Origin Story
“What kind of hands-free parenting do you expect these dads to be doing?”
“I do not understand why you are targeting Millennial Dads. I also don't understand why you think a sling this size would be right for a parent.”
“I do not know if any of you are parents, but you cannot fit anything of value in a fanny pack. This would be useless if you have baby.”
-MKT 502 Professor
DudeSling was born from a marketing class where our founding team pitched the idea of stylish, functional fanny packs for modern dads. Our professor, with limited marketing experience and understanding of modern fatherhood, critiqued our idea harshly. She claimed the market for dads was too small and that sling bags were impractical, questioning our understanding of fatherhood.
Her critique only fueled our determination. We knew the struggles of balancing careers, parenting, and personal lives. We understood the need for a product that could juggle diapers, and other basic needs while staying stylish.
We poured our passion into developing DudeSling, creating versatile fanny packs with ample space and smart compartments for all dad essentials. Our mission: to redefine the everyday experience for modern men and build a community where they could support and uplift each other.
DudeSling is more than a brand; it’s a movement celebrating the multifaceted role of being a dad today. We've proven our market is essential and continue to strive to do better every day.
The Dudes
Derek “Sling King”
Meet Derek "Sling King", the visionary CEO of Dudesling. Once a Marine, a high school teacher, and an office drone, Derek boldly ditched the rat race to chase his true calling: strapping fanny packs to dudes across the globe. With the business acumen of a gym bro and the relentless hustle of a motivational quote, he's single-handedly redefining fashion one fanny pack at a time. Beware: no waistline is safe from Derek's crusade to bring back the '90s, one Dudesling at a time.
Ryan “Digits”
Meet Ryan "Digits", the IT-savvy CFO of Dudesling. This financial wizard manages the company's purse strings with all the precision of a joystick-wielding gamer. Juggling spreadsheets and sippy cups, Ryan still finds time to dive headfirst into virtual worlds when he's not taming the chaos of two toddlers under three. With a controller in one hand and a balance sheet in the other, he's leveling up Dudesling's finances like it's just another boss fight. Someone hand this guy an extra life. He's gonna need it!
Brian “Fish Tank”
Meet Brian "Fish Tank", the older and wiser COO of Dudesling. He's navigating the startup waters with the careful precision of a deep-sea diver, though his portfolio leaks like a rusty submarine. When he's not losing money in the stock market, he's deep in a wetsuit, dreaming of exotic reefs instead of revenue. This conservative saltwater aficionado brings his dive watch to every budget meeting, making sure to surface before he runs out of air—and cash. Just don't ask him for stock tips unless you're fishing for a financial shipwreck.
Billy “Pack Master” Perry
Meet Billy “Pack Master” Perry, the TikTok Dad who's taken his knack for roofing and arena football kicking to the world of fanny packs. Now coaching in the football arena and dropping truth bombs on his podcast, this former vegan is all about keeping it real and edgy. Known for his no-nonsense mantra, "Do Better," Billy’s bringing a bold, unfiltered vibe to DudeSling, making sure every man rocks their style with confidence and a bit of swagger.
Josh "Social Media Swole-ster"
Meet Josh "Social Media Swole-ster", the powerhouse behind our social media magic! A big, athletic guy with a past in college football, Josh brings the same energy to our marketing game that he did to the gridiron. He’s not just a master salesman; he’s a picture-taking, workout-loving dynamo who captures the spirit of DudeSling in every post. Whether he’s flexing his creativity or his muscles, Josh knows how to make our brand shine and keep our community engaged and inspired.
Colton "The Package Wrangler"
Meet Colton "The Package Wrangler". Colton hails from the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota, where he learned to navigate logistics by herding cats—or as he calls them, his beloved dogs. In his late 20s and freshly married, Colton’s got life all figured out: he’s vowed never to buy a house (because who needs that stress?), is a proud Android user (down with the Apple tyranny!), and has dived headfirst into his first business adventure with DudeSling.