Sue Mills established Mills Uniforms in 1947, driven by a vision to revolutionize the school uniform market. Leveraging her expertise in textiles and clothing design, she was confident in delivering superior products and unparalleled service, setting a new benchmark for mills uniforms providers. Her firsthand experience as a parent navigating the private school system gave her unique insights into the specific needs of students and families seeking quality school attire.
Starting modestly with a single store in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights, Mills Uniforms rapidly ascended, evolving into a manufacturer and the preferred uniform program creator for leading private institutions in the city. The reputation of mills uniforms for quality and service propelled expansion throughout California and into key states like Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee, establishing strongholds of dedicated service. For 75 years, across three generations of Mills women leadership, the company became synonymous with consistent, high-quality products, deeply committed to the schools and students they served.
In 2022, a significant chapter began as DENNIS Uniform acquired Mills Uniforms. This union brought together over 40 seasoned Mills staff members, adding more than 300 years of collective school uniform experience to the DENNIS team. This partnership was built on shared business philosophies and a mutual dedication to exceptional service within school communities, fostering the thriving collaboration seen today.
Suzette Foley, the granddaughter of Sue Mills and the president of Mills, continues to play a vital role as a DENNIS board member. She is a pivotal figure in ensuring a seamless transition and the successful integration of Mills into DENNIS Uniform. Suzette’s connection to the business is deeply rooted; her early years were spent immersed in the company, even having a nursery set up in the office shortly after her birth so her mother could return to work while caring for her. After graduating from Berkeley, Suzette officially joined Mills, mastering every role within the company before stepping into the president and CEO position in 1998, following the retirement of her mother and aunt. DENNIS Uniform proudly upholds a strong connection to the entrepreneurial spirit of Mills, a fellow industry leader that has significantly contributed to the growth and evolution of the school uniform sector.
With a combined history exceeding a century in the uniform business, the value of strong partnerships is deeply ingrained in both Mills and DENNIS. DENNIS acknowledges the immense benefit derived from the experience and expertise of their Mills colleagues. Both companies have always prioritized long-term relationships, a principle that guides all aspects of their operations. The combined entity expresses immense pride in the achievements of their partners and are gratified to continue engaging with the vibrant communities they have cultivated. This dedication to collaboration and continuous learning from business partners has been instrumental in shaping DENNIS Uniform into the true uniform experts™ they are recognized as today, carrying forward the legacy of quality and service that defines mills uniforms.
