In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Justin Schoen, the CEO and co-founder of Force Fitters, a company specializing in corporate and safety apparel. Justin, a native of West Des Moines, has been part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Des Moines for over a decade. He began his career in marketing, eventually transitioning to digital marketing consultancy before founding Force Fitters. His journey into entrepreneurship started when he helped G&L Clothing launch their e-commerce business, which led him to consulting and eventually to starting his own company.
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Justin explains how Force Fitters was born out of the need to serve clients who were not being adequately serviced after the sale of GNL Clothing to Boot Barn. Together with his business partner Blake Hale, they saw an opportunity to create a company that efficiently manages uniforms and apparel, particularly for safety and corporate apparel. Force Fitters specializes in flame-resistant and high-visibility clothing, serving industries like oil, gas, and electric companies, as well as corporate clients needing branded apparel.
The conversation delves into the evolution of digital marketing and how Justin has managed to stay updated in a rapidly changing field. He shares insights into the challenges of starting a company, emphasizing the importance of building in step with customer needs. Force Fitters differentiates itself by being agile and responsive to customer demands, offering a customizable platform that tracks employee allowances and provides a wide range of apparel options.
Justin discusses the importance of work-life balance in entrepreneurship, a lesson learned through his years of experience. He also highlights the supportive ecosystem in Iowa, noting the valuable resources available to startups, such as those offered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Venture School program.
Overall, Justin’s story is one of leveraging existing relationships, understanding market needs, and continuously iterating to improve service offerings. His focus on creating a sustainable and efficient business model, coupled with a commitment to customer satisfaction, has positioned Force Fitters for continued growth in the apparel industry.