As the summer heat rises, it’s hard to miss the sea of red, white, and blue that seems to cover every store in sight. But for Ian Wendt, the founder of Official Patriot Gear®, every day celebrates American unity. Ian grew up in Middletown, NY, where he spent his entire life until he left for college at the age of 18. His passion for highlighting the connections that bind Americans together is stronger now than ever, as the country faces unprecedented division.
In late 2020, Ian saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of small businesses struggling to stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He turned to his large social media following and asked for help supporting these businesses, hoping to assist a few. But his followers exceeded his expectations, coming together to raise tens of thousands of dollars in just a few hours, without asking about the beneficiaries’ political affiliations, religious beliefs, or backgrounds.
This display of unity and kindness inspired Ian, and he wanted to give the members of his virtual community a way to show their support for small businesses and their love for their country. The patriot tee was born, representing the values of patriotism: love for one’s country, a desire for its people to be free and thrive, and a willingness to defend their freedoms. These values were exemplified by the acts of kindness shown by Ian’s followers, and the patriot tee became a symbol of their commitment to unity.
The patriot tee was just the beginning for Ian and his brand, which has reached over 50 countries and has hundreds of products, including t-shirts, hats, and accessories. The brand has also developed an ambassador program with several hundred people representing its message of unity. Based in Idaho, Official Patriot Gear® continues to grow and values its partnerships with other small American businesses. Later this year, the company will open its flagship store to the public, showcasing the strength and resilience of the American dream. So the next time you see a sea of red, white, and blue, remember Ian Wendt and the message of unity and patriotism that he is spreading through Official Patriot Gear®.
