Putting SanMar Family Values into Action

Marty Lott

Owner & CEO

Marty Lott says his business model is based on Kindergarten simplicity - Tell the truth and be nice.

While SanMar has earned top-performing status in the imprinted and corporate apparel industry, Marty is best known for his calm leadership and humble demeanor. That intentional practice grew from experiencing poor customer service from a prominent t-shirt company back in the day. If bad service could still land sales, he wondered, then what could be achieved with dedicated, attentive customer service? His wife, Sharon, told him if he could do better, he should. So in 1971 he did just that. Forty-five years later, SanMar employs 4,000 people and distributes many hundreds of private, mill and retail label products from eight regional distribution centers.

Today Marty runs the company in partnership with his two sons, Jeremy and Jordan. He focuses much of his day-to-day time leading the company’s domestic distribution efforts across our eight warehouses. He makes it a habit to eat at the company-subsidized café to mingle with employees, and takes pride in never having executed a single lay-off since founding SanMar. Giving employees opportunities, he says is still the reason behind Marty's motivation to grow the company — one happy customer at a time.

Marty starts each day by practicing yoga and enjoys time with and his wife, Sharon, and their four grandchildren. He was selected by ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) as Person of the Year in 2011.

Go-to Inspiration: "Try to do it better today than you did yesterday."

Education: University of Washington

Jeremy Lott

Owner & President

A picture on SanMar's very first catalog cover with a two-year-old peddling a big wheel proves it — Jeremy has worked at SanMar for nearly his entire life.

Today, as President of the family-owned business, Jeremy works in partnership with his father, Marty and his brother, Jordan. Over the years Jeremy learned the business from the inside out, from pulling orders to purchasing. After college and a stint studying in Hong Kong, he launched his career as an analyst for investment bank Piper Jaffray's technology team. Jeremy moved to Chicago in 2001 to earn his MBA, and then joined SanMar full-time. Adding strategy to vision, he continues to steward the company toward long-term growth and health. Proud of the opportunities given to so many tenured staff members to thrive, he often spends time "table-hopping" at the company's on-site café. He learns a lot during those casual conversations because, he says, employees have the pulse on what's really going on in their arenas.

The father of two young children, Jeremy discovered that a work/life balance holds the key to maximum productivity. He enjoys spending time outdoors — skiing, hiking, boating and generally staying active.

Favorite SanMar Item: "The Port Authority^® K500 — when we created this product 20 years ago it was highly innovative. It delivered performance, didn't shrink and held its color. We've sold millions of them and it's an enduring shirt for us.

Go-to Inspiration: "Peter Drucker said, 'Culture eats strategy for breakfast. 'We spend a lot of time building a workplace where people are happy to come every day, because they take great care of our customers."

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Emory University, Goizueta Business School; MBA, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

Jordan Lott

Owner & Lake Washington
Partners President

Jordan is a co-owner of SanMar along with his father, Marty, and brother, Jeremy. A seasoned real estate development executive, Jordan's leadership centers around lending expertise in finance, property assets and a range of "back of the house" functions.

As a SanMar owner, much of Jordan's time involves continuous improvements to SanMar's buildings and spaces where employees interact. His hands-on approach to the management and development of the company's eight distribution centers — the industry's largest network — has earned SanMar consistent accolades for efficient delivery and customer service. Jordan provides strategic guidance for the robust performance of SanMar's financials, including banking relationships, the employee 401 (k) program and insurance and benefits plans. Subscribing to a "facilitator" model of leadership, Jordan offers employees tools and opportunities to excel.

As Principle of Lake Washington Partners, Jordan leads a team of real estate professionals who manage a national portfolio of properties. After hours, Jordan spends most of his free time with his wife and their two young daughters and enjoys skiing, swimming and running. Jordan is an active member of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Be nice.' It's simple, but it's important."

Go-to Inspiration: "Both my grandfather and my dad have always set the example to be thoughtful, deliberate and to show diligent restraint."

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Real Estate Development: University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business

Mike Knapick

Vice President/CIO
Information Technology
Joined SanMar in 2014

With technology evolving every day, Mike takes a measured approach. His call to harness technology for the company focuses on its value for our customers.

Mike's team serves our customer first by ensuring our robust systems efficiently process business transactions. Mike joined SanMar in 2014 after heading IT departments and projects of every scope and size at posts including Expedia, where he launched the company's inaugural CRM system. Today, he leads SanMar's major software implementations and guides his team's mission — to provide useful technology solutions to empower our customers to be more successful. When it comes to leadership, Mike says he empowers his team with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

After hours, you can find this active father of three cheering on the sidelines, or squeezing in a quick game of pick-up basketball. Chances are he's sporting one of our OGIO^® Endurance shirts, his top-pick of SanMar's active apparel.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "Our motto is 'Do the right thing.' That means we don't just impose a random deadline to finish a project; we take the time necessary to get it done right for the benefit of our customer."

Go-to Inspiration: "Never underestimate the value of time spent thinking."

Education: Bachelor of Science, Math, Long Beach State University; Master of Science, Math, University of Illinois

Jennifer Larson

Vice President, Human Resources
Joined SanMar in 2016

Jennifer says that SanMar's most important assets aren't the products in its distribution centers they are the dedicated and talented employees who make the company one of the best places to work in the industry. She leads the charge in championing SanMar's Family Values and in growing the company's culture as a preferred employer.

Jennifer came to SanMar from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center where she worked for 15 years in the Human Resources department. Jennifer was integral in the organization's expansion into infectious disease research in Africa, establishing the human resource practices and operations required overseas. She also has apparel industry experience from her days in the HR department at Eddie Bauer.

While Jennifer doesn't yet have a favorite SanMar product, she is familiar with our styles, having purchased many t-shirts, hoodies and vests for teams at Fred Hutch. When she's not working, Jennifer escapes to the great outdoors as much as possible, hiking with her husband on local trails and traveling to points around the globe. She's also the proud mother of four.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Do the right thing.' If you do the right thing, you're likely following all the other SanMar Family Values too!"

Go-to Inspiration: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This quote from Maya Angelou shapes how Jennifer interacts with people while at work and at play.

Education: University of California, Riverside

Renton Leversedge

Chief Revenue Officer
Joined SanMar in 2009

A former university soccer player, Renton understands the importance of solid teamwork and dedication to a common goal.

His SanMar history includes launching our first affiliate overseas sourcing office in Hong Kong and working to develop our manufacturing hub in Central America. SanMar indirectly employs thousands of workers, including at a flagship plant in Honduras — one of the first in the world to run almost exclusively on renewable energy. SanMar's support of orphanages, hospitals and schools in communities where our products are manufactured is a particular point of pride for Renton. Today, he leads the strategic planning efforts of SanMar’s sales, marketing and pricing teams, helping to drive better integration and alignment between these three key customer-supporting groups.

After hours, Renton enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children, and logs as many hours as possible coaching their soccer teams. You're likely to find him wearing his SanMar favorite — District Made® Men's Perfect Tri® Crew Tee, DM130.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Do the right thing.' It starts with always being honest with customers, suppliers and our staff."

Go-to Inspiration: "I played a lot of sports, and I learned the value of having the right player in the right position. We work hard to build a team of diverse talents that truly enjoy coming to work together each day."

Education: Bachelor of Commerce, University of British Columbia, CPA (retired)

Melissa Nelson

Vice President, General Counsel
Joined SanMar in 2008

Melissa Nelson says her team's most important contributions happen under the radar, finding ways for SanMar to say "yes."

Helping take our business goals from vision to reality, Melissa's efforts to flag risk, increase transparency and protect trademark, brand and intellectual property ensure SanMar's sound business practices. Before joining us, Melissa logged eight years at Perkins Coie in Seattle, and also served as clerk for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Her expertise led SanMar to the forefront of adopting the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), not just in our industry but retail apparel in general. Today Melissa also oversees SanMar's top-level status with the Fair Labor Association (FLA), keeping a watchful eye to confirm safety, integrity and regulatory compliance across our supply chain.

After hours, Melissa and her husband and children enjoy theater and travel. She and their extended family of 18 head to Disneyworld together every other year and Melissa outfits the entire clan with matching apparel. Most recently she chose her latest go-to pick — Port & Company's^® Fan Favorite, the PC450 tee.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "Be Nice. We take 'Be Nice' to heart with everyone we deal with — not just SanMar employees and customers, but outside vendors and even opposing counsel."

Go-to Inspiration: "Learn by doing. I like to challenge my team to tackle work that makes them a little bit uncomfortable, because that's how people learn and grow."

Education: University of California, Berkeley, NYU Law School

Pat Noonan

Chief Product Officer
Joined SanMar in 2007

An ROTC scholarship recipient and former Navy submarine officer, Pat launched his career at SanMar with solid leadership skills in tow.
 
A key lesson he learned in the military — to seek to understand first before making changes — has served Pat well. During his tenure, SanMar has added several warehouses nationwide, from which 4,000 employees serve the customer behind the scenes. Pat first joined SanMar as Distribution Process Manager and has held a variety of roles in distribution, IT and logistics. Today, he oversees SanMar’s merchandising, sourcing, quality assurance, planning and logistics teams, helping to ensure that we have a singular focus on exceptional product from creation to delivery.
 
Pat often cycles to work with his favorite SanMar item along for the ride — the OGIO® Torque Pack. After hours, he and his wife, both outdoor enthusiasts, show their young family the sights around the Pacific Northwest. Their hands-down favorite: Washington's San Juan Islands.
 
Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Make a difference.' I worried about transitioning to the private sector and missing that sense of purpose. It's been wonderful to land at SanMar, where the mission to serve the customer is such a driving force."

Go-to Inspiration: "We're here to serve, and set an example of service."

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry & Philosophy, Cornell University; Master of Engineering, Old Dominion University

Paul Whyatt

Chief Financial Officer
Joined SanMar in 2017

Paul Whyatt brings to SanMar a long history of strategic planning, finance and leadership roles, coupled with a competitive drive to help take the company to the next level. As the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Paul oversees SanMar’s operational expenses while leading the finance, accounting and credit teams. 

Prior to joining SanMar, Paul served as CFO at Merrill and Ring Forest products, a large family-owned forestry company. He also held a variety of senior finance and operations positions at Weyerhaeuser and managed finance and operations for a couple Seattle-area start-up companies. Today, Paul helps to connect SanMar’s customers with the resources they need to bolster their businesses while ensuring that we practice timely and prudent financial stewardship.

The Northwest native enjoys shooting hoops, snowboarding and traveling when he’s not chasing after his young son. 

Favorite SanMar Family Value: “’Make a Difference’ because it’s about being a good team member and contributing to the organization by proactively bringing your skills and experience to the table.”

Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University; MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Shelley Renning

Vice President, Merchandise & General Merchandising
Joined SanMar in 2007

It was stitched into her DNA from the beginning — finessing the customer experience.

Growing up, this native Northwesterner cut her teeth taking care of customers in her family's retail store. That experience propelled Shelley's career to posts in buying and merchandising at Hanna Andersson Children's Clothier and Nike Golf (where her dad joked she "dressed Tiger Woods"). At SanMar, Shelley and her team design modern, classic apparel and activewear that make perfect canvases for decoration. It's working toward that superior customer experience that still inspires Shelley to keep her finger on the pulse of trends and an eye on what works. Turning an exciting vision into products that resonate keeps her reaching for the next big idea.

On weekends, you'll find Shelley mostly spending time with her husband and their young daughters. It's even better, she says, than all those hours she logged on golf courses and trails before the two arrived on the scene.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Do the Right Thing.' In publicly held companies, you've go to do the right thing for the shareholders. At SanMar, we do the right thing for the customer first."

Favorite SanMar Item: A busy mom and professional, Shelley's a fan of the District Made^® brand. "It makes an easy fashion transition from work to play."

Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Business, Oregon State University

Lee Strom

Vice President, Marketing
Joined SanMar in 2001

Lee leads a chorus of marketing talents — creative, communication, analytic, trade show and web merchandising specialists — that make SanMar's products "sing."

Building supportive tools to help customers bolster sales, Lee drives the call to create a spectrum of print collateral plus digital resources such as SanMar U. Before joining the company in 2001, Lee honed the foundations of marketing and brand ambassadorship at retailers REI and Eddie Bauer. During his tenure, five new private label brands have been introduced, and Lee helped steer the migration toward e-commerce. Lee stays connected to our customers and works closely with the sales and merchandising teams to produce resources that target sales. He says leading a skilled team merging the best of left- and right-brain talent means offering plentiful opportunities for fun, healthy interaction. Lee currently serves on the Board of Directors at PPAI (Promotional Products Association International).

Lee and his wife raised two children and are embracing empty-nest status. He enjoys hiking, kayaking and soaking up the beautiful Pacific Northwest — a region he chose sight unseen in search of outdoor adventure. It's the perfect backdrop for his top pick at SanMar — Port Authority's^® Glacier^® Soft Shell, J790.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Make a difference' — something I get to do every day. Sometimes it's sharing the story of how we put our commitment to social responsibility into action locally and globally. Other times, it's collaborating with our team to create new ways to connect with our customers."

Go-to Inspiration: "I never learned anything when I was talking."

Education: Bachelor of Science, Communications, University of Illinois

Dan Tushar

Vice President, Sales
Joined SanMar in 1997

Dan Tushar reminds us that it's our customers who truly sell our merchandise, so his team serves as product ambassadors.

With that in mind, Dan energizes our sales force by celebrating best practices and success stories. He joined SanMar after honing his skills at brand giants Reebok and Champion Apparel. With an attitude of relentless optimism, Dan draws inspiration from his combined team — Territory Managers across the country who make personal visits to our customers and Account Executives who guide our customers to their best options. He says our customers report that even on the phone, they can hear our salespeople smiling. Dan says he's stayed at SanMar for so long because our staff members really do live out the collective call to be nice. His efforts have helped propel SanMar to a leadership position in the marketplace.

After hours, you're likely to find Dan spending time with his wife of 35 years, playing golf with one of their three boys or spending time with their three grandchildren. While our Port Authority^® sweaters are a top pick for Dan, his closet is stacked with a close second, Red House^® wovens.

Favorite SanMar Family Value: "'Passionately serve the customer.' I think it's my favorite because when you make this part of your DNA, you have customers for life."

Go-to Inspiration: "People will often forget what you say, but seldom do they forget how you made them feel."

Education: Bowling Green State University