Meet The Crew

Distinctive Specialties was founded in March 1984 by two members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Thomas Roddey and Mr. John. The store was situated at the corner of N. Tryon St. and Tom Hunter Rd. in Charlotte, NC. A few years later, Dr. Rufus Pettis, a math professor at Johnson C. Smith University and a fellow Kappa, joined the ownership team. Over time, Tom and John decided to focus exclusively on Kappa apparel, and Dr. Pettis acquired the business as sole owner. In 2000, Distinctive Specialties relocated to a newly constructed building at its current location, 7925 N Tryon St., within a commercial shopping center developed and owned by Dr. Pettis. Around 2011, Dr. Pettis began to explore options for slowing down and eventually retiring. He sought a buyer who would uphold his legacy of enhancing the Masonic, OES, and D9 Greek experience. In June 2017, Ron and LaVonne McDowell, owners of the soul food restaurant Koffee Kup & Londa's Place in Charlotte, NC, were introduced to Dr. Pettis. After reviewing the couple's portfolio of their customization and personalization business, Dr. Pettis sold Distinctive Specialties to them on July 27, 2017.