Meet Brian Wysong | CEO & Co-founder of Tumbleweed TexStyles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Wysong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Often, people will rave about our success in the t-shirt and apparel industry. People do not realize how many shirt printers, t-shirt brands and apparel companies struggle and fail within the first couple of years. The reason is that there is a low entry level of investment. Although, it is a very tough industry to grow in. Typically the big businesses or brands dominate the market and have somewhat of a monopoly in the wholesale side of things. So many of those people that rave about our success will make comments about how they want to start their own shirt company because it looks so easy.

The thing they don’t realize is the amount of hustle, time investment, sacrifices and effort we put in to make things happen. We work 7 days a week. We work on most holidays because that is prime retail season. As we grow, it requires a commitment to building relationships with buyers and representatives for various stores to try and break through the clutter and persuade them to choose our products over other proven brands. People assume we are an overnight success. Although, it took nearly 10 years to really figure things out, learn from mistakes, expand on successes and to develop a network to allow us to have the success we are blessed with today. Anyone can create a design and pay to have it put on a t-shirt. Then go hustle it at a local pop up temporary booth. Although, it is a totally different thing to make it a true business versus a weekend hobby. There are people entering the industry/market nearly everyday. So the hardest part is remaining relevant, growing each day and constantly figuring out ways to maintain a demand from consumers.

What should our readers know about your business?
Tumbleweed TexStyles is a Texas-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand. I believe that there are three major factors that sets us apart from others that I am very proud of.

One is authenticity. We love Texas and truly live out the adventures that our products and marketing represent. So when our friends, family and customers follow us, they know they are getting the real deal.

Two is the creation of product and design. Many apparel brands will outsource their art, use templates or will copy other artists/brands. We pride ourselves on hand-drawn art that is inspired by our lifestyle. It is inevitable to not be influenced by other brands and apparel. Although, we do our very best to produce unique products and designs that are new or fresh to the market. When people see our designs without seeing our name, we want them to know it is our brand because of the look, vibe and style of product. In addition, because our team truly lives the life we promote. Our products are designed out of the true passion of the Texas-lifestyle. Which in my opinion provides for a high quality product and quality design.

Three is our character and values. We love people and our faith first. So we work hard to never contradict that. Customers always come first. People will always come before money. And community is critical to our mission. We give back to local charities, we are always working to serve people and when we work with vendors and retailers, we do our best to serve with love, character, and integrity.

We are trusting people. One of the things we have learned along the way is that we cannot always trust others. Not everyone embodies the same values, uniqueness in product development and authenticity in branding. So we have learned it is critical to really research and investigate people before they become employees and to do the same with vendors or contractors that we work with. It is important that our customers get the best and highest quality service and product. And it starts with our team which includes our employees and vendors. I think the way you overcome this is experience and awareness.

At the end of the day, we are most proud of the opportunities our brand has provided in allowing us and our customers to serve people. Whether it be through financial donations, product donations or service of time. We love impacting people and ultimately being a positive influence in our community. As the saying goes. You are only as good as your weakest link. In addition, you are who you surround yourself with. So something we work hard to do is to surround ourselves with great people with a heart for the people so that our brand truly embodies our mission, vision and values. As we stay focused to who we want to be and allow our written mission, vision and pillars to guide us, we will be on the right track in achieving our goals.

What I’d like people to know about our story is that success comes not from our skill. Rather, it comes from hard work, dedication, discipline, sacrifice and a commitment to people, community and relationships. We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for the people we knew, know and meet along the way. For that, we are grateful and thankful for what we have, how far we have come and where we believe we will go with our business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think the best time ever is being true to who we are and just doing things that we love to do together. In no particular order, I think I’d want to highlight my favorite places. It would definitely include some of my favorite restaurants. I love places like The Rustic, Hutchens BBQ in Frisco, Zavalas BBQ in Grand Prairie, Mi Cocina, Union Bear, Community Grill in Frisco, La Finca Coffee and Bakery in Frisco and Heritage Pizza. I am an advocate for supporting local, so I’d want to do my best to show my friends my favorite local eating spots.

I’d then love to take them to a couple of breweries or bars so we could sit back, relax and have conversations about memories and good times. So I think I’d have to take them to Tupps Brewery, Celestial Beer Works, Peticolas Brewery, Manhattan Project, Doublewide in Dallas, Cork and Growler bar and Thirsty Growler in The Colony. For a later evening, I’d have to take them to my favorite speak easy in Frisco called the Rare Books Bar. If the weather is great, I also really enjoy The Truck Yard and the Frisco Rail Yard.

For entertainment, we’d have to check out the Frisco Roughriders or Texas Rangers. Baseball is such a great sport that we can go enjoy the game while talking and having a good time. I think the best time would be just kicking it in my backyard while playing corn hole, drinking our favorite local beverage and just catching up.

The last thing would be doing a little shopping. I’d have to show them the Frisco Rail District since that is our home. I’d take them to our Frisco Flagship Store called Tumbleweed TexStyles. Then we’d go near Knox/Henderson or Legacy West to check out some of my favorite brands: Tecovas, Hari Mari, Yeti, Filson, and Stag Provisions.

At the end of the day, my goal would be to show my friends a great time in our local community. Showing them my favorite drinks, restaurants, shopping and places to go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My story would not be what it is if it weren’t for the people in my life now and throughout the various steps along the way. First off, I gained invaluable growth in my work ethic and values from my mother and father. My dad was an officer in the air force and my mother raised three kids. I learned discipline, work ethic and the importance of a competitive spirit. They also modeled quality character. I believe that has made me the leader that I am today.

Secondly, my wife Hillary has been the number one supporter and encourager along the way in my professional career. She is a vital contributor to our Tumbleweed TexStyles business and has been there since day one. Being the wife of a business owner is not easy and she is an incredible supporter and even team member with our business.

Third, my business partner, Jeb Matulich is the other half of our business. He is an absolutely incredible artist, but a better human. He has modeled so many things that I have learned from that has helped mold me to be the person that I am. He has such an eye for design and guru of the Texas culture that he really makes me look good when he designs incredible product. Makes it easy for me to sell and lead.

Fourth group of people that deserve much of the credit for the success I have seen and the incredible experiences I have had over the last 10 years of Tumbleweed TexStyles is our team. We have the best employees and contractors that I could have asked for. People that have embraced our vision, mission and the way we do things. They work hard to support my vision and do such a wonderful job of stewarding our customers and brand. There is absolutely no way we would be where we are at if it weren’t for our team.

All in all. The love, support, sacrifice, hard work, effort and character that people have shown me from my family, co-workers and even former teachers, coaches and managers have all been pieces of the puzzle of my life. I believe everyone’s story is because of the people you surround yourself around and the influence they provide. I am grateful for the people that have all played a vital role in shaping me to be the man that I am.

Website: www.tumbleweedtexstyles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoptwt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwysong/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoptwt/

Other: Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/brianwysong/