“SOLID MADE GOODS - NOTHING LIKE THE REST”
Today I realized that when I approach local business owners about making them custom products that we produce here at SMG; specifically hats and beanies (Top-Notch Headwear is what we call this subsidiary brand) I’m not really asking them to purchase hats at all. I feel that what I am asking them for is to make an investment in me as a person, and in us as a business.
Like much in life, t’s not always easy to approach new clients and walk into their buildings knowing that I could face rejection, however, our business growth and even its very survival depends on a constant flow of new work coming through our hands, so it’s necessary. In the mornings, I often ask myself: “Where will my feet take me?” The answer is often something along the lines of: “my feet will take me on the path of MOST resistance, the one I am LEAST comfortable with.”
This mindset has proven to be the most beneficial in my life. Spanning a dozen years in the military, five years with the railroad and countless other jobs over the course of my career, I have continued to dream of building the ultimate brand.
Although hard, a lot of what we’re blessed to do nowadays can be extremely enjoyable. For example; when we do close a deal with a new client, or gain a new “Art Socks” artist. It’s utterly rewarding to begin building a new long-term relationship that is enjoyable and profitable for both parties. Interestingly, this is sometimes hard to accomplish, but when a new collaboration or project does come to fruition, all of the businesses that didn’t work out seem to fade away and a renewed sense of bliss takes the forefront. Through the bliss, the collaborative effort is set in motion and work toward common goals begins at once.
Utilizing these small victories and successes helps move us forward, and recency bias plays its role which motivates me to approach even more new clients. For those business owners who see the quality in our handmade goods, it’s profitable for them to buy hats and other high sell-through merch from us. Typically, a client’s investment in our goods has a larger gross margin than competitors and is returned in a shorter time-frame than other less superior goods. I’ve talked to larger companies, even luxury ones, with hats that have sat on the shelf for years.
We stand behind our work and always strive to put out the highest quality finished goods that we possibly can. We love working with clients to build them a hat or other product that is specific to their or their customer’s needs and to their ideal specifications. Here are a few examples, pictures and links to our work. Please reach out to us if you would like to work with us and develop a unique product tailored to your ideas. With quality craftsmanship, handmade detail and experience, we can turn your ideas into tangible goods that your cherished clientele will return for.
Join our growing list of local and national clientele
Simple Me, Sub Sox, SMG and other brands we’re developing have sold in over 15 countries around the globe. We continue to create and produce new designs and tangible goods for our brands, our private label partners and new and returning clientele on a daily basis. We love working on new collaborations and creating truly unique and top-notch quality goods for people. If your’e interested in a unique project or need help creating winning products, reach out to us today!
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How Our Products Stand Above the Rest
- Crisp, clean detail is achieved by using real leather hides to begin with. Our Logo engraving is accentuated by experienced handiwork & techniques that include:
- Using professional software, experience and skill in the design stage.
- The process of properly applying dye colorants.
- Applying conditioners (Neatsfoot oil, saddle-soap & Smith’s Leather Balm to name a few).
- Adhering the patch to the headwear with quality waxed Ritza Tiger Thread.
- Saddle-stitching thread by hand (which is stronger than a sewing machine or adhesive ever could be).
- Using thicker waxed thread also adds a high-end look that not only stands out among the crowd, but stands a cut-above the competition.
- Additional water/weather protective coatings can and often are also used depending on the customer’s desire of the look and weatherproofing needs of the patch.
Protective coatings that we use such as Tan Kote, Resolene & Beeswax help prevent damage while providing additional durability. The application of some coatings can add a slight gloss look. For customers that want a more matte look, the protective qualities of such protectants can be omitted, applied with a very thin coat, or sheened down with a wool cloth or other soft and low abrasive material that won’t damage the patch below the protective coating.