Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) is continuing a family tradition.

The Sharon, MA-based family-owned supplier has confirmed with ASI Media that company President Jason Lipsett will expand his role to also include CEO.

Following his promotion to president in September 2024, Lipsett’s appointment marks the third generation of leadership, succeeding his father Barry Lipsett as CEO of the apparel company. Walter Lipsett, Barry’s father and Jason’s grandfather, founded the company in 1983.

The supplier also announced that Lindsey Davis will join the company on Nov. 17 as VP of sales and has launched an exclusive partnership with the New England Patriots that will offer limited-edition, co-branded styles. The partnership will be featured on charlesriver.com, a brand-new direct-to-consumer (D2C) website from the supplier.

“I’ve been leading the business day to day and guiding the company’s long-term strategy, so the transition to CEO feels very natural,” Jason Lipsett told ASI Media. “That’s only been possible because of the incredible support of our team and the foundation my dad, Barry, has built over the years. My focus remains the same: building on that legacy, driving growth with our customers and continuing to modernize the brand for both today and the next generation.”

As part of the succession, Barry Lipsett will transition to an official senior advisory role.

A New Chapter

Jason Lipsett said he’s excited about the opportunity to lead change, continue to modernize how people experience the Charles River brand and explore new ways to grow.

“I’m inspired by the opportunity to strengthen our connection with customers, expand our reach and try new things while staying true to who we are,” he said. “We have an incredible team driving this momentum, and it’s exciting to see what’s possible when everyone is aligned around a shared vision for the future.”

“My focus remains the same: building on our legacy, driving growth with our customers and continuing to modernize the brand for both today and the next generation.”Jason Lipsett, Charles River Apparel (asi/44620)

Davis was most recently with PPAI as the organization’s VP of sales. Prior to that, she spent nearly six years at Raining Rose (asi/80489). Lipsett said Davis’ appointment will be a critical part of the transition.

“Lindsey brings incredible energy, passion for the industry and a growth mindset that aligns perfectly with the values at Charles River,” Lipsett said. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue strengthening partnerships and driving growth.”

Driving Brand Awareness

The collaboration with the New England Patriots marks the first partnership with a local brand on an exclusive collection by the six-time Super Bowl champions. In addition to the new Charles River site, the collection is also available at the Patriots ProShop in Foxborough, MA.

“We’re honored to partner with the Patriots and bring fans something truly special,” Lipsett said. “They’re a symbol of excellence and community pride across New England, and we’re thrilled to celebrate our shared roots and the spirit that connects us all.”

Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) has launched a new direct-to-consumer website featuring a co-branded apparel collection with the New England Patriots.

While the new D2C focus brings a new platform for Charles River’s product offerings, Lipsett confirmed that the wholesale business isn’t going anywhere. In fact, he believes this partnership will strengthen brand awareness for the supplier, which will in turn enhance its core B2B business.

“This launch represents a major step in our long-term goal of strengthening the Charles River brand,” Lipsett said. “By connecting more directly with consumers, we’re creating greater awareness that supports our partners.”

He added the partnership will provide Charles River with new data and storytelling opportunities that ultimately benefit its partners.

Every product on the new site features the Charles River logo on the exterior, marking the supplier’s first collection designed with visible branding.

“These pieces proudly display the brand on the outside, reinforcing our goal of elevating awareness and driving pull for our partners,” said Lipsett. “The site debuts with a curated collection of about 40 styles, including eight co-branded with the New England Patriots. It is a thoughtful introduction that celebrates our New England roots.”

Added Lipsett: “The new site uses separate, limited inventory and will never take priority over our core wholesale program.”

A Collaboration That Gives Back

To celebrate the partnership, Charles River Apparel will host a two-day fan fest and warehouse sale from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23. For every item sold during the weekend, Charles River will donate a matching product to Circle of Hope, a Needham, MA-based nonprofit organization that provides clothing and hygiene essentials to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Boston and the Boston metro area.

The giveback campaign is supported by the New England Patriots Foundation, an initiative established in 1994 to give back to communities across New England. It’s also one of several programs from Charles River Cares, which supports various philanthropic causes like improving climate justice, ending housing insecurity and improving health and wellness. Earlier this year, the supplier became an official sponsor of the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for cancer research and patient care.