We were lucky to catch up with Ram Mikulas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ram, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

SkyGOAT began as a passion project born out of a love for the casual, comfortable, and fun apparel that defines the “Mountain Lifestyle” community. As someone who cherishes the feeling of being cozy and relaxed in casual clothes, I often found myself searching for the perfect item to wear. But despite having a closet full of attempts, I was still in search of the perfect top.

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create the apparel that I had been searching for. Armed with a stack of tops from my closet that included the features I liked, I created a frankenstein pattern using paper grocery bags and got some sewing pointers from my wife to create the first sample hoodie. From there, I worked with a small manufacturer to create a custom GOATgrid fleece and bring SkyGOAT to life.

SkyGOAT represents more than just a clothing brand to me. It’s the embodiment of the values that define the “Mountain Lifestyle” community – a sense of adventure, a love for the outdoors, and a passion for living life to the fullest. I hope that wearing SkyGOAT apparel makes you feel as cozy, comfortable, and inspired as it does for me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Ram Mikulas, the proud owner of SkyGOAT. For those who may not be familiar with me or our brand, let me share a bit about our journey and what makes SkyGOAT special.

About Me and SkyGOAT
My journey into the outdoor apparel industry began with a passion for the Colorado Rocky Mountains and a desire to create clothing that blends functionality, comfort, and style. I’ve always loved outdoor adventures, and I noticed a gap in the market for apparel that could keep up with an active lifestyle while still looking good enough to wear in more casual settings. This realization led to the birth of SkyGOAT.

Our Products and Services
SkyGOAT isn’t your typical outdoor brand. Inspired by the breathtaking Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer technically functional, comfortable, and stylish apparel for both active adventurers and laid-back loungers. Our signature products, such as the Camp Hoodie, Jacket, and Half Zip Pullover, are perfect for hitting the trails, meeting friends at the local brewery, or just lounging at home.

The SkyGOAT Difference
What sets SkyGOAT apart is our commitment to functional design and premium quality. We believe that the way a garment fits and feels is crucial. Our clothes stand out not only for their high-quality construction and fabric but also for their thoughtful and functional design. Our signature design features include a roomy athletic fit with raglan sleeves, enhancing freedom of movement and providing ultimate comfort. We intentionally move away from square-cut, baggy alternatives, encouraging our customers to embrace clothes that make them look and feel their best.

Custom GOATgrid Fabric
One of our proudest innovations is our custom GOATgrid fabric. When we couldn’t find the perfect functional and cozy fabric, we decided to create it ourselves. GOATgrid is a microgrid fleece fabric made from recycled polyester yarn. It’s lightweight, warm, breathable, and ultra-soft, weighing just 170 g/m². The grid pattern facilitates and enhances moisture-wicking, breathability, air circulation, and allows for unrestricted movement.

Product Variety
We understand that everyone has different preferences for layering, warmth, and style. That’s why we offer a variety of garments to suit individual needs. Whether you prefer a hoodie, jacket, or half-zip pullover, we have options in sizes ranging from youth small to 3XLT. Our wide range ensures that no matter your temperature preference, layering style, zip preference, or hood preference, we have the perfect garment for you.

What We Solve for Our Clients
At SkyGOAT, we solve the problem of finding versatile apparel that transitions seamlessly from outdoor adventures to everyday activities. Our customers no longer have to choose between functionality and style—they can have both. Our garments are designed to provide comfort and performance during outdoor activities while being stylish enough for social gatherings or relaxing at home.

Proudest Achievements
One of my proudest achievements with SkyGOAT is creating a brand that resonates with a diverse group of people—from avid hikers to casual outdoor enthusiasts. Seeing our customers embrace the mountain lifestyle with our apparel and hearing their positive feedback motivates us to keep innovating and delivering high-quality products.

What We Want You to Know
SkyGOAT is more than just an outdoor apparel brand. It’s a lifestyle. We invite you to join our community and experience the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and style. Our products are crafted with care, using innovative materials like GOATgrid, to ensure you look and feel your best no matter where your adventures take you. Embrace the mountain lifestyle with SkyGOAT and discover why our customers love our technically functional, comfortable, and stylish apparel.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I started SkyGOAT, we initially used Polartec fleece fabric for our products. It was a fantastic material, and our customers loved it. However, after about a year, Polartec unexpectedly discontinued this specific fabric. This news was incredibly stressful and challenging, as it threatened the consistency and quality of our products.

Despite the initial setback, this challenge turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened to SkyGOAT. It forced us to find an alternative solution, and in doing so, we discovered an incredible opportunity. I began working closely with a fantastic company to develop a custom fabric tailored specifically to our needs. This collaboration led to the creation of GOATgrid, our proprietary microgrid fleece fabric.

GOATgrid is a game-changer for us. It is made from recycled polyester yarn and offers superior qualities such as being lightweight, warm, breathable, and ultra-soft. The fabric’s grid pattern enhances moisture-wicking, breathability, and air circulation, allowing for unrestricted movement. We are immensely proud of this innovation and thrilled to offer our customers a product that not only meets but exceeds our original standards.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: when adversity happens, it’s about finding a solution. The discontinuation of the Polartec fabric initially seemed like a significant setback, but it ultimately led to the creation of something even better. We now have our own unique fabric that enhances our products’ quality and sets us apart in the market.

In retrospect, this pivot was a crucial step in SkyGOAT’s journey. It reinforced our commitment to innovation and quality, and it demonstrated our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. We are now more confident than ever in our ability to provide our customers with the best possible products, and we are excited about the future possibilities that GOATgrid opens up for us.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

As the founder and first customer of SkyGOAT, my vision was to create something that would meet the needs of the outdoor mountain community, including myself and my friends. I wanted to design apparel that was not only suitable for outdoor adventures and technical scenarios but also stylish, super comfortable, and cozy. Our products are designed to transition seamlessly from the trail to the local pub and then to relaxing at home on the couch.

From the very beginning, I focused on creating something that resonated with the outdoor community. I spoke with friends and other enthusiasts to gather feedback and ensure our designs included features that met their needs. This collaborative approach helped shape SkyGOAT into a brand that truly understands and serves its customers.

To keep in touch with our clients and foster brand loyalty, we use several strategies:

Email Communication: We regularly send out newsletters and updates to our customers, keeping them informed about new products, special offers, and upcoming events.

Surveys: We value our customers’ opinions and frequently conduct surveys to gather feedback on our products and services. This helps us continually improve and tailor our offerings to better meet their needs.

Ambassadors: We have a dedicated group of brand ambassadors who are passionate about SkyGOAT and the outdoor lifestyle. They help spread the word about our products and provide valuable insights from their experiences.

Social Media: We actively engage with our community on social media platforms, sharing content that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts and encouraging interaction. This helps us build a strong, connected community around our brand.

Word of Mouth: Our customers are our best advocates. The quality and style of our products keep them coming back and recommending SkyGOAT to others. We are grateful for the positive word of mouth that has helped us grow.

Additionally, our logo and the SkyGOAT name are super fun and memorable, which adds to the brand’s appeal and helps foster a sense of connection and loyalty among our customers.

In essence, SkyGOAT is about more than just clothing—it’s about building a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for the outdoors and a desire for high-quality, stylish, and comfortable apparel. By staying true to our roots and continually engaging with our customers, we have been able to create a loyal and enthusiastic following.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skygoatusa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skygoatusa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skygoatusa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skygoatusa

Image Credits

David Cudd, Ian Zinner, Tripp Fay