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Who We Are
Pacific Emblem Company—also known as Pacific Sportswear & Emblem—is a San Diego–born innovator with a long history of turning fabric, thread, metal, and imagination into high-impact brand experiences. For decades, we’ve been the quiet engine behind some of the most recognizable patches, headwear, and brand-engagement products in the sports, corporate, retail, and lifestyle worlds.
But we’re not just a patch manufacturer—we’re storytellers with stitching, architects of brand loyalty, and proud holders of U.S. Patent No. 11,301,649 B2 for our revolutionary SmartPatch® technology. (Yes… we’re officially that cool.)
Dr. Patch (Rich S.) –
The Innovator
Rich Soergel—affectionately known across the apparel and promotions world as “Dr. Patch”—is the imaginative spark and driving force behind Pacific Emblem. With a career built on invention, craftsmanship, and a relentless refusal to settle for “ordinary,” Rich has reshaped how brands tell their stories through patches, headwear, and interactive merchandise.
As the inventor of SmartPatch® (U.S. Patent 11,301,649 B2), Rich didn’t just add technology to apparel—he created an entirely new engagement ecosystem. His breakthrough idea transformed simple patches into powerful NFC-enabled touchpoints, connecting physical products to digital experiences that delight fans, reward customers, and deliver real-world ROI to brands. Today, SmartPatch® is used across major events, sports teams, casinos, retail brands, and corporate identity programs around the globe.
Our Specialties
- LaserCUT™ Embroidered Patches – Precision cut embroidery that are 1/5th the cost of direct-embroidery
- Merrowed Patches – Traditional stitched edges with a timeless style
- Woven Patches - offering fine detail with a smooth, fabric-like finish
- Dye Sublimation Patches - Unlimited color and photo-realistic effects
- Soft PVC & Rubber Patches - Durable, waterproof, and 3D texture
- Silicone & TPU Patches – Premium 2D flexible branding options
- Reflective & Glow Patches - For visibility and night-time safety
- Chenille Patches - Classic varsity and vintage lifestyle looks
- Metal Badges & Lapel Pins - Premium, polished recognition pieces
- SmartPatch® Brand Engagement - Inventors & Patent Holders of the Game-Changing SmartPatch® (U.S. Patent No. 11,301,649 B2)
At Pacific Emblem, we didn’t just rethink brand engagement — we reinvented it. Our SmartPatch® technology bridges the physical world (patches, hats, keychains, you name it) with powerful digital experiences that keep customers tapping for more.
In simple terms:
We create custom SmartPatch® patches or keychains featuring your brand. You can sell them or give them away to customers, employees, or fans. When someone taps their smartphone on the SmartPatch® or keychain, they instantly unlock exclusive digital content — such as promotions, videos, loyalty rewards, special offers, or other experiences designed by your marketing team.
In essence, each SmartPatch® product becomes a direct connection between your brand and your audience, creating a private digital experience linked to a physical item. SmartPatch® allows brands to extend their story beyond traditional merchandise by turning everyday products into interactive, measurable marketing tools that drive engagement and track results. The experience is simple, fast, and seamless — and it builds customer loyalty in a way traditional merchandise cannot. Imagine the possibilities.
