Client Letters

To Whom It May Concern

The decision to add a vendor is a critical one especially for a premium brand with demanding customers and stakeholders. The potential vendor is not 'just' a vendor, but a partner in the development process and a conduit to excellence in the delivery of quality products, from concept inception to execution, in timely delivery and follow through. It is a relationship that is critical to success. It is a continuing journey without end: - if you are fortunate to find a true partner in the process.

With Harley-Davidson we had a very select few 'key' vendors. Given our brand positioning, we were very selective as our criteria for quality, fabric specification, fit and delivery were challenging, to put it mildly. We produced 4 Seasonal collections every year, plus one Core collection and a quarterly "Fashion" offering to augment selections at our dealerships based on frequency of visits from our customers (on average 8-12 visits per year). That translates to extensive ongoing development for over 1600 doors throughout the world. Our clientele was 50/50 men and women with diverse needs in styling, fit and functionality.

With the advent of challenges in quality production in Asia and added challenges posed by quotas, we needed reliable partners with expertise and strong relationships with global manufacturers. We found such a partnership with the Stars Group. We had made the decision to manufacture select products in India, as well as incremental needs in Asia. The Stars Group ….. were stars. They had deep working knowledge of how to operate in India and had a broad array of first class manufacturing resources in both India and China. They helped us to navigate the terrain easily and introduced us to best-in-class mills and manufacturing, particularly throughout India, but also in Asia.

While the team at Stars were exceptionally strong and conscientious and attentive, Bret Schnitker was our primary link. Bret is a continuing student of the business which makes him exceptional. He has skills and a depth of knowledge in fabrics that is remarkable. He has nurtured sustainable relationships with manufacturers and works tirelessly to ensure excellence in execution – every step of the way. With the Stars group, it doesn't begin and end with the sale. Their approach is unique. They are engaged throughout the process-and- after delivery to determine response, sell through and what is needed to take the product or process to the next level –then the next. Technically, Stars Group are talented, knowledgeable, creative, detail-oriented and customer focused.

On a personal level, the people at Stars are personable, friendly and good. They are straight forward, honest and fun to work with. They care deeply about their business and are vigilant about taking care of the custom

er. They stay ahead of trends in the industry and care deeply about their relationships with their manufacturing partners. Their level of talent, combined with their spirit of caring makes for a unique and rare combination. For me, it set them apart. I trusted them implicitly with our business. I will readily admit I am relentless in upholding brand standards and integrity and am consistently tough to boot.

Very rarely will I put a pen to paper to create a testimonial. In this instance I was happy to make an exception because I found Bret, Jerry and the Stars team to be exceptional. The relationship we built continues today and will continue- because they earned it. We constantly work to maintain it.

I have no hesitation in saying that Stars International are best-in-class. No matter what the business model, they have the capability, passion and drive to bring it to life and make it happen, as they did, and continue to do, with Harley-Davidson.

Call as needed if you require additional insight Bret can provide the number, if needed.

Ruth Crowley
Former Vice President and General Manager
Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and Licensing