Riverbend Apparel and Promotions:
When Becky Mackowicz decided to take a leap of faith in October 2019 and purchase Riverbend Apparel and Promotions with her husband John, she had no idea what challenges lay ahead. As a branding company specializing in embroidery and screen printing on promotional items like coffee mugs, tumblers, and pens, Riverbend built a reputation for quality and service in the business-to-business market. But just months after their acquisition, the world would be plunged into a pandemic that threatened to unravel their dreams.
From Humble Beginnings to Bold Ambitions
Becky spent nearly two decades building an embroidery and screen-printing business from the ground up. She was inspired when she purchased a small embroidery machine, and she quickly expanded her endeavor by diving into new techniques. She originally focused on small orders for schools, coaches, and individuals with customization needs. Her garage was a bustling hub of activity, filled with heat presses and embroidery machines, where she crafted custom designs for PTAs and sports teams.
In a move to reclaim their garage and their family’s privacy, Becky and John purchased a building that served as the location of their business until an encounter with the former owner of Riverbend Apparel and Promotions provided Becky an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. The decision to purchase Riverbend was driven by a desire to expand and transition to larger business-to-business orders, leaving behind the labor-intensive small orders that consumed so much of their time and energy.
“We wanted to move away from small, one-off orders and into business-to-business clients,” Becky recalls. “It was completely different how things needed to rotate through the office. Riverbend already had the systems and structure for us to transfer into doing large business-to-business jobs.”
A Leap of Faith Amidst Uncertainty
The timing of their purchase couldn’t have been more precarious. Just as Becky and John were settling into their new roles as owners, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world came to a standstill. “The phones went silent,” Becky remembers. “Businesses were focused on survival, and the demand for promotional items plummeted.”
For many, this would have been a crippling blow. But Becky saw an opportunity in the silence. “We leaned into learning how this new business worked,” she says. With fewer orders to fill, she spent her days speaking with vendors and suppliers, asking questions, and absorbing as much knowledge as she could about the business she had purchased.
“When the world went silent, they had the time to teach me about my business, the industry, and all the things that we were paying for that we had no idea how to utilize,” Becky explains. “That helped us a great deal in the long run.”
Learning and Growing Through Adversity
The early months of the pandemic were a period of intense learning and growth for Becky. She used the time to understand the intricacies of the business, from the supply chain to customer relations. This foundation of knowledge proved invaluable when the world began to open up again.
“It wound up being about a year with very little business. I spent that time picking the brains of anyone who called,” Becky says. “By the time life started happening again, I felt confident in the business I had acquired. I felt like I had a grip on it.”
One particularly poignant moment came when a former client, now working for a different company, reached out for promotional items. Despite the challenges of supply chain disruptions, Becky managed to fulfill the order, which led to more business from this client. It was a turning point that reassured her they were on the right path.
The Strength of a Family Business
Riverbend Apparel and Promotions is truly a family endeavor for Becky and John. Two of their sons, both with business degrees, work full-time in the office. The close-knit nature of their team allows them to offer a level of personalized service that sets them apart from larger competitors.
“Every person in our office knows what’s going on with each client,” Becky says. “We’re big enough but not too big. It helps us offer personalized service versus reaching some random customer service line that doesn’t even have a human answering the phone.”
This dedication to personalized service has been a key factor in their success. They continue to build strong relationships with small and large businesses while ensuring every client feels valued and attended to.
Looking to the Future
As Becky and John look to the future, their goals are clear: continue teaching their sons the business, expand operations, and maintain the elevated level of service that has become their hallmark. They hope that one day their children will take over the business, continuing the family legacy.
“We want to build a strong foundation to be able to pass it down,” Becky says. “It’s great working with my children because they choose to be here. I get to see them grow and they get to see me grow. We’ve all grown so much in this business.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering the entrepreneurial path, Becky offers candid advice. “You need to know if this is truly for you because entrepreneurship is crazy,” she says. “You have to sacrifice so much to make it work. Reach out to other entrepreneurs while building your business and figure out what works for you.”
Her journey with Riverbend Apparel and Promotions is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the strength of family. Through the challenges of a global pandemic, Becky and her family have survived and thrived, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth and learning. Their story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when you face challenges head-on and work together toward a common goal.
How to Partner with Riverbend Apparel and Promotions
If your business needs exceptional branded merchandise, Riverbend Apparel and Promotions is ready to help. Their commitment to personalized service and high-quality products makes them a standout choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need custom embroidery, screen printing, or other promotional items, Riverbend has you covered.
To learn more about their offerings or to start a partnership, visit their website at www.riverbendap.com. For direct inquiries, you can contact Becky Mackowicz via email at becky@riverbendap.com.
Allow Riverbend Apparel and Promotions to elevate your brand with their top-notch products and dedicated service.
Written by Eleni Owens
Photos by Gary Riggs Photography