Today we’d like to introduce you to John Okon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We started over 20 years ago with a cotton head covering for cyclists to wear under helmets (the Genuine Do Wrap). We started selling in independent bike dealers and running stores in Chicago. Our first customer was Vertel’s when they were on Wells. From there we started to expand the line (making tech fabric running hats and shirts) and expanding our market (selling custom products to races and clubs). Today, a big part of our business is custom shirts, hats and jackets to endurance athletic events.
Has it been a smooth road?
We’ve had the challenges that all small businesses face like new product development, employee turnover, quality control, increased competition etc. It’s always been important to pay attention to details and to have that attitude as a team with everyone in the company. To understand that we’re all working toward the same goal Also to make a bigger deal about the accomplishments than you do about the mistakes or setbacks.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We offer technical fabric shirts, pullovers (like quarter zips) jackets, and head wear for athletes of all kinds.
We specialize in customizing our products with embroidery, dye transfer sublimation and screen printing for running, cycling and triathlon events as well as for teams and clubs nationwide. We’re known for good quality products that are extremely comfortable, last a long time and that perform well during exercise. We have a very loyal customer base that keep coming back because our products are high quality and function extremely well.
We get calls from people who have gotten one of our products from a race who say it’s their new favorite hat or shirt and that they’re calling to order for their event. We also sell to thousands of individual users on our website. We pride ourselves in excellent, friendly customer service and a fast turnaround time on custom orders. We try to be very accommodating. If a customer needs something we always try to find a way to say “yes”.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a great city to live and to work in. I was born and raised in Chicago. At the same time it’s more expensive to operate a business within city limits. The wages are more competitive and the taxes and fees are higher. For anyone just starting out, Chicago could be a blessing or an unnecessary challenge depending on the type of business it is. I think it would be helpful (obviously) if the city could solve some of the bigger problems it faces like crime, taxes etc. It’s a concern that the city’s population is decreasing.
Pricing:
- SweaVac Winter Beanie $21.00 retail
- SweatVac Performance Running Hat $22.00
- SweatVac (funny graphic) Performance Race Shirt on sale now $20.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 4345 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618 - Website: sweatvac.com
- Phone: 773-770-4200
- Email: john@sweatvac.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sweatvac
- Facebook: facebook.com/SweatVac
- Twitter: twitter.com/sweatvac
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