Michael Kazma
President/CEO Retail
At the age of 22, Michael Kazma has already made significant strides in the retail industry as a thriving entrepreneur. As the owner of Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats, a rapidly growing business headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, he demonstrates the impact of determination, passion, and strategic planning. His entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 18 when he opened his first retail location. Today, the business has expanded with a second store in operation, and a third one is on the horizon, reflecting his forward-thinking approach. With both physical and online stores, Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats caters to customers across the United States, offering personalized products that meet diverse needs.
Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats: Merging Creativity and Customer Satisfaction
Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats stands out by offering same-day custom printing and embroidery services for a variety of products, including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, bags, and more. Whether customers choose from pre-existing designs or upload their creations, the business ensures each product is of high quality and tailored to individual preferences. The brand's mission is to empower customers to express their creativity with no hidden fees or minimum order requirements. This customer-first approach has been a critical element in the company's growing popularity.
Michael's retail locations are situated at 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 300, Des Moines, and 4444 1st Avenue NE, Suite 216, Cedar Rapids. Both stores are open seven days a week, ensuring accessibility for all customers. The convenient service options, including online shopping and in-store support, give customers the flexibility to place and receive orders on the same day. As he prepares to launch a third location, his commitment to maintaining service excellence and product quality remains at the heart of his business strategy.
A Simple Process for Exceptional Results
Michael Dean Kazma designed the business to provide customers with a seamless experience, from selecting products to receiving the final custom items. Customers can visit one of the stores or shop online, where they choose their desired product and color, upload a design, and receive assistance from his team to ensure everything is perfect. Adjustments can be requested before the product is finalized, guaranteeing customer satisfaction. This efficient workflow allows Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats to meet the expectations of individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking high-quality, customized merchandise.
As the owner, Kazma personally oversees operations at both store locations, manages inventory, coordinates weekly purchase orders, and leads a dedicated full-time team of four employees. His leadership philosophy emphasizes equality, as he runs the business as an Equal Opportunity Employer. With a hands-on approach, he ensures every customer interaction reflects the business's core values of quality and service excellence.
Building a Foundation through Industry Experience
Before launching his entrepreneurial venture, Michael gained hands-on experience in retail and hospitality, which helped him develop the skills necessary to run a successful business. His first job was as a Head Shift Leader at Cold Stone Creamery at the Jordan Creek Mall, where he managed a team of 20 employees. He was responsible for hiring and training staff, implementing sales goals, and ensuring customer satisfaction by creating an engaging and enjoyable experience. His responsibilities also included handling cash transactions, promoting upsells, and managing inventory, all of which prepared him for future business challenges.
Following his role at Cold Stone, Kazma worked as a Barback at Summit Bar in Iowa City, where he developed a deeper understanding of hospitality management by assisting bartenders and maintaining bar operations. He later took on a Team Manager position at Panera Bread, overseeing a staff of 8 to 13 employees. In this role, he ensured smooth operations by managing customer service, creating purchase orders, analyzing daily reports, and maintaining speed of service standards. These cumulative experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and gave him the practical tools to launch and expand his retail business.
Education and Professional Growth
Michael Kazma graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines and pursued Business Management & Marketing at the University of Iowa from 2021 to 2023. Although he did not complete his degree, he actively engaged in several extracurricular activities, including the National Retail Federation (NRF). This organization, representing over 3.8 million retail establishments worldwide, provided him with valuable exposure to industry trends, networking opportunities, and professional insights that he has since applied to his business. His involvement in the NRF fueled his passion for retail and continues to guide his decisions as his business expands.
Personal Life: A Balance of Work, Play, and Community
Born and raised in Iowa, Michael remains deeply connected to his hometown of Des Moines, where he currently resides. Outside of work, he enjoys playing recreational hockey in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, a hobby that has been a part of his life for years. As a former speed skater, he once traveled the country competing with his team, an experience that cultivated his competitive spirit and resilience—qualities he now channels into his business.
In addition to pursuing his interests, Kazma is committed to lifelong learning. He continually expands his knowledge in retail and business management, ensuring he is well-prepared to tackle new challenges as his company grows. His proactive approach to self-improvement reflects his desire to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain the success of Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats.
Community Involvement and Giving Back
Michael's entrepreneurial success has not only fueled his personal growth but also inspired his commitment to giving back to the community. Each month, his business donates $1,000 worth of merchandise to local organizations, demonstrating his belief in supporting causes that make a positive impact. Through these contributions, he hopes to uplift the community that has supported his business journey.
As Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats continues to grow, Kazma remains focused on creating meaningful connections with both customers and community members. His ability to balance business growth with community involvement sets him apart as a leader who is not only driven by success but also guided by values of empathy and service.
The Future: A Bright Path Ahead
With two retail locations thriving and a third one in development, Michael Dean Kazma shows no signs of slowing down. His journey from managing shifts at Cold Stone Creamery to owning a multi-location business is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for retail. His ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry ensures that Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats will continue to grow and evolve.
Looking ahead, Michael is committed to expanding his brand while maintaining the high standards that have defined his business from the beginning. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that age is no barrier to success when fueled by ambition, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of customer needs. As he embarks on new ventures, his entrepreneurial spirit, community focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly shape the future of Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats.
Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats: Merging Creativity and Customer Satisfaction
Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats stands out by offering same-day custom printing and embroidery services for a variety of products, including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, bags, and more. Whether customers choose from pre-existing designs or upload their creations, the business ensures each product is of high quality and tailored to individual preferences. The brand's mission is to empower customers to express their creativity with no hidden fees or minimum order requirements. This customer-first approach has been a critical element in the company's growing popularity.
Michael's retail locations are situated at 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 300, Des Moines, and 4444 1st Avenue NE, Suite 216, Cedar Rapids. Both stores are open seven days a week, ensuring accessibility for all customers. The convenient service options, including online shopping and in-store support, give customers the flexibility to place and receive orders on the same day. As he prepares to launch a third location, his commitment to maintaining service excellence and product quality remains at the heart of his business strategy.
A Simple Process for Exceptional Results
Michael Dean Kazma designed the business to provide customers with a seamless experience, from selecting products to receiving the final custom items. Customers can visit one of the stores or shop online, where they choose their desired product and color, upload a design, and receive assistance from his team to ensure everything is perfect. Adjustments can be requested before the product is finalized, guaranteeing customer satisfaction. This efficient workflow allows Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats to meet the expectations of individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking high-quality, customized merchandise.
As the owner, Kazma personally oversees operations at both store locations, manages inventory, coordinates weekly purchase orders, and leads a dedicated full-time team of four employees. His leadership philosophy emphasizes equality, as he runs the business as an Equal Opportunity Employer. With a hands-on approach, he ensures every customer interaction reflects the business's core values of quality and service excellence.
Building a Foundation through Industry Experience
Before launching his entrepreneurial venture, Michael gained hands-on experience in retail and hospitality, which helped him develop the skills necessary to run a successful business. His first job was as a Head Shift Leader at Cold Stone Creamery at the Jordan Creek Mall, where he managed a team of 20 employees. He was responsible for hiring and training staff, implementing sales goals, and ensuring customer satisfaction by creating an engaging and enjoyable experience. His responsibilities also included handling cash transactions, promoting upsells, and managing inventory, all of which prepared him for future business challenges.
Following his role at Cold Stone, Kazma worked as a Barback at Summit Bar in Iowa City, where he developed a deeper understanding of hospitality management by assisting bartenders and maintaining bar operations. He later took on a Team Manager position at Panera Bread, overseeing a staff of 8 to 13 employees. In this role, he ensured smooth operations by managing customer service, creating purchase orders, analyzing daily reports, and maintaining speed of service standards. These cumulative experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and gave him the practical tools to launch and expand his retail business.
Education and Professional Growth
Michael Kazma graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines and pursued Business Management & Marketing at the University of Iowa from 2021 to 2023. Although he did not complete his degree, he actively engaged in several extracurricular activities, including the National Retail Federation (NRF). This organization, representing over 3.8 million retail establishments worldwide, provided him with valuable exposure to industry trends, networking opportunities, and professional insights that he has since applied to his business. His involvement in the NRF fueled his passion for retail and continues to guide his decisions as his business expands.
Personal Life: A Balance of Work, Play, and Community
Born and raised in Iowa, Michael remains deeply connected to his hometown of Des Moines, where he currently resides. Outside of work, he enjoys playing recreational hockey in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, a hobby that has been a part of his life for years. As a former speed skater, he once traveled the country competing with his team, an experience that cultivated his competitive spirit and resilience—qualities he now channels into his business.
In addition to pursuing his interests, Kazma is committed to lifelong learning. He continually expands his knowledge in retail and business management, ensuring he is well-prepared to tackle new challenges as his company grows. His proactive approach to self-improvement reflects his desire to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain the success of Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats.
Community Involvement and Giving Back
Michael's entrepreneurial success has not only fueled his personal growth but also inspired his commitment to giving back to the community. Each month, his business donates $1,000 worth of merchandise to local organizations, demonstrating his belief in supporting causes that make a positive impact. Through these contributions, he hopes to uplift the community that has supported his business journey.
As Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats continues to grow, Kazma remains focused on creating meaningful connections with both customers and community members. His ability to balance business growth with community involvement sets him apart as a leader who is not only driven by success but also guided by values of empathy and service.
The Future: A Bright Path Ahead
With two retail locations thriving and a third one in development, Michael Dean Kazma shows no signs of slowing down. His journey from managing shifts at Cold Stone Creamery to owning a multi-location business is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for retail. His ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry ensures that Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats will continue to grow and evolve.
Looking ahead, Michael is committed to expanding his brand while maintaining the high standards that have defined his business from the beginning. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that age is no barrier to success when fueled by ambition, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of customer needs. As he embarks on new ventures, his entrepreneurial spirit, community focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly shape the future of Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats.
