Landsman Uniforms and Embroidery stands as a testament to enduring family values and a steadfast commitment to quality service in Atlantic County. For three generations, this business has been more than just a uniform provider; it’s a local institution built on resilience, passion, and a deep understanding of its customers’ needs. The story of Landsman Uniforms begins in 1932, marking the start of a journey that has seen it evolve from a general department store to a specialist in professional apparel, always keeping the community at its heart.
The Landsman family’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked in 1932 when William Landsman established a general department store. As times changed and needs evolved, the store transitioned into a menswear shop in the 1950s. William’s son, Max, and his wife Cissy Landsman, were integral to the department store’s operations. In 1962, they expanded the family’s reach by launching Landsman Uniforms from their very own home. This new venture was undertaken alongside their existing roles in the department store, showcasing their incredible work ethic and vision. Even with five children to raise, Max and Cissy dedicated themselves to nurturing this budding business. Janet Smith, their daughter, who now leads Landsman Uniforms with her husband Dennis Smith, recalls childhood memories of assisting with the uniform business, opening packages of uniform shirts in what was essentially a home-based operation.
As demand grew, the “cottage industry” of Landsman Uniforms naturally outgrew its domestic setting and found a new home within the menswear shop. By the time William Landsman retired at the remarkable age of 85, the uniform business in Ventnor was flourishing. Max and Cissy’s ambition was to create a legacy deeply intertwined with the local community, and they succeeded admirably. Landsman Uniforms transformed from a modest side project into a cornerstone of Atlantic County, renowned for its dedication to providing quality products and exceptional, personalized service. Professionals across diverse sectors, from law enforcement and medicine to the hospitality industry including restaurant and casino employees, have consistently relied on Landsman Uniforms. They know they can find durable, high-quality garments and benefit from invaluable on-site services such as same-day monogramming, screen printing, computerized engraving, and efficient heat-sealing. Janet emphasizes the crucial role of in-house customization technology, noting that approximately 90% of garments sold are customized in some way. This capability to offer while-you-wait custom work is a significant advantage and a key selling point for Landsman Uniforms.
The seamless transition of leadership from one generation to the next has ensured that the core values of Landsman Uniforms remain unchanged. The family’s unwavering commitment to quality products is matched by a level of service that is only possible with hands-on, on-premises ownership. Landsman Uniforms provides the extensive inventory typically associated with large corporations, yet retains the personalized, attentive touch of a family-owned and operated business. Janet aptly summarizes their enduring success: “It is the same formula used by my grandfather, father and mother, and it works as well today as it did sixty years ago.” This time-tested formula emphasizes customer satisfaction and building lasting relationships within the community they serve, ensuring the continued success of Landsman Uniforms for years to come.
Landsman Uniforms and Embroidery recognizes that sustained success requires a strong and dedicated team. Janet acknowledges the invaluable contributions of their professional team members, including Capaldi, Reynolds, and Pelosi. Specifically, she notes, “Mike Reynolds has been an integral part of our growth and success.” This acknowledgment underscores the collaborative spirit and the importance of teamwork in maintaining the high standards and continued growth of Landsman Uniforms in the competitive market of uniform providers.
