Brian Stahl, co-founder and longtime operations leader at Michigan-based supplier STAHLS’ (PPAI 189660, Standard-Plus), passed away on November 22 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was 79, according to Andrews Mortuary.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, Stahl carried a lifelong commitment to service, discipline and integrity. A decorated Vietnam veteran and proud Eagle Scout, he later joined his brother, Ted, in co-owning a small family business that began in their parents’ garage cutting felt letters and numbers.

The brothers would grow STAHLS’ into an international apparel decoration company. Brian’s leadership helped drive many of the operational practices that became hallmarks of the brand, including advancements in waterjet cutting for twill and sports applications, the implementation of systematic production flow and quality monitoring, the creation of the company’s internal “Quality College” and the push for same-day shipping and fast turnaround, according to SGB Media.

“Brian was indispensable to the foundational success of STAHLS’,” said Ted, executive chairman of GroupeSTAHL. “He built the operational backbone of our company with an unwavering focus on quality, customer satisfaction and efficiency. He cared deeply about doing things the right way and believed that quality only mattered if the customer agreed. He also brought humor, generosity and heart into everything he did.”

He cared deeply about doing things the right way and believed that quality only mattered if the customer agreed.”

Ted Stahl

Executive Chairman, GroupSTAHL

As head of operations for over 30 years, Brian was instrumental in building the foundation that allowed Stahls’ to scale while maintaining its quality standards. He was widely known in the industry through trade shows, customer interactions and behind-the-scenes work.

“Although he retired from STAHLS’ in 2003, we still have many team members who remember Brian as an important mentor and teacher, especially when it comes to quality standards still in place today,” said STAHLS’ CEO Carleen Gray.

Brian is survived by his wife, Janice; his brother, Ted (Mary); his adopted son, Michael (Brooke); and grandchildren, Grady and Mia. He also shared a special bond with his niece, Sarah Free, and her family – Travis, Evan and Reese – who were constant sources of care and support. He is further survived by 12 nieces and nephews and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Although he retired from STAHLS’ in 2003, we still have many team members who remember Brian as an important mentor and teacher.”

Carleen Gray

CEO, STAHLS’

In honor of his military service, Brian will be inurned with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Celebrations of Life will be held in Michigan and North Carolina.

Due to private club requirements please RSVP to Cheri Johnson, cheri.johnson@Stahls.com (586-295-2710) for attendance instructions for the Celebration of Life service in Michigan, which will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on Lake Shore Rd. in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI.

The North Carolina Celebration of Life service will be held on February 14, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC; please RSVP to Jan Stahl, jangstahl@me.com for the NC service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his honor to Tunnels to Towers or Wounded Warriors.