Ira Neaman

President

Vantage Apparel

Avenel, New Jersey

Nominated by: Steve Lipic, president, Lipic’s Engagement

neaman_photo-web Few industry professionals have the historic vantage point of Ira Neaman, who opened his apparel company in New York City in 1977 and has witnessed the fashion and apparel trends that have influenced wearables and decorating techniques over nearly four decades. Although he didn’t set out to sell within the promotional products industry distribution channel, once he discovered it, the industry was a perfect fit for his business.

As the company grew so did Neaman’s network of industry professionals who sought out his expertise, advice, services, products and friendship. Among them was Steve Lipic, president of Lipic’s Engagement, a privately-held St. Louis, Missouri-based distributor founded in 1863. “Ira and Vantage have been our partner on all of our major programs,” explains Lipic, who has led his family-owned marketing and promotions company for the past 21 years. “We work extremely closely with all areas of our organizations to bring exceptional value to our clients.”

Like most partnerships, this one comes down to trust. Because Lipic trusts Neaman and his team at Vantage, it handles the distributor’s service award program as well as a uniform program that has gone through many custom iterations and changes over the past 20 years. “Ira has demonstrated that he will stand with me to resolve any issue that arises,” says Lipic. “We work together to make sure all challenges are a win for all involved. This program would not be possible without his partnership.”

Lipic values Neaman as not only a partner in business but as a personal mentor as well. “Without his advice, guidance and friendship, I would not have enjoyed the success that has come our way,” he says. “I don’t know another person in this industry who has a greater love for the industry than Ira. He has personally helped me and many others learn more than I ever would have.”

Ira Neaman On Partnering

What are the most important qualities in a good business partner? 

Trust.

What do you do that sets you apart from others in the way you work with clients?

I enjoy collaborating with customers and in-house teams to find new and exciting ways to use apparel for branding. With an intimate knowledge of both the apparel manufacturing/design process as well as extensive hands-on experience with decoration, I look to make the sales process easier for our customers.

Is there something Steve does that makes it easy for you to provide exemplary service?

Steve is an excellent communicator and always makes happen what he says.

What advice do you have for others who want to achieve a true partnership with their clients?

Understand the value of collaborating with your partners right from the beginning of a project or opportunity. Listen closely and be responsive.

 

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