Rebel Swag produces unique, fan-inspired apparel
LAS VEGAS – The success of Brian Schaff’s business, Rebel Swag, is the perfect example of what can happen with hard work and dedication.
Through his former company, ScreenWorkz, Schaff printed T-shirts for a number of clothing designers – including those printing T-shirts as promotional giveaways for UNLV Runnin’ Rebel home games. As he printed shirts, Schaff regularly found himself thinking, “I can design something better than that.”
Finally, Schaff – a native Las Vegan – began designing UNLV Runnin’ Rebel T-shirts in 2007.
“At first I simply designed shirts for myself and close friends and family, but after many ‘Where did you get that shirt?’ inquiries, I saw a neglected niche in the market that I could fill,” Schaff said. “Runnin’ Rebel fans want unique, fan-inspired and attractive-looking apparel – not the same shirt that can be found throughout the country (but with a different college’s name on it).”
A longtime UNLV Runnin’ Rebel fan, Schaff established Rebel Swag in 2008 to put his design ideas to good use.
However, Schaff quickly learned that it would take much more than a good product to get his new company off the ground.
It wasn’t until Schaff met former UNLV Men’s Basketball player (and the son of the team’s coach, Lon Kruger) Kevin Kruger that Schaff caught a break. Since then, the company has formed partnerships with such businesses as Zappos.com, and Rebel Swag’s sales have taken off.
Today the company designs, prints and sells UNLV Runnin’ Rebel apparel (including a backpack and towel). Unlike many fan apparel companies, Rebel Swag’s designs incorporate ideas from the university’s rich traditions and special events to ensure they are something fans will enjoy wearing, regardless of whether they are at an actual UNLV sport event.
“Our goal is to keep the UNLV fans hungry for more,” Schaff said. “Fans asked for the ‘old school’ Hey Reb, and, with some help, we delivered. Fans asked for the black jerseys, and we delivered. When fans ask, we listen. That’s what Rebel Swag is all about.”
Rebel Swag is a primarily Web-based apparel company that, when college basketball season begins, can also be found at all UNLV basketball games.
For more information about Rebel Swag or to suggest an idea for a new piece of Rebel Swag, visit www.rebelswag.com or http://www.facebook.com/RebelSwag.