Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cal Ram. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cal, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The logic was simple: we all crave individuality, and in a world where so much feels mass-produced, I wanted to solve the problem of collectivist, uninspired outdoor apparel.

The idea for the Planechor brand came while working for the Department of Natural Resources. Surrounded by the beauty of natural landscapes, a thought kept bothering me: most outdoor-inspired apparel seemed to look the same—boring, repetitive designs that didn’t really capture the excitement and creativity that nature inspires. Everything blended together, and I thought, why doesn’t outdoor gear reflect the adventurous spirit of those who wear it?

That sparked the initial idea—to create apparel that was not only high-quality and functional but also artistically unique, that makes a statement and stands out from the crowd. This would solve a problem: outdoor enthusiasts, like me, often feel deeply connected to the wild spaces we explore, yet gear didn’t reflect that personal connection. It wasn’t just about making clothes—it was about telling a story through art and offering something unique in the outdoor market. From there, it evolved into not only a creative endeavor but also a purpose-driven brand, supporting humanitarian aid and making a positive impact both locally in Utah and globally.

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it wasn’t just about creating something new—it was about giving people pride in what they wear and contributing to something bigger than just fashion.

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

I’m the founder of Planechor, an outdoor apparel brand that started out of sheer frustration with boring, cookie-cutter designs in the industry. I’ve always been passionate about nature, adventure, and the vast and diverse landscapes we explore. So, I teamed up with some incredibly talented local artists and decided to shake things up. Our brand offers high-quality, functional outdoor apparel with bold, artistic designs that stand out in a sea of sameness.

What sets us apart? We don’t just slap a tiny mountain logo on a hoodie and call it a day—we create wearable art that speaks to the adventurous spirit. That means large designs, bold color palettes, and unusual design placement. We also make each item to order, meaning we waste nothing, including the energy for manufacturing! I’m particularly proud of our attention to details in design and the quality of our apparel. We aim to solve the problem of bland outdoor gear, offering something unique for people who want to express themselves while supporting a purpose-driven brand that gives back. Plus, let’s be honest, you’ll look really good scaling that mountain!

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

I was scared stiff! There was a moment when we had to make an instant pivot, and it was a real test of flexibility. My main supplier, based in Florida, was suddenly shut down due to a hurricane, right in the middle of fulfilling several large orders. Within the space of about 3 hours, I had to scramble to find a new supplier who could meet our quality standards and deliver on time, which was a logistical nightmare. But, in true “outdoor adventurer” fashion, we adapted quickly, made new connections, and kept everything on track. It was stressful, but I learned the importance of being ready to pivot when nature throws you a curveball—quite literally!

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I had no idea how to approach manufacturing, so I did a lot of research, reached out to vendors, and sampled products to ensure the quality aligned with our brand. After plenty of trial and error, I discovered that the most efficient and environmentally conscious approach is to hire manufacturers while focusing on sourcing sustainable materials and coming up with the overall design. Although we don’t manufacture our products in-house, we work very closely with high-quality manufacturers to ensure everything meets our standards—which are exceptionally high (unlike us)! Finding the right manufacturers was crucial for us to maintain excellent quality. The lesson? Building solid relationships with manufacturers and maintaining strict quality checks are the key to delivering our great products.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.planechor.com
• Instagram: @planechor
• Facebook: @planechor
• Other: TikTok: @planechor