AF Fireside

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands that joined for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace in Austin, TX this May.Lady Captain is a Texas brand that's set out to set some definition in their niche. Lauren, one of their founders, joins us to share some stories from the perspective of an indie women's fashion brand in Coastal Texas.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@ladycaptainco

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands that joined for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace in Austin, TX this May.Buckle in for another unique one! You may or may not have heard of a stock tank pool - the founders of Cowboy Pools are here for all the clarification you'll need. A hit at our ATX market, Cowboy Pools is changing the landscapes of backyards in Austin and beyond. Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@cowboypools

Mod Bikes is reimagining how we get around - the Austin-based company designs and distributes customizable electric bikes, from ideas in founder Dor Korngold's mind to the streets of Texas and beyond.

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands that joined for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace in Austin, TX this May.Adventure ATX continues our trend of speaking with one-of-a-kind brands. Drew Benac founded his brand to help curate unique outdoor experiences. Listen in to hear more about how he's done it.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@adventure.atx

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands that joined for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace in Austin, TX this May.We've talked to a lot of different brands on the podcast - each stands out as unique in their own way, but Wildrose is something special. Founder Guy Billups goes into detail on some of the challenges and rewards of operating a brand that revolves around dogs. Listen in, pup lovers!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@wildrosetexas

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands that joined for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace  in Austin, TX this May.Axel Brave took a family-favorite recipe and turned it into a living - you can find Axel Provisions condiments on the shelves of the major Texas grocery stores and in backyard grill setups around the country. On this episode, we take a deep dive into Axel's journey into entrepreneurship and get some key pointers on differentiating and educating your customers on a super-specific product. Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@axelprovisions

Missed out on the Hill Country Hoedown in Texas last weekend? We were joined by over 70 outdoor brands at Fair Market in downtown Austin and had a weekend for the books. Sit down with Lucas as he gets the full recap from AF Partnerships Manager Lindsey Andes, a frequent guest here on Fireside.

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands joining us for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace taking place in Austin, TX this May. Learn more about the event and get tickets at shopaf.co!We've heard some incredible maker stories on the podcast, but none as unique as this. Kyle LaFond, founder of American Provenance, grew his body care brand out of his experience as a middle and high school science teacher. Hear a little about how the brand has grown here, and then catch them in Austin!***Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@americanprovenance

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands joining us for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace taking place in Austin, TX this May. Learn more about the event and get tickets at shopaf.co!Denton and Ashley - the Nashville-based team behind Hunker Goods - are true road warriors, finding inspiration for their lifestyle brand along the way. The Hill Country Hoedown is just one stop of the tour this summer.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@hunkergoods

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands joining us for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace taking place in Austin, TX this May. Learn more about the event and get tickets at shopaf.co!Epic Western will inevitably have a line at the HCH - get ahead of the curve and learn about Ranch Water ahead of time! A true child of the pandemic, Epic Western is bringing classic Texas flavor across the map and setting the example for craft cocktails of the future. Listen up!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@epicwestern

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands joining us for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace taking place in Austin, TX this May. Learn more about the event and get tickets at shopaf.co!There's always something new to learn from a brand on the podcast, and Camoretro is truly one-of-a-kind. Logan Webster founded Camoretro as a space for all things vintage camo. He'll be popping up with us in Austin, but the brand goes beyond what he has on the rack. Listen in for a few tips and tricks from someone who has paved their own path. Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@camoretro

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands joining us for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace taking place in Austin, TX this May. Learn more about the event and get tickets at shopaf.co!Addison Edmonds founded GUNNER out of the love for his four-legged best friend. Now on their way to being a full-scale pet care brand, Addison reflects on their growth so far and where they're headed in the future.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@gunnerkennels

Yeehaw! In this mini-series, we'll be talking with some of the minds behind the brands joining us for the Hill Country Hoedown - our brand discovery marketplace taking place in Austin, TX this May. Learn more about the event and get tickets at shopaf.co!Today we talk with Bronte Treat, a San Antonio-based chainstitcher and creative collaborator with Richter Goods, another brand you've seen on the AF podcast. Chainstitching is a fascinating niche of the heritage scene - Bronte clues us in to her experience and how she got started. Don't miss her set-up this May.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@lunchroomanxiety

James McLaughlin, the founder of 33byHand, was the epicenter of the party at both of our East Coast events this past fall. Back in January, we sat down and talked about all things design, and how he built his Maine-based brand to be both rugged and refined.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@33byhand

Howdy! Rae from Rangestead had one of the most thoughtful, well-curated set-ups at our December '21 market in Denver - turns out that was a spot-on representation of her brand. In our discussion, Rae takes an honest look at the perimeters of success as an entrepreneur, as well as the brand's Western roots. Yee-haw.

What is home? Briana Shaw, founder and designer behind Carlisle Clay, explores this idea through creating wearable art with polymer clay. In her interview, we talk about her pandemic-baby brand and her journey into identifying as an entrepreneur. Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@carlisle.clay

Topo Designs stands out among our favorite brands in the AF network and beyond - and we can brag that we knew them when they had a six-foot table at one of the first AF pop-ups! Lucas revisits Jedd Rose, co-founder of Topo, to check in on all things going on with the brand.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@topodesigns

We're back with our friends at City Workshop to catch up on 2022 - Roger and Josefina had a killer year in 2021, and are back on the podcast to share some big news.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@cityworkshopmsc

If you have been to an American Field pop-up at any time since we started this, you've probably seen SallyeAnder. If you know anything about the world of soap and natural goods, you probably know SallyeAnder. Sallie Gonzales is a great friend and collaborator at AF, and we're lucky to grab a minute with her from her home base in Beacon, NY.

What is Glogg? You'll find out in this record-setting episode of AF Fireside. Kevin Davidowich is a co-founder of one of our favorite brands from the 2021 season - he's here to share a few secrets, stories, and a glass of their deliciously spiced mulled wine.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@hettaglogg

We've had a handful of athletes on the show to date, but a former pro surfer might take the cake. Matt Keenan from BN3TH Apparel (a landmark at our Fall 2021 in-person events) went from riding waves to making waves in the apparel industry. Listen in for a few lessons and recommendations from the self-proclaimed "underwear guy".Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@bn3thapparel

Of all the places we visited virtually on the podcast to date, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is at the top of the list for future-IRL-visits. Not just for the scenery - the UP is also the home of Stormy Kromer, another fan fav from 2021. Gina Thorsen clues us in on the year past for Stormy and fills us in on all that's happened up North.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@smallhand.us@stormykromerofficial

Continuing our series where we revisit some stand-out brands from our first year of podcasting, Lucas sits down with Luke McAlpine, Director of Partnerships at Taylor Stitch. 2021 was the year of collabs for them - Luke dives in to his top list of accomplishments for the brand and what we have to look forward to in 2022.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@smallhand.us@taylorstitch

In our first mini-series of 2022, we're commemorating our first year on the airwaves with a re-visit with some of our favorite brands from 2021. Kicking off this series is the powerhouse team behind Halfdays - a "COVID-baby" apparel start-up from the minds of Ariana Ferwerda and Kiley McKinnon. Listen in to hear what they've been up to.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@smallhand.us@halfdays

We've got something special for you this time - another installment of our bonus-feature series where members of the AF Community come on to the show to tell us a short list of brands on the top of their minds.On today's episode, we welcome AF Partnerships Manager Lindsey Bop on for “Shop By Bop”, a continuation of her killer series from her IG (@lindseybop). We're talking all about the best last-minute gifts today - listen in and be sure to follow along on Instagram, too.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@lindseybop@adastrabk@concreterituals@le_monade_@finelywrought

Hot off the road from our pop-up event in Boston this November, Travis York sits down with us to kick off our series with some of our favorite footwear brands in the AF Network. York is the opposite of many other brands in their space - in style, approach, and attitude. Listen in for the story of how they've gotten their start.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@yorkathleticsmfg

Adelante has been a staple at AF events on the East Coast for the past few years, despite having perhaps the furthest to travel. Michael Peltzer joins us from Guatemala, a place he describes to be quite the paradise, as well as home to a pocket of artisans crafting footwear for an American market. Listen in for some of their challenges and successes.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@adelanteshoeco

Whitney Swales and her husband, Rob, are the both the brain and heart behind their natural perfumery, Wit and West. Wait, natural perfume? What's that? You're in for a lesson. Wit learned the ins and outs of natural perfume from the minds of the best - and in our opinion, she's one of the best, too. Listen in for more.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@witandwest

Sunny San Antonio meets chilly New England for this episode of Fireside. Mario Guajardo's lifelong love of Western style and heritage craftsmanship led him to found Richter Goods in 2011, a small-batch and in-house shirting brand based in Texas. Mario tells his story, views on collaboration, and looks to the future.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@richtergoods

We've got something special for you this time - another installment of our bonus-feature series where members of the AF Community come on to the show to tell us a short list of brands on the top of their minds.On today's episode, we welcome AF Partnerships Manager Lindsey Bop on for “Shop By Bop”, a continuation of her killer series from her IG (@lindseybop). We're talking all about makers today - listen in and be sure to follow along on Instagram, too.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@lindseybop@anna.nelson.studio@witandwest@vanessabjewelry@barnandbrooksupplyco

Okay, this episode is funny. Al and Ab get a few deep, genuine laughs from Lucas as they dive into what makes Queer Candle Co. ... well, Queer Candle Co. Knowing exactly who they are as a brand is a big leg up - but that doesn't mean there's any less hurdles. Pallets of wax? No problem now. Good advice, good insight, and a lot of laughs in this one.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@queercandleco

From the outside looking in, the life of an entrepreneur can appear to be romantic or confusing - and sometimes a mix of the two. Rafael Hernandez, the founder of Alfred Lane, has leveraged his personal experience to build a brand while leveraging his brand to gain personal experience. He joins us from sunny Miami to tell us more.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@alfredlane

Brad Wellman is some sort of Batman of neckwear - ad exec by day, fine-goods craftsman by night. Brad and his business partner Matt have been making ties, scarves, and accessories under the umbrella of Mill City Fineries since 2013 - today we talk about how they got there, and what's to come.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@millcityfineries

We've got something special for you this time - kicking off our bonus-feature series where members of the AF Community come on to the show to tell us a short list of brands on the top of their minds.On today's episode, we welcome AF Partnerships Manager Lindsey Bop on for “Shop By Bop”, a continuation of her killer series from her IG (@lindseybop). We're talking all about brands with the best fall gear today - listen in and be sure to follow along on Instagram, too.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@lindseybop@belmontblanket@dehen1920@wildwaxcandlecompany@inoki_bathhouse

"It all started from a curiousity and a love of good food." Sounds like a good story, right? Lily Leedom is the founder of SalterieOne - an AF flavor favorite and woman-owned brand out of Massachusetts. Lily dives into the salt-harvesting process, her history, and a little behind-the-scenes of their recent rebrand. Listen up!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@salterie.one

Fancy a drink? Andrea from Bitters Lab joins us from Salt Lake City, Utah to talk bitters from bottom to top. She's scaled her brand from door-to-door to a cross-country network of stockists and enthusiasts - listen in to hear how she did it.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@bitterslab

We're kicking off our next series with Ryan Andes - a renaissance man and a great friend to us at AF. Ryan is a voice actor, metalsmith, and brand founder doing all of the above out of his home base in Brooklyn. How does he do it all? That's what we're talking about. Stay posted for a few more fireside chats with some of our favorite makers in the AF Network.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@finelywrought

Travis Weaver, the founder of Manready Mercantile, has been a trendsetter in the well-made movement since his first homemade candles in 2012. In a high school reunion of sorts, Lucas and Travis talk shop across all angles of brick and mortar retail - dial in for some wisdom from Houston, Texas.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@manready

Roger and Josefina Stevens are always down for a good conversation - that's at the core of their storefront, City Workshop, and we're lucky to have sit down with them for a minute. We talk about the ins-and-outs of starting up a brick and mortar store, curating collections, and taking at honest look at what it looked like for them to get where they are now.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@cityworkshopmsc

Greetings from Rockford, Illinois! Lucas spent some time IRL with the team from Thirdmark Supply House at their home base and physical brick and mortar store an hour or so West of Illinois - this conversation recaps some big discussion topics, from consumer ethics to fall pieces arriving in-store to look forward to. More retail details on deck here - listen up!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@thirdmarksupplyhouse

This is a big one, folks. Lucas sits down for a one-on-one chat with Chris Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of New Balance, to talk about the Boston-based sneaker empire from top to bottom. At the end of the day, Chris is a believer in being the best, not the biggest. Listen in for a deeper look at the "sole" of the brand.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@newbalance

Let's wrap up our mini-est of mini series to date with a good ol' review episode! Lessons learned from our Outdoor brands are as vast as the outdoors themselves - so let's zoom in and focus on the product development and design strategies of these four brands.In today's episode, Lucas reviews some of the most memorable highlights and most valuable takeaways from the brands featured in our mini-series with sustainability-focused brands in the AF network - Topo Designs, Faherty, Duluth Pack, and Ball and Buck. Check out the recap and fresh insights, and then make sure to listen to the full interviews, too!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz

Today's ep hits close to home for us - Mark Bollman is an avid outdoorsman, product designer, and founder of American Field. Here we're talking about his first love, Ball and Buck, the outdoor lifestyle company he started in college. (Note - this is a great listen for budding entrepreneurs looking for a crash course in product development. Don't sleep!)Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@ballandbuckThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

We've talked to some old brands on the podcast so far - this one holds the record to date. Duluth Pack was founded in (wait for it) 1882 - and as a brand, has survived a lot of history. Tom Sega is at the helm today - we sat down to speak about the brand's history, strategy, and deep respect for the outdoors.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@duluthpackThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

We're keeping it outdoors this week with Faherty Brand - in a season where no one is motivated to get out in style, Faherty has offered solutions against the current. What are the secrets to the perfect summer apparel? Lucas sits down with co-founder Alex Faherty to talk shorts, surf, and even a little telepathy.Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@fahertybrandThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

Welcome to summer. This next round of brands we have coming up on the podcast all have a hand, foot, board, or bike in the world of the outdoors - and we're kicking off with a pace-setting brand that we're always excited to have with us at an AF event. Lucas talks with Jedd Rose, co-founder of Colorado-based Topo Designs and gets a high-level view into the Topo ethos. Join us!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@topodesignsThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

Sustainability. Where do we start? Are you sick of hearing it yet? Well, it seems like it's just the beginning - and we have a long way go. The goal here is to take the word apart, break down the concept, and get a grasp on what it takes for a brand to be "sustainable" in 2021.In today's episode, Lucas reviews some of the most memorable highlights and most valuable takeaways from the brands featured in our mini-series with sustainability-focused brands in the AF network - CMBD, Wanderwide, HFA Goods, Apolis, Taylor Stitch, and Norton Point. Check out the recap and fresh insights, and then make sure to listen to the full interviews, too!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitzThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

We're rounding out our interview series on sustainability close to home - in Massachusetts, that is. Norton Point, and it's parent company, Oceanworks, utilize recycled ocean plastics for their house products, but also supply to other manufacturers looking to take a sustainable angle. Today, Lucas talks to Rob Ianelli, founder of both brands (as well as a few words with his sweet little two-month-old).Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@nortonpointThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

You asked, we listened! Taylor Stitch is a fan fave around here - not just for year-round, rugged-centered staples, but also as a model for a sustainable, responsible way to scale a company. We sat down with Mike Maher, one of the founders of the San Fran-based apparel brand, to talk responsibility, lessons learned, and fits to avoid summer swampiness. Don't miss it!Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@taylorstitchThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

The textile industry, human resources, and sustainability are words that belong together, but in a delicate balance. How do you make it work? Raan Parton, co-founder of Apolis, is our resident expert. Apolis is a certified B-Corp, with a rich history in manufacturing apparel and textiles and a mission to do it responsibly. (Bonus content - an inside look at Lucas' fear of mispronouncing something.)Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@apolisThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.

This week, Lucas sits down with Tyler Russell - another close personal friend, friend of AF, and the maker and operator behind leather goods brand HFA Goods. As a brand builder, Tyler grabbed the COVID era by the reins and took the time to re-invent his business, resulting in a streamlined process, new mindset, and (you guessed it) a more sustainable business. As the world opens back up, we may not all be in the position to take that break now - but we can learn lessons from his (including: when do you jump from part-time hustle to full-time career?).Learn more about featured brands at shopaf.co, and be sure to follow us on Instagram:@shopaf.co@lucaszfitz@hfagoodsThis episode is made possible by Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company known for transforming spaces into innovation hubs and community centers.