Our Team

Founder/CEO

Meet Josh, the visionary founder of Wintermantel Companies. Born and raised in Ohio, Josh’s entrepreneurial journey began in elementary school, selling items on eBay. In high school, he discovered a passion for athletic socks, launching a business that he grew while attending Emory University, where he also played basketball. This foundation eventually evolved into Hype Socks and later Wintermantel Companies.

At 22, Josh reinvested his earnings to acquire a hosiery mill in Fort Payne, Alabama—formerly known as the Sock Capital of the World. This 2015 acquisition granted Wintermantel full control over production, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability.

In 2021, Josh expanded internationally by establishing North American Hosiery, SRL, a state-of-the-art sock manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic, enhancing the company’s production capacity and global reach. The following year, Wintermantel Companies launched TeamTime, offering fully custom athletic apparel and uniforms through automated storefronts.

Building on his extensive experience in business operations and outsourcing, Josh is set to launch Hire Anyplace, a platform connecting businesses with top-tier global talent. Having successfully integrated nearly 100 team members from the Philippines across his ventures, he aims to help entrepreneurs leverage remote workforces to scale their businesses efficiently.

Under Josh’s leadership, Wintermantel Companies has become a vertically integrated leader in the sock and textile industries, pioneering innovative approaches to business operations. From manufacturing to staffing, Josh continues to redefine success with a focus on quality, innovation, and global collaboration.

Director of Operations

Introducing Luke Griffith, an Ohio State alum, sports enthusiast, and integral leader at Wintermantel Companies. A proud Ohio native, Luke joined the Wintermantel team in 2015, starting as an Inside Sales Representative. His deep love for sports, combined with his sharp analytical skills, allowed him to connect effectively with customers and address their needs, quickly becoming an asset to the company.

Recognizing his dedication and expertise, Luke was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing in 2020, and the following year, he stepped into the role of President of Sales & Operations. In his current position, Luke oversees the day-to-day operations at Wintermantel Companies, managing sales and marketing performance, employee development, and fostering strong communication between the sales team and manufacturing facilities. He also plays a key role in managing high-value B2B accounts, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction across all areas of the business.

Luke works closely with CEO Josh Wintermantel, collaborating on strategic initiatives to drive the company’s continued growth and success. His leadership goes beyond the office—Luke’s passion for sports extends to his personal life, where he is known as a Fantasy Football Guru, consistently picking winning teams. A dedicated fan of Cleveland sports, Luke brings the same energy and enthusiasm to the Wintermantel team as he does to his sports pursuits.

Through his unwavering commitment, Luke has been instrumental in shaping Wintermantel Companies’ trajectory, building a solid foundation for future growth and maintaining a strong connection with the company’s valued customers. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and hard work.

Chief Product Officer

Thilip Kumar Venkatamaran is a highly skilled technician from Malli Pudur, Tamil Nadu, India, with extensive experience in the textile industry. He completed his education at Arulmigu Kalasalingam Polytechnic College in Krishnankoil, India, before beginning his career in July 2009 as a Junior Technician at Winfro Apparel in Coimbatore, India.

Thilip is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, and Tamil (his mother tongue). Over the years, he has worked in diverse global markets such as Dubai, Lebanon, Russia, the Dominican Republic, and Egypt, collaborating with renowned brands like Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Hurley, Copper Fit, Kit Locker, and Saucony.

In November 2021, Thilip joined Wintermantel Companies as Chief Product Officer. In this role, he is responsible for driving product innovation and improving the quality of Wintermantel’s offerings, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of customers. With his extensive technical expertise, Thilip has been instrumental in enhancing manufacturing processes and introducing new technologies that improve product quality. He works closely with the design and marketing teams to develop and launch innovative products that align with customer needs.

Outside of work, Thilip is an avid cricket player and a fan of South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs. He also enjoys watching golf, wrestling, and baseball, staying up-to-date with the latest news in these sports. In addition, Thilip is a fan of Indian music, particularly the work of legendary composer Ilayaraja, whose music he admires for its unique style and cultural impact.

Thilip’s leadership and technical insights continue to drive Wintermantel Companies forward, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of product quality and innovation in the textile industry.