Join Ken Pilot as he speaks with Co-Founder and CEO of Rhone, Nate Checketts, about his menswear business focused on fitness, comfort and everyday wear.

Prior to Rhone, Nate worked for and consulted with some of the biggesttechnology and entertainment properties in the world including Cisco, The NationalFootball League, Legends, FanVision and Sport Radar. Nate is also an avid entrepreneur who founded and launched 4companies before the age of 30, including Rhone and Mangia Technologies, whose patents were later acquired by the San Francisco 49ers. In 2020 Nate was selected by the Sports Business Journal to their 2020 list of Forty leaders under Forty.

In addition to Rhone, Nate also serves as Chairman of the Board to Beyond Type 1, a non-profit dedicated to the community of those with Type 1 Diabetes. Nate graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Finance. He and his wife Dayna reside in Connecticut with their three young boys, Gabriel, William and Nicholas.

About Rhone was founded in 2014 by brothers Nate & Ben Checketts. Rhone is a premium men's wellness brand that creates best in class performance-driven apparel that is engineered for an active lifestyle. Rhone is dedicated to using their platform and products to address and discuss the complex issues that modern men face. From raising awareness around the mental health crisis, to building mutually supportive communities, to providing men with practical tools and resources to navigate relationships, Rhone seeks to support men while providing them with versatileclothing for every aspect of their daily routine. Currently, Rhone has more than ten retail stores across the U.S., all of which are used for building community through various initiatives such as the brand's signature Mind & Muscleevents. Rhone is also sold in all Equinox locations, and available nationwide at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, SCHEELS, select CorePower Yoga locations, and more than 350 gyms and specialty stores across the country. Rhone is also a proud partner of Stitch Fix. More information can be found at www.Rhone.com.

Key Highlights Include:

Rhone's Origin and Vision: Rhone, a men's performance lifestyle brand, was founded with a vision to fill a void in the men's fashion space. The founders, including Nate Checketts and his brother Ben, aimed to create a brand that offered high-quality, versatile, and high-performance clothing that could be worn in various settings, blurring the lines between work and leisure attire.

Balancing Family and Business: Nate and his brother Ben, along with their brother-in-law, founded Rhone as a family venture. They emphasize that working together as a family has been a positive experience, and Ben's interest in clothing design complemented Nate's entrepreneurial background.

Omni-Channel Approach: While Rhone began as an e-commerce brand, it recognized the importance of an omni-channel approach. They expanded into physical retail stores, selecting high-end partners like Equinox to offer their products. This strategic move allowed them to meet customers where they were and helped them gain recognition in the market.

Retail Expansion and Profitability: Rhone currently operates 15 retail stores, and they prioritize profitability over rapid expansion. They are careful in selecting wholesale partners, ensuring that the brand is represented appropriately. All of their stores are profitable, which has provided a strong foundation for future growth.

Future Growth and Product Expansion: Rhone is exploring opportunities for growth, including potential expansion into the international market. They are also considering product line extensions, including potentially re-entering the women's market. However, their primary focus remains on delivering exceptional quality products and ensuring the customer's experience is at the forefront of their decisions.

Investor Criteria: The company looks for investors who can bring value in three key areas:

1. Reputation: They prefer investors with a notable name that they can leverage for credibility.
2. Network: Investors who can make valuable introductions to other influential individuals.
3. Expertise: Those who can offer valuable insights and advice when needed.

Navigating Challenges During COVID: The COVID-19 pandemic brought both business and personal challenges. Managing the business crisis while also dealing with the human crisis was particularly difficult. It led to burnout and a realization that changes were needed.

Growth and Transformation: Bringing in experienced executives who have successfully navigated company growth from smaller to larger stages was transformative for the business. This allowed the CEO to focus on their strengths and enabled the company to scale effectively.

Focus on Mental Health: The brand's commitment to mental health has been a core part of its mission from the start. They recognize the unique challenges that men face in seeking and receiving mental health support. They've integrated physical activity with group therapy sessions to create a supportive community.

Innovation and Technology: The company embraces technology as an enabler and is particularly interested in advancements related to customer data, retail analytics, and AI-driven customer service enhancements. They're using technology to gain a comprehensive view of their customers and to optimize their operations.