Welcome to the Freedom Factory.
Our operation runs on 200% American spirit, expired energy drinks and a daily stand-up meeting that lasts longer than anyone stands. Buck builds the thing. Clay renames it. SoftBoulders makes it look like there was a plan.
The production process begins with leather and ends with a feature someone should have vetoed. Between those points sit the Department of Patriotism, the Spur Connectivity Desk and a barbecue division that was originally just the break room.
About our sweatshop.
“Sweatshop” was Buck's description of a workshop without enough fans. Clay put it on the website before Legal could suggest a better word. Buck requested more ventilation. Clay requested a stronger origin story. Only one request survived the budget meeting. *
In the Bootzilla legend, mandatory Toby Keith breaks compete with hourly allegiance sessions and a payroll system denominated in silver dollars and beef jerky. HR has repeatedly explained that barbecue is not a benefits package. Clay is working on a slide that disagrees.
Our quality gates.
- The entrance test: does everyone notice the boot?
- The explanation test: can Buck talk about the feature for at least twenty minutes?
- The pitch test: can Clay use the word “platform” without laughing?
- The insurance test: can we get through a call before the underwriter asks for a manager?
The people responsible.
Read the founders' story for the complete account of Buck Barlow, Clay McGraw and the glue gun that became a company. Their shared ambition is to make cowboy boots so fiercely Texan they spontaneously generate another department.
Our mission: “To craft boots so fiercely American they spontaneously generate bald eagles with every step.” Our actual product-management problem: the eagle now needs an app.
