Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John Sanchez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, John thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?
I distinctly recall the pivotal moment when the ideas for Stay Bent began to take shape. It was during a fishing expedition in the heart of the L.A River, surrounded by an intriguing blend of nature. The river featured small islands adorned with lush vegetation, the soothing sound of rapid water flowing downstream, and pockets of water teeming with small largemouth bass and giant carp. Interestingly, this natural haven existed in stark contrast to its urban surroundings – parallel to one of the busiest freeways in Los Angeles, near Dodger Stadium. Amidst the verdant islands, homelessness encampments coexisted, with graffiti adorning the tunnels that traversed the riverbed.
Despite the undeniable urban atmosphere, this was my home, and it always had been. It was in this very moment that I found inspiration to create something for anglers like myself, who frequented these urban fisheries but lacked a voice or a community to be a part of.
My aspiration was to establish a brand that authentically captured our culture, passion, and environment through apparel, outdoor wear, and community events. At the outset, I found myself unsure of where to begin. Engaging in discussions with friends about my vision, I encountered a spectrum of reactions. Some initially laughed and made negative comments in a passive-aggressive manner, while only a handful truly comprehended the essence of my idea. Fortunately, the support from a couple of friends proved to be the catalyst I needed to take the plunge and initiate the process.
The process of naming the brand involved me jotting down various options and vocalizing them to discern their authenticity. One day, the phrase “Stay Bent” resonated with me in a profound way. It not only captured the literal image of a fishing rod fully bent with a hooked fish but also exuded a distinctive attitude and charisma that perfectly aligned with the ethos and lifestyle I aimed to champion and promote for the brand.
Once I had confidence in the chosen name, the true initiation of the process unfolded. In the inaugural year of our startup, we delved into establishing our social media presence, delving into business plans, and navigating the legalities of forming our LLC. This encompassed securing a small business loan and obtaining the necessary trademarks. Engaging in the more enjoyable aspects of the journey, we explored various garments and materials, diverse printing styles, and experienced the thrill of selling our first hat within the initial month of launching our Instagram. The joy from that milestone was so immense that we even offered a small discount from the originally advertised price, reflecting our sheer excitement and determination in those early days. Looking back, it’s amusing to reminisce about how driven and thrilled we were at every step.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In mid-2018, I founded Stay Bent Anglers with the goal of filling a void in our industry and niche. My aim was to cultivate a grassroots community within the urban fishing and outdoors scene. I perceived a lack of a brand exclusively dedicated to empowering everyday anglers, like myself, and I sought to leverage my artistic skills to craft clothing, outdoor wear, and concepts that resonate deeply with people’s souls. While we provide a diverse range of garment products, our collaborations with local companies in our niche extend beyond just apparel. We’ve partnered on projects involving fishing baits, artwork, and community events. These events hold a special place in our ethos, driven by the absence of a community that I observed early on. The inspiration behind these gatherings is to create something relatable and bring people together.
I strongly believe that when you look good, you feel good, and this positively influences your performance. Fishing is a unique sport where your mood and attitude can impact how you fare. Our focus is on offering high-quality and comfortable garments that enhance the angling experience. Drawing from my 10 years of experience in EMS, I’ve developed a sense of superstition. I believe that when someone wears a favorite hat or shirt that contributed to catching a fish of a lifetime, the good and positive energy they displayed becomes infused in those garments. Now, they have a Lucky Stay Bent hat or shirt that can contribute to maintaining a positive and confident mindset on the water.In essence, our goal is to ensure that you not only look good but also feel confident when you embrace our brand. This genuine drive propels us to continue creating and delivering quality products.
A crucial factor setting us apart in an oversaturated clothing market is our genuine love for the community. Being a part of this community, maintaining a strong rapport is essential, and authenticity is at the core of everything we do. I strive to keep the distinction between the community and the industry clear. While we operate as a business within the industry, it’s the community that empowers us to pursue our passion and sustains our business. To express gratitude, we organize community events like canned food drives and toy drives, movie nights and free bbq’s. Hosting free fishing tournaments, where participation involves bringing canned foods or toys, allows us to have fun while making a positive impact on those in need. Through these events, I witness relationships developing organically, sometimes blossoming into long-term friendships. The story of how I connected with two incredible individuals who are now like family began through a local tournament we sponsored. I met Aldo Orozco, the owner of Boondock Baits and Jose Luis Anzora. We became close friends, which gradually evolved into a genuine brotherhood. Tragically, we lost Jose on March 3rd, 2021, in an on-duty incident while working for the Los Angeles Police Department. The brief time we spent together was authentic, and it all unfolded because of community events like a fishing tournament, uniting us in ways we didn’t fully comprehend at the time.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe several factors have contributed to building our reputation in the market. Credibility, in particular, plays a crucial role—it takes considerable effort to establish and is easily damaged. In the early stages of Stay Bent, I took a non-traditional approach by putting myself out there, discussing our products, and sharing videos of myself and friends fishing or on trips. Many advised against this, arguing that it wasn’t a smart business move to be so personally associated with the brand. I was even compared to established brands like Vans or Tillys, with someone suggesting, “You don’t see the owner of Vans or Tillys on social media; they hire people for ads and models.” Initially, I questioned this perspective, given my lack of business background, but my intuition guided me to believe otherwise. I’m grateful that I trusted my intuition. I realized that by being authentic and true to myself, I didn’t have to conform to the expected “rules” set by others. Despite the initial discomfort of being on camera, it turned out to be a powerful means for those discovering our brand to forge a deeper connection with us. Unlike many brands where the faces behind the companies remain hidden, our brand provides a different perspective. As a regular person juggling a full-time job as an EMT while passionately pursuing this endeavor and serving my community, the authenticity shines through. This genuine approach contributes to building a positive reputation that goes beyond just aesthetically pleasing photos and top models in the business.
I place a strong emphasis on excellent customer service. Ensuring prompt responses to emails and messages regarding product information and updates, swift shipping, and transparent communication about any delays are key priorities for us. To express our gratitude to customers, there are occasions when we include extra products in their orders or send unreleased items. Recognizing that their hard-earned money supports and fuels our venture, I draw from my own experiences as a customer, understanding how a little extra love in an order can go a long way. We aim to model this approach to show our appreciation to customers from time to time
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Several books have played a significant role in shaping my mindset, including “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins, “The Dichotomy of Leadership,” “Leadership Strategy and Tactics,” and “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink, and “Leaders Eat Last” by John C. Maxwell. Additionally, I find inspiration in a diverse range of TED Talks covering topics like business and entrepreneurship, personal growth, wellness, and physical health. I strongly advocate for accountability, recognizing that being in a position of leadership doesn’t automatically make one a great leader. When operating my business, I maintain a mindset focused on what I can offer or do for our customers, community base, and business alliances. These readings have influenced my thought process, guiding me to uphold integrity and accountability, values that I believe significantly contribute to our success within the business and outside on a personal level.
Contact Info:
- Website: www..staybentworldwide.com
- Instagram: staybentanglers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StayBentAnglersCompany/
Image Credits
Esteban Barba