Randy Hales, CEO, Next Level Apparel

A seasoned executive, Randy Hales has served as the president and CEO of First Scientific (pharmaceutical), Back to Basics, Inc. (kitchen appliances), Mity Enterprises, Inc. (furniture systems) and ZAGG Inc. (mobile accessories). He is currently the largest individual investor and CEO of Next Level Apparel, a half-billion dollar, rapidly-growing clothing company based in Los Angeles.

Hales led Back to Basics to one of Inc. Magazine’s “Fastest Growing Companies” in 2003, 2004 and 2005; was named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004. and shortly after, Mity Enterprises was named Utah Manufacturer of the Year in 2008 and 2010 under his leadership. During his seven years at ZAGG, the company grew from an entrepreneurial startup to over half a billion in worldwide revenue. Hales was recognized as the CEO of the Year in 2018 by Utah Business Magazine.

He brings extensive business experience in leadership, strategic planning and execution, business development, manufacturing, product management, marketing, sales and global operations. His experience includes leading both private equity-backed ventures and public companies.

In August 2009, Hales donated $150,000 for Boise State’s Micron Business and Economics Building after being inspired by a $150,000 gift from then Bronco football coach Chris Petersen and his wife, Barbara. Hales has been a fan of Boise State’s football team since he was a kid growing up in Idaho. On and off the field, he believes, the university is key to helping Boise and the greater Treasure Valley succeed.

“Boise is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic cities in the West, and it needs to have a university that can prepare students to meet that growth,” Hales said. “Students coming out of Boise State can play a huge role in helping the economy and strengthening the job base. It’s the economic engine in the community.”

In addition to his executive tenure, he’s served on 16 boards across a wide variety of industries and since 2013 has been recognized as a National Association of Corporate Directors Fellow.