Feb 23, 2015 8 Questions With: Olivers Apparel
There are athletic shorts you buy at the nearest sporting goods store, probably something along the lines of Nike, UnderArmour, or Adidas (or maybe you’re a Costco man!)… and then there are athletic shorts that you buy from Olivers Apparel. Made for the every day man for the every day activity. Whether you’re going for a quick jog, dip in the ocean, or simply running errands around the city, these are some of the best universal shorts that I’ve seen around. Most of the time I just resort to wearing an average pair of Adidas shorts, but it sure would be nice to wear something a bit more comfortable and also visually appealing. Not everyone wants to look like they just came from the gym when running those few errands after a workout, so I can certainly see the opportunity for this type of apparel.
Overcome with the lack of options for high quality, nicely designed athletic shorts, Founder and CEO, David Wolfe, set out to solve this problem on his own. He launched a Kickstarter campaign with a modest goal of $10,000 and flew right by it generating over $270,000 and 3,300 supporters. Now over a year since the campaign ended back in September 2013, David and the rest of the team are laser focused on strategic growth and expanding their product line to follow up “the last pair of athletic shorts you’ll ever need.”
1. What is Olivers Apparel, how did you get involved, and what is your current role?
Olivers is a men’s athletic apparel company, designing and manufacturing high quality staples. The company was born out of both a personal interest (in health, fitness, design) and personal pain point (lack of quality athletic apparel on the market). I’m the founder/CEO, and as is the nature of a startup, I get involved in nearly everything.
2. Your Kickstarter was a massive success, blowing right by your original goal. Can you tell us a bit about that experience?
It was a wild ride. Seeing the support from family & friends, and then from complete strangers, was extremely gratifying and humbling. It was both exciting and stressful, and a rewarding experience.
3. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Shortstop for the Dodgers, and not giving up on that dream just yet.
4. What do you find most challenging about your role?
I find it very difficult to continuously determine what is the most important thing to be working on, as opposed to the most urgent.
5. What’s next for Olivers?
We’re focused on deliberate growth. Planning as if we’ll be around for 50 years. Got a few new products in development that we are very excited about.
6. If you could give some advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
Be careful of falling into the trappings of prestige (prestigious institution, job, friends, graduate degrees, etc). And don’t assume you have an infinite amount of time – make your decisions knowing that you’ll be dead one day, it’s a good thing to keep in mind in my opinion.
7. What’s your favorite post-work destination?
If it’s light out, I love getting a bike ride in (either the Marin Headlands or Twin Peaks in San Francisco). If not, dinner with friends.
8. Where do you find inspiration?
From friends and family members who have the courage to pursue lofty challenges.
