Rick White

CEO, Imperial Headwear

By Colorado Avid Golfer

What’s your handicap?

My GHIN is 11.2.

Where do you hold memberships?

Ballyneal Golf and Hunt Club, Glenmoor Country Club and The Patterson Club in Fairfield, Conn.

You’ve had the opportunity to play a lot of great courses. What’s your favorite?

One is National Golf Links of America in Long Island and the other is Cypress Point. You can’t go to either one without having an extraordinary golf experience.

How did you get into the apparel business?

For many years I worked in Major League Baseball and one of my roles was the licensing of various product types. Because of the importance of headwear in baseball, I was always very interested in hats and caps. A few years back, looking for a personal and professional opportunity, I was fortunate to find that Imperial was available, and with a group of backers, we purchased the company in 2004.

How does your experience with MLB help you in your role with Imperial?

In one case I was the client and now I’m the supplier. It allows me to anticipate many of the needs associations have and bring some insight into things they might desire.

Imperial has been in business since 1916. What’s the secret to the company’s durability?

Coincidentally 1916 was also the year the PGA of America was founded, but Imperial actually began by making headwear for Front Range military installations. We have an incredible team of dedicated and very passionate people who believe in what they do, make a fabulous product and exercise great customer care.

How has Imperial achieved so much success in golf?

In an industry where the average order is less than four-dozen pieces, we’re able to provide incredible design, tremendous product and quick turnaround. The majority of our orders ship within 10 days. No one else in the business can do that.

What makes a great hat?

It fits, it looks good on the wearer, it’s priced appropriately and it’s made from quality materials.

What’s the future for Imperial?

For us it’s continuing to do what we do very well in the golf community and taking those same attributes and finding applications in other segments as well. We’re starting to penetrate other markets with some success–collegiate, military, tennis, outdoor and resort.