Custom work uniforms do more than create a consistent look—they help people show up ready, confident, and accountable.

That’s something Chef Cardie Mortimer understands better than most.

After decades in professional kitchens—and a life-changing injury that forced him to rebuild his career—Cardie found that what he wore still mattered. Not for appearance alone, but for how it shaped his mindset.

“Every time I put on my coat—whether it was my first day or years into my career—I felt it. The coat, my name, the title… it all reminded me who I was and what I was there to do.”

Chef Cardie’s journey spans decades—from culinary school to professional kitchens, from executive chef roles to his current work bringing Culinary Therapy to senior communities across New Jersey.

Following a spinal injury in 2011, Cardie faced a moment that could have ended his career. Instead, it became the beginning of something new.

He returned to what he knew—cooking—and built a program that blends storytelling, humor, and food into something deeply human.

Today, his presentations reach:

• Senior living communities
• Healthcare facilities
• Culinary students
• Community audiences across the region

Late last year, he marked his 125th Culinary Therapy performance at The Woodlands at Ramsey, a Springpoint community. He’s added many more performances since then.

For Cardie, the uniform isn’t decoration—it’s identity.

“When I put that coat on, I don’t just look like a chef. I feel responsible to be one.”

That idea applies far beyond the kitchen.

Why Professional Work Uniforms Matter

Across industries, professional work uniforms help employees:

• Feel ready to perform
• Represent their organization clearly
• Take ownership of their role
• Earn trust faster with customers

It’s not about vanity. It’s about mindset.

Supporting the Full Professional Experience

Work Hard Dress Right supports Chef Cardie’s tour with more than just chefwear.

We help bring the entire experience together through:

Custom Chefwear

• Embroidered chef coats
• Aprons with branding
• Personalized details (name, title)

Printed Materials

• Recipe cards (designed as keepsakes and autograph pieces)
• Event handouts for attendees

Event Signage

• Branded displays for each location
• Consistent visual identity across venues

Together, these elements create a complete, professional presence—one that supports both the message and the person delivering it.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

This isn’t just a chef story.

It’s a business lesson.

Whether you run:

• A healthcare organization
• A construction company
• A corporate office
• A service team

What your people wear directly impacts how they:

• Show up
• Perform
• Represent your brand

Professional work uniforms help turn individuals into a cohesive, recognizable team.

WHY DIRECT PURCHASE MATTERS

Many organizations still rely on rental programs.

But increasingly, businesses are shifting to direct purchase uniform programs because they offer:

• Better garment quality and comfort
• Full control over branding
• Clear, predictable costs
• No long-term contracts
• Greater employee satisfaction

It’s the same approach used to support Chef Cardie—giving him control over how he shows up, every time.

A LOCAL PARTNER WITH BROADER CAPABILITIES

Work Hard Dress Right, located at 283 Ferry Street in Newark, NJ, is part of Feury Image Group.

We support professionals and organizations with:

• Custom work uniforms
• Corporate branded apparel
• Promotional products
• Print and signage solutions

From a single chef to multi-location businesses, the goal is the same:

Help people look prepared so they can perform at their best.

LAST CALL: GET STARTED WITH CUSTOM WORK UNIFORMS

Looking to elevate how your team shows up?

 Explore our custom workwear and uniform solutions.
 Visit our Newark store or connect with our team.

 Build a program that works for your people—not against them