Wow, what can I say. We are shocked, humbled, and honored all at the same time. Yes there are probably more important NC companies out there, and there are more worthy ones than DeFeet. Maybe they have a better cause or better mission. But there is no denying that our story is one that is that can hold its own.
I am very proud to except this award on the behalf of all The People of DeFeet.
You see, its not just socks, its an occupation, its a community, its a place to make a living and to me and many its a life style.
DeFeet socks have been sold all over the World. Even today in this shitty economy, DeFeet is exporting to 32 countries. Our Fans demand our products and they can feel the love and attention to detail that makes our products so desirable.
If you take a couple of minutes to read the story in BUSINESS North Carolina story, you will see some of the driving mechanisms that churn deep within my soul and our great company. We have survived so many set backs, but were still here making socks in the beautiful foothills of NC.
I did a quick calculation and we have made somewhere around 12 million pairs of socks since our very first one was born on Nov 18th 1992.
That's a lot of socks. And the crazy thing is, I bet over half are still walking around. Yes, some were lost to the dryer demon, and some to the DeFeet Fan Club Collectors. But most are still running, cycling and rocking.
Rocking? Yes, rocking. Just this week I was speaking with a cycling-rockstar friend MIchael John Dimkich guitarist for The Cult. He said, Duffy and the gang have been wearing the same Powerbar DeFeet socks since 1999. This is not an uncommon story to see people amazed at our long lasting durability.
Did I say durable? Last weekend on a 50 mile ride, on the toughest part of the hill my iPhone started buzzing. I could barely breathe, so thankfully it was just a txt.
JUST A TXT FROM JENS VOIGT! He is not on a sponsored team team this year, but wanted to thank me for all the years he was able to wear the Worlds best products. "From deep of heart thank you." and went further to say "this is not a hidden try to get some free stuff". So Thank You Jens! Jens is the consummate Pro Cyclist. He is the most loved in the peloton and the most aggressive. Jens made my suffering on that hill dissipate very quickly. Guys like Jens, LeMond, Bettini, Julich, Hincapie, Zanini, Tofi, Boonen, Cavendish, Museeuw, and Teams like GAN, COFIDIS, QUICKSTEP, HIGHROAD, BMC, LOTTO, and many many other have been our test subjects. Test they did, and they LOVE our little brand.
Fires, Floods, Thefts, bring it...we may not be ready, but we will hunker down and give it our best. My dad said "life is a rollercoaster, it goes up, and then it comes down...so enjoy the ride." Thanks Dad!
So if your reading this, I assume you are a friend, or a fan of DeFeet and I thank you for your help. You might also be a competitor looking for the Crabby Patty Secret Recipe, and to you I say...bite my ass, If you are looking here for the secret...its too late. You will have to look into your own soul to find the secret, as it is very hard to find.
People of DeFeet I think I love you.