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An example of what it takes to get an Angel to commit: "FairEnds.com" Creating unique clothing that is "something for everyone"

It was a few short years ago, after being introduced by a mutual friend, that Ben and Martin started collaborating on custom bicycles for a shop in lower Manhattan. When the project was finished, the two stayed in touch (Ben lives outside of Missoula, MT and Martin in New York) and talked about ways they could continue to work together.

After receiving a request to design a series of custom-made hats, Ben and Martin knew it was the perfect opportunity to combine their complimentary skills in production and design.

FairEnds was born in 2011 out of simplicity, with no logos, no eccentricities and no preciousness. Ben and Martin wanted to make a line of colorful hats that were both urban and western, a nod to their cross-country locations. Instead of "limited-edition" and "exclusive", they wanted "something for everyone."

FairEnds hats are made in California and can now be found at stores around the world. And keep an eye out for the FairEnds empire to keep expanding, with new product launches and collaborations planned throughout 2013.

http://fairends.myshopify.com/

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"Ben and Martin’s company, FairEnds (the phonic spelling of Ben’s last name), creates, among other things, hats with "Simplicity, with no logos, no eccentricities and no preciousness." Those who know me understand that my entire sense of fashion starts and ends with a pair of jeans, a black tee shirt, and a logo-less black ball cap (though I sometimes dress up by wearing a Stetson).

But I got the "no preciousness" part, and I also was impressed with how far FairEnds had already reached: their hats were being sold and worn in NYC, Tokyo, Berlin. Ben and I talked about the global reach of good ideas, images and words. We also talked about our shared likes: all of what is the core of living in Montana. So we kept meeting. Beers and burgers here and there. We talked more. About the idea of growing a fashion line based on core good things, coupled with the skills each of us have been slowly acquiring through our years of living and working.

So… drum roll… I’m announcing to the world that as of last week I am a full partner and co-owner with Ben and Martin of FairEnds. I doubt that I will change how I dress, but the quality of my plain, black ball caps has already been improved. http://fairends.com/"

Steve Saroff- Missoula Entrepreneur and Angel Investor

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