license with Greg Norman Collection. The Masters Golf Tournament takes place April 11-14^th at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The best golfers in the world will be competing for the first major golf tournament of the year. Check out the Greg Norman golf apparel and accessories Senden and Garrigus wear as they compete in the tournament. Live coverage at www.Masters.com, as well as televised on ESPN Thursday/Friday and on CBS over the weekend.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Project Las Vegas 2013 Trend Recap

PAi recently attended Project Las Vegas where our licensed headwear brands are shown. Below you will find a fashion trend analysis of the show from one of our licensed headwear designers Maggie Laskowitz.

Project Tradeshow Trend Analysis

By: Maggie Laskowitz

This year the layout of Project & Magic was drastically different, which made for a unique twist on walking the show.  Mixing vibrant street wear and heritage inspired work wear all on the same floor.  In addition “The Tents @ Project” was introduced.  This section also included a tent for ENKVEGAS, exclusively women’s apparel and accessories.

Camo

Camo was a visible trend at Project this season. Generic block camo is shown in a variety of products.  Mixing different textures and patterns paired up with camo and outdoor wear was also present.  Camo printed corduroy pants paired with a blaze orange vest and polka dot dress shirt, and camo pants paired with a chunky cable knit sweater were all variations seen throughout the show.

Work-wear

As in previous seasons, heritage and vintage inspired products were everywhere. The heritage vibe is still very strong; many brands have toned down and cleaned up the rugged feel. More focus has been on the combination of fabrics and prints, and playing on textures and washes.  Felt bowlers and fedoras had a strong presence shown in booths and were worn by people walking the show.

Patterns, Colors, and Textures

Navajo prints had a huge existence at the show, bright, vibrant color prints with great quality texture.  Plaids, checks, stripes, leathers, and wools were all being combined to create a fashion forward statement. Along with combining different prints and fabrications were quirky motifs.  Random objects were combined with traditional prints or used as the print itself. There were also details in the products as simple as tone on tone sublimation print on leather and treated fabrics with flocking.

Upcycle

Handmade, “etsy” type products were also very strong, including leather accessories such as bags that have handcrafted details, unfinished edges, and worn looks.  Hardware store accents like nuts & bolts added additional detail on denim, giving the clothing unique upcycled details. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2012 Recycling Efforts

Thanks to an incredibly busy year, dead cardboard, plastic, and paper were recycled in record numbers.  A total of 298.92 TONS of recyclables were salvaged, that’s 597,840 pounds; more than double the weight of my food intake last week! Of this immense quantity, cardboard accounted for  287.23 tons, leaving 11.27 tons of paper and .42 tons of plastic.  That’s TONS people!

Take a look at the effect we made on the environment.  

• 21,627 cubic feet of landfill space saved
• 123,753 gallons of oil saved
• 4,537 trees saved - ensuring homes for at least a billion squirrels, in my estimate
• 1,874,248 gallons of water saved - enough to almost fill 3 Olympic swimming pools
• 1,094,207 kWh of electricity saved - enough to power 95 average homes for a year
• 15,995 lbs of air pollution gone

Feeling good about our recycling program yet?  I am!

In addition to the recycling efforts, we also did a fabulous job reusing products.  For example, we use original shirt vendor cartons to repackage our items.  Our shipping manager estimates that distribution is reusing a conservative average of 5,000 boxes per month or 60,000 boxes per year.  We also began using large reusable tubs pack directly into which saves us 41,666 feet (or 7.9 miles) of tape per month as well as an average of 7,460 case labels per month.  

Keep up the great work everyone!  Please continue to make sure you are getting your recyclables to the nearest recycling bins and know that every little bit counts.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

PAi launches new website for the Promotional Products Division

PAi’s Promotional Products Division, just launched a brand new website that will be a leader in online cap decoration.  Paramount Apparel’s new site features a 3D Modeler that allows users to design and order their own caps.  This design and order ability is a first for the promotional products industry in the headwear category.  Customers can choose from a variety of namedrop designs or upload one of their own.  Once the cap is decorated, users can order their customized cap directly from the website.  The goal of the new site is to make the features as customer friendly as possible while also attracting new customers.

Paramountapparel.com also features a “Market Yourself” section dedicated to providing sales representatives with customizable marketing materials.  A variety of our flyers along with our catalog will be available for modification.  Website users will now be able to create flyers that fit their sales needs accordingly.  Caps designed in the 3D modeler can also be used in the “Market Yourself” section.  Our goal is to provide our sales representatives with quality marketing resources that can be easily acquired and simple to use.

Launching the updated website for Paramount Apparel International is what gives us a competitive edge in the promotional products industry.  We are pleased to give our customers a web experience that is beneficial and easy.  Visit www.paramountapparel.com and see all the new changes for yourself.   

Monday, January 07, 2013

Brand Manager Wanted

PAI is seeking a Brand Manager for our Fashion Brands Division 

Responsibilities include…

• Managing: Ben Sherman, Schott, Pelle Pelle, and Private Label Accounts.
• Oversee the lines from start to finish.
• Assist designer in putting together the line.
• Order salesman samples, put together catalog, line sheets.
• Enter orders for brands, manage inventory.
• Order production for brands.
• Travel to meet with customers, tradeshows.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Office, and Powerpoint, College Degree preferred.

If interested please email your resume to Erin Keeven at ekeeven@paifashion.com

Friday, October 26, 2012

New A-Kurtz USA Made Headwear

A-Kurtz, a PAi licensed brand inspired by vintage Americana and military-issued garments, is pleased to premiere a new line of USA made headwear. The hats are manufactured and produced in our domestic headwear factory located in Winona, Missouri. All of the caps are made using salvage US military canvas. A-Kurtz is an iconic American headwear brand that has been endlessly inspired by the rugged appeal of military garments. These caps are perfectly crafted to modern style while embodying the essence of classic Americana. 

To purchase these new A-Kurtz styles go to http://www.akurtz.com/shop/made-strong-in-the-usa-c-212.html

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Purchasing Analyst Wanted

Paramount Apparel Intl., Inc., Bourbon, MO, USA, is currently seeking a full time Purchasing Analyst.  

Responsibilities include…

• Analyze inventory levels in relation to sales history.
• Forecast future inventory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with Sales, IT, Accounting & Production Teams
• Place orders with factories and schedule deliveries.
• Look for new ways to evaluate product needs
• Look for new ways to support sales

Qualified applicants will have…

• Strong mathematical, analytical, interpersonal and computer skills. 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience.
• Desire to Grow within the Purchasing Dept.

Benefits include…

• Paid vacation
• Group insurance
• 401K retirement plan
• Business casual dress code

Applicants are encouraged to send your resume to Todd White twhite@paifashion.com.

Paramount Apparel is an equal opportunity employer.

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Paramount Apparel International Purchases Imperial Headwear

Paramount Apparel International Purchases Imperial Headwear

Paramount Apparel International, PAi INC, is pleased to announce the purchase of Imperial Headwear. PAi’s purchase of Imperial brings a well-known, premium headwear brand into the Paramount family.

Paramount has been manufacturing for the headwear market since 1929 and welcomes this company into their elite portfolio of brands. Mark Rubenstein, Chairman and CEO at PAi is pleased with the “opportunities these two powerhouses have; to share expertise in design, manufacturing and customer service. This collaboration will bring a powerful force to the golf headwear market.” Bruce Levinson, Vice Chairman and CEO of PAi said, “this acquisition raises the bar in the headwear industry.”

PAi plans to leverage its size and financial stability to grow Imperial’s market share quickly. Mike Jaques, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PAi said, “the combined 179 years of experience is what will drive future success.” Steve Johns, Director of Sales for Imperial “looks forward to this new support from such a powerful company” and plans to display this new energy at the PGA Show in January.

EXPERIENCE DRIVES SUCCESS™

About PAi INC-
PAi was founded in 1929, and is a leading headwear, apparel and accessory manufacturer and supplier to many channels of distribution in the United States and internationally. PAi is licensed with 40 national brands including True Religion, Robert Graham, Perry Ellis, Original Penguin, MLB, Crocs, and NASCAR. PAi owns the brands Oarsman, American Dry Goods, Midwest Graphics, Kid N’ Me, and Imperial Headwear. For a full listing of brands, please visit http://paifashion.com/brands/. For more information, please contact Mike Jaques, VP of Sales and Marketing,
mjaques@paifashion.com, or visit our website at www.paifashion.com

About Imperial Headwear-
Since it’s inception in 1916, Imperial has been a leader in the headwear industry. While best known for it’s leadership position in the golf headwear business, Imperial also makes headwear for the collegiate, corporate and outdoor markets. The company has long been focused on innovation and outstanding customer service, and is widely recognized by customers and consumers as having the best fitting caps in the industry. For more information please contact Steve Johns, Director of Sales at Imperial at sjohns@imperialsports.com, or visit their website at http://www.imperialsports.com

Click here to download PDF.

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Project August 2012 Recap

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Marketing Professional Wanted

Marketing Professional Wanted

Current Responsibilities

-Develop and implement strategic marketing plans for PAi business units.

-Organize and oversee catalog development, layout and print for various PAi brands.

-Maintain digital presence including social media, websites, blogs, newsletters, digital catalogs, and digital order forms.

-Oversee tradeshow participation including booth design, rental, and pre show advertising.

-Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and results to Creative Director, VP Sales, VP Operations and CEO.

-Determine and manage the marketing budget after approval from VP of Sales and Creative Director.

-Look for new ways to elevate marketing design.

-Look for new ways to further support sales.

Minimum Requirements

-3-5 years of managerial experience.

-Bachelors Degree Required in Marketing, Mass Communication, or advertising.

-Design experience is preferred.

-Desire to grow within the company.

-Understand tools for efficiency

-Experience with “work flow” improvement.

-Mastery level of Adobe and Apple products.

If you are interested, please submit your resume to Rich Petty, rpetty@paifashion.com.
Paramount Apparel is an equal opportunity employer.

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Production Artist Job Opening

PAI is looking for a Production Artist.

The successful candidate will:

• multi-task and work under tight deadlines
• be reliable, able to work quickly, and detail oriented
• possess a strong working knowledge and experience with Illustrator on a Mac Platform
• be self motivated and desire to succeed
• thrive in our fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Illustrator skills are a must. Experience in Photoshop is helpful.

Portfolios are required.

Great benefit package including: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401 (k) Plans.

Paid Vacation, Holidays and Personal Days.

If you are interested, please submit your resume to Rich Petty, rpetty@paifashion.com.
Paramount Apparel is an equal opportunity employer.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Tina Fey Sports a Robert Graham Fedora

Look who's wearing our very own Robert Graham fedora! In case you missed last week's episode of 30 Rock, check out the photo of Tina Fey wearing one of our Robert Graham fedoras in navy. It's always a proud moment when celebrities wear our products.

Monday, April 09, 2012

PAi Has the Trend Setting Edge

The creative edge is something many companies claim they have, but with no real proof of such an existence.  Actual creativity is shown in creating ideas that truly move people, and captivate any given audience.  We at PAi go to untold lengths to infuse every single project with that meaningful purpose. 

With a close knit, thirty person creative group, PAi INC. is at no lack of creative inspiration. Each person offers a unique perspective and brings a new angle to the table of ideas.  Fluid cooperation between departments is a key element to producing an outstanding product. From concept to finished no area of production is without personalized focus.

Game changing creativity is perpetually driven by fervent study of current trends as well as market development.  Our designers travel the globe with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, in search of that perfect inspiration and insight into the world of design. 

Let’s ask the experts. Russ Mohr, Designer at PAi, stated, “The licensed brands we partner with all continually drive strong trends within the fashion industry, so developing relationships with creative directors and designers in fashion apparel have given us a tremendous amount of insight to developing trend-right accessories.  At PAi I’m surrounded by a team of incredibly talented designers, which also serves as a great source of inspiration and support. Combining these resources with the important shows we attend, traveling opportunities, and teaming with some of the best factories in the business really provides me with a creative edge in my design work.”

We believe that even the smallest stone can make a huge splash; therefore it is our endeavor to capture the desires expressed to us by our client and turn them into a product that makes a big splash in the market.  

We don’t just settle for what presents itself to us, we dig deeper into ourselves to find that magical place where we ignite passion for the project at hand. We refuse to just follow the trends, we at PAi are not afraid to step out onto the edge and be the leader of the trends. We intimately know our industry and all of its many facets, making us a powerhouse of creative opportunity for our customers.

Tenacious creativity is a way of life at PAi INC., our design team live and breath creatively, after all, it is who we are.

Visit us online at http://paifashion.com/portfolio/ to check out our designs.