In this episode of Brand for Good, I'm talking with Fred Meyers, the founder of Queensboro, to explore the origins, evolution, and enduring impact of branded apparel. Fred's journey from a college dorm room entrepreneur to a leader in custom embroidered apparel is filled with insights, innovations, and personal stories that inspire and inform. Key Highlights: From Inspiration to Inception: Fred recounts how his early experiences with iconic Lacoste Alligator shirts and the simple act of doing laundry sparked an unexpected entrepreneurial journey. Discover how a gap in the market led him to create Queensboro and offer customizable, high-quality shirts that helped companies share their brands with the world. Innovative Beginnings: Learn about the early innovations that set Queensboro apart—from embracing the 800 number for customer calls to developing custom software on Dbase3 to manage orders and logos. Fred explains how these tech-forward moves helped streamline operations and enhance customer service. A Focus on Relationships: Fred dives into why building deep, personal connections with small and medium-sized businesses has been key to Queensboro's success. He contrasts the loyalty and trust cultivated through serving countless individual entrepreneurs with the challenges of handling larger accounts. Navigating Change & Growth: Follow the evolution of Queensboro as Fred discusses moving from New York to Wilmington, North Carolina, and finally to Dallas, Texas. Each transition brought its own challenges, but also the opportunity to build a dedicated team and refine the business model for lasting impact. The Power of Branded Apparel: Explore the transformative role that a well-designed logo and quality apparel can play in establishing a brand identity. Fred shares why investing in your logo is crucial and how wearing branded apparel can foster pride and unity within a team. On-Demand & Sustainable Trends: Fred touches on the future of the industry, highlighting the importance of on-demand production models and innovations in sustainable fabric dyeing and finishing. Get his take on how these trends will shape the industry in the years to come. Special Offer: Don't miss out on a unique opportunity! Queensboro is currently featuring a new customer acquisition offer: For just $4.95, you can get a premium quality polo shirt with your custom embroidered logo. Plus, enjoy free logo setup and, with orders of 50 or more, free shipping. It's the perfect chance for solopreneurs and creative entrepreneurs to elevate their brand with an affordable, high-quality product. Learn how thoughtful innovation, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to quality can transform a simple idea into a lasting legacy. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a branding enthusiast, Fred's story offers valuable lessons on building a brand that endures. Guest Links Website: https://www.queensboro.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queensboro X: https://x.com/queensborousa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queensborousa/# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/queensboro Brand for Good Links Email your thoughts about this episode: connect@prosperforpurpose.com Join the Peerless Brands Facebook community by Prosper for Purpose: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peerlessbrands Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineschuchart/ Follow Lorraine on Instagram: @lorraineschuchart Follow Prosper for Purpose on Instagram: @prosper4purpose Additional resources from Prosper for Purpose: https://www.prosperforpurpose.com