Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: Fossa Apparel (asi/55141) started with a mission of bringing stylish, retail-quality apparel to the promo industry. Woman- and minority-owned, Fossa designs women’s styles first, noting that women’s styling and fit has traditionally been overlooked in the promo market and that it’s easier to modify a woman’s design for men “than to carve a woman’s cut into a design originally for men.”

Fossa Apparel (asi/55141) employees enjoy an offsite excursion.

The family-owned business, helmed by President Michelle Chen since 2023, takes that same customized approach to its workforce – making sure everyone onboard is truly the right fit. “Our people genuinely matter here, not just their output,” says Eric Chen, general manager. “We work hard and expect excellence, but we support one another, communicate openly and create an environment where individuals feel respected, trusted and part of something we are building together.”

Top Benefits & Perks: Fossa Apparel offers employees hybrid flexibility when applicable, competitive benefits and a performance-based incentive plan that rewards impact and results. The company also emphasizes open communication, giving employees direct access to leadership and collaboration between departments. Plus, Chen says, there are real opportunities for career growth as the supplier scales.

Parting Tip: “Hire people who want to build something meaningful, then give them trust, feedback and room to grow,” Chen says. “Culture improves when leadership is transparent, standards are consistent and wins are celebrated together.”

If Fossa Apparel Were a TV Show, It Would Be Ted Lasso. “It blends high standards and optimism, accountability and genuine support for one another,” Chen says. “We believe you can compete hard and still be a good human.”