In 2020, Ian Wendt saw small businesses struggling to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic and knew he had to do something. He turned to his social media following and launched a fundraiser to help these businesses stay afloat. To Ian’s surprise, his followers were willing to help their fellow Americans without asking about their backgrounds or beliefs. This experience inspired Ian to create the patriot tee, a symbol of patriotism and support for the United States and its people.
What began as a single olive tee quickly became a worldwide brand and movement. The message of unity and freedom resonated with people across the globe, who proudly wore the patriot logo to show their love for their country. The beauty of the Patriot brand is that it represents love for one’s country, a desire for its people to be free and thrive, and a willingness to defend their freedoms, regardless of where one lives.
Today, Official Patriot Gear® has reached over 50 countries and has hundreds of products, including t-shirts, hats, and accessories. The brand has also developed an ambassador program with several hundred people representing its message of unity. Based in Idaho, the company values its partnerships with other small American businesses and will open its flagship store in Rexburg, Idaho, in early 2023.
The movement behind the Patriot brand continues to grow rapidly as more patriots align themselves with it worldwide. Each month, the Patriot community bands together to support fellow Americans in need. In the last quarter of 2022, they supported a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer, helped save a struggling business, and gifted six families with a Christmas morning they may otherwise not have had. With Ian at the helm of Official Patriot Gear®, there is undoubtedly more good work to be done.
