Local Champions of Custom Apparel | Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce

Dec 8th, 2022

*The Garage Champs team. Photo from Derek Hironaka.*

During high school, many people take on their first job. Derek Hironaka started a business.

In his senior year of high school in 2005, Derek founded Garage Champs, a custom apparel shop specializing in screen-printing and embroidery. Although it began as a means to earn side money, Garage Champs soon grew into a burgeoning local business. Derek continued developing the business and by 2012, the shop had a brick-and-mortar location.

“We started by working in coffee shops and brokering jobs to other print shops,” Derek said. “Now, we fulfill all the work in-house with a team of over 40 employees and over 10,000 square feet of production space.”

Currently located in Midtown, Garage Champs’ original base of operations was Rancho Cordova. The business took nearly two years to fully clean, remodel, and move into its current space. Derek described the transition into the new warehouse as a physical manifestation of the effort and determination poured into nurturing the business.

He said, “It was a great day to finally be able to enjoy all the time it took to build out our space and use it the way we envisioned.”

Garage Champs’ new location is not the only marker of success that the company has seen. Hard work and product quality has attracted major clients such as the Sacramento Kings and Google.

With the new year approaching, the local business strives to maintain its steady growth. Even with the challenges of the shifting economy, Garage Champs remains flexible and prepared to face any challenges that may arise.

Of course, excellence comes not just from the products, but from the team creating them.

“One thing people may not be aware of is how talented and creative our staff is,” Derek said. “A lot of our employees have small businesses, create amazing art, and play instruments.”

This creative staff and thoughtful business planning ensure that Garage Champs succeeds, celebrating their wins together as a team. In 2023, the business is sure to retain their title as the champions of custom apparel.

Here’s where you can get in touch with Garage Champs:
(916)-631-8470
2608 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

Website: garagechamps.com
Facebook: Garage Champs
Instagram: @garagechamps
Garage Champs is also featured in our 2022 AAPI-Owned Holiday Gift Guide! Check it out here.

Written by: Sarah Ansari