My name is Josh Tullis – thank you for making it this far.

For as long as I can competently do so, I’ll be using this platform to share some insights and breakdowns on sports uniforms, gear, equipment and footwear from the perspective of what I call a “Ghost” of the industry. Most people outside of the industry think you can pick up the phone and call an Under Armour or Nike if you need gear…not the case.

For years I’ve struggled with the same basic question: “What do you do?”
I’ve never answered the question the same way. If I had just listened to my mother’s advice 12+ years ago, this would be an easier exercise – “Eye Surgeon” or “Accountant” has a clear palpability. Instead, you’d most likely be met with some version of “Well, I sell team uniforms and equipment to college, high school and club sports programs.” More than six syllables and you’re most likely checked out. That’s why over time, I’ve adopted the shortened, simple job description that clients tend to use when introducing me to their own colleagues: “The Uniform Guy”. It might not be as smooth as the mononymous “Pelé”, but I’ll take it.

Depending on the building I’m in, the tag could vary. At the end of the day, I don’t care if you land on the “Uniform Guy”, the “Nike Guy”, the “Adidas Guy”, and so on. In my opinion, the KISS Method is severely underrated in this industry, and all that matters is that I’m the guy.

Right now, if you google “The Uniform Guy”, you’ll encounter a lovely small business in Canton, Ohio specializing in medical, dental and hospitality uniforms. It took Homer only 22 minutes of run-time to establish the eternal name recognition of “Mr. Plow”….I guess I have some work to do if I’ll make it to the top of the Google Insights food-chain.

In the meantime, I’ve decided that I’m qualified enough to open up this gear talk after years of sitting in product meetings, outfitting a very diverse base of athletic programs, and most recently – sitting in quarantine for too long. I encourage outside thoughts and perspectives, both affirming and contrary.

Welcome to all gear nerds and sportswear enthusiasts – I promise this will be the last self-serving post.

-JT