WisE attitude
Brian Turner believes a branding name he’s developed will become a wise move for him and those who wear it.The assistant men’s basketball coach at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington has been working on his dream about seven years ago. The idea began bouncing around in his head when he and friend started thinking for about a name for a feeling — an inspirational one.
Eventually, he came up with WisE — Winning is Everything. He began writing it on his stuff. He designed his first logo and placed iron-ons appliqu%26eacute;s on his clothing.
He continued to fine-tune his logo with an attitude. He has trademarked the logo, which encourages self-confidence and a search for excellence.
“The brand is synonymous with you being relentless in your pursuit to be your best. No comparisons to anybody, any place or anything. Just you striving to be your best in all you do. Winning is everything. Wise. Wear it … live it,” says the message on the clothing’s tags.
Turner saved money to create a small inventory with his WisE logo printed on track jackets, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts and hoodies. He’s working with various apparel companies and has the logo printed on the clothing by Mac’s Sporting Goods.
Track jackets sell for $68, while T-shirts run about $24. They are being sold only at Melissa’s in Westland Mall.
About 50 pieces of clothing have been sold so far to friends and others.
“It’s exciting,” said Renee Japsen, who has owned Melissa’s for 26 years. “People are asking for the product. It’s the latest and greatest thing. It’s fresh and new. I think he’s gong to go all the way.”
Besides being a SCC coach and playing on intramural basketball team, he also is a real estate agent for ReMax. So far, his WisE adventure is a hobby that he hopes will blossom.
“I didn’t want to get in debt right now,” the 28-year-old said of taking baby steps toward his hopes of creating a national phenomena with his branding name.
A celebrity might notice his clothing line. A published photo of a star wearing a shirt with his logo might take his idea to a much higher level, he said.
If that should happen, he’s also hoping that a company like Nike might make him a deal.
The branding name is not limited to sports, and could be used for encouraging people with other talents or professions, Turner said.
“It’s something that a lot of people can relate to,” he said. “It can reflect a lifestyle.”
His silhouette appears on the logo because “I’m the only guy I wouldn’t have to pay to do it,” he said.
The project has been fun and rewarding, Turner said. Seeing someone wearing his line of clothing is like a musician hearing his song on the radio, he said.
Tags: attitude, issa, spira