Once again, we’ve secured another exclusive & inspirational interview with Travis Siflinger, the founder of the L.A based BR4SS Underwear company. For the young entrepreneurs out there (which I know you’re watching), this is one interview session you certainly have to pay attention to, as Travis kindly shares with us his invaluable insights on his daily work routine, how to cement a strong foundation for your business, along with a traumatic turning point in his life which injected him with the unbreakable strength and determination to skyrocket to where he is today. And yes, Dreams do come to life to those with focus, confidence, and a “BR4SS” attitude.
Company Details:
Title: Travis Siflinger – Founder – BR4SS Underwear
Industry: Youth Lifestyle
Type of company: Mens Apparel & Accessories Brand
Year founded: 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Number of employees: 2
1. What is the start-up story behind your pursuit as an undergarment designer?
I started BR4SS when everything in my life was falling apart and this was a project that kept me sane – I saw a void in the market, put together my ideas and next thing you know, I’m going to our pattern makers house in Los Angeles stripping down in her living room and developing a custom fitted product that we refined a handful of times until we were finally happy with it. BR4SS is Quality, Comfort, Fit & Style.
2. Describe your visual concepts, what is it like? What are three words that best define it?
Bold, Gritty, Stylish
3. What is your definition of success, and how much of it do you think you’ve achieved?
Good Question and I’m probably the wrong person to ask at this time. A quote I recently heard was from Music Mogul Steve Lobel. “Patience + Sacrifice = Success” With that being said, I’m just focused on working hard and letting things build organically. We’ll see what happens from here….
4. What are some recent achievements you’re proud of and would like to share?
We’ve been shipping our products around the world to distributors in Japan, Australia & Sweden – That and the addition of our first US Sales Rep on The East Coast is definitely pretty exciting!
5. What’s something that’s always running inside your mind lately?
Jetting off to the South of France with a gorgeous girl – haha.
6. What would you spend a million dollars on?
If it was to blow, then it would definitely be a Ferrari, world traveling, good food and great experiences with some of the people in my life.
If it was to be smart with, I’d definitely make some diversified investments and see what happens.
7. What’s one incident that would serve as a turning point to your life?
A few years ago I got in a bad car wreck – I ended up going head first into the center divider of a freeway at 40mph in the pouring rain. Besides losing alot of money in vehicle upgrades, I almost killed myself and it makes you realize that you should try your hardest to live a productive life.
8. What three pieces of advice would you give to others when it comes to life and career?
1: A strong foundation and team is everything – If you don’t have it, you’re wasting your time. In my opinion, nobody is “Self Made”
2: What we’re doing really isn’t rocket science, so keep it simple & try not to focus on the end result.
3: It’s an old saying – Everyone wants to enjoy the cake, but when it comes time to making it from scratch, those same people are nowhere to be found. I would say most of the people in my life are “acquaintances” as opposed to real “friends”
9. What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
In a previous business venture I got involved in an interesting partnership that ultimately broke – I learned alot about what to do in business and more importantly what NOT to do. This time around I plan our work and then work that plan.
10. What’s a typical day in your life like?
Wake up at 5AM to my 3 year old, get him & I ready for the day – On the road at 6AM making East Coast Calls – Into the Office at 7AM and work all day – Lots of phone calls/emails/everything else in between until I leave at 4PM. Phone Calls all the way home – Then it’s time to chill w/ my lil tyke, grab some dinner, do some chores, work some more and crash around 11PM. If there’s something good happening at night, I’ll definitely check it out.
11. What’s one of the highlighting moments in your career? Why is it so? This would definitely have to be an event I produced in 2008. After months of planning, we had 5,000 people in attendance, dozens upon dozens of clothing labels exhibiting, sexy models, vehicles on display and Mickey Avalon was performing LIVE. In the midst of all of this – I got a call from my lady at the time saying that she was having our kid right then and there, so I was off to the hospital – CRAZY!
12. What stops you from throwing in the towel and giving up during those frustrating days of being in this industry?
The name BR4SS originates from “brass balls”, which is really just that attitude of keeping the head up, pushing forward and making things happen. After spending the last few years going through hell in my personal life, I welcome the stress that business brings!
13. Biggest risk ever taken?
Saying “Fuck you” to a good paying job to pursue my passions and spending over $20,000 that was invested by friends and family, knowing that If I don’t pull this off, I’m going to have some people pissed off at me.
14. Who has influenced you most and been your greatest inspiration?
My friend Greg Taniguchi has been a good mentor of mine – He’s a super smart guy that runs the Marketing department for Brembo USA, which is the automobile braking company. He’s always pointed me in the right direction and I respect his opinions.
15. How do you go about marketing your business or yourself? What has been your most successful form of marketing? Definitely the internet and events – Anything Non-Traditional – We haven’t ever been in a position to consider any traditional marketing like magazine ad’s, but maybe that’s not a bad thing.
16. In three words, characterize who you are.
Dreamer, Workaholic, Foodie
17. What other artists inspired you and do you admire the most? ELSE ICR: A Los Angeles Graffiti legend – Super Humble Guy that has introduced me to a ton of people – www.elseicr.com
Ed Hume: A partner in BR4SS and one of the most talented graphic designers I’ve worked with – www.edhumedesign.com
18. How do you achieve balance in your life?
This is a good question because I’ve learned BALANCE is everything. My partner Ed has been a critical part of me mellowing out, appreciating the “now” and still staying productive. Before, I was so focused on the end result and trying to predict the future.
19. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Who knows – I definitely didn’t see myself with a 3 year old or building an underwear brand at 27 years old, so I’m just going to go with the flow, keep making chess moves, learning, networking and trying to have fun in life/work.
20. What’s the first thing you would say to the world if all attention was on you right now?
Get off your ass & make some things happen! An idea is worthless without execution.
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