Today we’d like to introduce you to Sammy Cohen.
Sammy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Dan and I noticed a void in the marketplace for well-designed all-in-one/athleisure socks about 4-years ago, (think: yoga pants for your feet.) so we set out to develop a sock that could be worn while working out, or hanging out. We wanted Neon Bandits to solve the dilemma of having to change your socks multiple times a day, based on activity.
Fast forward to today, not only do we offer our signature all-in-one socks, but we have expanded our offering to both performance running socks and performance ski socks. We offer Neon Bandits own-brand socks via ecomm and select brick and mortar retail partners, in addition to offering fully custom socks. At present, we’re working with Boston-based brands such as Heartbreak Hill Running Company, Parlor Skis, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese and Lamplighter Brewery. Nationally, we’re working with Goose Island Beer Company (Chicago), as well as many other breweries, gyms, etc.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Building and growing Neon Bandits has been insanely rewarding. Owning and operating your own business allows you to grow and learn in unimaginable ways; your brands successes and failures are your own which can be very humbling. (Especially because there will always be some level of failure and learning involved!)
Something not many people know about Neon Bandits is that it is a family-run business. My (older) brother, Dan, is my business partner. Dan and I have always been best friends, and truth be told, we never imagined founding and running a company together. I think the biggest obstacle working together was learning to divide and conquer responsibilities, while trusting one another in these newly defined “business” roles. This took time, and a conscious effort on both of our parts, but our ability to define roles and responsibilities at the outset of founding Neon Bandits may be one of the main reason we’re about to be approaching our 3rd anniversary in June.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Neon Bandits story. Tell us more about the business.
When we developed our first socks, our intention was to create a product that was diverse, durable and fun. We had zero intention of designing a product that could only be used in one scenario, or for one event, like many other types of socks. This mindset was also at the crux of us developing our brand in parallel with our product; we designed the Neon Bandits brand to be bold, active and boundary pushing.
And it’s true. When we tell people that we run a sock company called Neon Bandits, the first question that we tend to get asked, as we did here is, “so…what makes your socks special?” We then naturally launch into a long-winded answer explaining the technical details as to what makes our socks a step above the rest. TBH, the technical discussion makes us not only look like sock nerds, but also often means NOTHING to those just looking to grab a pair of socks.
All you need to know? Neon Bandits is specialized in being special. Our socks are well-rounded. Our socks are versatile. Our socks are designed for anything your day throws your way. And to us, this versatility, this jack-of-all trades, this “oh yeah, I can do that” approach is what makes our socks and Neon Bandits special.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Dan and I are big believers in hustle. Working hard, knowing who we are and who we are not, and accepting feedback has been core to allowing us to be successful. (Personally, I’m a big believer in karma, for what it’s worth!)
Pricing:
- Neon Bandits range from $10-14 on neonbandits.com.
- Neon Bandits are available at a number of partners nationwide.
- Neon Bandits offers fully custom socks with a low minimum order quantity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.neonbandits.com
- Email: info@neonbandits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neonbandits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neonbandits
Image Credit:
Lime Green Shoes with Flip Sock & Dog Picture, Madeline Zappala
All other photos, Neon Bandits
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