NATIVE SUN SPORTS & MARKETING was founded as ROCK N' ROLL CUSTOM-SCREENED SHIRTS, INC. in 1973 by G.A. (George) Mitcheson in a dirt floor garage in St. Petersburg, FL. Mitcheson, a marketing and finance major from Stetson University in DeLand, FL, and at that time, a sales rep for Carnation Co., decided he wanted to start his own business.

He felt that printing logos on shirts combined the elements of his interest in art with his training in business. So while he parked cars as a valet at Derby Lane, he worked and built the shirt business on his days off. He and his then girlfriend, Kathy, (now for many years his wife) began printing T-shirts in the garage on their dates.

After a second garage and a 1500 square foot storefront, the company was the first tenant in a 10,000 square foot building, adding thirds between 1977 and 1994, until it finally outgrew that facility and moved into a beautifully-remodeled, 25,000 square-foot facility, in October of 1994.

The company and Mitcheson's philosophy has always been one of controlled, conservative growth. Mitcheson feels that "we'd rather grow a bit slower and make sure that things are in good order, than to risk not being here to enjoy the growth."

Additionally, we have been licensed by Tampa Bay’s Outback Bowl, Outback Steakhouse, Hooters, NSRA, and the 12 Hours of Sebring, among others. We have served some accounts as long as 25 years!

For many years, Native Sun remained a manufacturer, with responsibility for design and production of its mostly screen-printed and embroidered products. During this time, Native Sun established a reputation as a solid, expert, and inveterate company, with market niches in Major and Minor League Baseball, College Licensing, Souvenir/Resort, Event Merchandising, and more.

By virtue of its longstanding experience, and specialized fleet of mobile units, the company has all along and still does on-site, official merchandising programs for a small number of selected events.

Then, in 1996, during a 6-week engagement in Atlanta , at the Centennial Olympic Games, Mitcheson took a long hard look at the company and where it was headed. He felt that the company itself was in danger of outgrowing the type of personal involvement and commitment that had always been his cornerstone. He made the decision to phase out production and to focus more on the sales/brokerage aspects of the company. With that new focus, Native Sun Sports & Marketing the sales/promotional agency picked up where Native Sun Sportswear, the production company, left off.

In the late 90's, George began to see and feel the effects of globalization on US business. He knew as a business man that to survive in the coming age we would have to offer more in terms of product, and purchase it ever more favorably. We began expanding his contacts in the international marketplace. Soon, Native Sun had more and more business partnerships overseas. With a growing base of manufacturers in Asia , George felt usual pressure to ensure first-hand that all of our partnerships were with companies that not only made good quality products, but that also had the same commitment to customers and employees that he demanded from himself. With this in mind, George made his first trip China in September of 2002, visiting many of our manufacturers and solidifying both the business and personal relationships that have made Native Sun a successful, 31-year old business.

Much of Native Sun Sports history and market presence has been flexible, and has been dictated by interest in the market, changing conditions, evolving opportunities, and ownership preference.

Since that first trip, Mitcheson has broadened our relationships with many, many companies and business people in Asia . We have continued to expand our importing, and look forward to the new challenges that come in serving our customers with the best quality and best price we can procure – be it overseas or domestically.

George has consistently resisted the trend to simply “make money”, choosing instead to create lasting business relationships – mutually beneficial to all involved. We believe that this philosophy is largely what makes Native Sun Sports different. We strive to always be creative, enjoy what we do, always give our best, and share that “ positive can-do attitude ” with each and every one of our team members and customers. We sincerely hope we are given the opportunity to work with you and count you as one of our deeply appreciated and well-satisfied customers.