Something Navy: What inspired you to start your business? Can you walk us through the early days of Hat Attack?
BJ Gedney: We started Hat Attack in 1980. We were inspired by an “All Cotton” baseball cap that someone brought back for Bill from a trip. It seems crazy to think of now, but cotton caps did not exist. We got inspired and started from there! There were no computers, no fax machines, no copy machines! We sourced by looking through the Yellow Pages, making phone calls, and walking the streets.
SN: What is the most challenging and most rewarding part of building your own business?
BG: We both loved being our own bosses right from the start. We had been working for big companies and loved the idea of making our own decisions. The most challenging part is all the responsibility that comes with it–responsibility to our customers, employees, and family.
SN: What words of wisdom do you live by?
BG: We believe in honesty and hard work, but balance it with a great quality of life outside of work.
SN: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make their mark?
BG: There is no "get rich quick" scheme. You need to put in lots of hard work and be patient. Watch your “baby” grow, and don’t expect to be huge overnight!
SN: What achievement, business or otherwise, makes you the proudest?
BG: Our pride and joy are our 3 grown daughters and our 5 grandchildren…with one more on the way!
