Torrance, California-based Next Level Apparel, known for its blank apparel, welcomes its Founder Joe Simsoly back as he comes out of retirement to serve as the company’s interim chief executive officer. The leadership switch follows the departure of CEO Randy Hales.

In November 2020, Simsoly and Hales were appointed as co-CEOs. In August 2021, Simsoly retired and Hales took over as CEO. Simsoly remained on the company’s board of managers and a significant shareholder in the business.

In a blog post about Simsoly’s 2021 retirement, Next Level stated: “Joe Simsoly is the definition of the American dream. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1980, he launched a denim brand, followed by a revolutionary sublimation printing facility. Joe’s customers were requesting a higher quality t-shirt than was available in the market and, seeing an opportunity, Joe launched Next Level Apparel in 2003.”

During Hales’ tenure, Next Level acquired German sportswear company Stedman, named a new president, and made strides toward better cotton sourcing, nearshoring, and integrating recycled polyester into its polyester product line.

Apparelist will share as more information becomes available.