Today we’d like to introduce you to William Carr.
William, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started with a passion for design and a vision to create apparel that not only looked good but also made people feel good. Growing up, my aunt always called me Will-O (a combination of my first name and middle initial). My mom would always bring me hats from different places and I eventually had quite a collection. I always said that if I ever were to create my own company, it would be an apparel company named Will-O.
In 2002, after playing professional football, I returned to Dallas and began by experimenting with different design ideas in my spare time. I am not an artist by design, so I connected with a graphic artist to help me bring my designs to life. I started by connecting with school booster clubs and little league teams to provide spirit shirts.
I stepped away from the company for about 10 years to complete my degree and pursue a coaching career. During that time, I worked in several capacities for the University of Michigan, the University of Texas, Alabama A&M, and Morgan State University. I returned to Dallas for a second time in 2022 and resumed company operations. Today the company has expanded to providing school and team uniforms, becoming one of the first local small business merchandising vendors for many of the local high schools.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t easy at first – there were challenges like finding reliable manufacturers, figuring out distribution channels, and building brand recognition but I was determined and willing to put in the hard work. I leveraged social media and other marketing channels to spread the word about my brand. Slowly but surely, people started to take notice and sales began to grow. Today, the company has grown into a successful and recognized brand with a loyal customer base.
As you know, we’re big fans of Will-o. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The company tagline is “We don’t sell t-shirts, we sell spirit.” I focus on creating apparel that resonates with my target audience. We specialize in athletic uniforms as well as high school and college merchandise. Our high-quality designs withstand fashion trends and are pieces that can remain a part of your wardrobe for years. I recently met a woman that was wearing one of our original designs. The T-shirt was about 10 years old and was still in good condition. That, in addition to seeing our brand represented in high school games, is something that I am very proud of and makes all of the obstacles worth it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
An audiobook that I frequently listen to is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. He talks about how he started with a concept and growing it into one of the most recognizable and profitable brands. It’s both relatable and inspiring.
Pricing:
- T-shirts – $25
- Hoodies/sweatshirts – $35
- Hats – $25
- Contact us for custom team uniform quotes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://will-owear.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WEARWILLO?mibextid=ZbWKwl
