Promo industry veteran Michael Reisbaum likes the words “made in the USA.” Proudly born and bred in New Jersey, Reisbaum is passionate about creating and securing opportunities for American workers. So, it’s only natural that this week marks a new chapter in his career as he begins a role as senior vice president of special markets at Unionwear (asi/73775), a supplier that has been making products in his home state since 1992.

Michael Reisbaum, Unionwear (asi/73775)

“I love to see goods and products being manufactured here,” he says of Newark, NJ, where Unionwear operates a 70,000-square-foot facility and employs 175 workers. “They’re making things here, taking thread and yarn and fabric and ink and dye, and creating a high-end retail product.”

Reisbaum joins Unionwear from Premium Square USA (asi/72777), where he served as a managing director. Reisbaum’s resume also includes leadership roles at Uncanny Brands, Delegate CX (asi/178336) and Counselor Top 40 supplier Blue Generation (asi/40653). He served on the board of directors for the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York for seven years from 2007 to 2015 and was president of the organization from 2023 to 2024.

Reisbaum was attracted to Unionwear for its reliability in domestic manufacturing, citing overseas sourcing as a critical challenge as tariffs and market uncertainty shake up traditional supply chains.

“I see Unionwear as an inspiring opportunity to work in the U.S. marketplace,” he says. He notes that while manufacturing costs exist in domestic markets, they are easier to plan for – especially in a time of economic uncertainty.

“Suppliers don’t like surprises, distributors don’t like surprises and end-buyers don’t like surprises,” says Reisbaum, who has worked as both a supplier and distributor.

In his new role, Reisbaum will oversee the promotional products business at Unionwear, which also sells to the U.S. military, government and unions. It has gained a mainstream following as the producer of election swag items for both Democratic and Republican campaigns.

Reisbaum says that between his and Unionwear founder and President Mitch Cahn’s client-focused strategy and network of industry connections, the company has a “remarkable competitive advantage” in the domestic manufacturing space.

Cahn told ASI Media that adding Reisbaum was a necessary step to handle his company's growth.

“Unionwear needed someone with Michael Reisbaum's experience to help navigate the surge of interest in its products coming from Top 40 distributors, e-commerce companies and promo distributors whose clients are requesting USA-made for the first time,” Cahn says. “Michael will be out there at dozens of national and regional shows, one-on-one events like Connex, and distributor events, helping find common ground with distributors eager to make domestic production work for their clients.”

Although only a couple of days into his role, Reisbaum is already brainstorming potential branding opportunities to help him sell. He’s identified a number of advertising priorities for domestic and international events and initiatives, including an election year, the World Cup, the Milano Cortina Olympic Games and America’s 250th anniversary.