From Maker to Maker
From Maker to Maker
-Story and images from the makers themselves-
The intention is in the details, to always serve a PURPOSE with pragmatism and refined tailoring. I’m striving for us to have this in all elements of the brand. We put in the work to curate excellence in the process, product, art/photography, and in our stories.
One of the fun parts of our process that I love is that we test the product. We use it, showing and proving the purpose in the process. After completing the samples, we did a quick “final” wear fit test and shoot in Seattle. That same day I sent the pieces on their “Union Of Makers” road-trip test.
First it went to Nate Wessel in PA to test the wear, the build and prove the use. Nate then shipped the vest to Rob Gallaher in Kamloops BC. He then sent it to Kris Sherry to test the wear and prove the design. Here’s a taste of our “Union Of Makers” road-trip test.
-Josh Sirlin
Rob Gallaher
Builder – Mechanic – Photographer
Inspiration drives everything I do. My bikes, my music, my photography, my relationships & my life are all created out of an inspiration. It’s the thing that gets me up in the morning ready to receive the world. That’s what Black Bear Brand is to me. It’s an inspiration to ambitiously seek balance between functionality, durability, tough authentic style and refined tailoring. Be a dreamer...Make stories...
-Rob Gallaher
Kamloops BC Canada
Bike: 1978 Shovelhead custom rigid chopper. Built for fellow maker Bradley Makepeace, Hugging Tree Winery, and Makepeace Organics. Engine: 96” S&S Shovelhead.
3” BDL open primary. Transmission: RevTech 6into4. Front End: Wide glide. Wheels: Front-HD 21” Rear-HD 16”. Seat: Biltwell solo Tuck n’ Roll with Matcho Negro seat hinge.
Kris Sherry
FABRICATOR – DESIGNER – CRAFTSMAN
To me, Black Bear Brand is an ode to the past, to a time when men worked hard and honed their craft. When clothing served a purpose and was made to endure. The shirt-jacket was a great example of this. I worked, welded and wore this jacket socially and was extremely pleased with the quality and styling. I pride myself on being well-rounded in many handcrafted skills and not being afraid to put in the very humbling time it takes to learn and to grow these skills. You’re only as good as your tools and having the proper attire falls into that category for me. From welding and grinding a new gas tank for my motorcycle, to fabricating anything that comes my way, the shirt-jacket is my go to. Styling and functionality in everything I do is key and I strive to achieve that in my own work as well. Black Bear Brand is on the same path I am, and being able to take part in bringing this brand to the level it deserves, just seems to be a great fit.
-Kris Sherry
Tehachapi, California
Pinching a 1976 Harley Davidson SX-250 Gas Tank.
Nate Wessel
DESIGNER – FABRICATOR – BUILDER
I have been involved with action sports for 20 years. As a pro athlete, there are many brands that wrap around you, they can make you who you are as well as define you. For many years I have supported and been supported by brands that I felt were a huge part of my everyday being. I am in a new chapter of my life, but I am still surrounded by action sports and athletes. However, I was missing that brand that truly connected with my life, my work and my passions. That void has been filled by a brand that I feel encompasses me better that anything I’ve ever been a part of. It revolves around all of my passions for every walk of life that I am a part of. Whether it is playing, riding, ripping, shredding, chillin’, fabricating, building or hanging with my family, it all works as one. Black Bear Brand encompasses me and everything that I am about.
-Nate Wessel
Maryland / Pennsylvania
Designing and fabricating a ramp in Maryland / Pennsylvania for Nitro Circus.