STANTT HIRES TWO MENSWEAR VETERANS TO LEAD EXPANSION INTO CANADA

Custom shirt brand Stantt has added to its team. In its efforts to expand into Canada, the brand has hired two industry veterans to lead sales in the region.

Leading sales in Eastern Canada, Stantt has hired Rick Pihlainen. Pihlainen has spent over 20 years in the menswear industry, including different roles in corporate management (previously a vice-president at Coppley) before starting his own sales agency in 2010 – Pihlainen + Partners.

He became the Canadian licensee and importer for Paul Betenly in 2016. Other key lines he represented are Saxx Underwear and Pete Huntington Sportswear. Pihlainen has a solid understanding of the men’s specialty store market and the growing importance of both innovation and custom as key concepts to create a growing bottom line for specialty stores.

Leading sales in Western Canada, the brand has hired Tami Bates. Bates is an entrepreneur with an extensive background in sales, marketing, and design. In 2007, she started TAB West Agency, a company that stands by the brands it sells, including Saxx Underwear and Marcoliani.

“We’re excited to announce the expansion of our game-changing personalized-fit concept to Canada, including the same 7-9 day made-to-order delivery that has brought us success in the U.S.,” said Kirk Keel, president of Stantt. “Rick and Tami are industry veterans who have a track record of delivering relentless passion and ideation to their brands.”