The First Free Spirit
Basically he was just trying to avoid a cubicle. But our founder Jeff Campagna ended up building a space and a brand for outsiders to feel... well... less on the outside.
It started in Panama
Well. Sorta. Jeff moved around a lot as a kid. He was in a different school every year. So he found it hard to make friends and feel part of something.
He spent most of his early adult life travelling the world looking for a place where he felt like he belonged, eventually settling in Panama where he worked as an investigative journalist for 7 years.
When he wasn't investigating, he spent his spare time riding motorcycles and rebuilding old neglected courier bikes into custom beach cafe racers.
It was here, in a small workshop without running water or AC, that the idea of a lifestyle brand was born.
The Beginning
After returning to North America in 2016, Jeff was determined to combine his passions for motorcycles, writing, graphic design, music and coffee into a retail experience and lifestyle brand that broke down the intimidating boundaries of motorcycle culture.
He wanted to create something where everyone would feel welcome, where everything would feel a part of something special.
In 2017, Jeff rented an old dilapidated building in an industrial rust belt town and erected what would become an indie beacon in the North American motorcycle scene.
THE BRAND IS BORN
Steeltown Garage Co. started out as a retailer selling products from other companies. But the demand for Steeltown branded graphic tees and hats eventually inspired Jeff to double down on the business as full on clothing and lifestyle brand.
With his history in graphic design, the idea of a brand excited Jeff and within a year production began on a whole collection of tops, headwear, hoodies and more.
With no capital investment or bank loans, building Steeltown Garage Co. as a brand was a slow and steady process using just the cash flow from the store to fund production and development.
Onwards and Upwards
By 2022, Jeff had guided Steeltown Garage Co. into end-to-end manufacturing on multiple continents with a handful of close knit production partners all committed to producing quality products built to last.
In addition to heritage inspired premium menswear including flannels, henleys, bomber jackets and more, Steeltown Garage Co. also began designing and producing premium riding gear essentials including full grain leather footwear, perforated MX jerseys, armoured riding gloves and shatter-proof riding glasses.
Steeltown Garage Co. as a cohesive lifestyle brand had arrived.
The Creative Drive
Steeltown Garage Co. as a brand has grown and matured over the years. Now with a primary fulfilment facility in Denver Colorado, the reach of the brand is larger then ever before.
As Creative Director, Jeff is still the major driving force behind Steeltown Garage Co.'s direction both as a design-forward lifestyle brand as well as an inclusive community of likeminded outsiders.
