VBE Spotlight on: The Hat Pros

The Hat Pros

The Hat Pros was founded in 2002 by Joshua Dowden.

This week's VBE Spotlight features The Hat Pros, a proud Veteran-Owned, family-operated small business specializing in high-quality headwear. Established in 2002 and based in Arlington, TN, they have expanded their collection to include a diverse range of brands and styles, along with top-notch custom embroidery services. Committed to ensuring a perfect fit and exceptional quality, The Hat Pros understand the importance of a well-fitting hat for style, comfort, and functionality. They welcome visitors to their showroom in Arlington and Memphis, TN, to explore their wide selection and experience their dedicated customer service.

Learn more about The Hat Pros at www.thehatpros.com

About the Business - Veteran-Owned, Quality Headwear

What services do you provide?

"Blank and custom embellished headwear sales"

Who are your primary customers?

"Businesses, Schools, Sports Teams, Organizations, Military, Law Enforcement, etc."

When and how did you start your business?

"In 2002, we started as a small custom embroidery shop, operating out of our garage."

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

"In the early days, trying to balance growing the business, while serving on active duty, was the biggest challenge."

What is the key to the success of your business?

"The ability to start the business while not needing to rely on profits allowed the growth of this business possible."

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

"Know the business inside and out, and don't be afraid to take calculated risk."

What pitfalls should they avoid?

"Trying to grow too quick, and expecting to be profitable from the start."

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

"Find a product or service that has proven demand, then be the best at it!"

Service information

Branch:

United States Navy

Service Years:

1991-2016

Highest Rank Attained:

E9/MCPO

Why did you join the military?

"Raised in a military family, and really didn't know what I wanted to do for a career."

Military Occupation:

"U.S. Navy EOD Technician"

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

"2 x Bronze Stars, Command Master Chief, several combat deployments"

Biography/Fun Facts

People might be interested to know what?

"In my early Navy years, I was fortunate to be a part of the Navy Marine Mammal Program, training dolphins to locate and neutralize mines."

What do you do to relax?

"My favorite thing to do is riding motorcycles. I enjoy touring, as well as adventure riding off-road."

What would you be doing if you were not a business owner?

"If I could pick another field of work, I would be a Homicide Detective. I enjoy watching Dateline, Forensic Files, etc. and trying to solve murder mysteries."