31 Mar Built to Be Passed Down: Mark Bollman IV on Crafting Clothing That Lasts
On this episode of The Jeff Crilley Show, Jeff sits down with Mark Bollman IV, Founder and CEO of Ball and Buck, to talk about building a brand around one idea: make it better than it used to be. Mark shares how he launched the company from his fraternity house at Babson College in 2008 after growing frustrated with clothes that fell apart. Drawing on memories of hunting with his father and grandfather, he explains how Ball and Buck tests its gear in harsh outdoor conditions so it can easily handle everyday life. The conversation explores his “farm-to-table” approach to sourcing materials, partnerships with heritage makers like Horween Leather, and the brand’s commitment to American manufacturing. Mark also discusses expanding into new retail markets, developing a serious women’s line with Brittany Longoria, and why every product must earn its place—no “filler fruit” allowed.
Key Topics
- building a brand around quality and durability
- testing garments in the rigors of the field
- the farm-to-table approach to clothing manufacturing
- American manufacturing and domestic sourcing
- heritage materials like wax cotton and Horween leather
- developing a serious women’s line with Brittany Longoria
- expanding from pop-ups to flagship retail stores
- avoiding trend chasing and filler fruit products
Episode Timestamps
- 01:22 – Starting Ball and Buck in a fraternity house in 2008
- 03:10 – From disappointing products to a quality-driven mission
- 06:10 – Brand video: craftsmanship and Made in USA commitment
- 06:38 – The meaning behind the name Ball and Buck
- 07:58 – Built to be passed down and improve with age
- 08:52 – Wax cotton and Horween leather partnerships
- 10:35 – The farm-to-table analogy for clothing sourcing
- 13:30 – Rethinking women’s outdoor apparel with Brittany Longoria
- 15:20 – Dallas store experience and national expansion plans
- 18:05 – Why Ball and Buck refuses to chase trends
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Episode Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:22 – Meet Mark Bollman IV & Brand Origins
- 04:00 – Ball and Buck Brand Story Video
- 06:38 – Built to Be Passed Down
- 08:10 – Farm-to-Table Sourcing Philosophy
- 10:04 – Women’s Line & Dallas Store Experience
- 12:40 – Expansion Plans & Future Growth
- 14:14 – Timeless Style Over Trends
- 15:35 – Final Call to Action