A Seamless Apparel Process with P&M Apparel

While vacationing in Virginia back in 1987, Melvin Richardson came across a classified ad advertising a single embroidery machine for sale. Having spent many years in construction after leaving the military, he was interested in a career change and figured embroidery was something he could try.

 

After returning to Iowa, Richardson spent time researching the embroidery business, then purchased his own embroidery machine, and started a business out of his basement.

 

“[Melvin] just got down to it and did it,” said Ryan Toney, Richardson’s grandson and current Production Czar for P&M Apparel. “He is mostly self taught, and he’s always been known as a hands-on guy. He isn’t the type to just sit around and let other people do the work for him.”

 

Richardson’s wife Phyllis later retired from her own job, and decided to join him in the business. The business was first known as P&M Monogramming.

 

Now located in Polk City, Iowa, P&M Apparel is a third-generation family business specializing in custom embroidery, screen-printing, and promotional products. Today, Kay Ferin, Richardson’s daughter, owns and runs the family business. Ferin’s son, Toney, and her daughter Megan Griffith also work at P&M.

 

Central Beliefs

Serving the customer is an important aspect of any business. But P&M Apparel delves even deeper with its generous involvement in their community. Between providing customers with opportunities for fundraising efforts and hosting 5K runs for those battling cancer, P&M Apparel works hard to assist those in need.

 

“I think our involvement with our community and clients is one of my favorite things,” Toney said. “We get a lot of opportunities to do really special things.”

 

P&M assists with many different types of fundraisers by offering organizers the option to set up an online store with customized apparel. The profits of each cause are given to the fundraiser organizer.

 

“Right now, most of our online stores are raising funds of some sort, whether it’s for a medical need, team funds, or trips,” Toney said. “In certain circumstances, and for causes that are close to home, we will oftentimes contribute all of the profits or we will donate something.”

 

Mission and Values

P&M Apparel considers itself a total solutions creative service by providing customers with custom graphic design and artwork; promotional products including apparel, advertisement, and signage; as well as excellent customer service throughout the entire process. Taking ownership of the process that results in a job well done is one of the nest parts of the job, Toney said.

 

“I think the idea of seeing something through to completion is what keeps me going every day,” Toney added. “I have the unique opportunity to touch a project at every stage, from sales all the way though to helping the customer load it into their car.”

 

Providing customers with not only a quality product that exceeds expectations, but also a personal service that fosters genuine relationships is what makes P&M Apparel stand out from others.

 

“Communication is important to any relationship, and that’s the relationship that we are wanting to build with all of our customers,” Kay Ferin, Owner of P&M Apparel, said.

 

To always offer the customer the best solution, staying up-to-date with current technology is also very important to P&M Apparel.

 

“We try to stay as ahead of the curve on technology as we possibly can,” Art Director Megan Griffith said. “That means updating our equipment as much as possible, updating our computers, and our software and everything so that it’s the best possible resource to serve [our customers].”