Bossier City Hat Company Becomes Beloved Staple in Community
Over the past decade, the Bossier City Hat Company has blossomed from a humble startup into a cherished fixture in the Bossier community. Known for its quality craftsmanship, commitment to customer happiness, and active community involvement, the hat company has expanded its offerings to include hats, uniforms, and fan gear.
A Journey Begins
The story of Bossier City Hat Company begins with Marcus and Janae Raymond, who relocated from Texas to Bossier City about 15 years ago in search of new job prospects. Marcus found his footing in the local oil industry, while Janae worked as a landman. Quickly, they settled into the Bossier community, especially after their youngest child started school in the area.
Identifying a Need
While working steadily in their jobs, Marcus noticed a gaping hole in the market for custom-branded hats. Local businesses needed options, but had to look far and wide due to a lack of regional suppliers. This need ignited an entrepreneurial spark in the Raymond family. They took the plunge, purchasing a sewing machine to produce the custom hats that were in high demand.
The First Big Order
Their first order was for a local oilfield company, which took the hats to a fishing tournament in Houston. The response was overwhelming. Attendees loved the design and quality of the caps, leading to a surge in demand and a busy garage filled with another order of seventy-two dozen hats.
Growing the Business
Initially named Ace of Threads, the company focused on producing hats for the oil industry. As interest grew, they expanded to provide memorable hats for local baseball teams, heavily influenced by their son’s involvement in competitive baseball. This growth necessitated a move to an actual office space, resulting in a name change to the now widely recognized Bossier City Hat Company.
3D Stitching – The Unique Quality
What sets them apart from competitors is their 3D stitching, similar to what is used in uniforms for baseball players. This stitching, which creates a raised effect, caught on quickly and allowed them to carve out a niche in the industry. Interestingly, during the COVID pandemic, demand only increased, as teams from Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi continued reaching out for their services.
Making Waves in the Sports World
In a recent highlight, their hats made it to the 2023 Men’s College World Series in Omaha, where they stitched unique designs for baseball player Hayden Travinski. The staggering response that followed saw a spike in inquiries and orders once word spread. As a result, production doubled, increasing from six sewing machines to a total of nine.
Expanding Offers
As clientele grew, Marcus and Janae didn’t stop at hats. They began producing uniforms as well, creating a one-stop-shop for teams looking for gear. Adding to their capacity, they brought in a full-time manager, Morgan Frey, and a Lead Shop Assistant, Taylor Naron. Their investment in staff allowed for further growth, leading to the purchase of a printing machine for t-shirts and apparel.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Raymonds are excited about opening a physical retail store by the end of this year or early 2025. This storefront will allow local customers to not only place larger orders but also browse and purchase various hat designs and team apparel. This evolution is expected to enhance the overall customer experience, making it easier for people to support their local business.
For now, customers can still reach out and place orders via the office. The business is known for providing high-quality custom hats, uniforms, and fan apparel, and they are a much-loved part of the Bossier community.
For inquiries, you can contact Bossier City Hat Company at 318-716-8377.
