1. Steve what is your background? How did you come to be a part of this industry?

I lived overseas for 4 years, worked for an ad agency, studied music and also theology. Living overseas gave me perspective on great fashion and style. I really wanted to start a company that was known for discovering highly talented labels and bringing them to a market in need of style-defining gear. When I got back from Australia I worked with a great denim line called Iron Army doing sales and then PR.

2. What is Brnd Nu? When did the company come about?

BRNDNU is a creative agency. Initially it was just sales/distribution, but then we got into PR, online retail, design is on the plate and much more. The company came about 14 months ago, and moved from an exciting side project to a full-time gig back in July. 

3. What makes Brnd Nu stand out?

I think our main standout is lack of pigeon-holing ourselves. We're not a showroom, we're not a PR agency, we're not a label, and we're not an online store. We're all of it, but only using the most streamlined facets of each area of business to create a win for us and the clients and labels who work with us. 

4. What market does your company appeal to?

People who buy our stuff...that's true, but mainly comes down to markets that have need. Our market is the market least tapped.

5. What brands do you carry? Do you believe that the companies you choose to represent reflect your own personal style?

Good Society, Gram Shoes, Sneaky Steve and Saint Augustine Academy. Yes and no, I thought what I wanted to wear was what I wanted to sell but, that opinion has evolved and matured. Right now, I want to sell what the consumer wants and what they will want a year from now. More than likely the people that buy the most stuff don't always like what I do. But my job is to figure out what they like, find it, and then give it to them, and like that I sold it to them. 

6. What is the most challenging part about what you do?

Putting all the ideas on the ground, sorting them out and then making them work.

7. How much do emergent trends play a role in your approach to a label,store or the market?

They play a big role, but I guess the main thing is seeing the trends happen and then trying to stay ahead of them, so next time the huge trend hits we're ready and not the dudes who got on the bandwagon with everyone else after the few smart watchers figured it out first.

8. What are the brands that you are really impressed by (you may be biased)?

I'm impressed with Cheap Monday... Instead of making expensive denim cheap they made crap denim expensive and made millions off it. I also love mike and chris, I have never seen so many ways to make a hoodie cool and in so many fabrics with so many cool giant buttons.

9. What is in store Brnd Nu for 2008?

Watch out for our online store...eyewear/colab music brand...retail spot...editorial/consulting/organic idea evolution blog...and some other big poppers.

10. Any last words or shout-outs?

Wives come highly recommended and so does The Land Salmon!

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