We’re joined by David Beckerman, the founder of the original Starter clothing company, for a behind-the-scenes conversation that explains how a small innovation turned into a sportswear revolution. We go all the way back to the early days: the first product tweak that actually solved a real problem, the first big orders, and the moment David realized he had something real.

Then the story takes a turn that feels impossible to script: a chance connection leads to Joe Torre and the Mets staff wearing Starter gear, and suddenly fans are walking into stores asking for “the Yankees jacket with the star.” From there, we get the inside details on licensing, why being “authentic” on the field mattered, how the NFL finally opened up after years of rejection, and the cultural wave that followed, from coaches to music to film.

If you grew up in the Starter era, this one is going to hit. Listen now and share it with the friend who still remembers that jacket.

justin-kutchers-studio_david-ju…

Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome and why Starter mattered
(00:00:24) - Introducing David Beckerman, founder of Starter
(00:01:34) - Why he chose the name “Starter”
(00:02:08) - The simple product fix that launched the company
(00:03:44) - Pricing, selling, and the “fill-ins” problem
(00:05:22) - Hatfields exclusive and the first real momentum
(00:06:39) - Starting at 30 and the work ethic that shaped him
(00:09:46) - Delaying the wedding to land a key sales deal
(00:12:50) - Ruthanne’s impact and the early sacrifices
(00:19:25) - Billy Martin, Joe Torre, and the booth moment
(00:21:47) - Eight years of NFL rejection and the break-in
(00:24:13) - The vintage Starter market today
(00:26:17) - Parcells, Belichick, and the sideline visibility effect
(00:28:06) - Spike Lee, style influence, and the “underground”
(00:29:00) - Official vs authentic: the real branding shift
(00:31:06) - Bobby Knight and the symbolism behind Starter
(00:33:53) - The darker side: jackets, theft, and the midnight league
(00:35:17) - Emmitt Smith, Florida ties, and TV exposure
(00:38:26) - Music, movies, and Starter becoming “America”
(00:40:44) - Foot Locker scale, risk, and the piggyback LC idea
(00:47:12) - Royalties, league greed, and why deals changed
(00:49:06) - Coaching at Hamden Hall and staying close to youth culture
(00:55:47) - Brandon Knight, the recruiting room, and coaching stories
(01:01:00) - “This Just In” rapid fire
(01:02:41) - 1985 World Series trainer jacket moment
(01:08:39) - The hole-in-one story and staying grounded
(01:12:38) - Closing thoughts and gratitude

Key Topics:
Joe Torre Starter jacket story + Yankees cultural impact
Sports licensing, royalties, and “official vs authentic” gear
NFL sideline jackets, Parcells, Belichick, and visibility marketing
80s-90s sportswear culture: music, film, and street style
Entrepreneurship lessons: risk, distribution, and scaling demand
Coaching and relationships: Hamden Hall, Pine Crest, Brandon Knight

About David Beckerman:
David Beckerman is the founder of the original Starter clothing company and a longtime basketball leader, including 30 years connected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. His work helped shape the era when authentic sideline and on-field apparel became part of American sports culture.

️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:
The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations.

#DavidBeckerman
#StarterJackets
#JoeTorre
#SportsBusiness
#90sSportsCulture
#MLBHistory
#TheJustInTimePodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.