So, I suppose I should write this in the first person. Odd Objects, as it stands now, was never exactly my intention. All I wanted was to create a pair of Strongman shorts that were exactly like I envisioned the perfect competition shorts to be. Nothing else at that time was up to my standards. Even still, I don’t like what I see being put out for sale. The Rehband shorts were, and still are in my opinion, the best version of what’s available right now.

My girlfriend, Shae, has a friend that designs underwear. So, I approached her to help me get some shorts produced. My thought was that if I could create shorts that were genuinely superior to the rest, and unique enough, other strongmen and powerlifters might appreciate and purchase them. We used the Rehbands I admired as a base pattern and continued refining until we reached a point that made sense to me. From there, it took a challenging two-year journey of trial and error to finally bring the Sho shorts to production.

In the meantime, I started a website and an Instagram page. We designed a logo and put it on some shirts. Unexpectedly, the shirts took off in a way I hadn’t anticipated. It made me realize that outside of just these shorts, I wanted to have strongman apparel that I could be proud to wear outside the gym. Personally, I never loved all the viking imagery we’ve all seen in strength sports. (I still don’t). I’m known to wear cutoff work pants to train in. I do that cause I like the way it looks! Because of the way it makes me feel. Maybe other people want to look good in the gym too, without looking like they’re wearing a gym outfit. Oh! I need to make a note to create gym polos. That would be rad.

Now that the shorts have arrived, and mostly sold out, I’ve begun creating other clothing and developing new ideas I haven’t told anyone about. But, beyond that, I’m creating a brand that people of a certain type can identify with. I want people to see Odd Objects and think they’ve found something that they see in themselves. Hey, lemme do a big bold heading and do an official mission statement. One sec.

MISSION STATEMENT

At Odd Objects, we are dedicated to celebrating the power of individuality and inspiring people to pursue their unique paths. Our corporate mission is rooted in fostering a culture of self-discovery and embracing the freedom to be your authentic self.

We believe that true fulfillment comes from embracing your passions and unleashing your creative potential. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can explore their interests and talents without limitations.

At Odd Objects, we encourage you to break free from societal norms and embrace the extraordinary. We empower individuals to redefine success on their own terms and pursue their dreams with confidence. We celebrate diversity, innovation, and the courage to chart your own course.

Our commitment is to provide the tools, resources, and opportunities that allow you to embrace your uniqueness and unlock your full potential. Through our products, services, and community, we aim to inspire and uplift, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging everyone to express their true selves.

Join us on a journey where you can discover your own path, challenge the status quo, and make a positive impact in your own way. At Odd Objects, we believe in the transformative power of embracing who you are and creating a world where being your authentic self is celebrated. Together, let's embrace the extraordinary and unlock the limitless possibilities within each of us.

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…speechless

I asked ChatGPT to write that! I didn’t change a word. Not bad! That’s way deeper than I would have gone but I gotta say, I agree with all of it. Specifically, I said “please write a corporate mission statement that is about doing whatever you want and being whoever you want to be”. I’m gonna go with what the machine said.

This is my personal mission statement: to look the fear of being your true self in the eye, and holding your breath while you potentially make a fool out of yourself. My life isn’t some amazing story, but as I grow, I want to share that feeling with you. The feeling that the future is going to be better than the past. The feeling that you’re creating something that matters. Maybe it’s just shorts. And maybe it’s just shirts. And maybe it’s also polos that you work out in (I really am gonna do that one). But, I hope that when you purchase a product from Odd Objects, it’s clear that you’re becoming part of something bigger. Part of a family.

Welcome home.