Our Story
Why we started Robotics Team Outfitters
At Robotics Team Outfitters (RTO), we believe every robotics team deserves to look professional, no matter their size, mentor count, or budget. Too often, smaller teams struggle to access custom robotics gear without large minimum order requirements—whether it’s a single t-shirt, team hoodie, banner, or sticker. That’s why we started Robotics Team Outfitters: to provide FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), FIRST LEGO League (FLL), VEX Robotics, and STEM clubs with access to high-quality team apparel, banners, and promotional giveaways—without minimums.
But this isn’t just a business—it’s a mission. Brian and Dave both have full-time careers outside of Robotics Team Outfitters. Brian is a full-time airline pilot for Spirit Airlines and the sole owner of St. Louis Printworks, a leader in custom apparel and large-format printing. Dave is a Digital Accessibility Team Leader at Edward Jones and a disabled U.S. Army veteran. Together, they started RTO out of their passion for giving back to teams that don’t always have the resources of larger, well-funded programs.
Through years of mentoring, sponsoring, and collaborating with robotics teams in Missouri and beyond, we’ve seen how team branding builds pride, inspires students, strengthens parent and sponsor connections, and helps teams stand out at competitions. Whether your group is a FIRST Robotics team, VEX Robotics program, or local STEM club, we are here to help you look competition-ready with custom team apparel, flags, signage, and fundraising solutions—all with no minimum order requirements.
“Every robotics team deserves to look professional, no matter their size.”
Meet the Founders
Brian Menier
Custom Printing Expert & Robotics Mentor
Brian is the sole owner of St. Louis Printworks, where he has years of experience in custom apparel, printing, and design. His connection to robotics began when his daughter joined the Ratchet Rockers Robotics Team 1706. Inspired by what robotics and mentors gave her, he became a mentor himself and continues to give back—supporting the Ratchet Rockers and other FIRST Robotics teams through mentorship and sponsorship.
Dave Wright
U.S. Army Veteran & Former FIRST Robotics Mentor
Dave is a disabled U.S. Army veteran and spent five years mentoring with Ratchet Rockers Robotics Team 1706. During his time, he helped the team raise funds to meet growing engineering and design standards and secured large sponsorships that fueled their success. He still maintains strong connections with many of the students he mentored, including his son who spent four years on the team. Today, as a Digital Accessibility Team Leader at Edward Jones, Dave continues to lead with inclusivity while supporting robotics teams through Robotics Team Outfitters.
Together, Brian and Dave rebranded the Ratchet Rockers, helping them become one of the most recognized robotics teams in the St. Louis region. Their work built lasting relationships with other teams and with FIRST in Missouri.
Whether you’re an FRC, FTC, or FLL team, Robotics Team Outfitters is here to help. Contact us today to start designing your custom apparel and banners.