The Threads of a Legacy: Alex Khakham’s Story
In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik sits down with Alex Khakham, co-owner of Gil Sewing, to explore an inspiring immigrant story stitched together with grit, vision, and entrepreneurial resilience. What began as a suitcase full of clothing and six industrial sewing machines is now a thriving, multi-million-dollar manufacturing company serving government and retail clients across 14 countries.
A True American Dream
Alex and his family immigrated from Moldova in 1990, arriving in Chicago with no English and barely $150 to their name. His father, Michael, hustled through three jobs—from Vienna Beef delivery to overnight shifts at a photo lab—while slowly entering the sewing trade through a small partnership with friends. When their first big client dropped out, Michael took over the sewing business solo—working tirelessly, often through the night, to meet an impossible deadline for 3,000 cocktail dresses. That delivery, made just in time, earned Gil Sewing its first major contract—and a reputation for reliability that has endured for decades.
Building a Business with Purpose
When Alex graduated from the University of Illinois, he initially considered dental school, but his father’s work ethic and the momentum of the family business pulled him into the fold. Despite waves of offshoring and a sudden 60% drop in orders from their largest customer, the Khakhams doubled down, diversifying clients, automating operations, and evolving the business. They began offering one-stop manufacturing services, adding a proprietary ERP system and launching a uniform catalog under the High Performance Uniforms brand.
Resilience in a Global Market
Today, Gil Sewing is known as the “911” of garment production—called upon to deliver high-quality, quick-turn solutions when other manufacturers can’t. Their client list includes Fortune 500s like Walgreens, for whom they delivered 25,000 custom jackets in just four months, and numerous military and retail clients. Their blend of onshore quality control and offshore production efficiency makes them uniquely competitive.
Looking Ahead
With 60% of production still handled domestically, Gil Sewing continues to expand, recently acquiring a 123,000 sq. ft. facility back in Morton Grove—the very place the company started. From the manufacturing floor to international supply chains, Alex and his father have proven that hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to quality can turn even the most humble beginnings into a scalable success.