Rockridge: https://rockridgesf.com/
I’m speaking with Randy Wells founder of Rockridge Apparel. The brand is a combination of clothing, mentorship and coworking creating a multilayered approach to styling while also empowering entrepreneurs and everyday people who love to look as good as the level they aspire towards.
The company is rooted in the Bay Area in particular Oakland, California. The city itself is going through massive changes but the history of grinding and fighting to survive is integrated in the DNA of the Bay. When you think about Oakland and the Bay Area it’s unavoidable to bring up movements from the diversity of the Beat Generation in San Fransico to the rich legacy and importance of the Black Panthers. While Tupac may get recognized as an Oakland native, the truth is emcees like Safir, Paris, Del the Funkee Homosapien and across the highway in Vallejo, E-40 are more reflective of the culture.
The business and purpose driven ethos of the Bay Area’s music was created in the entrepreneurship of the Black Jazz Record label of the 60s.
Rockridge carries all this history, the independent approach to business and art, into the creation of apparel.
Randy Wells’ career is like a key on a map showing the difficult path to becoming a CEO. He’s worked as the:
- Head of Strategy at Dockers
- Strategy and Insights, Partnership and Corporate Development for Major League Baseball’s San Francisco GiantsSenior Brand Manager with Tailored Brands, Inc
- Project Manager at Electronic Arts and was a
- Creative Services Manager Marc Ecko Enterprises
This blend of culture and business has led to a rebirth of his brand Rockridge and I wanted to ask ten questions of Randy, so let’s get to it.
Video Breakdown
- 0:00 Intro
- 4:51 Contact Info
- 6:42 Question 1: Why choose Menswear when apparel is leaning heavily towards casual attire and athleisure?
- 10:25 Question 2: Where is Rockridge Apparel Manufactured?
- 13:49 Question 3: Does Saying “Black-Owned” Alienate a broader demographic of customers?
- 16:33 Question 4: How can you explain why Rockridge isn’t expensive to a potential consumer looking at sportswear and streetwear as more trendy and cheaper?
- 22:15 Question 5: Can you tell me about this new Rockridge store experience? The Holiday Residency
- 26:45 Question 6: Will the Holiday Residency be available on social media for viewers?
- 27:19 Question 7: Will the Rockridgesf.com site become a home for content and apparel?
- 29:08 Question 8: Do you agree that marketing is more important than what the product looks like? How are you overcoming the costs associated with acquiring new fans of Rockridge?
- 33:06 Question 9: How did your work history prepare you for founding Rockridge? Question 10: What do you want people to know about Rockridge?
