Conversations with Rob Arnold

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Arnold.

Hi Rob, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always wore pop culture shirts that people liked. Then I came up with a couple of designs on my own that I was going to sell. But talked to a friend Reid Jolly about it and said just do it yourself. So we did. We are both locals but appreciate sports as a whole and especially tying it into pop culture. This was in 2015 when there were only about seven shirt companies. I thought why not work for myself and start an Apparel company with always hoping it would evolve into what it is today. Which is still an Apparel company and we sell local goods from great people here in Kansas City. So back to 2015, really start figuring everything out and then the Royals win the World Series; we have a design ready to go that’s day of the dead(Sugar Skull) themed and they won on the actual day in our 1st year in business. So that’s the story with our logo as well. So after that we started doing events about 20-25 a year. Got into some boutiques, Made In KC and The Bunker. Then Cosentinos(Price Choppers) approached us and got into 19 of these. At one point, we were in 35 stores around the city. We also opened up a shop at Lenexa Public Market the day they opened in 2017 and were there for almost four years. We left Lenexa and we just opened our first store. Which consists of now 8 vendors and our Apparel in Downtown Overland Park just to the left of The Peanut. We plan on adding another five vendors at least. So far, we have Beer Paws which we have worked with for five years and have some pet apparel with them. We also have Happy Camper Uniques, Cat & Cricket Candle Co, Klay Creations KC, Burnt Finger BBQ, Annie’s Barn snarky coasters, glasses, and mugs, The Roasterie(private label coffee and beans) and KC Escapades photo metal art. We just want to do something different and hope everyone likes our gear and store. I look at every design as art and hope it truly puts a smile on someone’s face.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I can’t complain definitely growing pains that every business. And some frustration that we can’t control, not to mention going through the best business hitting our groove to COVID. But that is so minor for what a lot of other people have had to deal with. Still here and hopefully take this to the next level. I don’t think anyone doubted what I was hoping to achieve pretty blessed to have so many wonderful people in our corner.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would say I was in the restaurant industry, was a DJ, and then Owned part of a restaurant. Then I started over and went back to Dj’ing that’s when I turned to designing the apparel. Loved coming up with anything easy like our Stranger Things KC design as well as the Friends design. We are definitely known for our logo and my personal favorite is either the Marvel Just undo it for Avengers Endgame or Our kingdom after the Chiefs won. Definitely like thinking outside of the box. We also have the softest apparel. And do custom orders for businesses and everything in between. That’s what sets us different as well I believe. And so many people in our corner. And having great customer service.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Don’t ever over extend yourself or your business. Also don’t put all your eggs in 1 basket. And only control what you can control.

Pricing:

• T shirts are $30
• Hoodies are $40-$52
• Youth $28
• Hats $30
• Leggings $12

Contact Info:

• Email: rob@Wegotyourbackapparel.com
• Website: Wegotyourbackapparel.com
• Instagram: Wegotyourbackapparel
• Facebook: Wegotyourbackapparel
• Twitter: We Got Your Back Apparel

Image Credits
Daniel Yanes