Who we are
In 1972, Bob Gates and Ron Pate started a retail uniform store called R&R Uniforms, Inc.
Over the following 15 years, they designed and implemented the first centralized and automated uniform distribution program, which became and still remains the industry standard for the civilian agencies of the federal government. From the early 80's through the late 90's, R&R was instrumental in serving over 70,000 civilian government, 150,000 airline, 30,000 telecommunications , and 120,000 transportation employees with their uniform needs each year while building their chain of stores to over 20.
Bob and Ron have both served actively on the board of the NAUMD, the trade association representing the uniform market. In April of 2019, the NAUMD awarded this dynamic duo with Lifetime Achievement Awards. As a result of, among other things, spearheading one of the largest chains of uniform stores of the era and creating the first centralized and automated uniform distribution program, which remains the industry standard for civilian agencies of the federal government.
Since 2001, they have continued with their vision------Quality products, Great networking, & Fantastic relationships with vendors and customers thru the R&R Group, and also formerly Unison Marketing Group.The R&R Group can help you promote your company and products throughout the US...but more importantly, insure Class A representation with the highest Integrity.
Industry Trailblazers
Together, Bob Gates and Ron Pate, spearheaded one of the largest chains of uniform stores of the era and created the first centralized and automated uniform distribution program, which remains the industry standard for civilian agencies of the federal government.
Key Milestones
Together, Bob and Ron, designed and implemented the first centralized and automated uniform distribution program which became the industry standard for the civilian agencies of the federal government, the first being the National Park Service. Shortly after NPS implementation, U S Customs, Immigration and Naturalization, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and U S Forest Service, all adopted the program and are still using today. From 1982 through 1999, instrumental in serving over 66,000 civilian government employees with their uniform designs and needs.
After the sale of HSAC to VF Corporation, led the sales effort for all National Account Sales, to include over 150,000 airline employees, 28,000 telecommunications employees, and 120,000 transportation employees.
From 1999 thru 2006, Chairman of the US Postal committee representing the uniform industry to USPS for over 300,000 employees, often time participating in design decisions, but great emphasis on distribution.
Industry Achievements
In April of 2019, the NAUMD’s Executive Committee awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards together with Bob Gates, having been described as “early on trailblazers of the industry.” This award honored them for their years of distinguished service and long-lasting contributions to the uniform industry.
Significant Experiences
- Established relationships with City and State agencies all across USA
- Instrumental in design-work for major uniform changes for major metropolitan
- Cities and State and Federal agencies
- Implemented and conducted major fit tours around world for federal agencies.
- Implemented and participated in public relations tour for uniform supplier to the
- US Customs Service.
- Led the team that sold, designed and implemented the complete change of
- Uniform for Delta Airlines in 2000, to include individually fitting over
- 50,000 employees worldwide.
