When serial entrepreneur Brad Dubrowsky founded THUMB! United, he saw a gap in the market that few others had considered—a way to blend fashion with a purposeful function that addresses the distractions of our modern world. It is not just another apparel brand; it's a lifestyle statement that encourages mindful behavior through thoughtfully designed clothing.
With a clear vision and a background steeped in the apparel industry, Dubrowsky set out to create products that would resonate with consumers globally, offering more than just style but also comfort and functionality. The brand's unique approach centers on a simple but powerful concept: integrating discrete, inside pockets inside clothing, encouraging people to put their phones away in their pockets and focus on the moments that matter.
The cornerstone of THUMB! United's product line is the Casey fleece. Unlike anything else in the market, the style's unique shawl collar, which can be worn up or zipped down to lay flat, adds a touch of versatility. The Casey Fleece, with its modern design, has revamped and elevated the basic hoodie market. "It is a favorite among women. Most of them love it so much they buy it in multiple colors," shares Dubrowsky. Crafted with an 80/20 cotton-polyester blend, it features YKK two-way zippers, thumb slits for those colder days, triple-over stitching for durability, and faux suede artwork on the inside that carries messages of wellness and positivity. "The product is outstanding," Dubrowsky asserts, "Our reviews speak for themselves."
The inception of THUMB! United wasn't just about apparel, which Dubrowsky knows all about; it was about mindfulness, human connection, and safety. As a father of two sons who were about to start driving, Dubrowsky noticed a gap in the global hoodie market. He saw the need for an innovative design that included pockets on the inside. These pockets, along with the brand's message, encourage drivers of all ages to put their phones away, particularly when driving. "Our team, from the beginning, understood the importance of mindfulness and human connection," Dubrowsky notes. "We wanted to invite a change in behavior by providing fashion products worn by consumers globally that would empower consumers to store their mobile devices and to share in our brand's message. 'Hold a hand, not a phone™,'" Dubrowsky explains.
The brand's acronym, "THUMB," stands for Teaching Humans Universal Mobile Behavior, reflecting the company's commitment to combating device addiction and creating a more connected world. This vision materialized in a uniquely designed hoodie that's not only comfy and chic but also serves a higher purpose. Along with the mission, THUMB! United's meticulous attention to quality and durability makes their products stand out. The hoodies are crafted in factories typically reserved for outerwear, ensuring a level of durability that is unmatched in the market. "We make a great men's hoodie and a great ladies hoodie, but the Casey style is something no one else in the industry makes," shares Dubrowsky. This focus on quality is further evidenced by the brand's incredibly low return rate.
THUMB! United's partnership with Susan G. Komen is another cornerstone of the brand's ethos. "This collaboration is not just about co-branding. We found out consumers are purchasing our products to store medical devices in the inside pockets. After breast cancer surgery, fluids from the breasts drain into pouches. Our partnership happened naturally with breast cancer survivors who needed pockets to hold these medical devices. It is where fashion meets function. We are making a real impact," explains Dubrowsky.
"For every special edition hoodie sold, we embroider the Susan G Komen running ribbon logo on the left sleeve, and we donate $10 to support breast cancer awareness." The brand has been honored with the Star Survivors Award at the Dallas Cowboys stadium for three consecutive years. "The mission started out to encourage people to put their phones away, but it evolved into something much bigger. We're not just building a brand; we're building a movement."
Entering a market as saturated as apparel comes with its risks, but Dubrowsky has navigated these challenges by focusing on differentiation through quality and purpose. The brand's commitment to manufacturing standards, its use of premium materials, and its strategic collaborations have all contributed to its success. "We're not like any other hoodie company," and the market agrees.
Looking forward, THUMB! United is in a position for significant growth, with plans to expand its product line and reach new markets. But no matter how large the brand grows, its mission will remain at the heart of everything it does: creating apparel that not only looks good but also does good. As Dubrowsky so aptly puts it, "We seek to create change for good, one pocket at a time."
For investors, THUMB! United represents a unique opportunity to back a brand that is not only scalable and innovative but mission-driven and socially conscious. With its proven track record of success, strong competitive advantage, and commitment to quality that is second to none, THUMB! United is well-positioned to capitalize on a significant market opportunity. As the brand continues to grow, it offers a compelling proposition for those looking to invest in a company that is making a positive impact while delivering strong financial returns.
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