Meet Thomas Uli | PharmD, Owner and Founder of Vanguard Apparel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Uli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have chosen to pursue a creative career with a strong focus on developing and empowering leadership mentalities through the use of visuals and mottos. I firmly believe that art in all of its forms has the unique ability to inspire and motivate individuals to become the best versions of themselves. By designing visually captivating works that draw inspiration from both historical and fictional examples of this sentiment, I aspire to encourage people to tap into their inner potential and emerge as leaders in their own right. Through my work, I aim to challenge conventional thinking and inspire people to take positive action, both within themselves and in the world at large. Ultimately, my goal is to leverage my creativity to make a profound impact on society and create a lasting legacy that inspires others to do the same.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey as a side project/hobby to explore my creative side, which is vastly different from my full-time profession as a pharmacist. As someone whose childhood and adult passion has been centric to physical exercise, I developed a keen interest in graphic apparel during my professional schooling, particularly those that conveyed a compelling story or message. Given the challenges of maintaining motivation during my studies, I found that wearing a mentality shirt provided me with a tangible sense of confidence and inspiration. With this passion and drive, I founded my company, aiming to create meaningful designs that motivate and empower people to pursue their goals and dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, I would want to show them the best time possible. Here’s a possible itinerary:

Day 1: We could spend the day in Phoenix exploring some of the local museums, such as the Heard Museum or the Phoenix Art Museum. In the evening, we could head downtown to grab a drink at one of the casual bars off Roosevelt street.

Day 2: We would head to Prescott to learn about the rich history of Arizona. We could take a tour of the Sharlot Hall Museum or visit the Palace Saloon, which is said to be the oldest bar in the state.

Day 3: We take a trip to Sedona to witness the natural beauty of the Red Rock formations. We could go hiking and explore some of the local shops, art galleries, and breweries, and dining.

Day 4: Continue the northern excursion with a trip with a visit to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon, some of the most stunning natural beauties of the world.

Day 5: For a day of relaxation, we could visit any of the numerous golf courses located in the valley and play a round of 18 before enjoying a nice dinner either in Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Day 6: We could head to Tombstone and Bisbee to explore and appreciate more of the historical western culture of the state .

Day 7: For a splurge night out, we could visit Oldtown Scottsdale for one of the numerous high-end bars and restaurants.

Overall, I believe that Arizona has so much to offer, whether it’s for natural beauty, historical significance, or a casual night out. I am confident that my best friend would have the time of their life exploring all that the state has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been instrumental in getting this project off the ground. Firstly, I owe a debt of gratitude to my grandfather, whose stories of owning clothing shops in Michigan, and his remarkable business trips to Chicago inspired me from a young age. I am also immensely thankful to my parents and girlfriend, who have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey, and constantly motivated me to pursue my dreams. Last but not least, I would like to extend my appreciation to my friends, who have been my pillars of support, providing both encouragement and honest feedback towards my designs and business decisions

Website: https://vanguardapparelusa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanguardapparel_usa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-uli-pharmd-74b215100/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/drthomasuli/