Dark Timbers Talks about Launching their Outdoors Apparel Company from a Drawing
I was recently introduced to this awesome company through a close friend of mine. He was telling me about this new independent brand that had a great energy and movement behind it. Knowing that I love to ski, as well as enjoying tons of other dope activities that embrace the outdoor lifestyle, he knew that I would appreciate these guy's company. After talking with Mike on the phone for a couple minutes, I was already seeing the vision. Check out this video that they created to highlight some of what the brand is all about: Dark Timbers - REHAB, pt. 2
Where did Dark Timbers come from?
It’s kind of a funny story. Dark Timbers was born about 3 years ago when Nick Wright, one of my friends who I have grown up biking, skiing and surfing with, had the thought that we needed to build a gentlemen’s lodge somewhere in the mountains where we could do all things that represent our lives: mountain life (namely: mountain biking, skiing, and exploring). Long story short, we figured a clothing company (Dark Timbers) would be the first stepping-stone to achieving that goal. So Dark Timbers was born—a clothing company that looks good, yet still represents our view of mountain life, and functionality when we bike, ski, explore and occasionally play a round of golf. We’ve had a lot of fun doing it, so I guess we must be doing something right.
How long have you been working on the company? What is your position with the company?
I have been around since the beginning and one of the owners.
When did you know this is what you wanted to do?
I knew this was what I wanted to do when I was sitting in a college economics class and couldn’t stop writing and drawing designs and ideas about what I wanted to do with Dark Timbers. I realized I was already making my dreams happen. That day I was so distracted by innovative ideas that I had to physically leave the class to go somewhere I could keep creating new ideas.
You are currently attending school right now... how does that add to what you are working on?
Its interesting being in school and running a business. Sometimes school can seem pointless, but it’s not and I still recognize its value! School can be used as a tool to learn a lot of skills that are hard to learn elsewhere (especially with the way technology is advancing), but real life application will always be the BOSS.
You guys have a heavy influence from the outdoors, can you explain how that intertwines with your brand?
Our brand was started from inspiration from the outdoors—from the trail to the ski lift. I’ve been skiing in the mountains and biking in the desert my whole life, so I give nature all the credit for shaping my interests. Dark Timbers is an avenue for my friends and I to represent the mountain lifestyle as we perceive it. We hope people can find clothing from us that represents the way they want to live too.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
I’m passionate about what I do because following my dreams, which started out as just a simple desire to work in the outdoor industry, is what has led me to now owning an outdoor clothing company. Dreams have landed me in the position that I’m in today so of course I’m passionate I’m doing what I was meant to do.
Our roots started in the mountain bike community and now have become that plus ski/snowboarders, climbers, and any outdoor enthusiasts
What is a way you got your name out there?
Pinkbike.com has been big!!!!! Going to Mountain Bike events and shows. We have been sponsoring the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey California (a bike race/festival) for the last 2 years and it has been a lot of fun and a great way to reach out to those fitting our demographic. People from Canada to South America were buying clothes this past year at the Sea Otter Classic.
Is there anything that almost stopped you from doing this? How did you guys get past that?
We’ve never wanted to abandon Dark Timbers, but we have made mistakes such as making ugly product in the past…. The positive is that we learn from our mistakes and keep innovating new designs.
What has been the best part of your ride?
The best part of my ride is when I’m in the city or on the mountain and I see someone I don’t know wearing Dark Timbers and looking fresh. It’s pure joy seeing our product fitting the mountain lifestyle people are living.
What are your future goals for Dark Timbers?
Now that production has been moved to North American soil, we are going to specialize in functional, fitted flannels that are high quality. We want to be known as the company that makes the best flannels for the mountain life and the sports that accompany it, which for us are biking, skiing, and climbing, but really the possibilities are endless.
What is some advice you would give to others pursuing the same thing, starting a line, or a company?
First off, don’t do it unless you’re passionate about it! If you are, then target the audience you want to make a product for, and get them hooked on it by making them innovative new product that you yourself are passionate about.
Is there anyone coming up in your industry that you really like or older players that you respect? What about them do you like?
Oh ya there are a lot of companies I respect and learn from like Gregory Packs, Pendleton, Patagonia, Saga, Lulu Lemon and the list goes on. One of my mentors Wayne Gregory the founder of Gregory Packs is a big inspiration for me because he knew his trade and learned how to sew the best back packs around at the time in the 60’s and then later started Gregory Packs on his own by sewing one pack at a time using one bolt of fabric at a time. He was an innovator and loved what he did and now Gregory Packs is an international company that still to this day supplies high quality back packs around the world to outdoor enthusiasts.
How do you continue to perfect your craft?
I perfect my craft by getting my hands involved. I make trips to meet with our designer and sewer in British Columbia. I bring the clothing designs that I have sketched and I help make the samples. I cut fabric and use the sewing machine so I’m familiar with my trade. I really enjoy it, I can’t help myself but be fully involved in the whole process of making our new flannel line.
How can people support your brand and what you guys are building?
You can Purchase the Dark Timbers X 7 Days Theory Camo 5 Panel Hat >>>Here<<<
People can support our brand by buying a high quality flannel when they are released and wearing it to do what they love on the mountain or in the streets. If word of mouth starts to put Dark Timbers on the map then we will be happy. You can Like us on FB/DarkTimbers
