Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Ingram.
Hi Nathan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cooley Hat Company started with a simple idea between my father and I. We were wearing hats from other big-name brands one day and started thinking, why not create something of our own? Why not build a brand that represents us, our family, and our name?
I created the company in honor of my grandfather, Albert Cooley, whose last name just sounded way better than the other ideas we had in mind. (great choice)
What started as an idea and has turned into a small, locally owned business that I am incredibly proud of. Like any small business, there have been challenges and lessons along the way, but I’ve stayed motivated by the bigger picture.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Cooley Hat Company has been an exciting journey filled with both rewarding moments and challenges along the way. One of the smoothest and most exciting parts has been bringing my vision to life, from developing the brand identity and designing hats to seeing the ideas I once had in my head become actual products. There’s something special about watching a brand take shape and knowing that I am building something of my own. Seeing people connect with the brand, show interest in the designs, and support what I’m creating makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Starting a business comes with financial responsibilities, finding the right suppliers, making sure the quality meets my expectations, and figuring out how to get the brand in front of the right audience. Building customer awareness and earning people’s trust takes time, especially when you’re starting from the ground up. There are days when things don’t move as quickly as you’d like, and you have to learn to be patient, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward. I’ve learned that building a business is about more than just having a great idea, it’s about dedication, perseverance, learning from mistakes, and believing in your vision even when things get difficult. At the end of the day, every challenge is part of the process, and I’m excited to see where the journey takes Cooley Hat Company.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My full-time career is in the industrial field, where I work as a technician. My role has taught me the importance of attention to detail, teamwork, and taking pride in the quality of my work. I enjoy being part of an industry where precision, consistency, and dedication matter.
What I’m most proud of is having the drive to pursue my ambitions while maintaining a full-time career. Starting Cooley Hat Company has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, take a chance on myself, and create something that is entirely my own. It’s rewarding to see an idea turn into a business and know that every step forward comes from the time, effort, and dedication.
What sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to put in the work behind the scenes. I understand that success doesn’t come overnight, and I’m willing to be patient, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward even when things get challenging. I don’t believe you have to choose between having a career and pursuing a dream. You can work hard at both if you’re willing to put in the time and stay focused. Ultimately, I want to continue growing as a professional, entrepreneur, and individual while building something meaningful that I can be proud of for years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is knowing that I’m making progress in life, working toward my goals, and building a future for my family that I can be proud of. I enjoy spending time with the people who matter most to me, seeing my hard work pay off, and knowing that I’m continuing to grow both personally and professionally. I find happiness in the little things just as much as the big accomplishments.
I’m also happy when I get to work on Cooley Hat Company. It’s exciting to take something that started as an idea and watch it develop into something real. Being able to balance my career while pursuing my passion for entrepreneurship gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. At the end of the day, what makes me happiest is knowing that I’m moving forward, challenging myself, creating opportunities, and becoming a better version of myself along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooleyhatco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooleyHatCo/
