Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Kwapis
Alexander, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Story of Wild Dirt
Wild Dirt was born from a simple yet powerful idea: reconnecting people with nature while promoting sustainability. Our journey officially began in 2020, but it has been a long time coming. Dennis Fiore and I, Alexander Kwapis, are the founders and have known one another since before we were teenagers in the Boy Scout’s Order of the Arrow. Dennis and I are both Eagle Scouts and Vigil Members. Since Scouting, we continued to explore the world around us. Planning and going on trips near and far. We were and are inspired by the beauty of the wild and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.
The Beginning
The idea for Wild Dirt slowly came together from a lifetime of hiking, camping, and trail crew trips together. Dennis and I noticed that many outdoor brands focused on peak performance, often overlooked casual outdoor activities, and sacrificed sustainability at the expense of the wild places they were exploring. We wanted to bring more fun into the outdoors and be inclusive, ethical, and sustainable from the start. Not through a capsule collection as other more prominent brands have done but through our actions from day one. This gap ignited our determination to create a brand embodying well-designed products for everyday adventure with a passion for environmental responsibility and fun and inspiring education of the outdoors at our core.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges and Triumphs
Our journey has not been without its challenges. Balancing sustainability with performance in a bespoke offering requires extensive research, supply chain efforts, and innovation. We faced hurdles in sourcing materials that met our high standards and finding manufacturing processes aligned with our values. However, our commitment to our vision kept us going.
One of our significant breakthroughs was introducing the Wild Dirt Freestand Splash Pouches. Inspired by the activity kits we customize on trips, these pouches are made from durable recycled fabric, waterproof zippers, and sustainable materials. They will quickly become popular among outdoor enthusiasts for their practicality and eco-friendliness.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Journey
We began by designing camp mugs, apparel, and headwear that were intentionally designed, durable, and made from sustainable materials. Our first product, the 3Peak Performance shirt, received overwhelming support from the community. Encouraged by this response, we expanded our product line to include camp mugs and headwear. Ignited by the response we continue to get, we are expanding our apparel offering, creating a durable stainless steel and silicone camp mug that’s plastic-free. We are working hard on activity kits and a bag system. Each item is meticulously crafted with a focus on eco-friendly materials and functionality.
The Present and Future
Today, Wild Dirt is working hard to be more than just a brand; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for the outdoors and a commitment to sustainability. We are spurred on to help educate and inspire everyday adventurers to explore the world around them, near and far. Our products are geared towards adventurers, travelers, and everyday explorers who appreciate quality and care for the planet.
But we’re not stopping here. We are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and inspire. Our social media campaigns educate and motivate people to embrace the outdoors and adopt sustainable practices. We believe in the power of storytelling to spread our message, and we draw inspiration from bold and creative brands.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The Vision
From the start, Wild Dirt was built on a foundation of sustainability, innovation, and inspiration. Our goal was to develop products that not only performed exceptionally in the outdoors but also had minimal environmental impact. We wanted to inspire people to explore the wild, respect nature, and adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and educate people to get outdoors and protect the wild places they love. We aim to create products that are functional and stylish and have a positive impact on the environment. We encourage others to join us in making a difference by sharing our journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wilddirt.com
- Instagram: wilddirt
