World’s Most Comfortable Compression

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aaron Prosser, founder of Pacterra Athletics, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pacterra Athletics is a men's athletic apparel company dedicated to enabling progress through comfort. For us, that means wherever you are on your fitness journey; we want to help you take the next step. We do this by making the most comfortable the first thing you put for a workout. All that to say, we make really comfy compression shorts!

People have thought it's strange to just focus on one thing, but coming from Portland, OR, craft has always been in our DNA. We don't want to make something just to make it or blow out our SKU count. We focus on one thing and do our best to get it right.

Lastly, our customers all have one thing in common - staying active is a central part of their lives. Whether that's hitting the gym 3-5 times a week, running 100 miles, or maybe just signing up for your first 3K. Everyone is on their own journey, but they care about what they wear when fitness is important to them.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in Portland, OR in the backyard of Nike. As an athlete, it was impossible not to notice them, and since I was little, I have always wanted to work for them. Lacrosse was my sport throughout high school, which allowed me to play in college and briefly at the professional level (not glamorous or high paying).

After college, I went back to PDX, where I knew I wanted to work in product creation in sportswear, but everyone said I needed experience (yet no one would hire me to get any). While I was training one morning, I had an idea for a compression short, and I figured... If no one would hire me, I would just make my own product...

Once I made that decision in 2014, I never looked back. I've been in and out of large corporate companies over the years. I keep Pacterra going to remind me I have the freedom to create what I believe is a great product and not be silo'd into a small function of a larger ship.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, this has to be keeping the business alive over the course of 6 years. I will say "alive" can mean many things over the years, but ultimately, having Pacterra still moving forward is an accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I would say this is different for everyone, but the most difficult thing for me is an effort in = effort out. There is never a time when it leaves your mind, and there will ALWAYS be something you could be doing. So that piece of setting expectations and goals for the business while enjoying your life. That balance is always a challenge.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Firstly, set clear goals from the beginning. I started for fun, and the growth was natural. However, I think scaling would have been easier if we had built our foundation differently (with a better idea of where it would go).

Secondly, there are never smooth seas. It's pretty obvious, but things rarely go according to plan, and being okay with taking consistent L's is a must.

Lastly, make sure you know why you are doing what you're doing. Know your mission, and don't lose sight of that. When things get difficult, and you want to quit, it's always good to remember why you started it in the first place.

Hopefully, some of this helps anyone considering taking the leap!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://pacterraathletics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacterraathletics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacterra_athletics/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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