After shutting down the business in Boise, Idaho, I returned to Spirit AeroSystems and rejoined the financial planning department. Spirit had gone public while I was in Idaho, and upon my return, I worked on integrations, acquisitions, and analysis for potential facility purchases in Europe from Airbus. Later, I transitioned to the aftermarket business, managing operations in Tulsa, Prestwick, Scotland, and Malaysia.
One of my key projects involved manufacturing two of Gulfstream’s wings in Tulsa. The programs faced challenges, prompting me to commute between Tulsa and my home for nearly a year to resolve issues. I implemented automation to improve component ordering for the G280 and G650 wings and explored relocating wing production to Malaysia. However, logistical challenges, including peen forming limitations and trade restrictions between Malaysia and Israel, made the move unfeasible.
Soon after, I was recruited by Koch Industries, joining their Operations Excellence group, which functioned as an internal consulting team. My work focused on capital project best practices and economic forecasting for project-related costs, including materials like stainless steel and carbon steel, as well as trade and technical labor across global markets. I also managed the Green Book, which consolidated Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) metrics for the Koch board of directors. Safety was a core focus at Koch, often used as a proxy for profitability due to its strong correlation with financial performance.
After two years at Koch, a former colleague, Justin Salmons, recruited me to Textron Aviation as a supply chain manager. I oversaw procurement for HR-related contracts, including benefits, medical, dental, and retirement plans, managing an annual spend of $250 million. After a year, I transitioned into finance as the Operations Finance Director, supporting manufacturing operations in Wichita, Kansas, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Independence, Kansas.
During my time at Textron, we acquired Beechcraft Aircraft Company, previously owned by Onex and Goldman Sachs. The acquisition required consolidating operations in Wichita and Chihuahua, leading to cost savings exceeding $100 million. As part of the integration team, I played a crucial role in aligning financial strategies with operational goals.
I later transitioned to managing Textron’s heavy machining area, leading efforts to modernize production methods. I advocated for monolithic structures over traditional stick-built assemblies, improving cost efficiency and precision. By refining cost models to account for tooling and other hidden expenses, we demonstrated the financial viability of monolithic structures, leading to their adoption in programs like the Longitude, Latitude, and Denali aircraft.
After 18 months in machining, I moved into Textron’s aftermarket business as the Pricing Leader. I managed pricing strategies for over 400,000 SKUs, optimizing data analytics and automation. My team introduced Alteryx to streamline processes and enhance e-commerce efforts, leading to the development of a more robust B2B website that improved accessibility and search rankings.
Following my tenure at Textron, I joined Cosmic Pet, a private equity-backed pet products company, as VP of Administration. I oversaw HR, finance, customer service, order entry, and analytics, integrating multiple acquired brands. Through e-commerce growth strategies led by Ted and Andy from PetFusion, we shifted Cosmic Pet’s primary revenue source from Walmart to Amazon.
When Cosmic Pet merged with Petmate, I became VP of Analytics, focusing on ERP integration and data analytics. After a year, I exited the business and co-founded an apparel company with my wife, designing innovative men’s underwear. Frustrated by the lack of size-inclusive options, I developed the ABCD pouch classification system to provide a better fit.
The Founding of Real Men Apparel Company
Starting during COVID, I worked remotely with factories via Alibaba and WeChat, testing samples from over 50 manufacturers before finding the right partners. In 2023, I visited China multiple times, strengthening relationships with suppliers and refining product designs. One factory, where I was invited to a wedding feast, became our primary manufacturing partner due to their commitment to collaboration and quality.
Our business launched on Amazon in March 2022, reaching $1 million in sales within 11 months. Growth continued, with revenue hitting $3.5 million in 2023 and $6 million in 2024. TikTok live streaming, which began in late 2023, played a pivotal role in scaling the business. The platform’s fast payouts and promotional subsidies significantly boosted cash flow and profitability, allowing us to reinvest in growth.
Recognizing the impact of TikTok, we used it to drive traffic to Amazon, increasing conversion rates and enabling us to raise prices. By 2024, we expanded to Shopify, aiming to establish it as a seven-figure revenue stream. We also leveraged Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and Pinterest to build brand awareness and drive direct sales.
As of 2025, we are maintaining peak season sales into Q1, a rarity in the industry. Our strategy includes running Meta ads, expanding organic search presence, and growing our affiliate network. We prefer rewarding affiliates over spending on traditional ad platforms, ensuring that our passionate customers can directly benefit from promoting our brand.
Real Men Apparel Company: Expanding the Vision
Real Men Apparel Company (RMAC) is not just about selling underwear — it’s about redefining comfort, fit, and confidence for men. Our commitment to size inclusivity led to the creation of 36 distinct sizes, ensuring that every man, regardless of shape or body type, finds the perfect fit.
With our innovative ABCD pouch sizing, we’ve solved a problem most brands ignore. By offering a custom fit at an accessible price, we’ve bridged the gap between high-end boutique brands and mainstream retail options. Our goal is to revolutionize the way men shop for underwear, removing the guesswork and frustration that often comes with sizing inconsistencies.
RMAC’s rapid growth is fueled by strategic digital marketing and direct engagement with our customer base. Our use of TikTok live streaming has not only driven record sales but has also built a loyal community around our brand. We actively engage with customers through live Q&A sessions, product demonstrations, and direct feedback collection, allowing us to continuously refine and improve our offerings.
Beyond just underwear, RMAC is poised to expand into other segments of men’s apparel, including athleisure and performance wear. We aim to apply our same rigorous approach to sizing and quality in these new categories, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for our customers.
In 2025, our focus is on scaling operations while maintaining the high standards that set us apart. We are actively exploring retail partnerships and considering brick-and-mortar expansions to complement our thriving online presence. Additionally, we continue to enhance our website experience, making it easier for customers to find their perfect fit and explore our growing product line.
Our mission remains clear: to empower men with well-fitting, high-quality apparel that enhances their confidence and comfort. With a strong foundation, an engaged customer base, and innovative strategies, RMAC is set to redefine the landscape of men’s apparel for years to come.