Launching a clothing company is one thing. Launching streetwear that is hyper focused on the esports and gaming community is another. John catches up with Nate Eckman, Co-Founder of ULT and talks about the opportunities in enhancing connection, authenticity and brand integrity within the gaming ecosystem. Apparel is not simply a product, but a reflection of shared ideas, developing cultures and playing with different mediums for individuality.
Oh, and nachos are dope.
For more info:
ULT : https://ultesports.com/
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/UltEsports
To follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/J0hnDavids0n
Full Episode Breakdown:
00:00- Introductions of Nate Eckman, Co-Founder, ULT, fellow nacho brethrens, and their origin story
4:45 – Connecting retail, skateboarding, shoes, skate culture and gaming
7:00 – Ownership around the brands involved and tying it back to gaming
8:04 – The bond and connection over nachos, dope, culture, street wear and brands
9:35 – Nate’s head space of creating a clothing brand from agency work to launching on his own
10:30 – His training brought him to pull together expertise to branding, product design merchandising and game design.
12:30 – Nate’s challenge and drive to make it happen – His inspiration that made him jump to start his business
16:14 – When it’s your own brand, you can do whatever you want
17:29 – “Giving my all” – Every good thought to advancing other people and team and the power to make it happen as an entrepreneur
19:19 – ULT is more than just a product. It’s giving ideas to share and developing cultures with choices in different mediums
21:19 – Experimenting with materials and design. Ex. A jacket with a translucent material, “ghost jacket.”
24:15 – Commercialization is an exercise in design, and if those ideas translate into revenue
26:00 – Data informs your creative and reinforces design
27:14 – Points of differentiation, embracing your voice and confidence
31:04 – Overcoming your own fears, receiving feedback and constantly evolving and challenging yourself to learn more
33:49 – Whoever you work with, you want to show up and be your best and learn from other people who understand
36:30 – Identity in real life, digital life intersecting and the need to understand those shifts as entrepreneurs
39:00 – Validation of virtual content and tangible recognition with products with people in the group, most importantly to your friends and community as gamers.
40:00 – Art and design immersing imagination and endless possibilities inside of games. Sharing that joy and creating an opportunity space for people to feel pride and identity.
42:27 – Shoutout to Gamestop Complexity Center
