Key Takeaways
• Brian Arthur Stahl, cofounder and longtime operations leader at Stahls’ (asi/88984), passed away on Nov. 22, 2025, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 78.
• Stahl helped transform Stahls’ from a small Detroit garage operation into a global leader in apparel decoration technology, pioneering innovations in production flow, quality standards and fast-turnaround shipping.
• Remembered for his generosity, humor and leadership, Stahl was also a decorated Vietnam veteran, passionate sailor and proud Eagle Scout. He will be inurned with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Brian Arthur Stahl, cofounder and longtime operations leader at Stahls’ (asi/88984), passed away on Nov. 22, 2025, in Wilmington, NC, at 78 years old. Those who knew Stahl will remember him for his generosity, quick wit, steady leadership and the lasting impact he made on the promotional products and decorated apparel industry.
Born and raised in greater Detroit, MI, Brian Stahl was the son of Ernest and Murice Stahl. He attended Adrian College, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Stahl purchased the company now known as Stahls’ from his parents in the 1970s alongside his brother, Ted Stahl. Under the pair’s leadership, the company grew from a small operation in a Detroit garage into a global leader in custom apparel decoration technology. Stahls’ was recognized in 2019 as ASI’s Supplier Family Business of the year.
“Brian was indispensable to the foundational success of Stahls’,” said Ted Stahl, executive chairman of the board at Stahls’. “He built the operational backbone of our company with an unwavering focus on quality, customer satisfaction and efficiency. He cared deeply about doing things the right way and believed that quality only mattered if the customer agreed. He also brought humor, generosity and heart into everything he did.”
Brian Stahl went on to serve as head of operations at Stahls’ for 30 years. His leadership helped lay the foundation for many of the operational practices that the Stahls’ brand is now known for, including advancements in water-jet cutting for twill and sports applications, the implementation of systematic production flow and quality monitoring, the creation of the company’s internal “Quality College,” and the push for same-day shipping and fast-turnaround speeds before it was an industry expectation.
Stahl exhibited sharp problem-solving skills, exacting standards and an approachable leadership style, with an ability to see both the big picture and the smallest detail. His family and former colleagues say he was equally respected by customers, vendors and employees.
“Although he retired from Stahls’ in 2003, we still have many team members who remember Brian as an important mentor and teacher, especially when it comes to quality standards still in place today,” said Stahls’ CEO Carleen Gray, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo and the 2025 Counselor International Person of the Year.
When he wasn’t working, Stahl was an accomplished and passionate sailor. He spent many years competing in the Port Huron to Mackinac and Marion–Newport to Bermuda races. He was also a decorated Vietnam veteran and a proud Eagle Scout.
Stahl is survived by his wife Janice Galasso Stahl; his brother Ted Stahl (Mary); his son Michael Stahl (Brooke); and grandchildren Grady and Mia. He is also survived by his niece Sarah Free (Travis) and their children Evan and Reese, as well as 12 other nieces and nephews and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Stahl will be inurned with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Celebrations of life will be held in Michigan and North Carolina.
