Next Level Apparel (PPAI 272027, Silver), PPAI 100’s No. 82 supplier, has announced the appointment of Brett Björkman as the company’s newest CEO. This news comes with the additional announcement that founder and outgoing CEO Joe Simsolo is retiring from the company.

  • Prior to this promotion, Björkman held the title of COO with Next Level Apparel.
  • He brings decades of experience in the apparel space, including positions with Nike and Augusta Sportswear (now doing business as Momentec). At Next Level, he has helped lead the supplier’s focus on sustainability and traceability.

Brett Bjorkman

CEO, Next Level Apparel

“Premium is behavior,” Bjorkman says. “It’s about doing things right, making products that last and proving it. That philosophy guides every part of Next Level Apparel – from sourcing fabrics responsibly to serving customers – and will continue to shape the company as it grows, ensuring it remains the most trusted and responsive platform for premium blank apparel worldwide.”

Founded in 2003, Next Level Apparel is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of premium blank apparel for the printwear, retail, brand specialty and other decorated apparel markets.

  • In 2023, it announced its international presence with the acquisition of Stedman, a designer, manufacturer and supplier of premium casual and sportswear blank apparel for the printwear industry based in Aachen, Germany.
  • Later that year, it partnered with Grupo M, a leading textile manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic, to provide nearshore production while supporting NLA’s move to 100% U.S. cotton for its entire apparel line.


Since 2024, Simsolo had been serving as CEO as the company (after having stepped away from day-to-day operations), and his son, Eric, was also appointed to president in 2024, a role he continues to hold.

Passing The Baton

Simsolo claims that the foundation he and his family have built is ready to be expanded upon in the hands of Bjorkman, who can use his experience within Next Level Apparel and what he has learned elsewhere to take it to new heights.

“After decades of building Next Level Apparel, I’m proud to pass the baton to Brett, who brings the perfect balance of brand insight and operational rigor to this role,” Simsolo says. “Over the past 18 months, he has immersed himself in every part of the company and is ready to lead us forward – continuing our commitment to sustainability, innovation and excellence.”

After decades of building Next Level Apparel, I’m proud to pass the baton to Brett, who brings the perfect balance of brand insight and operational rigor to this role.”

Joe Simsolo

Founder & Outgoing CEO, Next Level Apparel

In this next era of leadership, Next Level Apparel claims three of its priorities going forward will be:

  • Solidifying relationships with organizations that ensure compliance
  • Expand its presence internationally
  • Diversify its supply chain


“As I step into retirement, I do so knowing the company is in capable hands and that Brett will honor our legacy while taking Next Level beyond what we ever imagined,” Simsolo says.