About Us
In 1993, Jim Weldon, an active duty Philadelphia Police Sergeant, had a small idea which would one day be called Uniform Gear. He needed a part-time way to supplement his income and he decided to sell police products from his small garage and a family van. After a few years, it became obvious that this part-time occupation was turning into a full-time job. Soon after, a 16-ft. delivery truck was purchased and made into a portable store. The truck was taken to districts within Philadelphia allowing officers to purchase their products before or after their shift. With the help of family members managing finances and orders, this small business continued to grow. Jim then decided to retire from the Philadelphia Police Department after 22 years.
In May of 2000, Jim and his wife, Mary, took a huge chance and opened a 1000 sq. ft. store - Uniform Gear Inc., with hardly any capital or customers, began! It was soon decided to purchase a new, more advance 18-ft. delivery truck providing much more space for uniforms and equipment. Police officers and fire fighters started calling it “The Truck”.
In October of 2001, the store was increased to 1500 sq ft. and in February of 2003, it was increased to 2500 sq ft. adding new dressing rooms and much needed office space. This renovation also included a computer system allowing us to provide an improved level of service to our customers. Our staff remained small with 3 full time clerks.
Uniform Gear continued to grow and in April of 2004 we leased a second building in our industrial park and created a 3500 sq. ft. retail area with a 1500 sq. ft. warehouse. We added embroidery equipment in order to meet customer’s needs and do all of our embroidery onsite.
Within the next few years many important additions happened at Uniform Gear. Fresh with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Temple, Jim and Mary’s oldest daughter, Jamie, joined the team as Operations Manager. After graduating Temple with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, their youngest daughter, Jessica, joined Uniform Gear as Retail Manager. With Jamie and Jessica running the show, Uniform Gear has been able to grow enormously. Now a days, with 12 employees, Uniform Gear offers on-site tailoring services, heat pressing, nametag engraving, off-site silk screening, a full embroidery department and a retail store that is known as a “toy store for police and firefighters”.