After 30+ years in the Apparel business, you tend to meet some interesting people from around the world which enriches your life to be sure. It also shapes you in a way that you grow to appreciate all of the many differences among our various cultures. I had the pleasure of meeting Brent Caplan in the last 10 years and grew to know him even better as we both served on the Executive Board of the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors. Brent can be best described as the embodiment of a Southern Gentleman; polite, kind, interested, thoughtful, a family man and the list goes on. Moreover, he was a very successful entrepreneur working in the family business in Alexandria, Louisiana. Caplan’s Inc has been in business for over 120 years and value their customers, associates, community, products and services today as much as they did when the doors first opened.
I observed Brent from afar; watching him take on delicate and complex issues as a voluntary Board Member and handling things as if it was his only job. I watched him over the years as he quietly worked a room networking with his many friends and associates. And I watched him as he grinned from ear-to-ear with his wife Stacey by his side looking like he was the luckiest man in the world. The world needs more Brent Caplan’s.
Cobmex is saddened to announce the passing of our good friend. Brent passed away following an almost year-long battle with brain cancer, but we know that the outpouring love and recognition across the nation has been a meaningful and deserving tribute to him. Beyond Brent’s incredible lifetime achievements in his career, he was a devoted husband, father and friend to many. He loved nothing more than spending time with his two sons: Ben and Sam and cherished his wife Stacey who stood by his side for the most difficult year one could imagine. We thank you Brent for all that you’ve enlightened us with and we will miss you, but our fond memories will stay with us forever.
