Creating Innovation in Headwear: Insights from Outdoor Cap at PPAI 2025

We had the pleasure of speaking with the team from Outdoor Cap at PPAI 2025, including Jamie Jeter (Head of Sales), Jeanelle Harris (CEO), and Jenny Straub (Director of Strategic Partnerships). Here's what they shared about their company's journey, product innovations, and future plans.

About Outdoor Cap

Outdoor Cap Company, Inc. has serviced the needs of the headwear industry for over 45 years. They service 14,000 customers across multiple channels in the Team Sports, Promotional Products, and Retail markets. With integrity, teamwork, and respect Outdoor Cap has grown into one of the largest and most respected headwear suppliers in the U.S. 

They strive to offer exceptional customer service and expertise through every step of the buying process. With their extended license holdings, they sell and distribute headwear for over 100 well-known brands as well as several owned brands. Their corporate office is based in beautiful Bentonville, Ark.

Q: Can you start by introducing yourselves and telling us a bit about Outdoor Cap?

Jamie Jeter: Outdoor Cap is a headwear manufacturer based in Bentonville, Arkansas. We’ve been in the business since 1977, and our goal is to be the most well-respected headwear experts in the industry. We offer a wide range of products—from toddler-sized caps to extra-large adult hats—and focus on performance features like wicking, antimicrobial fabrics, and adjustable closures. Our mission is to ensure there’s a hat for every head.

Jeanelle Harris: In addition to Outdoor Cap, we have two other brands: Legendary Headwear, which focuses on sports and golf caps, and JUNK Brands, which specializes in headbands and custom wholesale products. Our strategy for 2025 includes expanding into technology-driven solutions to improve speed to market and ease of doing business.

Jenny Straub: My role as Director of Strategic Partnerships focuses on building and maintaining our relationships with key partners. We aim to provide tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. Whether it’s custom designs or specialized product lines, our goal is to ensure our partners feel valued and supported.

Q: What’s the most exciting product you’re showcasing at PPAI this year?

Jamie Jeter: Our OC 360 PF cap is a standout. It has stretch fabric and a stretch sweatband but still offers adjustable closures, giving the feel of a fitted hat without locking customers into specific sizes. We’re also excited about our recycled version of this hat, which is part of our effort to promote sustainability in the industry.

Jenny Straub: Another exciting product is our custom headwear program, which allows partners to design unique hats that reflect their brand identity. It’s been a hit with corporate clients who want personalized merchandise that stands out from the competition.

Q: How is Outdoor Cap integrating technology into your business strategy?

Jeanelle Harris: We’ve been on a mission to enhance our technology infrastructure. Our proprietary systems launching in 2025 will incorporate AI-powered chat tools, suggestive selling features, and other innovations to make our sales processes faster and more efficient.

We also have a healthy skepticism about AI. We launched an AI policy in 2023 to ensure we’re using technology responsibly while protecting our employees and data. For us, technology is about augmenting human interactions rather than replacing them.

Jenny Straub: Technology is also helping us better serve our partners. With tools like real-time inventory tracking and custom order management systems, we can provide a seamless experience from order placement to delivery. It’s all about making it easier for our partners to do business with us.

Q: How do you maintain a balance between automation and human interaction?

Jeanelle Harris: We believe that people are everything in our business. While AI can help speed up processes and improve efficiency, it’s essential to keep the human connection intact. Customers won’t always remember the exact product you showed them, but they’ll remember the experience you provided. That’s why our focus is on creating positive experiences and building lasting relationships.

Jenny Straub: Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about building trust and adding value. Our partners know they can count on us to deliver quality products and support them every step of the way.

Q: What trends are you seeing in the headwear industry right now?

Jamie Jeter: Performance and sustainability are key trends. Customers are looking for hats that offer functional benefits like wicking and antimicrobial properties, as well as products that are environmentally friendly. We’ve also seen a rise in trendy designs, like our new glitter hats, which have been incredibly popular and sold out within the first five months.

Jenny Straub: We’re also seeing a shift towards customization and personalization. Customers want products that feel unique and reflect their brand identity. Our custom headwear program has been a game-changer in meeting that demand.

Q: What advice would you give to other CEOs looking to leverage AI and technology in their businesses?

Jeanelle Harris: Stay adaptable. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses need to be open to experimenting with new tools and strategies. However, it’s important to use technology in a way that augments human efforts rather than replacing them. Always keep your customers and employees at the center of your strategy.

Jenny Straub: Don’t lose sight of the human element. Technology is a tool, but it’s the people behind it who make the real difference. Focus on building strong relationships and adding value, and the technology will enhance those efforts.

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