Ron Wilch

Ron Wilch 

Designer Trade and industry  Consultant 

Ron Wilch is a veteran industrial design engineer, master tailor, and director of trades and industry programs with over 40 years of experience spanning apparel production, workforce rehabilitation, technical education, and product development. From classrooms to correctional institutions and corporate boardrooms, Ron brings a mission-driven focus to rebuilding American industry through education, training, and factory oversight. As founder of Wardrobe Clinic and lead trainer for prison and youth industry programs, he has established himself as a leader in developing future-ready talent and production ecosystems in underserved communities.

To lead and expand trades and industrial workforce development across school systems, correctional institutions, and corporate industries—by bridging education, entrepreneurship, and factory operations to empower individuals and rebuild local economies.

• Trade Education & Curriculum Development
• Factory & Manufacturing Operations Oversight
• Corporate Industry Partnerships
• Technical Apparel Design & Production
• Workforce Rehabilitation Programs (Prison Training)
• Apprenticeship & Mentorship Programs
• Team Leadership & Staff Development
• Product Engineering and Process Optimization

Director – Prison Industries & Workforce Development

Philadelphia, PA | 2024–Present

• Oversee statewide training programs in garment manufacturing, tailoring, and machinery maintenance for incarcerated populations.
• Partner with correctional education departments and manufacturers to certify inmates in industrial trades.

Founder & Master Tailor – Wardrobe Clinic

Philadelphia, PA | 2015–Present

• Designed and led operations of a full-service tailoring and design center.
• Developed corporate training workshops in customer service, garment design, and wardrobe management.
• Managed client relationships including private labels and custom garments for executives and public figures.

Technical Engineer & Designer – Fashion Lab

Philadelphia, PA | 2009–2013

• Developed proprietary design systems and private label technical packages for urban and formalwear collections.
• Led training for high school and college students in tech design, sustainability, and CAD pattern work.

Trainer & Production Manager (Freelance) – Bestwork Industries for the Blind

Cherry Hill, NJ | 2010–2013

• Trained blind and visually impaired employees on industrial sewing and machine operation.
• Oversaw factory floor safety, productivity, and workflow engineering.

Technical Designer (Freelance) – Pure Diamond Company

New York, NY | 2005–2007

• Designed production-ready tech packs and size charts for overseas garment production.
• Coordinated with international manufacturers for development timelines and compliance.

Fashion Design Teacher (Part-Time) – Dobbins High School

Philadelphia, PA | 2002–2005

• Developed and taught curriculum in garment construction and pattern making.
• Mentored at-risk youth in entrepreneurial fashion design and business development.

Fashion Designer (Freelance) – Ron Wilch Fashion Consultant

Philadelphia, PA | 1996–2002

• Led custom design and production for urban boutiques and emerging designers.
• Specialized in tailoring, image consulting, and production sourcing.

• Associate Professor (Past) – Philadelphia University of Textiles & Science
• Certifications – Garment Construction, Industrial Sewing Equipment Maintenance, Product Development

• National Trade School Advocacy Tour (2024–Present)
• Creator, Boys to Bosses Youth Summer Trade Program
• Lead Organizer, Green Ark Industrial Training Facilities (U.S. & Africa)
• Trade Partnerships with Chase Bank, JP Morgan, and public school systems

• Featured in Fluffy Magazine as #1 Tailor in Pennsylvania
• Appointed “Fashion Czar of Pennsylvania” by Gov. Ed Rendell
• Design Work Displayed in Over 22 U.S. Cities and 5 Countries