Inside the Craft of High-Performance Athletic Apparel: RMFACC Utah Year-End Gathering

What does it take to create high-performance athletic apparel from the ground up? Our RMFACC community had the opportunity to find out firsthand at our final Utah gathering of 2025, held this past Thursday in Salt Lake City.

We were delighted to be welcomed by BlackJack Sportswear – Cycling & Triathlon, who opened their doors for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into their production facility. Founded by RMFACC members Christophe Gilliot and Heidi Gilliot, BlackJack Sportswear has grown into a thriving Utah-based business specializing in custom cycling and triathlon apparel—each piece carefully handcrafted locally.

During the visit, guests experienced live demonstrations of BlackJack’s end-to-end production process, from initial design concepts and material selection to cutting, stitching, and finishing. Members gained a deeper appreciation for the precision, technical expertise, and innovation required to produce elite athletic gear, and several attendees even left with sample pieces created during the demonstrations.

Beyond the technical insights, the event created space for meaningful conversations and new connections, highlighting the entrepreneurial energy and creative talent that drive Utah’s outdoor, design, and manufacturing ecosystem.

A special thank-you to RMFACC Board Members Vanessa Galjaardt and Priscilla Blanchot for organizing this fantastic event, to our Honorary Consul Anne Lair for her support, and to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you again in 2026.