LINCOLN, Neb. (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Jay Thomas has acquired Champion System USA and has moved the business from Brooklyn, New York, to Lincoln, Nebraska. Thomas, who is the company's new managing director, is its former vice president of sales and marketing.
"In my prior role I came to understand and appreciate Champion System's role as a pioneer in the custom apparel market; they truly set the standard for delivery, service, and programs," said Thomas. "I'm thrilled to work with our service and production teams to expand upon existing product and operational excellence, and to continue to set the benchmarks by which all other custom programs are measured."
While Champion System in recent years has branched out from cycling and multisport to the rugby team, motor sports and netball markets, Thomas said he planned to return the focus to the cycling, running and triathlon custom apparel market in the U.S.
Champion System Limited, based in Hong Kong, operates in 22 countries and owns several factories. Thomas said that in most countries, Champion System owns its subsidiaries, but the U.S. office and Australia offices have been the exceptions with local owners. Thomas and Champion System Limited acquired the U.S. office from Scott Kaylin and Morry Edelstein, who founded the company in 2005.
Besides his history with Champion System, Thomas has worked for Trek Bicycle, Capo Cycling Apparel, and Pedros. He is the co-founder and former co-owner of Midwest Cycling, a six-store chain of Trek concept stores in Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas.
Thomas can be reached at Jayt@champ-sys.com.
