Field Notes
Oct 29, 2025
Imperial Appoints Jeff Horvath as Vice President of Operations
Imperial, a leading provider of headwear, apparel, and accessories, today announced the appointment of Jeff Horvath as its new Vice President of Operations. Horvath will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations, focusing on capacity expansion, driving efficiencies and optimizing the supply chain across Imperial's global network.
Horvath brings extensive experience in diverse industries including Aerospace, Electric Power & Distribution, Consumer Goods, Plastics, and Defense. His background includes leadership in global multi-site operations, turnarounds, network synchronization, and synergy value creation for both public and private equity businesses.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the Imperial team," said Jeremy Davis, CEO of Imperial. "His proven track record in delivering transformational results and deep expertise in operational excellence will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate."
Prior to Imperial, Horvath held significant operational leadership positions at Multi-Color Corp, PLZ Corp, Hillenbrand - TerraSource Global, Olin Brass, and Armstrong World Industries. He also received training in Operational Excellence in Japan under Taiichi Ohno’s protégé senseis.
"I am excited to join Imperial and contribute to its continued success," said Jeff Horvath. "I look forward to optimizing our operations, driving sustainable growth, and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers."
Horvath holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Engineering Management from St. Louis University and pursued Graduate Studies in Operations Management at Washington University in St. Louis, where he is also an Adjunct Professor instructing on Continuous Improvement and Lean Operating Systems.
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 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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Oct 20, 2025
Imperial's Fall 2025 Collection: Headwear and Apparel Essentials for Cooler Days
When temperatures drop, comfort and warmth take center stage — but that doesn’t mean compromising on style. Imperial’s Fall 2025 Collection delivers exactly that: premium headwear and apparel designed for crisp mornings, windy rounds, and layered fall outfits.
Each piece in the lineup — from headwear to fleece apparel — brings something unique, blending performance materials with timeless design for effortless comfort and style. Here’s a closer look at the fall collection and why each piece earns its place in your fall rotation.
The 5462: The Wistman – Structured Stone-Washed Hat
The 5462: The Wistman captures everything we love about fall — texture, warmth, and timeless style. Built from faux leather PU and heavy stone-washed for that perfectly worn-in look, this hat feels like a seasoned favorite from the moment you put it on. Its mid-crown, structured shape gives it a confident profile that holds up through blustery autumn days, while the curved visor keeps glare out of your eyes as the late-afternoon sun hits lower in the sky.
The self-fabric strap with antique brass buckle and eyelet adds a vintage touch that complements fall’s earthy tones and rugged outerwear. It’s the kind of fall hat that pairs naturally with flannels, corduroy jackets, or a weathered denim layer — ideal for days when the air is crisp, the coffee’s hot, and your plans take you outdoors.
Perfect for: Everyday wear, fall tailgates, or weekend errands when you want warmth and style in one easy piece.
Shop The 5462 Now
The DNA3161: The Sauciest Sauce – Terry Cloth Tour Visor®
The DNA3161: The Sauciest Sauce Tour Visor® builds on one of Imperial’s originals — the 3161: The Tour Visor® — and it’s every bit as timeless as you’d expect. As part of The DNA Project, this visor celebrates Imperial’s heritage of Made in the USA craftsmanship and classic style. The DNA Project is a special collection that revisits Imperial’s archives to revive designs that define the brand’s true identity — its DNA. Built from soft cotton terry cloth, it blends retro style with modern craftsmanship for that unmistakable Imperial feel.
The white terry sweatband keeps you dry and comfortable, while the 3 ⅛-inch wide brim on this high-profile visor provides ample protection from autumn’s low sun. Finished with a polished buckle closure, each visor is made-to-order — a detail that speaks to the care and tradition behind its creation.
Perfect for: Golfers and traditionalists who appreciate handcrafted details and cool-weather comfort.
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The L345: The Honey – Small Fit Perforated Performance Cap
Lightweight, breathable, and built for movement, the L345: The Honey is made from 100% recycled performance polyester in a low-profile, unstructured shape tailored for smaller head sizes (6¾–7⅛). Its perforated side and back panels enhance airflow, while the moisture-wicking, antimicrobial sweatband keeps you cool and dry during brisk fall days.
Finished with a self-fabric micro hook & loop closure featuring elastic and a garage tuck-in for a clean look, The Honey blends performance and polish in equal measure. Whether you’re heading out for a morning jog, a weekend hike, or simply layering up for travel, this cap delivers sustainable comfort and just the right amount of warmth for the changing fall season.
Perfect for: Brisk morning runs, fall hikes, or transitional-season travel.
Shop The L345 Now
The XL7054: The Wingman XL – Performance Rope Hat
Modeled after one of Imperial’s best-sellers — the 7054: The Wingman— this XL version brings the same clean, rope-hat style to a larger fitting size. Designed for larger head sizes (7¾–8), the XL7054: The Wingman XL features a 6-panel, mid-crown structured build that offers more depth and comfort without losing its refined profile. The 100% recycled performance polyester keeps it lightweight yet durable, perfect for those cooler, in-between fall days.
A contrast 4mm rope, frost grey undervisor, and snapback closure complete the elevated look, while the moisture-wicking, antimicrobial sweatband and UPF 50+ fabric keep you fresh and protected. Whether you’re layering up for a tailgate, a weekend round, or a crisp afternoon out, The Wingman XL delivers a best-selling design made to fit larger heads.
Perfect for: Tailgates, backyard get-togethers, or layered streetwear looks.
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The XL5054: The Wrightson XL – Performance Rope Hat
A classic Imperial favorite — now made to fit larger heads. The XL5054: The Wrightson XL takes the same clean rope-hat style as the 5054 (The Wrightson) and reworks it for larger head sizes (7¾–8). Its retro 5-panel, structured profile offers extra depth and comfort, while the 100% recycled performance polyester fabric keeps it lightweight and breathable.
Finished with a contrast rope, moisture-wicking, and an antimicrobial sweatband, The Wrightson XL brings easy performance and classic style to cooler days. Whether you’re on the course, at a weekend tailgate, or layering up for a crisp fall afternoon, it’s a best-selling look built for an XL fit.
Perfect for: For cool, breezy days spent walking the dog, watching a game, or weekend hangs.
Shop The XL5054 Now
90925: The Ballast – Premium Fleece Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Meet the 90925: The Ballast, Imperial’s elevated take on a timeless essential. Made from a soft, stretchy blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex, this crew neck delivers year-round comfort with just the right amount of structure. The midweight 270gsm fabric offers a smooth, durable feel on the outside and cozy softness within — perfect for layering or wearing solo.
Thoughtfully designed with ribbed cuffs, collar, and hem, twill neck taping with a red accent stripe, and a hanger loop for easy care, The Ballast is proof that simple style never goes out of season.
Perfect for: Everyday wear, cool evenings, or hanging out by the firepit.
Shop The 90925 Now
90927: The Cypress – Premium Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
When the temperature dips, the 90927: The Cypress steps up. Crafted from a soft, stretchy blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex, it delivers warmth without bulk — ideal for layering through fall and beyond. The midweight 270gsm fabric feels smooth on the outside and luxuriously soft inside, offering just the right balance of comfort and structure.
True to Imperial craftsmanship, The Cypress features side seam pockets for a clean silhouette, ribbed cuffs and hem, and smoke grey metal-tipped drawcords for a refined touch. Designed with the same attention to quality as Imperial’s headwear, this hoodie fits effortlessly into your fall apparel rotation — from crisp mornings to post-round evenings.
Perfect for: Early morning coffee runs, morning strolls, or watching the kids’ sporting events when the temperature drops.
Shop The 90927 Now
Why These Hats Work for Fall
Imperial’s Fall 2025 Collection brings together comfort, performance, and design versatility — perfect for layering weather. From breathable hats to premium fleece apparel, each piece is built to move with the season, keeping you comfortable from early-morning chill to late-afternoon sun.
From terry cloth textures and stone-washed finishes to performance fabrics and midweight fleece, this fall collection captures what fall fashion is all about: effortless function with everyday style.
Explore the full collection here to find your perfect fall fit.
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