Yes, your pocket.
Three men from Tampa, Florida are making this a possibility. I met with the creator and founder, Alex Alfaro, of Bucket Tee’s to get the full scoop on the next big thing.
Q. What is “Bucket Tee's” in three words?
A. Bold, Innovative, and Fun.
Q. Who does the Bucket Tee appeal to?
A. People love the idea of a shirt that looks cool and has endless possibilities as well. Like holding a puppy or even a couple beers. We have a great time wearing our shirts and discovering new and fun ways to use them, and Bucket Tees appeals to anyone looking for that same kind of experience. Look ma' no hands!
Q. Who created Bucket Tee's? How do you all know each other?
A.Bucket Tees was created by Jake Kehlenbeck and I, then we added John Grellner about a year later. We all grew up together in Tampa, Florida.
Q. What do you put into the Pocket Tee?
A. Puppies, pigs, iPad's, the ridiculously large phones we have these days, parrots, babies (unadvised), cash, credit cards, ID's, room keys. Really, anything you want. Our shirts undergo rigorous field tests and can withstand nearly anything.
Q. What gave you guys the idea? When did you group together and realize it was something you actually wanted to make a reality?
A. The idea came around in the fall of 2014 and like all good ideas, it started at a bar. We've always wanted to start a company and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. We thought it was a hilarious idea, so we went out the next day and made some prototypes in Jake's garage. After wearing the Bucket Tees out the first few times, we received tons of positive reinforcement and some awesome reactions. We knew we had to fully pursue the idea.
Q. What was your thought process in taking the leap of leaving your job and investing in Bucket Tee's full-time?
A. It reached a point where I couldn't keep up with Bucket Tees as much as I wanted to, so I decided to leave my job to devote more time to this. It was definitely exciting but at the same time a little nerve racking. Luckily we have had amazing support from our families and friends pushing us forward.
Q. Got any plans to expand? Pop up shops coming up?
A. We are currently testing out some women's shirts and tanks, as well as working on some new fun designs.
Q. Where do you guys hope to go in the market? Any stores you have your eye on that you'd like to have a spot in?
A. We would love to make big pocket shirts a staple in the apparel industry. Once people get over the initial shock of “wow that's a big pocket” they really warm up to the idea, enjoying both the look and the convenience of it. We would love to get in stores like Tilly's, Pacsun, or Urban outfitters. We think our style matches up perfectly with their concept.
Q. What's your favorite design so far? What are designs you hope to have in the future?
A. The Floridian for sure; it's perfect for holding your pina coladas and beach gear. We're planning on coming out with some new designs that are fun and bold, but we'll most likely stick to the beachy and retro theme. Because Florida! Of course.
Q. Fun predictions of where we will see Bucket Tee's in the next 2-3 years?
A. We hope to be in several stores by then, but really we want to just keep having fun with it.
Q. Any advice for up and coming entrepreneurs who are unsure where to start?
A. Pick something you really believe in, don't overwhelm yourself, take it one step at a time, and always push forward with it.
Q. Where can we find Bucket Tee's for purchase?
A. www.buckettees.com
There you have it. You heard it here first. Check out the website to get your very own Bucket Tee, and utilize it for whatever it is you may need! (pigs and puppies encouraged).