It was a bittersweet moment as Steve Zalkin presided over last night’s awards dinner and officially ended his tenure as NAUMD President. Zalkin, who took over the reins in 2017, hung up his uniform, so to speak, and announced his retirement. Long time industry leader Rick Levine is slated to replace him and will assume the title of Executive Director effective immediately.

The official announcement came during the “Heroes Wear Uniforms” Convention, the first such gathering of NAUMD members in over 30 months, as the world-wide Covid health crisis forced the cancellation of last year’s event.

Zalkin has spent years in the uniform industry. His involvement dates back to 1983, when he worked for Omaha-based Pioneer Uniforms. He launched Alamar Uniforms in 1987 with his wife Kathy, and grew the business into a successful regional entity before selling the stores in 2016. Steve was also active in a number of NAUMD committees, including the Dealer Distributor Committee, and served as Chairman from 2010-2012. Both he an Kathy were mainstays of the association’s annual convention and trade exhibition.

“The most memorable part of my uniform career is YOU – the distributors, manufacturers, and associate members of NAUMD. With your knowledge, your assistance, and your friendship many of my personal and professional goals have been accomplished. I thank you for that.” said Zalkin. “It is with a humble and grateful thankfulness that I now step away from the industry and begin an extended vacation with my wife Kathy.”

Rick Levine, too, is no stranger to NAUMD or the business. An entrepreneur at heart, Rick began his career at Made to Measure Magazine, taking the helm after the previous publisher’s retirement. Later, he founded UnifomMarket, LLC, an ecommerce platform that brought online stores and ecommerce solutions to the uniform industry. An active NAUMD member, Levine served on many committees and on the association’s board of directors.

“I am honored and humbled to be named Executive Director of NAUMD, and want to thank Steve and Kathy for their stewardship over the past turbulent years,” said Levine. “I see the future of the uniform industry as both bright and challenging. There are considerable opportunities for NAUMD to grow, and an expanded set of products and services that members will benefit from individually and together as associated companies.”