Torrance, California-based Next Level Apparel, a family-founded supplier of premium, ethically sourced blank apparel, has announced Brett Bjorkman will serve as its new chief executive officer, following the retirement of founder and former CEO, Joe Simsoly.
Succeeding Next Level Founder/CEO Simsoly
Bjorkman brings 30 years of experience across brand and wholesale, including roles at Nike, Boardriders, Augusta Sportswear and, most recently, chief operating officer at Next Level Apparel, navigating everything from factory floors to boardrooms. His expertise spans operations, sourcing, risk management and sustainability, with a track record of turning complex supply chains into lean, reliable, ethical engines of growth.
“After decades of building Next Level Apparel, I’m proud to pass the baton to Brett, who brings the perfect balance of brand insight and operational rigor to this role,” Simsoly said. “Over the past 18 months, he has immersed himself in every part of the company and is ready to lead us forward, continuing our commitment to sustainability, innovation and excellence.”
Blank Apparel Quality, Sustainability Traceability
According to the company, Bjorkman has already made an impact at Next Level Apparel, strengthening operational efficiency, streamlining processes and reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality and traceability. Per Next Level Apparel, “His focus ensures that every product meets the brand’s high standards—delivering consistency, reliability and transparency to distributors and customers.”
“Premium is a behavior,” Bjorkman said. “It’s about doing things right, making products that last and proving it. That philosophy guides every part of Next Level Apparel—from sourcing fabrics responsibly to serving customers—and will continue to shape the company as it grows, ensuring it remains the most trusted and responsive platform for premium blank apparel worldwide.”
Next Level to Continue Expanding Internationally
Moving forward, the company says that under Brett’s leadership, it will continue expanding its footprint internationally, diversifying its supply chain for resilience and strengthening partnerships with compliance and provenance organizations such as FLA, Altana, and Oritain.
In recent years with more than 500 employees across the United States, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the EU and Asia, Next Level Apparel has strengthened its leadership teams and operational capabilities, building a flexible, resilient supply chain and robust customer experience to support its global partners at every level. For more on Next Level Apparel and its complete line of bland apparel go to nextlevelapparel.com.
