Story by Madison Odenborg
Photos by William Malzahn
When I first saw the t-shirt designs somewhere deep within my Facebook news feed, I casually messaged the designer. I introduced myself (we were not “real friends,” only Facebook acquaintances) and said that I was interested in the product. Freshman University of Oregon student Austin Gebhard, founder, designer, marketer, financial advisor and sole employee of Check Clothing, responded saying that he could definitely sell me a shirt.
He said I should text him whenever I’d like to meet up, and that he always has product in the trunk of his car. The simplicity of being able to Facebook message a designer was beyond me at this point, let alone the fact the he would come and meet me with the shirts. I soon considered other student start-ups.
Take for example the success of Wild Squirrel Nut Butter, by the University of Oregon student duo Keeley Tillotson and Erika Welsh, or Shady Peeps themed polarized sunglasses by University of Oregon student Jason Bolt. This type of grassroots entrepreneurial spirit is what not only attracts today’s 16- to 25-year-olds, but is also becoming very popular amongst high school and college students with a “do-it-yourself” mentality.
Nearly a year later, I met with Austin again to inquire about the success of Check Clothing. Naturally, he sported one of his own designs—an old-school snap-back hat. He also had on a Huf t-shirt, a hoodie and Nike “black cement” Jordan 3’s, an example of true board-sport swagger. Diamond Supply Co., Supreme, Huf, and the Hundreds “before they got lame,” affirms Gebhard, are some of the exemplary brands of the skate culture and high fashion crosshatch that Check Clothing models. These brands run the hype scene in street wear, and according to Gebhard, are some of his business influences.
“It’s not like I have a business degree […] I watch other brands market themselves, I try and watch and learn,” says Gebhard. However, a business degree, or a business model from a successful brand is not responsible for Check’s growing success.
“I am my market,” Gebhard says, “I would be the kid buying these clothes if I weren’t doing it myself. I know what people are looking for—or so I think.”
Gebhard explains that inherent knowledge of the consumer, as well as social media and word-of-mouth, has made Check a profitable and expanding business venture. Special events like a giveaway competition also proved helpful for the company.
“I got more ‘likes’ and a bunch of new orders. Most of it is through social media. There’s tons more exposure.”
Yet like any endeavor, hardships are inevitable. Despite the somewhat frequent style-biters, Gebhard admits,“I’m managing so much stuff. I’m always dealing with something […] and not to mention my first priority has to be school […] I always have to be thinking about new designs, shipping stuff from the online store, staying in contact with people who print my stuff.”
Like most who have recently left the nest, Gebhard is discovering that “It’s hard making decisions on your own about everything.” Although ostensibly Check exemplifies the attractive grassroots entrepreneurial spirit, behind the scenes that sense of simplicity is nearly nonexistent.
Gebhard worked two summer jobs to fund his talent for screen printing, which was, only a summer ago, just a hobby. Between part-time work at Subway and an unpaid internship at Nike, Gebhard had to commit himself to his brand, and his consumer. Driving around delivering t-shirts to friends between jobs and staying up late working on designs filled a summer of hard work.
“I have to be really conscious about money. I keep track of my money, and I separate personal from business,” Gebhard says, “all the company money goes back to the company, allowing me to expand.”
Gebhard is making all the right moves, while acknowledging a reality of his generation.
“Right now everyone’s trying to do their own thing, everyone’s been kind of pushed to pursue what they want to do, like with music all of the sudden everyone’s a rapper. People are taking advantage of the fact that you can expose what you can through social media.”
Check Clothing will make its storefront debut at Exit Real World Skate and Snowboard Shop in Portland, OR this summer. Although the bandwagon of young do-it-yourselfers continues to trudge towards a mirage of simpler times with their entrepreneurial spirit, Gebhard advises his fellow young impresarios,
“If you’re going to do it, be creative about it.”
