SPEAKER_00 0:00

But just believe in yourself, it's hard. But ain't nobody gonna care about, you know what I mean? So believe in yourself 100%. It's taking that leap of faith is you're, you know, it's like stepping off a ledge, blindfolded.

SPEAKER_01 0:20

All right, welcome to another episode of Connections That Matter, where we tell the story of Northern Colorado's best networkers and the connections that they make to help their businesses such a success. Uh today we got Paul Rodriguez from Crown and Kicks on the show. Paul, welcome to the show. Thank you for having me. Well, Paul, you uh I can't wait to get into your story. You attended one of our next level networking events. Yes, sir. Uh, like a lot of people do. We have quite a few people that come in, but nobody's quite made that level of first impression the way that you did. Come there and you got the grill in today. You always look and fly.

SPEAKER_00 0:56

Let's let's let's let's mention the drip that you've got going on today. Some cookies on here today. I got look at that. Can we zoom in, Brian, on the shoes? The Scotty Pippins, old school airs, yeah, yeah. Look good, feel good, do good. Oh, I love that. Well, Crowder Cakes, so shoes, shoes, and hats. Shoes and hats. I do my all apparel too, but I specialize in in sneakers and hats. And you got the bucket hat going on, the cookies. Yeah, I gotta switch it up every once in a while, you know. It's hot out there too, so I had to switch it up. All right.

SPEAKER_01 1:25

Well, um, I love I love the personality, the swagger that you come in with, but also as a level of true creative artist that you do to help other people's brands come alive. So tell us a little bit about the vision of Crown and Kicks and some of the fun projects you've been able to work on.

SPEAKER_00 1:41

Um, so my vision really is creating people's dreams and their ideas and bringing them to life. Like uh, for example, right now, um, I'm working with a guy who does who's really into like um throwback baseball caps. So a lot of logos that aren't being remade right now, he's kind of like sending me new era blanks, and I'm pretty much making replicas of baseball caps for him that are like one-of-one rare ones, like uh cool, like an old school Phillies hat. So that's like that's kind of where I started a little bit, like just starting with baseball caps and things like that. I've been a hat collector now since 2000. So for the last 25 years, I've been collecting hats and been tastemaking for new era. They've been sending me free boxes and stuff. I have a three, I think my hat collector, I haven't counted in like six or seven years, but I'm pretty close to like 3,000 hats for my personal collection right now. So I just pretty much turn my passion for fashion into a profession.

SPEAKER_01 2:41

What uh what are some of your favorites out of out of three? What are your some of your favorites that you got?

SPEAKER_00 2:46

There's this brand called Mishka. It's a it's a New York street brand, and it's like this eyeball, and Mishka means uh baby cub in in Russian. So it's like this punk, like crazy, crazy street wear that I really like. So that's probably my favorite. Yeah, those hats are really rare. I've been uh offered some top dollar for my collection of that, and I I'm not giving that one. I'll I'll have those hats until I'm buried.

SPEAKER_01 3:11

So well, I know some other people are like, I want a Crown and Kicks hat. Oh, yeah, yeah. And um you when we talked on our one-to-one, you you talked about you you make up like fictional minor league baseball teams or different kind of things that they are. So uh tell tell our audience about that because I love that story.

SPEAKER_00 3:31

Okay, so when I started the business, I only had one logo, and it was called the uh downtown clowns. So I actually have one with me. Yeah, let's see it.

SPEAKER_01 3:39

If you got it, let's bring it up.

SPEAKER_00 3:40

So I have the downtown clowns. Um the reason why I started it is because Wyoming doesn't have any major league teams of any sort. Sure. You know, or China Frontier Days. That's about it. Ten days of drinking and stuff like that. So I wanted to create something for them to represent us. So I thought this clown would be the best thing to do because not a lot of people take us serious from there, you know, plus the rodeo clown. So this is a long bad boy right here.

SPEAKER_01 4:11

Yeah, zoom in on that, Brian. There we go. The downtown clowns.

SPEAKER_00 4:15

If someone's not familiar with the clowns and stuff, how did you come up with that? So, like I said, I just no everyone didn't take us serious from there, and I was just like, I want to do this logo. And plus the guy who helped me make this logo, um, he's uh a designer for New Era. His name's uh Dionic Danny. Shout out to Danny out in the Netherlands. See you, buddy. Um, but uh yeah, and then I put the uh what is it, Indian paintbrush, the state flower on the side of the hat on there as well, too. So just something fun. Um, I'm really into minor league, minor league baseball and baseball caps. Um people, like I said, they they don't take us seriously. So I that's the first one I had, dude. I also did one for Colorado too, called the Palisade Screaming Peaches. Nice. I spent some time on the western slope going to the vineyards and doing wine tasting, and they're known for their peaches out in Palisade, like real peaches. So I did this one. Let's see, let's zoom in on that. This one right here with the tongue right there, screaming peaches right here, and I also put the Columbine on the side as well, state flower. Um, and these are just some of the ideas that I come up with. I have some other ones too, as you know. So uh yeah, that's that's that's where that started. But I started I I started with that one logo, um, not and just doing it in different variations and different colors, and I was like, you know what, I'm on to something. And that's kind of you know the reason why I had started the business too, is because New Era told me no. Um, they said I could not, you know, they were sending me free hats, and I was kind of rubbing elbows with them, and I was like, hey, I have a logo that I would really like to put on a new era cap. And once they told me no, I was like, you know what? I just had this dream. I'm like, I'm just gonna do it myself, you know, type deal. And so I tattooed my face.

SPEAKER_01 6:01

I see that we're gonna ask we're gonna ask about that.

SPEAKER_00 6:04

So I tattooed my face, put a couple grand in my mouth, and I bought a machine and I started my own business. And I just don't take no for an answer now. I just do what I want. Well, I love I love that.

SPEAKER_01 6:15

Well, it's just the passion of it, Paul. But um, you know, most people when they start a business, they don't think about the face tat and the grill first. But for you with your with your brand, it's a big part. But your your story of why you got the face tat, uh, I I think is truly powerful no matter what kind of business you're in.

SPEAKER_00 6:32

So the reason why I had got my face tattoo is because I didn't I don't ever want to work for somebody else again. And I I never. I want to work for myself forever, and I know that I'll have a hard time getting a job with the face tattoo, and it's a crown, so it stands for crowns and kicks. And it's it's it's to remind me too. So every time I look in the mirror, when I wake up and I see that tattoo, that I this is my purpose, this is my drive, like it's a reminder, but like, bro, we're we're we're not stopping. This is a grind, and this is what I'm gonna do for the rest of my life. That's that's my key and my and my dream. So and I'm yeah, I've worked for other people. It just doesn't it just doesn't work out for me. I'm uh I'm kinda you know, march to the beat of my own drum kind of guy, you know. So and it's been successful. I mean, I've I've only had the business since I started it on 420, 2020 during COVID, and you know, COVID was a blessing, actually. I know a lot of people, you know, probably lost their jobs and things that happened in the economy or whatever, but for me, it was just like this wake-up call of like, bro, like you can do this, you know. And I I since I've been 17, no, longer than that, since I've been 12, 13 years old, I've always dressed nice. I've always liked to match. I feel weird not matching and not dressing nice. And I was like, and it's passion, I'm passionate about it. So why not take my passion and turn it into a profession, you know? Because I don't feel, I mean, I put a lot of time into my work, you know, and creating and networking and doing all the other stuff, but I feel like I'm not really working. You know, I've probably passion. It's like I'm having a good time, like being here. Yeah, you know, I get to do podcasts, I get to show people cool cartoons on hats. I mean, bro, this is pretty fun. It's pretty fun.

SPEAKER_01 8:16

Your your passion is contagious too. I think it's uh you have an ability to get a lot of people to cheer for you because you went all in.

SPEAKER_00 8:23

Or not mess with me at all because I I look because I look a certain way, and I, you know, but I feel like once they talk to me and they understand, you know, know me personally, that this is just it's just the outcome the outside of it, you know what I mean? It's just I'm just expressing myself in that way. But for the most part, you know, I've got four kids and you know, and got bills to pay like everybody else and things like that. So I'm no different, but yeah, I like to I like to express my way, you know. So well, that moment of I'm going all in.

SPEAKER_01 8:54

Yeah. Um I never want to go back to that, like get done. Uh, but but there's nothing guaranteed on this side of it either, Paul. Uh so just my drive.

SPEAKER_00 9:04

That's the only thing really guaranteed. Yeah, you bet on yourself 100%, and I'm a gambling man.

SPEAKER_01 9:09

Especially when you bet on yourself. That was a good bet. Yeah, yeah. Uh but like what what was that moment? What was like the first two weeks when you were like, no, this is what I'm gonna do uh to to go all in like that? What was what was that real get off the ground moment?

SPEAKER_00 9:26

Well when I bought the machine, I didn't touch it for two weeks. Really? It sat in my garage because I was petrified. I was like, I'm taking a huge leap right now in this. And I just was like, are are you sure that this is what you want to do? So I went to Vegas for a little vacation first. I was like, all right, I'm gonna take a girl, we're gonna go to Vegas. When we get back, let's see how I feel. And I just it was it's scary. That's uh that's the only thing I can really think. And it's like an uh it's like getting on a roller coaster, kind of, because you it you know it's exciting, you know, but it you're gonna be petrified, scared, you know, because you don't know well, you know, how much you're gonna make or and it's not set. But I've always that fear is what drives me to do it too. And plus my personality, I just I don't like to lose. I've been asked that question before. They're like, um, do you hate to do you hate to win or or what is it? No, do you do you love no, do you hate to lose or love to win? And I always pick. I hate to lose. Right. You know? Of course I love to win, but I hate to lose more than anything. So yeah, that's that it's it's terrifying to start your own business. It really is. And it's hard. Sure. You know, at first, you know, I was just being I was just hustling, you know, now I'm grinding. You know, and there's a difference. Yeah, you know, so and and and thanks to my girlfriend, you know, she's really helped me um figure out is this a hustle or are we gonna make it a profession? Like make it a business. You know, I've been LLC'd, but you know, I'm on Google now. I got a business bank account and things like that, and you know, trying to work for a loan and get more equipment and stuff like that. You know, instead of just making it, you know, a hobby, which I kind of was doing, you know, because it's a passion. And it was like, oh, okay, I kind of do it now. I'm just like, I got my foot on the gas pedal right now. You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_01 11:25

So well, that's the entrepreneur's dream where you can truly take the thing that you were given, you know, your your skill set and make a make a job or make a career, make a purpose out of it. Yeah. Uh, but a lot of people don't do it, Paul. Right. Like, you know, a lot of people let their passion stay a passion or a hobby. Um, what advice would you have to somebody that's got this thing that's in their brain? It keeps them up at night, it's what they think about. It's maybe they're stuck in a job, they're like, I just want to break free of that. Um, what is some advice that you from you going through that um that you could give to them to take those first steps?

SPEAKER_00 11:58

Always bet on yourself and take the leap of faith because I I thought, and this there it's been this exact thing that has kept me up at night, is like I don't want I don't want any regrets. I don't want to be on my deathbed and be like, you know what, woulda, coulda, shoulda. You know, and look at my kids and my and my son. He's you know, he's 19 years old, he just got a job just now, and I helped him get it. But at the same time, I'm showing him how to how to do because I only you know, I don't know how to work on cars or do anything like that. I know how to sell stuff, I know how to create things, and I know how to talk to people. You know what I mean? So I'm trying to, you know, show him those skills too, you know what I'm saying? So, but just believe in yourself, it's hard. But ain't nobody gonna care about you know what I mean? So believe in yourself 100%. It's taking that leap of faith is you're you know, it's like stepping off a ledge, blindfolded, you know, trusting that you know you're gonna be caught or you're gonna land somewhere soft, you're gonna have you know ups and downs, but everywhere it does, especially, you know, and it's even worse when you work for somebody else, because then you don't have control, right? You know, and can control is important for me too.

unknown 13:05

Sure.

SPEAKER_01 13:06

Yeah, well, I think a lot of it entrepreneurs they have their own dream, right? And uh I I met you at a networking event, and a lot of people are looking to get their brand out on different things, which is very successful, man.

SPEAKER_00 13:16

I see what you're doing too, man. Like growing and how like there was a lot of people at that one, man. It was crazy. I was wearing a sweater, I was sweating.

SPEAKER_01 13:24

It was you know slang it good, yeah, man.

SPEAKER_00 13:26

Slinging it good.

SPEAKER_01 13:28

Yeah, it was good, yeah. Well, it's I mean, what I what I'm getting at though, Paul, is like with these, especially in northern Colorado, a small business, growing, there's a lot of cool things that are happening, but to see their thing on a something that they're gonna wear on their body, um, or put a style, or give to their customers to represent the brand when they're not even around there. Correct. Um, what have you seen companies do? Because I can go on Vista print and get my logo on a hat or something like that. But there's a lot of companies that can do that, but you love you add a level of creativity and art um to what you're doing that I think sets it apart and grabs more attention by doing that. So, what advice would you give to somebody looking to make a splash, get out there, add an element of uniqueness?

SPEAKER_00 14:13

Just be different and creative. Don't think any idea is a stupid idea. Because I've made, you know, a clown. Yeah. Some people are scared of clowns, and you know, but I it worked. Yeah, and it works. You know what I mean? No idea is a stupid idea. No stupid, you know, not every question is a stupid question. You know, just keep plugging away and and be vocal. You know? So, like, and just like you said, you know, some people come to me with um plain stuff, I'll give them my input and say, hey, let me let me help you come up with a cooler idea. Let's make this stick out more. And then there's some that are just like, nope, let's just do it my way. And hey, your way. Machine still works, machine still works. You know what I mean? I got, you know, so and the customer's always right.

SPEAKER_01 15:00

So you know, so I do you like it though when they're just like Paul, I want you to just create me something one of a kind?

SPEAKER_00 15:08

Sometimes it's cool, sometimes it's not, because you know, it's weird when you know what if they don't like it? And that's me getting in my own head.

SPEAKER_01 15:15

Then it's like they don't like you.

SPEAKER_00 15:16

Right. Exactly. And now I just made this product and now it's just sitting there. Now it's a waste of money, you know, and things like that. Now it's not gonna look good, and they're like, well, he didn't do this good of a job. I like to take things where I'm like, give me some ideas, and then I'll mix them up, send them a couple ideas and see if they like it. Um but yeah, starting from scratch with something like from the graphic design, like literally taking just like I would do with my stuff, literally taking an idea that is no one else can see but that person, yeah, and then putting it on, you know, and uh making it an image and then turning it into a stitch file, and then putting it onto clothes and then starting so it's like it's cool. Yeah, it's really cool. I mean, it's like I don't know how to explain it. And especially when a customer is just like when when I do a one-of-one piece for them and they're like, dude, this is this is incredible. That is the reason why I kind of started the business too, because I've gotten hats where I'm like, man, this is look at this. Yeah, and you know, and I'm nerding out on a on a on a hat, you know what I mean, or or a piece of um a garment or something. And plus a lot of them, you know, I do a lot of stuff where it's meaningful to them, sentimental things, you know, a lot of nostalgia stuff. That when they open the box and they're like, man, dude, this is top of the line over here, buddy. I need this, you know, give me another one or whatever, you know. I that is like that's what drives me. That's what another thing that drives me. And I love that feeling. And I feel like I could do it while until I'm 60, you know. Why not? 60? That's where you're drawing the line though? Yeah, I'm 40 now. I got 20 years. I plan on retiring when I'm 60, you know, trying to build I got 20 more 20 years, 19 years to build this business, maybe give it to the kids, who knows?

SPEAKER_01 17:04

But you know, well, and I see you networking, which I love that uh that is a strategy, but you got an interesting connection recently that's led to a big break through your mechanic. Uh so tell me tell me about that, tell that story.

SPEAKER_00 17:17

So my car just recently had broke down, but before that, he uh asked me to do some stuff for some shirts and hats for him, which he he's a great guy. He's like, listen, I you know, I came to him and said, Hey man, this isn't really working. He's like, Listen, I don't care how long it takes, make it look right. And I said, Okay. So I did it. Uh it's uh clean hands, dirty money. It's Baldo over in northern Colorado, honest mobile mechanic. Awesome. He he's hands down. Shout out Baldo, man. I appreciate you so much. And he he looks at all my kids' cars, um, my kids' mother car, my car, everything. And I gave him the my alternator went out and he fixed it in five hours, changed the oil, everything. Nice and and I paid him before he did it, and he sent me money back. Baldo's the man, and he's giving you referrals, and he gave yeah, and he gave me referrals. So he the he told somebody, he's like, Yeah, Paul made my hats and shirts for me, and he was like, All right, um, I'm gonna hit him up. So he hit me up, inboxed me, and was like, Hey, I need can you do this logo and put it on a hat for me? And that's kind of how it started. I did the hat. Next thing you know, he's buying some of my personal hats. I think he bought the Crowns and Kicks one. Um, and then the next thing you know, he's like, Yo, you've got like a really cool thing going. He's like, I would like to put you on a podcast and um my YouTube channel. And I was like, Okay, so shout out to Mr. Plugs, shout out to Black Aforna. Um, he had me come to Greeley. We did a cool podcast thing, and he's really into fashion too, and he has his own clothing line as well. And he's he's really trying to, he's really making some moves right now, too. So I I really appreciate him for you know seeing my grind and seeing me work too. And he's I think he just got his clothes, his clothing brand inside of the soul store in Denver, which is like you know, an uh urban clothing line store in there too. So he's he's doing ski mask, he's do he does all kinds of cool stuff. He's doing he's doing good. So yeah, just through my mechanic, I got to do this great podcast, and it's called The Drip Show. Um, and his name's Blockalifornia, and we just it it's pretty successful. A lot of people actually go and see it.

SPEAKER_01 19:20

So yeah, we'll link to it in the in the show notes as well if they're trying to get more content.

SPEAKER_00 19:25

Yeah, for sure.

SPEAKER_01 19:26

Um, this was awesome. I love the going all in on your business. Thank you so much. Um, if somebody is like they want to harness some of that creativity or they got an idea for what they can do on a hat, how can they reach out to you? How can they get a hold of you?

SPEAKER_00 19:40

Um, so everything's on it's called Crowns and Kicks with a K with the K and a Z. So K-R-O-W-N-Z-A-N-D-K-I-C-K-Z. And that's my Facebook, that's my Instagram, and my TikTok as well, and my Facebook. So if anybody wants to reach out to me, feel free to do that. Also, um, it's crownsandkicks.shop um to see my website. Um, you can reach out to me there. I get all the emails and everything through there too. Um, yeah, and that's the best way to get to me. Um, Instagram is probably the I'm on there a lot. I'm on the IG and the in the TikTok. I'm trying to grow my TikTok too. So yeah. It's hard when you so when I'm when you're old though, when you're trying to do all that social media stuff. But yeah.

SPEAKER_01 20:25

Well, I I love the the personality, the vision, and ultimately the the passion of what you're doing. I think it comes through in your work. Thank you. Paul, uh great episode. Thanks for coming on the show. I appreciate it. And uh for everybody else tuning in, um, you know, take some lessons from Paul as somebody who's really chasing their passions and their dreams. And if you are around northern Colorado and I see you with a with a Palisade Screaming Peaches hat, I want to know where you got it. So I present that. So, Paul, thanks again for coming on. Of course, man.

SPEAKER_00 20:55

Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_01 20:56

Hey all, thanks for watching. I love networking and building relationships with other Northern Colorado business leaders. So if you want to come meet some of these podcast guests, meet me, or meet some other amazing entrepreneurs in Northern Colorado, I would love to have you attend one of our next events. Uh, go in the podcast description. There's a way so you can see our upcoming schedule. And maybe uh you could be a future podcast guest as well. Thanks.