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VBE Spotlight on SickFit

Events NaVOBA • Oct 23, 2024

SickFit

Founded 2021


Headquarters: Dallas, Texas


NaVOBA Accolades:


2024 Minority  Veteran's Business Enterprise® We Love

NaVOBA Certified Service-Disabled Veteran's Business Enterprise®


Business Accolades:

NMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise

WBENC Certified Women's Business Enterprise


Company Web site: www.sickfitofficial.com



SickFit is a veteran-owned company based in Dallas, TX, specializing in wholesale and custom socks, as well as murals, with a mission to empower underrepresented communities while promoting fitness and resilience.


About the Business - Excellence & Exceptionalism

What services do you provide?


Wholesale socks, custom socks, and sock murals


Who are your primary customers?


Service members, athletes, corporate partners, active individuals, and the government


When and how did you start your business?


I started SickFit during a major turning point in my life. After serving as an Army Engineer Officer, I faced physical challenges that forced me to transition away from active duty—ACL reconstructions and herniated discs made me reassess my priorities. During this time, I decided to focus on my health and channel my energy into something that truly inspired me, which led to the creation of SickFit.

SickFit was born out of my desire to combine my passion for fitness and fashion while creating a brand that stands for empowerment and resilience. I wanted to build something that not only delivered top-quality products but also had a deeper mission—helping underrepresented and underserved communities. From day one, SickFit has been about more than just socks; it’s about making a difference and creating a positive impact, one sock at a time.


Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?


Some of the biggest challenges in getting my business started were navigating the learning curve of entrepreneurship and finding the right resources and support to bring my vision to life. Coming from a military background, I had to quickly adapt to the world of business, where the rules are very different. Learning everything from marketing, product development, and sales to logistics and scaling a brand was a steep climb.

Another challenge was breaking into a saturated market. The sock and streetwear industries are highly competitive, so finding ways to differentiate SickFit from other brands was crucial. Staying true to my mission while ensuring our products met the highest standards of quality was a balancing act, especially when resources were tight in the beginning.

I also had to overcome the typical hurdles of funding and growing a customer base while building trust in the market as a new brand. However, with persistence, staying connected to my story, and continuously innovating, I was able to push through those challenges and build SickFit into the brand it is today.

Each challenge taught me invaluable lessons that made the journey all the more rewarding.


What is the key to the success of your business?


The key to success in my business has been being innovative in a saturated market. The sock and streetwear industries are highly competitive, but by constantly pushing boundaries and finding new, creative ways to connect with our audience, SickFit has managed to stand out. Innovation isn’t just about the product itself—it’s about how you engage with your customers, how you tell your story, and how you bring your mission to life.

Whether it’s through our unique sock murals that blend art with brand awareness or collaborating with influential figures to elevate our impact, I’ve always focused on finding fresh approaches to keep our brand exciting and relevant. In a crowded market, innovation keeps you ahead of the curve, and it’s what drives lasting growth.

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?


One of the most important lessons I can share for business success is to stay authentic and lead with your story. Your authenticity is what sets you apart in a crowded market. People connect with genuine stories—they want to know the “why” behind your business and what drives you. By being true to yourself and openly sharing your journey, your struggles, and your vision, you create a deeper connection with your audience.

Your story isn’t just part of your brand; it is your brand. It builds trust, fosters loyalty, and inspires others. When you lead with authenticity and show the passion behind your mission, you naturally attract the right people—whether they’re customers, partners, or investors—who believe in your vision and want to be part of your journey.

So, don’t be afraid to put your story out there. It’s what makes your business unique and, ultimately, what will drive its success.


What pitfalls should they avoid?


One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid is getting off track in pursuit of profit. While financial success is important, it’s easy to lose sight of your core mission and values when chasing short-term gains. Staying true to your mission and the services or products you offer is key to building long-term success.

One of the most important lessons I can share for business success is to stay authentic and lead with your story. Your authenticity is what sets you apart in a crowded market. People connect with genuine stories—they want to know the “why” behind your business and what drives you. By being true to yourself and openly sharing your journey, your struggles, and your vision, you create a deeper connection with your audience.

Your story isn’t just part of your brand; it is your brand. It builds trust, fosters loyalty, and inspires others. When you lead with authenticity and show the passion behind your mission, you naturally attract the right people—whether they’re customers, partners, or investors—who believe in your vision and want to be part of your journey.

So, don’t be afraid to put your story out there. It’s what makes your business unique and, ultimately, what will drive its success.


What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA Community?


I’d love to share that SickFit is more than just a business to me—it’s a movement. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned company, SickFit stands for resilience, empowerment, and making a difference. We create high-quality socks and streetwear that are not only stylish but also purpose-driven. Our mission is to inspire others, especially those from underrepresented communities, to pursue their potential and break through barriers.

SickFit started with a simple yet powerful idea: to change the world one sock at a time. We’ve grown through partnerships with Olympians and influential organizations, but at our core, we remain focused on impact—whether it’s through innovative projects like our sock murals or our continuous work to uplift and mentor the next generation of leaders.

I’m passionate about sharing my story of transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, and I believe that authenticity and staying true to your mission are keys to success. I look forward to continuing to expand SickFit and making an even bigger impact. Let’s connect and see how we can collaborate to inspire change!


Service Information

Branch: Army


Service Years: 2014-2024


Highest Rank Attained: Captain


Why did you join the military?


I joined the military because I wanted to be the hero I saw growing up. From a young age, I was inspired by the courage, discipline, and leadership of those in uniform. I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and serve in a way that made a real difference. That desire to protect and lead others shaped my decision to pursue a military career, where I could embody the values of honor, sacrifice, and resilience that I admired so much.


Military Occupation:


Army Engineer Officer 12A


Any significant military achievements / experience you would like to mention?


  • Expert Soldier Badge
  • Air Assault Wings


Fun Facts:

  • People might be interested to know that I am a licensed drone pilot
  • My refrigerator is often empty
  • My favorite sports team is the Carolina Panthers
By Events NaVOBA 04 Nov, 2024
On October 22, NaVOBA celebrated the Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Awards Ceremony during the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference in Atlanta. Hosted at Cuts Steakhouse, a sponsor of the event alongside Accenture, Shell, and Hilton, the event was complete with a full course meal, drinks, and networking. Mimi Lohm, NaVOBA's Chief Development Officer, kicked off the event and set the stage for the awardees. Keynote speakers included Brandi Rauch, General Manager of Supply Chain for Shell, Che' McFerrin, Associate Manager, Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability at Accenture, and Matthew Pavelek, NaVOBA's President. Before the announcements of the winners, NaVOBA surprised Don McKneely, Chairman & CEO of Minority Business News, with the 2024 Veteran's Business Champion Award. The program then went on to highlight two companies who have demonstrated excellence within their industries with the 2024 Veteran's Business Enterprise (VBE)® We Love Awards. The first VBE We Love Award went to Demond Crump, CEO of REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins. Founded in 2019, REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins specializes in providing innovative sanitary napkins and panty liners infused with a Nobel Prize-winning material featuring a super absorbent system. The key to REIGN's success lies in prioritizing their mission over profits, ensuring that the focus on empowering women and young girls takes precedence. Demond served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1994, achieving the rank of E-5 and specializing as an Operations Specialist. He is Aegis system qualified and brings a wealth of strategic expertise from his military service to his entrepreneurial journey. You can read more about this VBE spotlight here . The second VBE We Love Award was presented to Paden Sickles, CEO of SickFit. Founded in 2021, SickFit specializes in wholesale and custom socks, as well as murals. SickFit caters to a diverse customer base that includes service members, athletes, corporate partners, active individuals, and government entities. The key to SickFit's success lies in its commitment to innovation and authenticity. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned company, SickFit represents a movement focused on resilience and empowerment, particularly for those in underrepresented communities. Paden served from 2014 to 2024 in the Army, achieving the rank of Captain and earned the Expert Soldier Badge and Air Assault Wings. You can learn more about this VBE spotlight here . NaVOBA then celebrated the 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise ® of the Year: Robert Swain, CEO of Swain Enterprises. Established in 2020, Swain Enterprises specializes in federal projects, including restoration and renovations for military bases, federal facilities, and hospitals in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC areas. Swain Enterprises is committed to providing the highest level of service to government, commercial, educational, and institutional clients. The key to the success of Swain Enterprises has been a focus on integrity, hard work, and strong relationships. From the outset, the company has committed to delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations. As a fully veteran-owned business, Swain Enterprises is dedicated to empowering veterans and creating opportunities for those moving from military to civilian careers. You can read more about NaVOBA's 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year here .
By Events NaVOBA 23 Oct, 2024
Jewel Sanitary Napkins LLC
By Events NaVOBA 23 Oct, 2024
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