We’ve all been there, scrolling through our phones on some big box website, looking for clothing that “sparks joy,” but ultimately ends up being worn for a season or two before it finds its way into the dark recesses of your closet, entirely forgotten. Believe it or not, there are clothing brands that are more than just a trendy design or good deal, and Official Patriot Gear® is one such brand, which has begun a worldwide movement centered around the ideals of freedom and patriotism.
It all started in 2020, when multiple small business owners were on the brink of calling it quits, after a year of less-than-ideal conditions. Ian had a strong desire to do something but knew that the only way to make a lasting difference would be to work together with like-minded individuals. He decided to create a fundraiser with the hope of helping one small business keep its doors open, and was pleasantly surprised with the positive response. What began with one business turned into multiple, raising tens of thousands of dollars in just a few hours. These fundraisers quickly took on a life of their own as his social media following grew and his reach expanded. The community continued to grow, and it occurred to Ian that their support was the purest example of patriotism he had ever experienced. As the donations rolled in, not one person asked for specifics about who the money was going to. There was never a question posed about political or religious beliefs, background or any other factor that so often divides people. That realization sparked the concept for the original patriot tee, which Ian dropped with the hope of selling 50. Within hours, hundreds of shirts had been ordered, and suddenly a movement was born.
Two years later, Official Patriot Gear® has a large social media following, hundreds of ambassadors, and a brick-and-mortar store opening in Rexburg, Idaho, in early 2023. The movement behind the brand continues to grow rapidly as more and more patriots worldwide align themselves with the brand, proudly donning the Patriot® logo as they continue to make a positive impact. Each month, the Patriot® community bands together to support fellow Americans in times of need. In the last quarter of 2022, they were able to support a woman who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, help save a struggling business, and gift six families with a Christmas morning they may otherwise not have had. With Ian at the helm of Official Patriot Gear®, there is surely more good work to be done.
