We don’t wait for the future, we create it
Intentionally designed to make work an experience
Collaborative
Technical
Purposeful
Creative
Electric
Inspiring
Original
Innovative
Unique
DRI's focus is apparel. DRI connects consumers to the brands and products that they love. As licensee, designer, sourcing partner, or brand owner-we show up every day to create innovative and high quality apparel programs. Working with the world’s finest factories and our own internal product development experts ensures brand and product integrity.
We have the resources to ensure a fully integrated approach to our client’s creative development, merchandising and operational needs. DRI manages a multiple channel sourcing system, always conducting business in a socially compliant manner.
DRI differentiates itself from the traditional design and sourcing companies by providing services for all stages of product development and the sourcing cycle.
DRI equals quality. DRI gets involved when it simply has to be the best. As global apparel design and sourcing experts, we help Brands tell their story through high quality, innovative apparel products.
DRI DUCK is our work-inspired, outdoor apparel brand. Comfort, Quality, and the Outdoors are our brand pillars. They inspire us to create products that exceed the demands of today’s active outdoor enthusiast. From fabrics to fit and function, our team comes together to bring the best apparel, headwear, and bags to the market year after year. Hard. Core. Comfort.
Caps Direct takes an agency approach in creating exceptional headwear and accessories. Our talented team of merchandisers and graphic designers are experts in helping brands come alive through products that connect with their target consumers. Innovation in product design and sourcing come together to create hats, caps, bags, gloves, scarves and other accessories that quickly become go-to favorites.
From brand identity to product design, we bring creative minds to the table. Creative Resources, Inc (CRI) is our internal full service design and brand development arm that works across our wide range of projects. We invest and support the artistic professionals with the latest Cloud based software and hardware in order to make the hard work easier.
Our brand expertise is in high demand. Branded Custom Sportswear, Inc (BCS) is an authorized licensee of Nike USA, providing collegiate logoed apparel, headwear and accessories to college bookstores and other retailers. We deliver authenticity to the market place.
Our product development and design experts create apparel that helps brands tell their story. From graphic design to branding, through sales and marketing, creativity is the cornerstone of the DRI agency model.
The DRI team is innovative. Our team of experts is dedicated to excellence in every product we touch. In fact, we consider our people to be our most important asset.
DRI Leadership inspires. Our Leaders have been together for years... cultivating, organizing and engaging our teams to be the best they can be each day. We are an inspired group of professionals ready to take on new challenges every day.
Over 20 years ago, after stints in the department store world and the manufacturing side of the apparel business, I had a vision and desire to start a business that would deliver new solutions and resources for Apparel and Headwear Marketers. So in 1995 on April Fool’s Day (why not?), DRI began around a small card table doing just that. We started as a family business and we remain one to this day focusing on the core value: Always do the right thing and have fun while doing it. That value is still at the heart of the company 21 years later. That card table is still around too. Through the years, we've built a culture that shapes who we are today and one that will take us where we want to go in the future. I describe that culture as a talented and creative entrepreneurial family. One that focuses on quality, embraces change, and is driven to innovate. We are a group of creators, problem-solvers, brand stewards, and competitors that love challenge. We are a family who cares for each other and our business partners as much as the customers we serve. It’s a family I’m incredibly inspired by and one I am proud to lead. It’s also an honor to have my wife and both of my children involved in helping support this business. I continue looking forward to the journey ahead for DRI – creating new opportunities built on our solid foundation. Along the way, I plan to continue to take a little time to travel to new places, enjoy some great restaurants, catch a few of my favorite sports events, and tackle my newest adventure...being a grandpa.
Ever since I was 10 years old, DRI has been a part of my life when my parents had the courageous idea to start their own business. After graduating college, I joined DRI and to this day, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s an absolute honor to work here and to be surrounded by my family as well as a phenomenal team of individuals. DRI was founded with an entrepreneurial spirit that is still at the heart of the company today. It’s what drives our culture and allows us to create, innovate, embrace change, and grow. And it’s why I’m proud to call this place home. When I’m not spending time at DRI, I’m typically hanging with my family, enjoying a local coffee shop, a good movie, or looking for an excuse to travel some place new. I’m blessed to be able to blend work and life together and wake up each day inspired for what the day brings.
After a career that spans more than 30 years, I was excited to bring my experiences and leadership to the DRI family of businesses. My core values are ethical leadership, respect for others, and responsibility to shareholders. I am a licensed CPA and a former recipient of the CFO of the Year award and Women Who Mean Business recipient. I foster the servant style leadership and recognize that the strength of an organization is within its people. I am very grateful to work for an organization that values the employee and creates a culture that recognizes the importance of work-life balance so I have time for my passion, my grandkids.
Way back when, I walked into a store to buy a sport coat and walked out with a job. Worked the retail floor while in college, needed money! Then moved to the mid-west to work retail from the home office. Developed my skills of design, fabrics, and importing. After 16 years I moved a little further west to Kansas City and found DRI. I finally had arrived at a Home. A place where the energy is high, the people are passionate, and the products are superior. Our pace is fast but that of a marathon. Strategically building our businesses. I have many years in front of me but when I am ready to slow down I am looking forward to doing some wood working or maybe tackle my dream of Mt. Everest. We’ll see...
Once I accepted the fact that I couldn’t support my family skiing, visiting and writing about every continent, or being a DJ, I turned to my other passions for working with teams of creative people, travel, and leadership to craft my dream job. Growing up in the apparel business, and now for nearly 10 year’s at DRI, I’ve been fortunate to be an “INtrepreneur, helping grow our business with exceptional people, and building dynamic customer and sourcing relationships around the country and around the globe. I’ll still say yes to every possible ski day with my family, and any chance to enjoy Jayhawk basketball at Allen Field House. Other than that though, you’ll find me pushing for excellence in all that we do around DRI.
While I was working for a reputable garment manufacturing & buying group in Hong Kong, busy traveling between Hong Kong, China, and NYC; I had no idea my decision of pursuing further study in US would change my life forever. After graduated with MBA, I joined DRI in year 2000; It's been an amazing journey since then. Working with professional teams every day developing amazing products from design concept to deliver to the consumers, It's a dream job. I'm honored to have the opportunity travel to many different countries and humbled to get to know so many wonderful people, working together building partnership & trust along the way. It is a blessing to be a part of the success story of DRI - a success story for all of us! I enjoy spending time with family and friends and support our local sporting teams.
It is awe-inspiring to belong in the DRI family and be a part of the tremendous growth based on hard work and integrity. I am a licensed Customs broker, a member of the International Society of Business leaders and serve on the Board of Directors for the International Council of Greater Kansas City. I enjoy watching crime dramas, reading and begrudgingly attending kick boxing. I appreciate my role at DRI as it reflects my passion for problem solving and it is an excellent match to my logical nature. I take great satisfaction/pride in my team at DRI and I look forward to the continuous growth.
I landed in Kansas City in 1980 by way of Ann Arbor, New York, Chicago and El Paso-all along the way knowing that my career would be in the apparel industry. Growing up in a retail family clothing business, it was apparent to me that the manufacturing side was more my thing….so here I am at Design Resources after warming up at a couple of clothing companies and then the consumer products division at the NHL. But it is here at DRI where my skills and creativity are challenged daily, giving me the opportunity to be part of this exciting culture. When I’m not working-you’ll find me testing my patience on the golf course, reading the latest best seller or fiddling with my flowers!
Time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard for me to believe that I have been working in the decorated sports apparel business for 25 years. After graduating with a Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication from Kansas University, I was fortunate enough to find a career that combined my passion for illustration with my love of sports and the outdoors. Over the last 11 years, DRI has been a great place to use my skills and build a fantastic art department. With 40 team members, we are able to service any creative need that the DRI family of companies may have. When I’m not at work or watching Kansas City sports; I like to be at the lake wearing the latest Dri Duck gear and trying to catch a big one.
DRI Leadership builds the foundation of our company by always seeking the next new horizon, generating creative new ideas and hiring exceptional people to join us.
DRI Connects with the Community. We are Kansas City engaged! We are proud to make it a priority to be involved in our community, serving such organizations as the Salvation Army, Operation BBQ Relief, Project Warmth and BRA Couture KC just to name a few. Giving back to KC makes DRI a more meaningful place to call home.
Our expanding office has been an evolution. A reflection of our work with themed conference rooms, cafes, open meeting areas – all which establish a narrative through open communication.
It’s not all work when we have the chance to play! We embrace the idea that when you’re having fun, the work gets easier! We celebrate, we promote wellness and we enjoy friendly corporate team competition!
We support healthy living with programs that encourage physical and mindful activities for essential well-being. DRI offers walking and running clubs, nutrition tips, health resources, motivational support and even financial wellness education.
We are always seeking talented Graduates and experienced Professionals to join our team. If you’re looking for a challenging career in a demanding yet rewarding entrepreneurial environment…we would love to hear from you!
| Position | Description | View |
|---|---|---|
| Account Services Representative | We are seeking the right individual, to provide the highest quality of account services to external and internal customers. | View |
| Assistant Merchandiser – Apparel Product Development | We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a team environment and has a strong desire to learn and grow in the apparel industry! | View |
| Assistant Merchandiser – Caps Direct | We are looking for the right individual, with a strong desire to grow in the industry and who enjoys working in a team environment to join our Caps Direct Merchandising Team as an Assistant Merchandiser! | View |
| Data Control Coordinator | We are looking for a highly organized analytical individual with great attention to detail. | View |
| Marketing Manager | We're seeking a talented and experienced Marketing Manager to join our team and drive our marketing efforts to new heights. | View |
| Warehouse Associate | We are seeking the right individual to provide the highest quality of service maintaining our warehouse procedures and processes. | View |
Complete Benefit Package
A full range of traditional benefits is available to our full-time associates. The complete DRI package offers our employees a level of comfort and security for themselves and their families. DRI also provides tickets to enjoy extracurricular event tickets in our community including the Royals, Chiefs, Sporting KC, Nelson Atkins Museum and the Sprint Center.
| Benefits |
|---|
| Health, Dental, Vision |
| Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long Term Disability |
| Critical Illness & Accident Insurance |
| Long Term Care Insurance |
| 401K w/ Employer Match |
| Paid Time Off (Including Holidays) |
| Flexible Work Schedules |
| Employee Discounts |
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
