BAMKO (PPAI 242148, Platinum) – PPAI 100’s No. 6 distributor – has been recognized as the No. 1 Best Place to Work in Los Angeles for 2024 by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

• The winner of this year’s prestigious award was determined through employee surveys and evaluations. It highlights BAMKO’s dedication to fostering an exceptional workplace culture where team members thrive.
• BAMKO says its team-first philosophy is central to everything it does. The LA-based distributor also credits open communication and mutual respect for creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to contribute.

“This award is a testament to BAMKO’s unwavering commitment to creating a positive, inclusive and empowering work environment,” says Stephanie Bass, global head of HR at BAMKO. “We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with opportunities to grow, collaborate and feel valued.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built at BAMKO,” says Jake Himelstein, president of BAMKO. “This award is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our entire team. We’re committed to continuing to invest in our people, and growing our team of dedicated individuals who are proud to be part of the BAMKO journey.”

Bentonville, Arkansas-based Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, Gold) – PPAI 100’s No. 30 supplier – has appointed Kim Jones as the new head of manufacturing.

• Jones brings more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry and a rich background working with major retail brands like Nike, New Balance and Fanatics. She started her career as a business owner and successfully ran the company for two decades before transitioning to larger corporations in 2011. She has since dedicated her career to helping companies innovate and grow, with a focus on enhancing manufacturing processes and efficiency.
• Her expertise lies in introducing cutting-edge equipment and processes to facilitate greater efficiency and implementing Industry 4.0 practices, including machine metrics and KPI tracking.

“The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence is unparalleled,” Jones says, “and I am excited to contribute to its future growth and success.”

JJ Reese, head of operations at Outdoor Cap, adds, “Kim brings a level of industry experience to Outdoor Cap that is second to none. As we continue to expand our domestic decoration capabilities, Kim will be helping us set the bar for quality and execution in headwear decoration.”