Fritz and Hutchinson to transition leadership roles

After more than four decades of vision, growth, and leadership, Lakeshirts co-founders Mark Fritz and Mike Hutchinson have announced the transition of their co-CEO roles. Effective July 7, 2025, David Best will officially join Lakeshirts as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Mark and Mike, who started Lakeshirts in 1984 with a homemade screen printer in a Detroit Lakes basement, will continue to act in advisory roles and serve on the company’s Board of Directors, supporting the business they built from the ground up.

“We’ve always said Lakeshirts is about people first, and we couldn’t be more confident in the people leading it forward,” said Mark Fritz. “David has our full support and will be a visionary leader for our future. He brings a deep understanding of how to build and nurture culture and community at scale. He believes in what makes Lakeshirts special.”

Mike Hutchinson added, “This isn’t goodbye. Mark and I retain a sizable ownership stake. As such, we’ll still be around, still advising and rooting for this team, and you’ll still see us in the Detroit Lakes community. After 40 years, it feels right to pass the torch to someone who shares our values and can lead Lakeshirts into its next chapter of continued growth.”

David Best brings a strong background in building people-first organizations and high-performing teams. He has held senior leadership roles at Target, General Mills, and most recently served as President & COO of Coborn’s, a leading regional grocer and retailer.

“What drew me to Lakeshirts wasn’t just the success, it was the culture,” said Best. “You can feel the energy and vibe in this place the moment you walk through the doors. Mark, Mike and Michelle built something incredible here, and I feel honored to carry that forward.”

David will be working closely with Michelle Daggett, who continues in her role as President of Lakeshirts. Together, they’ll focus on advancing Lakeshirts’ growth strategy, fostering strong customer-focus across all teams and building on the company’s impressive momentum.

“This transition isn’t about changing who we are, it’s about adding to our team, deepening our strengths, and preparing for the future,” said Daggett. “We’re proud of the culture we’ve built and excited about what’s ahead.”

With its roots still firmly planted in Detroit Lakes and production facilities across the US, Lakeshirts continues to thrive as a national leader in custom- decorated apparel and accessories. As the company looks to its next era, Lakeshirts’ values remain clear:

Lakeshirts is a Resort and College garment manufacturer headquartered in lakes country in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. What started in a basement in 1984, has grown to eight brands, multiple facilities across the United States, nearly 1,000 team members, six dogs (or so), and well over 10,000 satisfied customers. Despite our growth, our focus is still on our fantastic customers. We strive to exceed not only our customers’ expectations, but bring value to all our stakeholders – customers, employees, vendors, owners and the community we call home.