HOW THE GOLDEN STANDARD CAME TO BE
Every brand starts somewhere, but this one started in the most organic way possible — with a conversation, a tailgate, and a shared love for black and gold.
Before The Golden Standard ever had a name, a domain, or even a design board, it began with a simple question:
"Why don't Hattiesburg fans have cleaner, more premium gear?"
It wasn't negative. It wasn't criticism. It was curiosity — and honestly, a bit of frustration from someone who knew local fans deserved better.
Some ideas spark in a meeting room. This one sparked at a tailgate.
Standing in our usual spot by Scianna Hall — beside the School of Business, the School of Entrepreneurship, and The Hatchery — surrounded by fans in gear that never quite felt right, the question became impossible to ignore.
If you know Scianna, you know why it feels symbolic. It houses an innovation program directed by my friend James Wilcox, someone I respect deeply as a leader and a builder. Over the years, I've been involved in that ecosystem:
So there I was — an entrepreneur tailgating beside the very building where new entrepreneurs are minted — realizing it was time to build something of my own.
That was the moment The Golden Standard was born.
The funny thing is, I wasn't always a sports guy.
It was my 10-year-old son — absolutely obsessed with Hattiesburg baseball and football — who pulled me in. We went to games. We tailgated. We became dual-sport season ticket holders.
Seeing the gameday culture through his eyes made me fall in love with it: the pride, the tradition, the energy, the people.
Once that connection clicked, creating premium gear didn't feel like a project — it felt like something we were supposed to build.
The Golden Standard is led by me and my wife, Lindsay.
Founder
Entrepreneur and technologist. Years of experience building and running businesses. Handles strategy, tech, and operations.
Co-Founder
Retail veteran with 40+ years of family legacy in Hattiesburg. Seven years at Accents Home & Gifts. Business degree with marketing emphasis.
Together, we balance entrepreneurial vision with retail intuition — moving fast without losing polish.
A note on our early creative work: Patrick Lowery of To The Top Talk helped us with our original hat design and logo. We're grateful for his contribution.
The Golden Standard exists for one reason:
Hattiesburg fans deserve gear that matches their passion.
Not to replace anything. Not to compete with anyone. But to add to the culture — with gear that feels clean, intentional, premium, and fan-driven.
This brand is a love letter to the fans, the tradition, the tailgates, the community, and the pride that fills every stadium and every field in town.
Don't just watch the game. Set the standard.
Join the movement. Tag us on Instagram @thegoldenstandard.shop #SetTheStandard
SHOP THE DROP