Next Level Apparel, Los Angeles, announced today that founder and CEO Joe Simsoly will retire, effective Aug. 8, 2021. Simsoly will continue to serve on Next Level’s board of managers and will remain a significant shareholder in the business. In November 2020, the board of managers recruited and appointed Randy Hales as Next Level’s co-CEO as part of a 2018 succession plan.
Simsoly is the definition of the American dream. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1980, he launched a denim brand, followed by a sublimation printing facility. Simsoly’s customers were requesting a higher quality T-shirt than was available in the market and, seeing an opportunity, Simsoly launched Next Level Apparel in 2003.
“Joe has been a very hands-on founder and leader,” Hales said. “His influence has been significant in every aspect of Next Level, as he built the company from the ground up. The foundation he built will serve as a strategic platform to build on for a very long time. On behalf of the entire company, customers, colleagues and friends of Next Level, I want to thank Joe for his countless contributions to the business and industry as a whole.”
Simsoly will continue to stay connected as a board member and significant shareholder.
“It has been an honor to watch Next Level become an industry leader,” Simsoly said. “I’m confident that the company will continue to grow and innovate under Randy’s leadership. He has deep knowledge of our company, and has been a valued partner to me and the senior management team.”
Next Level is the fifth company for which Hales has served as CEO.
For more information, visit www.nextlevelapparel.com.
