Every hat has a story, but before there were best-sellers, warehouse shelves, and nationwide shipping, there were just two college roommates with an idea.

In 2020, Zach and Chase launched The Mad Hatter Co. with a simple goal: build a brand that represented the lifestyle they lived and the people they knew. They weren't trying to create another generic apparel company. They wanted to make products that felt authentic—hats people would throw on for a day at the lake, a country concert, a hunting trip, or a weekend with friends, barbecuing...

Like many small businesses, The Mad Hatter Co. started in a garage.

The early days consisted of long nights, packed boxes, stacks of inventory, and learning something new every day. Every order that came through was packed by hand. Every customer message was answered personally. Every sale felt like a major milestone.

There was no large team, no warehouse, and no roadmap for success. Just two founders willing to bet on themselves and work harder than anyone else.

As word began to spread, so did the brand.

Customers connected with the bold designs, custom patch hats, and products that didn't take themselves too seriously. What started with a handful of hat designs quickly turned into a growing collection of customer favorites. Social media helped fuel that growth, allowing The Mad Hatter Co. to reach customers across the country who shared the same appreciation for good times, great stories, and a lifestyle rooted in the outdoors.

What made the company stand out wasn't just the products—it was the community forming around them.

From customers sharing photos in their favorite hats to meeting supporters at trade shows, festivals, and events, Zach and Chase quickly realized they were building something much bigger than a hat company. They were creating a brand that people genuinely wanted to be a part of.

As demand increased, so did the operation.

The garage eventually became too small. More inventory arrived. New products were introduced. A team began to form. What started as a two-person operation grew into departments focused on design, marketing, customer service, production, and fulfillment.

Today, The Mad Hatter Co. ships trucker hats, apparel, and accessories to customers across the United States while continuing to release new products and expand into new categories.

Despite the growth, the mission remains the same as it was on day one: create products people are proud to wear and build a brand people are proud to support.

The company has come a long way from its garage beginnings, but Zach and Chase still approach the business with the same mindset that got them started—work hard, stay authentic, and never lose sight of the customers who made it all possible.

The story of The Mad Hatter Co. is still being written, and according to its founders, the best chapters are yet to come.

What's Next?

This is the first installment of our Meet the Team series. Next, we'll introduce you to the creative minds behind some of your favorite Mad Hatter designs and show you what goes into bringing a hat from an idea to a finished product.