1. Union of Makers 13
The intention is in the details, to always serve a PURPOSE with prag-
matism and refined tailoring. I’m striving for us to have this in all el-
ements of the brand. We put in the work to curate excellence in the
process, product, art/photography, and in our stories.
One of the fun parts of our process that I love is that we test the product.
We use it, showing and proving the purpose in the process. After com-
pleting the samples we did a quick “final” wear fit test and shoot in Seattle.
That same day I sent the pieces on their “Union Of Makers” road-trip test.
First it went to Nate Wessel in PA to test the wear, the build and
prove the use. Nate then shipped the vest to Rob Gallaher in Kam-
loops BC. He then sent it to Kris Sherry to test the wear and prove
the design. Here’s a taste of our “Union Of Makers” road-trip test.
F R O M
M A K E R
T O M A K E R
S t o r y a n d i m a g e s f r o m t h e m a k e r s t h e m s e l v e s
R o b G a l l a h e r N a t e We s s e l K r i s S h e r r y
- J o s h S i r l i n
2. 14 Black Bear Brand Union of Makers 15
Inspiration drives everything I do. My bikes, my music, my
photography, my relationships & my life are all created out of
an inspiration. It’s the thing that gets me up in the morning
ready to receive the world. That’s what Black Bear Brand is to
me. It’s an inspiration to ambitiously seek balance between
functionality, durability, tough authentic style and refined tai-
loring. Be a dreamer...Make stories...
R O B G A L L A H E R
B U I L D E R M E C H A N I C P H O T O G R A P H E R
-Rob Gallaher
Kamloops BC Canada
5. 20 Black Bear Brand Union of Makers 21
Bike: 1978 Shovelhead custom rigid chopper. Built for fellow maker Bradley Makepeace,
Hugging Tree Winery, and Makepeace Organics. Engine: 96” S&S Shovelhead.
3” BDL open primary. Transmission: RevTech 6into4. Front End: Wide glide. Wheels:
Front-HD 21” Rear-HD 16”. Seat: Biltwell solo Tuck n’ Roll with Matcho Negro seat hinge.
6. 22 Black Bear Brand Union of Makers 23
To me, Black Bear Brand is an ode to the past, to a time when
men worked hard and honed their craft. When clothing served
a purpose and was made to endure. The shirt-jacket was a great
example of this. I worked, welded and wore this jacket socially
and was extremely pleased with the quality and styling. I pride
myself on being well-rounded in many handcrafted skills and not
being afraid to put in the very humbling time it takes to learn and
to grow these skills. You’re only as good as your tools and having
the proper attire falls into that category for me. From welding and
grinding a new gas tank for my motorcycle, to fabricating any-
thing that comes my way, the shirt-jacket is my go to. Styling and
functionality in everything I do is key and I strive to achieve that
in my own work as well. Black Bear Brand is on the same path I
am, and being able to take part in bringing this brand to the level
it deserves, just seems to be a great fit.
K R I S S H E R R Y
F A B R I C A T O R D E S I G N E R C R A F T S M A N
Kris Sherry
Tehachapi, California
9. 28 Black Bear Brand Union of Makers 29
Pinching a 1976 Harley Davidson SX-250 Gas Tank.
10. 30 Black Bear Brand Union of Makers 31
I have been involved with action sports for 20 years. As
a pro athlete, there are many brands that wrap around
you, they can make you who you are as well as define
you. For many years I have supported and been sup-
ported by brands that I felt were a huge part of my ev-
eryday being. I am in a new chapter of my life, but I am
still surrounded by action sports and athletes. However,
I was missing that brand that truly connected with my
life, my work and my passions. That void has been filled
by a brand that I feel encompasses me better that any-
thing I’ve ever been a part of. It revolves around all of
my passions for every walk of life that I am a part of.
Whether it is playing, riding, ripping, shredding, chil-
lin’, fabricating, building or hanging with my family, it
all works as one. Black Bear Brand encompasses me and
everything that I am about.
N A T E W E S S E L
D E S I G N E R F A B R I C A T O R B U I L D E R
-Nate Wessel
Maryland / Pennsylvania
