PARK BRAND - National Park Brand - National Park Lanyards & Hoodies
PARK BRAND - National Park Brand - National Park Hoodies & Lanyards - Simple Adventure Fashion (TM) - The Perfect National Park Souvenirs - What is Your Favorite National Park?
Grand Opening January 2026'
In May of 2017 I attended the Overland Expo in Flagstaff. A day after the expo ended I went to visit the Grand Canyon. In one of the park visitor centers I was blown away reading about the amount of visitors to the Grand Canyon each year. Afterward, I found myself sitting relaxing on a ledge looking out over the Grand Canyon. I had an idea or business concept for a hoodie brand pop into my head that day that merged a concept I had for one brand with another. I pondered for a long time.
That day, I kept thinking about my newly acquired knowledge upon entering the park and more so a general ballpark of overall park attendance and about the mind boggling amount of people that visit the National Parks each year, not just the Grand Canyon. Especially the amount that visit the Top 20. Sitting there starring out over the canyon, I kept hearing the voice of a college professor saying "what is your target audience"?
While sitting there a big ass crow landed close to me and inched closer. He just starred waiting to be fed, but never left when I didn't offer food. I took the crow as a sign that day. When he flew away out over the canyon ledge I thought to myself 'Why not make your target audience as vast as the Grand Canyon'. So I made mine the 100 million people that attend the National Parks each year. Seamed well defined and large enough. And generally a happy crowd.
The idea that day was a super simple one. Camouflage National Park Hoodies. A Park Brand dubbed "Simple Adventure Fashion" creating National Park themed souvenir's (quality hoodies and patches) with our simple fashion twist applied. Simple, Clean, Basic Art. Based around the famous acronym "Keep it Simple Stupid". KISS. For those "hard to shop for loved ones". Create a Simple Rad Little Brand centered around a Love of Nature and the National Park System. Unfortunately I shelved the evolving business idea with the change of events and shut downs in March of 2020.
Last Christmas (2024') my dad had expressed an interest in seeing "one or two more National Parks" while he was around and in 'good health'. Two coasters I had made featuring Joshua Tree & Yosemite we sitting on the table in the den and I asked why they were still out on the table because they were out of place with the seasonal holiday decor settings. He said keeping the coasters out reminded "us" of you. (Us being both my father and my moma). That's when my dad and I ended up talking about the National Parks.
We were discussing where he was in life regarding his mobility and health issues related to his service and time spent in Vietnam. I inquired if there was something outside of his daily routine he'd like to do. Camping not being a possibility unless we rented an RV. So we talked about a day trip to a Park and an overnight hotel stay. Unfortunately, that last Christmas Holiday was the last time I saw my Father in person. He passed in February of this year.
I had set out that winter of 2024' after visiting my parents for Christmas and returning home to San Diego to start PARK BRAND. The conversation I had with my dad heavy on my heart. I was anxious and wanted to make it all to happen overnight so to speak, knowing it would take almost a year in reality. So i set out to make it happen. I had already sourced sample lanyards that I had shown my father and had patches and coasters done previously for two parks. That's what lead to the conversation about doing something with him and visiting a park in the Spring or Fall this year' when the weather was good (not too hot) and about going to a National Park, most likely the Great Smoky Mountains. So that December as soon as I returned to San Diego I ordered inventory products to start the brand. I Started on the website and marketing concepts. I ordered lanyards for the first 20 National Parks. Shortly after the that things in my life took a turn of events. My father passed unexpectedly.
Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to ask my Dad to join me on this business adventure. Coming home from church, My Father fell over after getting out of his truck on Super Bowl Sunday in February. He passed a few days later and I put my plans on hold for the spring and summer while I relocated to the East Coast to be closer to my mom and brother.
It' hurts to think about what we could be doing together now, especially this winter with the anticipation of spring travel and adventures together. But today, in his honor I am pressing forward. Park Brand is ready to roll. Our goal is to get this thing going in 2026'. Do good and Have fun. In honor of my father and his love for the outdoors.
I wanted to ask my Dad to be a part of my business this Thanksgiving. To show him the website, concept, products, goals and mission. Show him the story board, my marketing concepts and plans to mix having fun with business. The same way I had gotten through life. That was my plan last year.
I recently set out to finish what I started and have it all ready by the Holidays. I did it. The Lanyards and the Hoodies, all ready. The Perfect Park Souvenirs. My plans were to surprise him this Thanksgiving. I wanted to ask him to do something 'business related together with me', to have something to get up each morning and to look forward to each day and work around with me. At his pace and with his input. All with the goal of buying a bus or RV that would allow him to road trip with me, have fun and just get outside a little more. I told him I wanted to "Put a bolted down lift chair in so we could road trip and make it comfortable for him. A nice shower and toilet".
I know he would want me to press on. To do this and have fun doing so.
Welcome to Park Brand.
The concept: National Park Hoodies & Lanyards - Camouflage Hoodies - All 63 Parks.
Tag Line: "Simple Adventure Fashion"
The Products: Independent Trading Co - 10oz - Camouflage & Solid Color Hoodies (Plus 15+ more solid colors) / Lanyards / 8" Woven Nylon Lanyards - PVC PATCH - Eagle Clasp / Perfect Souvenir Gift items for those "Hard to Shop for" Loved Ones.
The Goal: Sell Quality Hoodies & Lanyards. Have Fun. Make money. Do good things with it.
