Entrepreneurs know a good idea when they see one. They recognize the quality of a product or service, its marketability, and its one-of-a-kind consumer appeal. Some entrepreneurs are academically or professionally trained in this field and make careers out of building businesses, while other entrepreneurs stumble upon a good business idea almost by accident. The latter is what happened to Aberdeen-born artist Christian Burgess.
From the time he was in high school, Christian Burgess was developing a business and a brand – he just didn’t know it. The name for his business came to him as a teenager in high school when he called his wrestling coach a “jacknut.” His coach laughed it off, but the word stuck with Burgess, and he started using it in conversation with his friends. After graduating from high school, Burgess found himself as an art student at the Art Institute of Seattle. While enrolled in the Institute’s Industrial Design program, Burgess drew a bird design which would later become the logo for his company.
Burgess asked a friend of his who had experience printing t-shirts if he would be willing to print Burgess’ bird design with the word “jacknut” on a few shirts he planned to gift to some friends and family. People started asking Burgess if he was selling the shirts. He started making more and Jacknut Apparel was born.
After operating in Grays Harbor for nine years, Jacknut Apparel recently celebrated its one-year anniversary at its new Olympia location across from South Puget Sound Community College on Mottman Road. “It’s been a good year,” Burgess says, excited about the potential available in Olympia and the surrounding South Sound community. “It’s more our market here,” he says. With a diverse community, abundance of college students, and countless sports teams, Burgess says opportunities abound on both the apparel and custom side of Jacknut.
“We’re kind of like two businesses,” explains Burgess. “Jacknut Apparel is our clothing brand. We design and print all of that in house. Then we do custom stuff for baseball teams, football team, events like races – or for anyone who just wants some clothing screen printed or embroidered.” In addition to their custom work and unique line of Jacknut tees, hoodies and more, Jacknut is also a local outfitter for blue and green 12th man gear – available online, in-store, and at 26 Just Sports retailers across Washington State.
Jacknut Apparel has been busy building their brand for nearly a decade and Burgess says he’s excited to now be a part of the Olympia market. But, despite Jacknut’s humble hometown beginnings, this trendy apparel company is no stranger to national recognition. Several years ago Jacknut was nationally recognized for the shirts they created for the annual Loggers Playday event in Hoquiam. The shirt sales, proceeds of which benefitted local youth programs, were higher in this one-year than all past year’s combined.
“We’ve been taking steps each year and I feel like the company has grown surprisingly considering it started as kind of an accident,” explains Burgess. “I’m just going along with the ride and having fun.”
This type of mindset it what keeps Jacknut Apparel’s clothing fresh and unique. Burgess is passionate about creating apparel that he cares about, which is where many of Jacknut’s series come from. Currently on display online and in the store, patrons can peruse from the “Rock 27” and “Icons” series. Rock 27 is a series of four shirts commemorating famous musicians, all of which died at the age of 27. The other series, Icons, showcases Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and Ghandi. “Sometimes we just do things that we really have a passion for,” says Burgess.
But clothing isn’t the only thing Burgess is passionate about. Wanting to give back to the communities that have supported him, Burgess and Jacknut sponsor several race cars and two Seafair hydroplanes. “We had a lot to give back and we like to do that,” explains Burgess.
Burgess invites the community to come into Jacknut Apparel and peruse their selection in person, or visit their online store to see what’s in stock. Anyone in search of custom made apparel for sports teams, clubs, or special events, can also stop by Jacknut to put in a custom order – no minimum purchase necessary. You can also follow Jacknut on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the latest on special promotions.
Jacknut Apparel
2320 Mottman Road SW #102
Olympia, WA 98512
360-581-6466
