Field Notes

Oct 28, 2025

Imperial Names Alvin Winans as Senior Director of Quality Assurance

BOURBON, MISSOURI  — Imperial, a leading manufacturer of premium-quality headwear,  apparel and accessories, proudly announces the appointment of Alvin Winans as Senior Director of Quality Assurance. Winans brings more than three decades of leadership experience in apparel manufacturing, engineering, and quality management to Imperial’s growing organization. In his new role, Winans will lead Imperial’s quality assurance strategy, driving process excellence and ensuring that the company’s products meet the highest standards of craftsmanship, performance, and customer satisfaction across all channels. “Alvin’s deep experience across factory operations, lean manufacturing, and quality systems will strengthen Imperial’s foundation as we continue to scale,” said Jeff Horvath, VP of Operations. “His proven ability to build world-class teams and systems makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership group.” Prior to joining Imperial, Winans served as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Mustang Survival, where he led strategic operations across multiple facilities, implementing lean manufacturing initiatives and mentoring high-performing teams. His career also includes key leadership roles with New Era Cap, Chico’s FAS, ATLANCO, and Walmart, where he developed and executed quality programs that enhanced efficiency, compliance, and product integrity across global supply chains. “I’m thrilled to join Imperial, a brand with such a strong heritage and commitment to excellence,” said Winans. “I look forward to building on that legacy through a culture of quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.” Winans holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. About Imperial Founded in 1916, Imperial is a CPC company with expertise in design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Imperial owns and operates several brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, and the Peter Millar Licensing Company.  Imperial is a consumer apparel brand that sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels.  Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, Adidas and many other global brands. Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech. Imperial supports the Imperial Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and vitality of sports—especially golf—and enhancing the well-being of communities it serves. CPC, Imperial’s parent company, is a Kansas City-based investment holding firm focused on a long-term strategy to buy, build, and hold™ great companies. For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on LinkedIn at @imperial-headwear or Instagram at @ImperialHats. Media contact:Jerry BiagDirector of Marketing jbiag@imperial1916.com
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Oct 27, 2025

Imperial Welcomes Justin Triebel as Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement

BOURBON, MO – Imperial, a leading manufacturer of premium headwear, apparel and accessories is proud to announce the hiring of Justin Triebel as Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement. In this role, Justin will lead Imperial’s Lean initiatives to drive operational excellence, efficiency, and innovation across all manufacturing and business systems. Justin joins Imperial with nearly two decades of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and continuous improvement leadership with organizations including EnerSys, EFCO Corporation, New York Air Brake, and John Deere. “Justin brings an exceptional blend of hands-on manufacturing experience and a pragmatic, continuous improvement mindset,” said Jeremy Davis, CEO of Imperial. “His proven ability to deliver measurable results and foster a culture of continuous improvement will be key as Imperial continues to grow.” “I’m excited to join Imperial and build on its strong foundation of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation,” said Triebel. “This is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen processes and empower teams to achieve even greater success.” About Imperial Founded in 1916, Imperial is a CPC company with expertise in design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Imperial owns and operates several brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, and the Peter Millar Licensing Company.  Imperial is a consumer apparel brand that sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels.  Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, Adidas and many other global brands. Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech. Imperial supports the Imperial Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and vitality of sports—especially golf—and enhancing the well-being of communities it serves. CPC, Imperial’s parent company, is a Kansas City-based investment holding firm focused on a long-term strategy to buy, build, and hold™ great companies. For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on LinkedIn at @imperial-headwear or Instagram at @ImperialHats. Media contact:Jerry BiagDirector of Marketing jbiag@imperial1916.com
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Aug 26, 2025

Imperial Renews Longstanding Partnership with the Association of Golf Merchandisers

BOURBON, MO – Imperial, voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech, is proud to continue its long-standing relationship with the AGM. Since first joining forces in 1989, Imperial has demonstrated a decades-long commitment to supporting golf retailers, professionals, and the broader golf community.  “We’re proud of the history we’ve built with the AGM and even more excited about what lies ahead,” said David Shaffer, President of Imperial. “This relationship has always been rooted in trust, shared values, and a commitment to helping golf retailers thrive. As the industry continues to evolve, Imperial remains focused on delivering innovative products and reliable support that empower AGM members to succeed.”  This ongoing collaboration underscores Imperial’s support of the AGM’s mission to educate and connect retailers and suppliers across the golf industry. As the AGM provides resources, networking, and industry expertise to its members, Imperial remains dedicated to delivering innovative, best-in-class headwear and apparel solutions designed to help golf professionals and shop operators succeed.  “This is not just a continuation of history, it’s an investment in the future of golf retail,” said Jennifer Morton, CEO of the Association of Golf Merchandisers. “Imperial’s ability to blend tradition with innovation mirrors the very spirit of our industry, and together we’re excited to create new opportunities that elevate the member and customer experience for years to come.”  About Imperial  Imperial is a consumer apparel brand founded in 1916 with design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities. Imperial sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels. Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, adidas and many other global brands.  Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech.  Imperial is also proud to fund the Imperial Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization committed to the growth and vitality of sports, especially the game of golf and those who support it, as well as the overall health and well-being of the people in the communities Imperial serves.  For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on Instagram at @ImperialHats. 
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Aug 04, 2025

AJGA to Host First Tournament in Hawai‘i with the Imperial Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao

KALAUAO, HI – The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), in conjunction with several key strategic partners, is excited to bring its first-ever tournament to Hawai‘i this fall. The Imperial Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao, scheduled for Oct. 10-13, will mark a milestone in the AJGA’s mission to expand access to elite junior golf nationwide. Imperial, a proud partner of the AJGA, will serve as the title sponsor of the event. As a longtime supporter of AJGA tournaments nationwide, Imperial remains committed to advancing the game of golf by investing in junior player development and creating meaningful community impact. “We are proud to help bring the AJGA to Hawai‘i for the first time. Supporting youth development and giving back to the local community are at the core of who we are, and we believe this event will create a lasting impact for junior golfers, families and Hawai‘i’s broader golf community.” David Shaffer, president of Imperial The event will be hosted in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Golf Association and held at the Pearl at Kalauao on Oʻahu. “We are honored to partner with the AJGA to bring this level of competitive junior golf to Hawai‘i. It’s a fantastic opportunity to welcome juniors to our course and inspire the next generation of golfers to elevate their game and reach their highest potential.” Ed Kageyama, general manager of Pearl at Kalauao With full support from local and national partners, the Imperial Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao is positioned to deliver a premier tournament experience for players, families and the broader golf community in Hawai‘i. For more information on the AJGA’s programs, upcoming tournaments, or initiatives, please visit ajga.org or contact Tim Jackman (tjackman@ajga.org) in the AJGA Communications Department. About ImperialFounded in 1916, Imperial Headwear is the leading manufacturer of premium quality headwear, apparel, and accessories for the golf market. Imperial’s products can be found at 99 of the Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States, and they were voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for six consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels in 2022” by Golf Datatech. Imperial is committed to style, functionality, and perfection in fit and comfort. It is this commitment that has allowed the creation of a wide variety of headwear and apparel with quality that is second to none. Renowned for its superior customer service and art customization capabilities, Imperial offers its products using the most innovative fabrics and designs, as well as logo decoration and embellishment technologies. For further information, please visit imperial1916.com . Follow Imperial Headwear on X and Instagram at @ImperialHats and Facebook.com/ImperialHeadwear . About Pearl at KalauaoPearl at Kalauao, like a precious momi (pearl), is a hidden gem in O‘ahu’s golfing landscape, offering breathtaking views from Pu‘uloa to the Wai‘anae Mountains. Established in 1967 as the Francis H. ‘Ī‘ī Brown Golf and Country Club and later transitioning to Pearl Country Club in 1975, it has long welcomed both kama‘āina and visitors. Today, the course continues its legacy with new enhancements, including upgraded clubhouse amenities and short-game practice facilities. Pearl at Kalauao remains committed to sustainable stewardship of the ‘āina, fostering a connection to the land that benefits both the environment and the wider community. Learn more at www.pearlatkalauao.com. About the HSGAFounded in 1984, the HSGA is a 501c3 charitable non-profit organization organized to enhance the enjoyment of and preserve the integrity of golf for golfers of all ages and gender. The Hawaii State Golf Association is one of 57 official USGA® Allied Golf Associations (AGA) serving Hawaii and our military golf courses on the Pacific Rim. As the USGA® AGA for our region, we provide education and training on the use of the World Handicap System while also being the exclusive provider of the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN). We also provide assistance and education on the Rules of Golf provided by the USGA® and the R&A, training on use of the Golf Genius Tournament Management Program and help with the Rules of Amateur Status.
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