Hey Bear

Hey Bear is a purpose-driven apparel and accessories brand that combines retail with conservation, advocating for safe human-bear coexistence while giving back to wildlife organizations. Inspired by the well-known hiking phrase “Hey Bear,” the brand was created to raise awareness about bear safety and promote responsible outdoor practices.

Dedicated to education and advocacy, Hey Bear uses high-quality, sustainable products to foster a deeper connection between people and wildlife. With every purchase, 1% of total sales support wildlife organizations focused on conservation, research, and education.

MY IMPACT ON HEY BEAR BELOW

My Impact on Hey Bear

Retail Experience

Four years ago, when I joined Outlaw Partners, I was entrusted with transforming Hey Bear from an idea into a thriving mission-driven retail brand. What started as a simple concept during COVID has now grown into a nationally recognized brand that promotes bear awareness and responsible outdoor practices—all thanks to the groundwork I laid from the very beginning.

I played a key role in building Hey Bear from the ground up—working with a local designer to develop the logo, brand guidelines, and overall aesthetic. Beyond branding, I led the push for high-quality manufacturing, designed the retail line, created the website, built relationships with nonprofits and like-minded partners, and even established a storefront and a mobile retail trailer.

But Hey Bear is more than just a retail brand—it’s an educational platform. I spearheaded community outreach efforts, speaking at schools, clubs, and organizations to educate people on bear awareness and outdoor safety. Through this work, I built an exclusive partnership with Bear Aware, launching bear spray rentals and installing 24/7 bear spray lockers to ensure hikers have access to proper safety gear and training during peak season.

Now, Hey Bear is at a pivotal stage where it can operate at scale, thanks to our partnership with a manufacturer that handles sourcing, graphics, and distribution. With this foundation in place, the focus is on expanding our reach and bringing Hey Bear’s mission to even more people.

Below are some of the items I have created for Hey Bear.