GroupeSTAHL announces the promotion of Josh Ellsworth to the role of chief revenue officer by CEO Carleen Gray. According to the official announcement from the company, Ellsworth’s affiliation with GroupeSTAHL has spanned decades, over 25 years. He’s been with the company since 1999.

Ellsworth is known for his work as an educator around the world, having hosted thousands of online videos, tutorials, and podcasts. As he steps into his new role as chief revenue officer, Ellsworth will be at the forefront of global sales and marketing initiatives for all GroupeSTAHL companies including STAHLS’, STAHLS’ Transfer Express, STAHLS’Hotronix and STAHLS’ DFC.

Apparelist sat down with Ellsworth to discuss his new role, what his experience has been with the industry so far, and what he sees for the future of decorated apparel.

Apparelist: What does this promotion mean to you?

Ellsworth: I’d like to share that although I feel like I have never ‘made it’ and am always striving for the next thing, I hope that my career trajectory will inspire some others in the industry. As a college ‘drop-out,’ I was able to secure a job in sales at the age of 19. Through some creativity, self-motivation, and some patient mentors, I grew and was encouraged to be entrepreneurial in my role and try new things. This encouragement and freedom led me to a few costly mistakes along the way, but also allowed me the space to learn.

I picked up a camera to publish my first YouTube video in 2008, followed it by a blog, and then engaged in online forums and social media, making myself accessible to customers. This was new at the time, but I was allowed to experiment and had fun doing so. Ted Stahl always made time to talk to me, invite me to dinners to sit with the ‘adults’ while trade shows, and ask questions that made me think about the customer and our industry. He, along with many others at STAHLS’, made me feel valued and important. This encouragement to think, to have an impact, and to be curious drove me (and our company) to greater success.

I hope that business leaders can learn from Ted Stahl and create a workplace culture that engages and empowers their new talent. I also hope that today’s new talent in the industry can stick with a company, think big and commit to a long-term career outcome.

Apparelist: How does that play into your goals within the decorated apparel community?

Ellsworth: Working hard to create positive outcomes that drive our industry forward is extremely gratifying. This promotion will give me the ability to further impact what happens next for STAHLS’ and heat printing technology. Being able to collaborate deeper with industry partners and emerging technology solutions will drive the innovation that we need to continue to grow. I pride myself on being connected to what our customers want or need. This role will expand the impact I can make on people’s income, communities, and causes … that’s meaningful work that I get very excited about. 

Apparelist: What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter with STAHLS’?

Ellsworth: We’ve been fortunate to have many people at our organization who have pioneered many of the concepts and technologies that have changed decorating apparel with a heat press. I’m excited to continue to play a meaningful role on STAHLS’ strategic initiatives that have the potential to continue to shape a segment of the industry that is experiencing explosive growth — heat printing.

I’m also excited to engage with our team at a deeper level and create success for everyone involved in the equation. I’m very thankful for the leadership and trust of our CEO, Carleen Gray. She has created an environment for focused growth that I am fortunate to be a part of. We have a great team that is striving to make STAHLS’ the most recommended apparel decoration brand on earth.