Michael Kazma: A Young Entrepreneur Shaping Iowa's Retail Landscape
At just 22 years old, Michael Kazma is proving himself as a rising star in the retail world. As the owner of Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats, located in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, he has successfully built a brand that prioritizes customer service and same-day custom apparel. He opened his first retail location at the age of 18, showcasing his determination and business acumen. With two thriving stores and a third on the way, his business caters to customers locally and nationwide through its robust online presence, offering high-quality custom products and a seamless shopping experience.
Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats: Where Quality Meets Creativity
Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats specializes in custom-printed and embroidered products such as T-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts, hats, tumblers, bags, and keychains. Known for their quick turnaround, both locations offer same-day service for orders, allowing customers to receive their personalized items without delay. Whether customers bring in their designs or choose from a variety of pre-made templates, he ensures that every product reflects the highest standards of quality.
Located at 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 300, in Des Moines, and 4444 1st Avenue NE, Suite 216, in Cedar Rapids, both stores operate seven days a week, ensuring convenience for customers. The business's flexibility, including no minimum orders, transparent pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reflects his dedication to exceptional customer service.
Customer Vision and Service Excellence: A Cornerstone of his Business
From the start, Michael's goal was to bring his customers' creative visions to life while delivering a customer experience that goes above and beyond expectations. His approach revolves around making custom design accessible to everyone, with a straightforward process that prioritizes user convenience. Customers select a product, upload their design, or create one with the store's assistance, review it, and request final adjustments before printing. This simple but effective workflow ensures customers walk away with exactly what they imagined.
Kazma's business model emphasizes transparency, with no hidden fees, same-day delivery options, and a quality guarantee for every purchase. With plans to expand to a third location, he remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and product excellence. He employs and manages a team of four full-time staff members, ensuring that each location runs smoothly and maintains the company's reputation for superior client servicing.
Michael Kazma's Early Career and Hands-On Experience
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Michael Dean Kazma immersed himself in the retail industry through various roles that equipped him with practical knowledge and leadership skills. His first role was as Head Shift Leader at Cold Stone Creamery in the Jordan Creek Mall, where he managed a team of twenty employees. He developed valuable skills in staff management, customer service, and sales strategy, helping to promote upselling techniques and ensuring smooth daily operations.
Kazma's experience continued to grow as he worked as a Barback at Summit Bar in Iowa City, handling logistics and providing critical support to bartenders during service. His role required efficiency, teamwork, and quick problem-solving—skills that have become crucial to his current business success.
Michael later took on a managerial role at Panera Bread in the Coral Ridge Mall, where he oversaw daily operations, managed purchase orders, and maintained high customer satisfaction levels. These experiences collectively nurtured his entrepreneurial mindset and gave him the practical tools needed to build and run his own business.
Education and Professional Development
Michael graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, where he first nurtured his interest in retail and business management. Following high school, he enrolled at the University of Iowa from 2021 to 2023, studying Business Management & Marketing. Although he did not complete his degree, he remained actively involved in several clubs and professional organizations, including the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world's largest retail trade association.
Through his involvement with NRF, he gained valuable insights into retail operations and trends, connected with industry professionals, and expanded his network. His exposure to this level of business development further shaped his ambitions and gave him the confidence to launch and grow his enterprise.
A Personal Commitment to Growth and Community Engagement
Born and raised in Iowa, Michael Kazma currently resides in Des Moines, where he enjoys balancing his entrepreneurial efforts with personal pursuits. A former competitive speed skater, he still participates in recreational hockey leagues in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. He values quality time with family and friends and remains focused on personal development to better position himself for the future growth of his business.
Kazma's success at a young age has only strengthened his commitment to giving back to the community. Through his stores, he donates $1,000 worth of merchandise each month to local organizations, supporting causes that align with his values. As he continues to expand Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact both within his business and the community he serves.
Looking Toward the Future
With a third retail location in the works and his online presence growing, Michael is on the path to further success. He remains focused on refining his business model to meet the evolving needs of his customers, continually enhancing his offerings, and ensuring that his stores are places where creativity and quality meet. His journey exemplifies the potential of young entrepreneurs who, with determination and the right tools, can build something remarkable from the ground up.
As Michael Dean Kazma continues to evolve as a business owner, he is prepared to meet the challenges of growth head-on, ensuring that Iowa Custom T-Shirts & Hats becomes not just a local favorite but a brand recognized nationwide for its commitment to excellence.
Portfolio Website: https://michaeldeankazma.com
