Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich “Dr. Patch” Soergel
Hi Rich, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a nearly 39+ year custom manufacturer and importer of Custom Headwear/Patches/Emblems and Accessories, I started right out of SDSU. I purchased a small mail order hat/patch business for $5404 and sold it in 1986 and started Pacific Sportswear & Emblem Company with the goals to become one of the most sought-after, and innovative custom private-label hat and patch makers in the US. Throughout the years, we have developed specialty patch process like Dye Sub, Mixed Medium, Soft PVC/Rubber, Glow, Reflective, Woven, Chenille, LaserCUT and recently developed and received a patent (Pat. No. 11,301,649) for SmartPatch, the world’s most powerful brand-to-consumer engagement patch and keychain. We are most proud of our SmartPatch product as it allows brands (ie Coke or Sony, etc) to pass out a patch and/or keychain with their logo and when the consumer/fan receives it, they simply download the SmartPatch app and “swype” over the top with their Smart phone and BOOOOM, they get instant information, coupons, events, specials from the brand. AND THE BEST PART, through our SmartPatch proprietary dashboard, the brand can log in and change the message anytime. This gives the consumer new specials, discounts, information about the brand moving forward! It is truly a cool and fun way that brands can stay in touch with all their customers and fans! SmartPatch can be made as an embroidered or woven or rubber patch or keychain and is under $5 each! We say that a HAT or SHIRT is $10 and does nothing, but SmartPatch is under $5 and does 10X the amount of promoting their brand. Take a look at the MAGIC of SmartPatch at www.pacificemblem.com/smartpatch
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a long, successful ride, however when you have larger customer who come to you for special event merchandise and buy quite a bit and then not pay (which is rare to us), is not fun! Some of the struggles is getting our name out there since there are tons of competition from China, Vietnam, Pakistan and India who continue to call on customers offering low pricing, free set up, 2 week turn times, etc… all of which are not true in most cases. Also, staying ahead of the game is crucial in our industry as you cannot rely on the same old custom patches, but need to invent, create and bring new technologies to the customers! We are truly a high quality maker of patches/headwear and pride ourselves on innovation, style and prices that work for our clients! We LOVE what we do or again, my name isn’t Dr. Patch!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a supplier in the industry for years, Pacific Sportswear/Dr. Patch strive to be unique and different in the market offering specialty patch/headwear process that most don’t even know about (ie SmartPatch, LaserCUT Patches, Merrowed, Dye Sub, Metal, Mixed Medium Patches, 3D embellished headwear and more). I am most proud of our long-standing track record of following through with a customer from start to finish and beyond and bringings smiles and satisfaction from all our customers. Our clients LOVE our quality and even though we might be very close on pricing with the competition in rare instances, they chose our company. We know pricing is crucial in our industry. Also, very proud of the charity work we have done with creating products (patches/wristbands/decals) for victims of 911, Hurricane Katrina and our recent Maui Strong campaign. The product that most sets us apart is our SmartPatch (which was explained on a previous screen)…. it could be the most powerful and success product once the brand managers, CMO’s and CEO’s learn about it! You can see it at www.pacificemblem.com/smartpatch
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love music and have played the piano for many years. Sometimes even at trade shows if there is a place that has a piano (like a hotel or bar), I just sit down and get engaged in my own head with playing some ad lib songs. I took organ lessons for 6 months, but then learned piano on my own and have a 1906 Chickering piano, a KORG and a Yamaha Motif 7 that I dabble with at my house. Another quality about me is that I am very honest and have lost customers for NOT telling or giving false delivery times or pricing, but lay it out on the table. So many in our industry tend to stretch the truth to get a job! Not worth it in my opinion, therefore the longevity of our business has proven that we do care and do let customers know all details upfront! PacificEmblem.com is truly the “quiet” FORCE in Custom Headwear, Patches and Accessories!
Pricing:
- LaserCUT Patches @ $0.49-$12.90
- SmartPatch pricing @ $4.96
- Woven, Dyes Sub pricing @ $0.49-up
- Headwear pricing @ $2.90-7.90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pacificemblem.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorpatch
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/doctorpatch
- Other: https://www.pacificemblem.com/smartpatch
Image Credits
(c) 2024 Pacific Sportswear Company, Inc. All rights reserved – all shots owned by Rich “Dr. Patch” Soergel
