A hockey lifestyle brand inspired by the tradition and passion of the game.I have met some great people through this site who share the same passion and love for the game that I do. Not all of them are necessarily memorabilia or card collectors. Some are just true fans of the game of hockey.
I was intrigued when I came across a company called Pond Rocket. I love the designs and the story behind the company, so I contacted the founder and asked some questions about launching a new hockey lifestyle brand.
HockeyDen: Can you tell me about Pond Rocket and how it came about?
Ben Weber: PondRocket is a hockey lifestyle brand that is inspired by the tradition and passion of the game. I wanted to create a brand that pays tribute to the history and lifestyle of hockey. Something that players can wear that is specific to hockey and what the game means to us.
As for how it came about…well, starting an apparel brand is something that I always wanted to do. One day life gave me a little hipcheck…and the next thing you know, I have a website and a garage full of hockey apparel!
HockeyDen: How about a little background on yourself and the company?
Ben Weber: I grew up in Ohio and started playing hockey when I was 8 years old. I would say that from day one the game consumed me. I played through youth hockey, then Jr. and DIII college. Just when I thought that I was going to settle nicely into the Tuesday night beer leagues, I was fortunate enough to get a job working for an American Hockey League team in my hometown of Cincinnati.
I had a front office career that spanned 12 years and has taken me through a few cities and leagues while putting some time in the NHL, AHL and ECHL. Unfortunately with my last organization, we had to fold the team.
This is when I knew that I had to take a chance and start my own hockey brand. I never want anyone else to decide my fate and involvement in the game again. I recently launched the company in November of ’09, so I am still a little fresh in the latest endeavor.
HockeyDen: What have been some of the biggest challenges of launching the company?
Ben Weber: I would say that the biggest challenge is startup capital. You have all of these ideas in your head, but can only afford to take baby steps. You have to be careful not to over extend yourself financially, but at the same time, you really want to express what the brand is about. It is definitely a learn-as-you-go experience…at least for me.
HockeyDen: Where do your design ideas come from?
Ben Weber: The design ideas are really inspired by the game. I want PondRocket to be unique to those that play. My goal is to include a “piece” of the game into everything I design.
An example would be the inside taping on each PondRocket hat. The taping is the strip of cloth on the inside of a hat that covers the seam. I put the “universal” skate lace design on the taping of each hat. When the average person looks at it, they get nothing. But when a hockey player looks at it, they instantly know that it’s a skate lace…that’s what I am going for in the design.
HockeyDen:How do you see the line expanding in the future?
Ben Weber: I have so many ideas rolling around my head that it is hard to see straight some days. I currently have a few hats and t-shirt designs up on site, with a few more coming out as summer will be upon us soon. I am planning next fall / winter and hope to have some long sleeve T’s, sweats, jackets and a few other tricks up my sleeve. My goal is to create a full line of apparel for the hockey player to wear year round, whether it’s in the rink, on the bus or just livin’.
HockeyDen: Are we going to see any Canadian inspired pieces in the future?
Ben Weber: With the recent release of the “Lake Placid” shirt, I thought you might ask that! I will definitely have some designs inspired by the game’s roots in the Great White North.
HockeyDen: Tell me about your association with USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program?
Ben Weber: This partnership is another element of starting the PondRocket brand. As I mentioned earlier, I am so fortunate for all that the game of hockey has given me. With that thought in mind, I wanted to make sure that I was using my business to give back to the game…specifically to assist those that currently play or encouraging those that don’t play to give it a try. I strongly feel that hockey will give back to you what you put into it, plus so much more.
In speaking of the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, well, this is a special group of hockey players. This program was established to provide hockey to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have been wounded in action while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program has been organized to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes for those wounded in defense of the United States. The Program’s mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience and education.
PondRocket’s goal is to raise funds or the USA Warriors by donating proceeds from sales to the program. They can always use the help with equipment and travel costs, and I will do what I can to help out.
HockeyDen: I love the blog style of your website. Why did you decide to set it up like that instead of a traditional retail site?
Ben Weber: Thanks for the compliment. My reasoning for setting up a blog style was to try to constantly bring fresh content to the site. I felt it might be a way for me to get across the passion behind the brand and inspire others that might feel the same way. It also allows me to jump around in my thoughts. One day I am promoting a great cause like the USA Warriors and the next I am trying to think of the best hockey moustache of all time. I think the site allows me a little freedom to grow and develop the brand. It also offers folks the chance to reach out and give their 2-cents as to what they think about the brand or the game itself.
HockeyDen: What is the best way to get Pond Rocket apparel?
Ben Weber: The best way to get your apparel is to visit www.PondRocketGear.com.
Folks that are interested can also check us out at Facebook / PondRocket and Twitter / PondRocket.
