Our story
It Started With a Rush Shirt.
We Took It Further.
Member Made was created to bring more choice and a better experience to collegiate apparel. Combining firsthand production knowledge with a wide selection of garments and decoration options, we help organizations create custom merchandise that fits their vision and budget.
01 / The Beginning
From Our Chapter to Yours
Our story started at James Madison University with a fraternity rush shirt that came back with a printing error. That experience led to designing merchandise for my own chapter and eventually learning how to screen print the designs myself.
Getting involved in production gave me a better understanding of what goes into a finished garment, from preparing artwork to choosing the right materials and printing methods. It's an experience that continues to influence how we approach custom apparel today.
02 / The Experience
Beyond the Standard Tee
As my work expanded to other college organizations, I began exploring more of what the apparel industry had to offer.
Campus pop-ups, participation in JMU's Dukes Venture Accelerator, and connections with manufacturers helped expand my knowledge of garment sourcing and production.
Today, our selection includes everything from traditional event shirts to heavyweight tees, oversized styles, and garment-dyed apparel. We work with each group to find the right garments and decoration methods, whether they're looking for an affordable everyday option or something more customized.
03 / The Next Step
Making Group Orders Easier
Working with college organizations has also given me firsthand experience with the challenges of coordinating group orders.
Managing sizes, collecting payments, and keeping track of everyone's information can take a considerable amount of time.
We're developing dedicated group storefronts and ordering tools to help simplify that process.
Our goal is to make custom merchandise easier to create and organize, while giving every group the flexibility to make it their own.
What we believe
-
Every Detail Matters
From the garment to the final decoration, we pay attention to the details that shape the finished product.
-
More Options, Better Choices
Different fits, fabrics, and decoration methods give organizations more freedom to create what they want.
-
Quality at Every Price Point
We help groups choose apparel that works for their design, needs, and budget.
-
Built Around Your Group
We understand the work behind organizing a group order and aim to make the experience easier.
A note from the founder
A Note From the Founder
I know what it's like to be the person who collected everyone's sizes, placed the order, and then handed out shirts that didn't come back right. That's the moment Member Made is built to prevent.
So here's what you can expect. If a design won't print the way you're picturing it, we'll tell you before it goes to press. If a less expensive blank will do the job, we'll suggest it. And when you have a question, you'll get a real answer from someone who knows the process firsthand.
Brendan ConnellFounder, Member Made