Panhandle Slim President Jeffrey Hochster Visits TCD

21 Oct 2010    

Westmoor Mfg Co. President Jeffrey Hochster with TCD majors

Jaci Ochsner and Kelli Schink

On Friday October 15, 2010, the department welcomed Mr. Jeffrey Hochster, President of Westmoor Mfg Co of Fort Worth, Texas, and the parent company of western wear purveyors Panhandle Slim [http://www.panhandleslim.com/]. Mr. Hochster toured our facilities, met with faculty and students to provide us with an overview of his company's business and market, and met with students to discuss the state of the industry today, the company’s internship and employment opportunities, and the skill sets that Westmoor seeks in interns and prospective employees.

Mr. Hochster is an Omaha native and his current business was originally founded as a shirt manufacturer by his father, and was based for many years in Nebraska City. Eventually Jeff and his brother moved it to Ft. Worth where it has grown into one of the largest western wear manufacturers and wholesalers in the US.  A UNL alumnus, he recently learned about TCD through an alumni magazine feature on our China Study Tour last May. Much of his business is carried out in China and knowing that some of our current students and faculty have had a close-up look at this country and its strong manufacturing sector intrigued Mr. Hochster and prompted him to contact the department. TCD looks forward to nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship with him and with Westmoor Manufacturing Co.

Jeffrey Hochster (r.) speaking with TCD students and faculty