Jeremy Lott

President & CEO
SanMar Board of Advisors
Part of the SanMar Team since Day 1

As President and CEO of SanMar, one of the nation’s largest clothing wholesalers, Jeremy leads with the values that have guided his family’s business since 1971: “Be Nice and Tell the Truth.”

Under his leadership, SanMar has grown to employ more than 6,000 people in the United States and over 15,000 globally, through its Central American manufacturing joint venture. The company has been recognized as a Deloitte US Best Managed Company and the 2022 Puget Sound Business Journal Family Business of the Year.

Jeremy also stewards the major role SanMar plays in supporting local communities, including its national partnership with Breakthrough T1D, where he serves on the International Board of Directors.

He is also a board member of the Washington Business Roundtable and an Executive in Residence at the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises at the Kellogg School of Management, at Northwestern University, where he earned his MBA. Jeremy is also an alumnus of Emory University.

He enjoys spending time with his wife and six children while skiing, hiking, boating and generally staying active.

Go-to Inspiration: “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.”

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.

He joined SanMar after transitioning from the military, and found it a company where he had opportunities to serve customers and partners every day. Pat’s first role was distribution process manager, leading to positions in IT and logistics. He became chief product officer in 2017.

Pat leads today’s SanMar product team with an authentic style that’s focused on developing a wide range of quality sustainable apparel. He cites launching the Re-Tee as one of his proudest moments—an example of SanMar leading the way in the push for more sustainable clothing.

Pat feels lucky to work with a group of passionate leaders who support small businesses and provide dignified careers to workers across the developing world.

A busy father of three, Pat spends his weekends attending soccer games, lacrosse matches and ballet performances, and tours the sights of the Pacific Northwest with his family.

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

Renton Leversedge

Chief Customer Officer
Part of the SanMar Team since 2009

Renton learned the importance of solid teamwork and dedication to a common goal as a university soccer player. He applies these essentials to his work at SanMar constantly.

After working in advisory roles at Arthur Andersen and KPMG in Canada, the US and Switzerland, Renton became the first overseas employee at SanMar, leading the startup of its sourcing office in Hong Kong. He went on to manage the growing activewear program, became Chief Revenue Officer in 2015 and President of the Innovation Lab in 2021.

Today, Renton leads the Manufacturing Investments team, with operations employing over 15,000 people. His philosophy of focusing on core values—“Be Nice and Tell the Truth”—ensures an open environment, enabling his team to do what they love.

Renton is a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab, a global startup program for entrepreneurs and scientists working to solve problems in advanced manufacturing. He is also one of the founders of ThinkHUGE, a business and investment council working to generate growth and jobs across Central America.

One of Renton’s proudest moments was sharing a trip to Honduras with his wife, three children and local coaches from Seattle. They brought the joy of soccer to the children of the Mhotivo School—one of the many charities that SanMar supports in Central America.

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."

Jennifer Larson

Chief People Officer
Joined SanMar in 2016

Jennifer first discovered a love for people-centered work as a management trainee. When she moved to Washington State, a human resources position at a local Seattle retailer changed her career.

Since then, Jennifer has led HR teams at Eddie Bauer and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, always seeking to inspire compassion, build community, promote collaboration and find balance in service of people in the workplace.

With these values in mind, it was only natural that she found her way to SanMar.

Jennifer and her team dedicate themselves to making SanMar a place where anyone can grow and everyone is welcome. They support employees with robust benefits and provide opportunities to give back to the communities we share.

She emphasizes SanMar values—“Be Nice and Tell the Truth”—in all her decision-making. Her sponsorship of the Global Connections program exemplifies her personal touch, empowering SanMar employees to experience how apparel is made and meet the people who make it.

Jennifer is a proud mother of four. When she's not working she escapes to the great outdoors as much as possible, hiking with her husband on local trails and traveling around the world.

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."

Mike Knapick

Chief Information Officer
Part of the SanMar Team since 2014

Mike’s degree in mathematics provides him with the problem-solving skills he needs for a career in technology. After years at Accenture, and heading IT departments of every size at companies including Expedia and Isilon Systems, he learned about SanMar.

He joined the team soon afterwards, drawn to the prospect of working with smart people and helping them succeed.

Today, Mike leads the SanMar IT organization with a dedication to driving technology innovation and a measured approach to empowering business growth. Together he and his team take the lead on major software implementations, while making the most of opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Mike focuses on serving customers by ensuring efficient processing of business transactions, reacting quickly to issues and preventing them from happening again.

After hours, Mike is an active father of three—cheering on the sidelines, squeezing in a quick game of pick-up basketball or coaching volleyball, a sport he learned on the sandy beaches of San Diego.

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

Paul Whyatt

Chief Financial Officer
Part of the SanMar Team since 2017

Paul believes that good leadership is built on trust, transparency and always doing what you say you’re going to do. It was the core values at SanMar—"Be Nice and Tell the Truth“—that first attracted him to the company.

Paul has a long history of business and finance leadership success from his roles at Weyerhauser and venture capital-backed startups. His work at SanMar is focused on driving continuous improvement within the business to better serve customers, while ensuring prudent financial stewardship.

He’s championed a complete digital infrastructure transformation, and helped make business and data insights easily available.

Paul oversees the finance, accounting, credit and real estate teams, as well as the Enterprise Portfolio program and project management departments. The insights he and his teams provide spark continuous improvements in how SanMar works with customers and partners.

Paul approaches his goals with passion, persistence and patience—attitudes he further developed while competing in Ironman triathlons. He’s a Northwest native who enjoys snowboarding, basketball and travel.

Laura Schuerman

Vice President, Production Planning
Part of the SanMar Team since 2012

Laura’s work in planning began with her first job after graduation. The idea that you can use a forecast to look confidently ahead came naturally to her, carrying her through many years at Eddie Bauer and into her first SanMar position as Demand Planner.

At SanMar, she found a place where she could apply her talents to make a difference, where being nice defines both how business is done and how people treat one another. She also grew her responsibilities quickly, first as Senior Director of Planning and now as Vice President.

Today, Laura’s work with her team ensures both inventory depth and product availability across the SanMar distribution network. Laura and her team of procurement experts buy the right amount of SanMar product at the right time, so that customers have what they need when they need it.

She loves her job, drawn to the focus on understanding the business and forecasting its needs. She’s proud to be guided by the talented people she’s worked with over the years.

Laura and her husband have two children, and you’ll often find them visiting family or relaxing at the beach on Whidbey Island.

Go-to Inspiration: "Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are."

Mark Szkudlarek

Vice President, IT Operations
Joined SanMar in 2022

Mark first discovered his love for IT as a brigade information management officer in the Army while stationed in Babenhausen, Germany.

After returning to the civilian workforce, he brought his expertise to companies like GE, Kellogg, Accenture, and Novelis. In addition to his technical ability, he worked at each to create a culture he could be proud of. He found the culture he was trying to create already part of the DNA at SanMar.

Today, Mark leads a team focused on adopting impactful technology strategies that make a difference for SanMar employees and customers. He works to help his team achieve their goals and realize their full potential.

Mark knows there are many ways to lead, whether it’s advising on the best approach to a problem or simply saying “thank you.” His time in consulting helps him appreciate and integrate many points of view. His proudest moments are when he can help someone else exceed their own expectations and find success.

Mark doesn’t only use these skills at work—he’s coached his sons’ soccer teams and participated as a Cubmaster and Den Leader in their Cub Scout Pack.

Go-to Inspiration: "When things are working, look out the window to find who to thank. When things are not working, look in the mirror and decide what you need to do differently."

Melissa Nelson

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Part of the SanMar Team since 2008

Melissa has a talent for identifying potential issues and finding workable solutions. These skills served her well as a law clerk for the Ninth Circuit United States Court of Appeals, and during her eight years at Perkins Coie, before joining the SanMar team.

Her expertise and problem-solving abilities have helped make goals a reality at SanMar by identifying risk, fostering transparency and figuring out ways to say “yes” to internal and customer requests. Melissa and her team advocate for SanMar and its customers to maintain high standards of safety, labor and sustainability across the supply chain.

Trade is a key component of Melissa’s role. She has testified before the Senate Committee on Finance about the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and met with the Vice President about the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

She’s proud to explain the domestic jobs created by SanMar and its customers when speaking to our public servants in Washington DC.

Melissa is thrilled to work at a company where everyone pitches in, and where creative ideas are always welcome.

Melissa and her husband both enjoy theater and travel. They make regular visits to Disney World with the entire extended family, decked out in matching Port & Co shirts and hats.

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 we grow."

Brian Thompson

Vice President, Distribution
Part of the SanMar Team since 1995

When Brian left the Navy to work in the private sector, he found an employer that valued his experience and a culture that encouraged him to grow. That company was SanMar.

His first job was in the call center, where a supervisor asked if he had an interest in distribution. He was told he had the right attitude for the job. Brian learned quickly, helping to launch warehouses in New Jersey and Texas, where he stayed on as general manager for 11 years.

He returned to Washington state to become director of distribution for SanMar. He was promoted to vice president in 2020 and later oversaw the launch of the company’s first automated distribution center.

Today Brian and his team are dedicated to continuing the evolution of distribution, bringing SanMar into the future with automation and other technology that improves efficiencies and the overall customer experience.

As a leader, Brian believes in asking for help and ensuring that people know how their efforts make a difference. This approach empowers him to grow his teams, evolve processes, adopt new technologies and give employees a voice.

In his downtime, Brian can be found exploring the local woods or enjoying a round of golf with his wife.

Go-to Inspiration: "Lend a hand, don’t point a finger.”

Shelley Renning

Vice President, Merchandising
Part of the SanMar Team since 2007

Shel’s career in apparel was essentially stitched into her DNA. Her parents met while working at a department store, and co-owned a retail clothing and shoe store when she was growing up. Shel spent summers working for the family business and took her first buying trip with them to Seattle on her 12th birthday.

After she graduated from Oregon State University, it felt natural to take on merchandising roles with JCPenney, Hanna Andersson and Nike. She then joined the SanMar team as its first General Merchandising Manager.

Today, Shel and her team are on a mission to create reliable, quality clothing and accessories that customers can use as an ideal canvas for decoration. She’s still guided by the philosophy her parents instilled in her: integrity, kindness and care for the customer.

She’s proud to be part of a company where these principles are a part of how customers are served every day, and leads her team with the same mindset.

When she’s not at work, you'll often find Shel spending time with her husband and their daughters in the Pacific Northwest.

Go-to Inspiration: The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Dean Draughn

Vice President, Sourcing & Product Development
Part of the SanMar Team since 2023

Dean’s introduction to textiles began at a young age, with hands-on experience during summer breaks spreading, cutting and sewing apparel in his family’s North Carolina hometown factory. Since then, Dean has spent more than 30 years bringing transformative leadership to the apparel and footwear industries.

Very early in his career, Dean learned about spinning and textile manufacturing through distribution with VF Corp. He expanded his industry knowledge while leading global apparel operations at Perry Manufacturing and as the VP of Global Supply Services at Under Armour.

He then brought this experience to SanMar, inspired by the proven tradition of helping customers grow their business. Dean and his team ensure that apparel made by SanMar meets the highest level of quality, while maintaining industry-leading standards of compliance and sustainability.

Dean previously served as an appointed industry advocate and policy advisor for the US Department of Commerce, International Trade and Advisory Committee for US Customs in Textiles and Apparel, and the US Department of Agriculture. He’s also held multiple board positions for leading industry advocacy groups, including The Cotton Board.

Dean enjoys spending time with family and friends. You’ll often find him boating and fishing.

Go-to Inspiration: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

David Smith

Vice President, Technology
Part of the SanMar Team since 2022

David and his team are responsible for driving technology forward at SanMar, creating solutions that enable customers to grow their business.

His career journey began as a financial analyst and evolved into IT when he was recruited to rescue a struggling enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. A successful turnaround encouraged him to take on increasing responsibility in transforming technology.

David led enterprise application initiatives at T-Mobile and within the travel industry before joining SanMar. His success establishing innovative, reliable and scalable technology teams is built upon a legacy of valuing relationships with strategic partners, customers and employees.

He takes a collaborative, transparent approach to solving problems and unlocking business value. His strategic mindset helps his team discover opportunities, prioritizing efficiency and continuous improvement in an ever-changing technology landscape.

While David is proud of his accomplishments, he’s found that the most lasting impressions are made by the relationships he’s made and the people he’s mentored.

When he’s not at work, David frequently engages in outdoor activities, exploring in the mountains or on the water throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Go-to Inspiration: "There isn’t a person anywhere who isn’t capable of doing more than he or she thinks they can."

Steve Cuthbert

Chief Revenue Officer, Sales
Part of the SanMar Team since 2021

Steve’s many years of outdoor industry experience lead him to approach his work with a sense of adventure.

He managed sales teams at PrimaLoft and Polartec, and spent over a decade at The North Face, where he eventually became Vice President of Sales.

Steve’s experience and philosophy made him perfectly suited to take a leadership role at SanMar. He recalls an early conversation with Marty Lott, who said the company is run on simple values: “Be Nice and Tell the Truth.”

He found that having those values as the North Star of a business was an idea he could get behind on day one. Steve leads his teams with those ideals top of mind, dedicated to building meaningful relationships with customers and dependably supporting their needs.

Steve lives in Colorado, and he enjoys traveling with his wife and two sons. He loves cooking—especially a good eggplant parmesan. He hopes to someday perfect both his piano performance and his golf swing.

Go-to Inspiration: “Rest in position. Don’t rest and then need to catch up. Get in position, and then rest.”

Shelley Williams

Vice President, Marketing
Part of the SanMar Team since 2019

Shelley credits an art history class with altering the course of her life, turning a planned degree in chemistry into a career in visual communications and marketing.

Shelley leveraged these disciplines as a Creative Director at Disney and Expedia, and a Director of Brand Strategy at Alaska Airlines. From directing Mickey Mouse to capturing footage of a 737 flying over the Golden Gate Bridge, Shelley’s career was constantly evolving. For her next step she sought a company that leads through its values, which brought her to SanMar.

Today, Shelley leads the dedicated marketing team at SanMar with a focus on setting clear goals and inspiring creative ideas, all to help customers’ businesses thrive. Under her guidance, they develop a full range of marketing initiatives, from corporate brand expression to product marketing and tradeshow events.

Shelley fosters an environment where creativity can flourish, and she’s always proud to hear how her team’s accomplishments make a difference for customers.

She loves to see the world and discover new places with her favorite traveling partner—her husband. Shelley also enjoys paddleboarding, documentaries and neighborhood walks with her dogs.

Go-to Inspiration: “Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world."

John Janson

Vice President, Global Logistics
Part of the SanMar Team since 2017

John’s road to a career in logistics began when he started driving a school bus while attending Boise State University.

Introduced to trucking after graduation, he soon developed a deep respect for the industry’s complexity and the important role every worker plays within it. Working with companies like MicronPC, MWI Animal Health, AmerisourceBergen and Transformsolar provided John experience with all facets of global transportation and logistics.

He saw joining SanMar as the culmination of his journey, working with an industry-leading company that shares his personal and professional values. John and his team focus on ensuring that the apparel SanMar provides gets to where it’s most needed reliably and efficiently.

John is known for his thoughtful insights, with contributions to the Parcel Forum, the Journal of Commerce, NASSTRAC and CSCMP. He’s also been featured in Transport Topics, Bloomberg Intelligence and Wolf Financial.

In 2022, John was recognized as a Rainmaker by DC Velocity, for advancing the profession of supply chain management. He was also honored to receive the CSCMP Transportation Excellence Award in 2025.

You’ll often find John sharing s’mores with his grandkids, biking and walking the Boise Greenbelt with his wife or doting on their golden doodle.

Go-to Inspiration: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”