Remembering Brian McLeod

We will never forget your amazing smile. Brian McLeod, former General Manager Stahls’, passed on May 17, 2019.

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and beloved team member Brian McLeod. Brian, former Stahls’ General Manager, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2019 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He was 69 years old. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Brian is an esteemed veteran of  the decorated apparel, sporting goods, garment manufacturing and licensed product industries in Canada and the US. He joined Stahls’ in 1988 as VP of Sales and Marketing. While he was still in Canada, he was actually one of the first large customers of Thermo-FILM  and he used to screen print on it, he was quite the inventor. He liked the product a lot, but made us aware of a quality issue that we never experienced in the U.S….cracking when it was still on the roll. Inquisitive as he was, he helped us figure out that it was due to the cold temperatures in the trucks that were being used on the long haul to western Canada. Once we were made aware of this, we began shipping Thermo-FILM in insulated trucks only. Problem solved. This was the beginning of a long and beautiful business relationship with Brian. He was a key problem-solver because he always took the time needed to examine the situation from all angles. And he knew all the angles. Brian had an amazing understanding of the customers needs and was known for putting the customer first. We will always be grateful for the wisdom and insight he shared, as well as his calm and measured personality. He was a fantastic listener. Quick with a smile, yet reserved, he always knew how to make people feel comfortable and understood. His leadership experience made him an ideal mentor, and there are many folks at Stahls’ and Transfer Express that can attest to Brian having made an impact on their careers and their lives.  In 1996 Brian went to work for Roland DGA in Irvine, California, where he held several key upper management positions, including VP Corporate Marketing and Managing Director Color Products Division and earned his MBA from Pepperdine University. In 2008 he returned to Michigan as Stahls’ General Manager. It goes without saying that Brian was well-loved by colleagues and industry members around the world. He will be missed. Our deepest, heartfelt condolences are extended to his beloved wife Sally, daughter Samantha and all close friends and family members. Funeral services will take place Saturday, June 1, 2019; memorial gathering 9:30am until the time of Mass, 10:00am, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore, Grosse Pointe Farms. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made for Samantha’s college fund, c/o Chas. Verheyden, Inc., P.O. Box 36248, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236-0248

Brian and Ted at the grand opening of Stahls’ Texas Warehouse and Distribution Facility.

Brian and daughter Samantha.

Jan Starr, Ted, Brian, Carleen Gray

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