
Thank you.
Mizzen+Main just turned five. So many people have made that possible.
It’s hard to put into words the gratitude I have for everyone who has made the last five years possible as we work to build Mizzen+Main into the next great American brand.
The picture above is from Project this week where our team was so busy every minute of every day they literally couldn’t sit down for three days. It is a particularly meaning encapsulation of what we’ve accomplished so far as I think back to that first trade show 4.5 years ago when just about everyone laughed us out of the building (with a few exceptions!) and almost no one would even talk to us.
“No one will ever wear synthetics other than to work out!”
Today, nearly every major menswear brand has incorporated or is starting to incorporate synthetics into their lines. Welcome to the (far more comfortable) future!
Last year, I wrote a note of thanks and reflection. Those words still stand true and are even stronger today.
In addition to everyone in that note, I’d like to just add a few thoughts as I am overwhelmed with gratitude on this anniversary and filled with so much excitement for the next five years.
To my bride, Jen Lavelle. You’ve put up with more than anyone can know and been a consistent champion of mine. It’s a harder journey than we could have imagined, but you’ve made it possible and infinitely better. You have also been such a truly extraordinary mother already and allowed me to find my way as a dad and entrepreneur.
To my parents, Lauri and Stewart. The support you’ve shown through everything is empowering and overwhelming in scope and understanding. I can’t imagine the last five years without your guidance, love, and support through the highs and lows, showing up to our events all over the country and always being there for us.
To the team at L Catterton, especially Scott Dahnke, Jon Owsley, and Matt Nugent. The future of Mizzen+Main is brighter than ever as we look further and further out on the horizon at what we can build together over the years to come. You’ve been supportive, understanding, encouraging, and appropriately demanding. You saw something in us most others could not or would not. It’s an exciting time because of our partnership.
To the entire team at Nordstrom, especially Katie Mayher, Jenny Lozano, Lindsey Schwab, Tina Aniversario, Greg Cohen, and Paige Thomas. The unprecedented success we’ve seen together already is only possible because of your vision to give us the chance you did. The hard work we’ve done together only solidifies the tremendously exciting future of Mizzen+Main at Nordstrom.
To Richard Ross. Your creative genius is changing the future of what we’re building. A genius vision and a bold attitude is the game changer we needed.
To my 10x (Rogue) crew. You all have changed my life in so many ways. Love you guys.
To JJ Watt. Amidst all that has happened, it means the world to continue and grow our partnership. A major driver of my motivation is to make this one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. It’s also been a ton of fun!
To Tim Ferriss. Your writing and podcasts have had a profound impact on me personally and professionally along with helping maintain my sanity. The care and thought you put into our first sponsorship is ultimately why we pulled the trigger, and it changed the course of my life and our business. The Tim Ferriss effect is very, very real.
It’s impossible to properly thank everyone. To avoid too lengthy of a post, please check out Four Years On. Four Years Strong. that has a fairly comprehensive list.
None of this is possible without our customers, our entire team, our investors, our suppliers, and all those who play a role in what we are building.
Thank you, more than I can say, for being a part in building the next great American brand in Mizzen+Main.
