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Reasons Why We Love Trucker Hats in Seattle

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We love trucker caps in Seattle because they are stylish, breathable, and protect against sunlight’s burning rays. According to Northwest Custom Apparel’s inventory records, trucker caps have been an all-time favorite and number-one seller for many years.

The mesh backing ensures cooling and breathability during Seattle’s summer. Cap expert and Operations Manager Erik Mickelson likes how trucker caps are made from 100% cotton. Because the front panel is a constructed twill, it makes embroidery easy. Unlike cotton caps that make you sweat, the trucker is 100% polyester mesh and breathable. Furthermore, the snap-back closure is strong, comfortable, and looks great.

The most popular trucker cap style numbers are the Richardson style 112 and the Port Authority style C112. Operations Manager Erik Mickelson frequently runs inventory reports from his inventory system, Shopworks. Moreover, Shopworks continually reports that style 112 has sold over 25,000 caps, and style C112 comes in second with 15,000 caps sold. Above all, this is why the 112 and C112 are the top-selling cap styles in Seattle.

Trucker Cap with Leather Patch
Custom Leather Patch on the Trucker Cap

Embroidery patches or leather patches Custom Patches pair well with Trucker caps


Faux Leather Patch – Provide a rustic, upscale look for any brand with animal-free faux leather patches. Available in heat-applied or pressure-sensitive backing, create finely detailed, laser-etched custom logos that are easy to apply and safe for washing!

Black Trucker Cap with a sublimated patch
Leather-patched Trucker Caps are perfect for Seattle weather.

Sublimated/print Patch – Print Stitch Patches blend two of the most popular decoration methods to achieve a remarkable effect in just one custom patch. These high-end, specialty patches combine embroidery and sublimation for a full-color, photo-realistic finish that offers the texture and dimension of traditional stitching. Add value to apparel and hard goods with Print Stitch Patches, available as heat-applied transfers or pressure-sensitive stickers.

History of the Trucker Cap in the Movies

Smokey and the Bandit was the biggest movie of 1977 that launched the trucker cap around the US. Jerry Reed and Burt Reynolds were paired together in this classic Southern comedy. It was about a trucker named Cletus Snow who was challenged to haul over 250 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia in 28 hours or less. The show’s star was Bandit, played by Burt Reynolds, and he was to block the police in his black 1977 Trans am.

Jerry Reed Wears a “Caterpillar Patch Cap” in the movie.

Jerry Reed, aka Snowman, wore a black trucker cap with an embroidered Caterpillar tractor patch emblazoned on the front. The patch had the word CAT in black stitching, and the background was caterpillar Yellow. Coupled with black merrow stitching around the patch. Snowman wore the CAT trucker cap throughout the entire movie. Despite Snowman’s curly hair, he never took the CAT trucker cap off. Some memorable scenes of Snowman and the CAT cap were the unveiling of Bandits’ new 1977 black Transam. This is the first time the audience sees the CAT trucker cap on Snowman.

Jerry Reed “Snowman” gets his CAT trucker cap knocked off

On the other hand, in one short bar fight scene. Snowman walks into a bar and talks some trash to the bikers. As a result, Snowman loses his CAT trucker cap after the biker punches him in the face. Snowman is upset and runs his semi-truck over the biker’s motorcycles.

Erik recommends watching Smokey and the Bandit.

The movie ends, and you can still see Snowman wearing this iconic CAT trucker cap as they drive off in the Cadillac. Smokey and the Bandit is a Universal Studios movie from 1977. In conclusion, we recommend you watch it to see more scenes with the Snowman’s trucker cap.

Erik and Jim visit a Smokey and the Bandit Filming Location.

On YouTube, we recommend you follow Erik Mickelson, Northwest Custom Apparel’s Operations Manager. In 2013 Erik visited the Smokey and Bandit bridge jump filming location. Erik and his dad Jim Mickelson, owner of Northwest Custom Apparel, visited Flint River, Georgia, to video the scene where the Bandit jumps the bridge with Frog in the 1977 TransAm. Despite the many years since the movie, the bridge posts still stand.

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Antonio-Massey

Antonio Massey

Production Team: Folder

Antonio Massey recently joined NWCA in June of 2022. His role on the Production Team has greatly improved our processes and productivity. Antonio is always willing to lift heavy boxes or help his co-workers during busy times. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog and mastering video games.

Alicia-Wada

Alicia Wada

Shipping Clerk

Alicia Wada is passionate about helping her co-workers at Northwest Custom Apparel in any way that she can. She works in our Shipping and Logistics department. Alicia, who goes by Ali, has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She lived in Japan for ten years and recently brought her family to America in 2019. She is interested in learning crafts and textile art from around the world.

Erik-Mikelson

Erik Mickelson

Manager

Erik Mickelson’s position as Manager is more than a job, it’s a passion. It’s always fun and exciting because he enjoys marketing, computers, and coming up with innovative ideas to help NWCA grow. He majored in accounting and finance at Washington State University, graduating in 1996, and returned to school to obtain his Master of Business from WGU, graduating in 2016. Erik continually strives to advance his education through podcasts, audiobooks, and industry tradeshows. He is married to a remarkable and caring wife named Wendy, a Registered Nurse, with whom he shares his many hobbies and a love for the outdoors.

 

Ruth-Nhoung

Ruth Nhoung

Production Manager

Ruth Nhoung is our Production Manager and Northwest Custom Apparel is lucky to have her. Thanks to her vast knowledge of machine embroidery and dedication to creating a comfortable and supportive work environment, the production plant runs smoothly and customers are pleased with our work. She is a loving mother and grandmother and enjoys spending quality time with her siblings. She says, “I love everything about Northwest Custom Apparel: the people, the atmosphere, the work, and the customers. I love what I do and I embrace all of NWCA’s core values”.

Steve-Deland

Steve Deland

Art Director

Steve Deland has been our amazing Artist since 2017. He loves working at Northwest Custom Apparel because he appreciates the goal-oriented, progressive-thinking management style. He is most passionate about his art, which includes scroll saw woodwork, and his five grandchildren.

 

Taylar-Hanson

Taylar Hanson

Sales

Taylar Hanson is a highly acclaimed Saleswoman at Northwest Custom Apparel. She has a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” The best part of Taylar’s job is getting to work with longtime customers who trust us to do the best work and take care of their needs. She is passionate about appreciating nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nika-Lao

Nika Lao

Sales

Nika Lao is very knowledgeable in how the business is ran because she began as an Embroidery Machine Operator and has worked hard to become the excellent and personable saleswoman she is today. She enjoys the stress-free environment and the many chances to connect with her co-workers over potlucks, BBQs, and bowling parties. Nika is a proud sister of two highly successful brothers and can boast mastering three languages herself: Khmer, Thai, and English. She is an avid camper, enjoys going to farmer markets, and loves cooking.

Bradley-Wright

Bradley Wright

Accountant

Bradley Wright has been a vital team member of NWCA since 2017. As our accountant and knower-of-all-things, Bradley is proud to work closely with his wonderful colleagues. He studied at the University of Washington. These days he dedicates his free time to his new house.

Dominic-Nguyen

Dominic Nguyen

DTG Operator

Dominic Nguyen recently joined our Direct-To-Garment department. He says he loves the family work environment at Northwest Custom Apparel. In his free time, Dom likes to listen to music, hangout with friends, and play video games. He comes from a very big family which can be very chaotic at times, but is always exciting.

Sothea-Tann

Sothea Tann

Production Team: Trimmer

Sothea Tann recently joined the Production Team in 2022. She finds Northwest Custom Apparel to be a good working environment with helpful and friendly staff. In her free time, Sothea spends quality time with her family and, overall, focuses on a peaceful and happy lifestyle.

Brian-Beardsly

Brian Beardsley

DTG Supervisor

Brian Beardsley has been with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. He is our DTG Supervisor. Brian loves that he gets to work with high-tech machines in a fun atmosphere. He has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. He said, “I always wanted to create visually interesting assets in a variety of mediums”. In his free time, he enjoys building and painting models, playing video games, designing, and playing his guitar.

UT-Tri-Tran

UT Tri Tran

Embroidery Machine Operator

UT Tri Tran loves Northwest Custom Apparel so much that, although she has already retired after a long career in machine embroidery operations, she is happy to return part time. She says, “I love the family style work environment and how everyone shares food, laughter, and fun on a regular basis.” In her free time she is dedicated to living a healthy and peaceful lifestyle with her friends and family.

Bunsereytheavy-Hoeu

BunsereytheavyHoeu

Embroidery Machine Operator

BunsereytheavyHoeu, who goes by Theavy, won our Operator of the Year in 2021. She takes on many roles in the production team. She says, “These are not my co-workers, these are my family! I cherish all the memories we make together”. When she goes home to be with her family, she makes the most of her time with them by holding family get-togethers and even karaoke competitions.

Sreynai-Meang

Sreynai Meang

Embroidery Machine Operator

SreynaiMeang is a hard-working Machine Operator. She is most passionate about helping people. Sreynai, who goes by Nai, likes to exercise in her free time and talk with her family in Cambodia.

Kanha-Chhorn

Kanha Chhorn

Embroidery Machine Operator

Kanha Chhorn has been an Embroidery Operator with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. She is delightful and always makes everyone smile and laugh. Kanha takes on additional tasks that allow us to exceed our customers’ expectations. In her free time, she can be found at her local temple or spending quality time with her family and friends.

Savy-Sorm

Savy Som

Embroidery Machine Operator

SavySom is one of our Machine Operators who is passionate about embroidery and sewing. She enjoys working at NWCA because of its flexibility. She has two teenage sons and loves spending time with her family on the weekends.

Sorphorn-Sorm

SorphornSorm

Embroidery Machine Operator

SorphornSorm has been a Machine Operator since 2011. One of her four sisters works here as well. Her other relatives are in Cambodia. In her free time, Sorphorn studies English, listens to music, and enjoys exercising.

Jim-Mickelson

Jim Mickelson

CEO

Jim Mickelson, after a successful career with a major oil company, founded Northwest Embroidery in 1977. This was the first commercial embroidery in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, Jim has become the guru of embroidery never refusing to answer a question or offer advice to his fellow embroiders. Jim and his wife Leeanna raised four wonderful children who went on to successful business careers.