Not all rebels are troublemakers; some
are visionaries with the courage to pursue bold dreams. This kind of spirit
sparked the creation of Team Rebel Sports, a homegrown brand from the
Philippines that has made its mark in customized sportswear for fans and athletes
alike, both locally and abroad.
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From a
small workshop in Cubao, Team Rebel Sports has grown into a trusted supplier of
custom uniforms for sports like American football, lacrosse, basketball, and
more. |
This pioneering spirit has defined Team
Rebel Sports since its founding in 1998. From a small workshop in Cubao,
founder Joel Cu transformed the business into a trusted supplier of custom
uniforms for American football, lacrosse, basketball, and more. His journey
reflects the resilience and innovation of a brand that consistently meets the
challenges of an evolving industry.
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| Team Rebel Sports has become a go-to name in sportswear, exporting high-performance products to Australia, Europe, the U.S., and beyond—made possible with the support of FedEx. |
Seeking
a trusted service provider for global expansion
Today, Team Rebel is a go-to name in
sportswear, exporting high-performance products to Australia, Europe, the U.S.
and beyond — all with the support of FedEx.
“The local sports industry is very
competitive. Hence, it made sense for us to expand our reach beyond the
domestic market and tap into international opportunities,” Cu shared. “By
collaborating with Fedex, we were able to streamline our logistics and enhance
our global presence by focusing on what we do best – produce high-quality and
innovative sports apparel and gear for our discerning customers.”
Their first international order was
worth $15, but it laid the foundation for a lasting relationship with FedEx at
every stage of growth. Cu leveraged FedEx’s cross-border expertise to penetrate
international markets with their customized jerseys for multiple sports
categories, including wrestling and hockey.
As Team Rebel’s business grew, so did
the logistical demands. Its shipments gradually increased from 5 kilos to 100
kilos, and ultimately reached 40 tons of jerseys which are now delivered around
the world every year. FedEx plays an indispensable role in meeting the demands
of international customers for timely delivery and quality service, which were
essential to building trust and brand loyalty.
“We needed to expand and speed up
shipping while at the same time navigate customs regulations and international
shipping requirements which is daunting for a growing brand with limited
resources,” Cu said. “FedEx provided tailored shipping solutions that
simplified the complexities of international logistics. Their dedicated team
offered valuable insights into customs clearance processes, helping us navigate
regulatory requirements smoothly. This support minimized potential delays and
ensured compliance with international shipping standards. Their team is also
consistently present, ready to ship our products at any time. It made us feel
that we were fully taken care of."
Leadership
that empowers a growing team
Serving a global client demands a robust
workforce. Team Rebel Sports has over 200 dedicated individuals working
seamlessly to meet each client's specific requirements. This means producing
high-quality apparel while also meeting tight deadlines. For Cu, leadership
means fostering an environment for every team member to grow.
“To be a good leader, you need to
motivate, encourage, and strengthen your team. That's why we're developing
leaders within each department by teaching them how to manage people
effectively, respectfully, while overseeing operations with high efficiency,” said
Cu.
Sustainability and innovation in every stitch
Cu considers Team Rebel’s introduction
of sublimated PBA jerseys a milestone.
Sublimation printing, which has since
become the industry standard, involves heating inks into gas to meld with the
fabric. Since the process integrates the design into the material, rather than
just on the surface, the design quality lasts for years, and the fabric remains
durable, breathable, and lightweight.
Committed to quality and sustainability,
Team Rebel also incorporates recyclable fabrics, including polyester from PET
(Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles, into their production. This approach has
helped the brand stand out in international markets such as those in Europe
that put a premium on sustainable manufacturing practices. “We’re very proud to
be contributing our efforts in protecting the environment through the use of
recycled materials in our products. Sustainability is an integral part of our
brand,” Cu said.
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| Mr. Joel Cu, founder, Team Rebel Sports |
Entrepreneurial
wisdom and the road ahead
Drawing from his own journey, Cu advises
fellow entrepreneurs: "Be patient. Running a business is like running a
marathon. Stay focused, know your business and your customers, invest in
people, and seek guidance from God.”
Cu’s next venture is an online fan store
where creators can design and sell merchandise, with Team Rebel handling
production and FedEx managing global logistics. “Imagine a famous rapper
creating a fan store for custom gear, without needing inventory or cash
outlay,” Cu explained. “Our goal is to empower such creators by fulfilling
their orders and shipping needs, with FedEx as our service provider to turn
this vision into reality.”
With the support of FedEx, Team Rebel
Sports not only overcame the logistical challenges of international expansion
but also positioned itself as a competitive player in the global sports apparel
market. Their success exemplifies how strategic collaborations can empower
homegrown brands to achieve their aspirations, proving that with the right
tools and support, they can line up the perfect shot.
Discover more inspiring stories from
entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and how FedEx supports SMEs at FedEx
Business Insights.
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