S2E296 How to Win in Your Underwear - an Interview with Tommy John Founder Tom Patterson

·36 min·3 clips

Tom Patterson sketched an undershirt design and had it made at a dry cleaner to create Tommy John.

The episode begins with Brian Buffini introducing Tom Patterson, founder of Tommy John, highlighting his success during the 2008 recession and selling over 30 million pairs of underwear. Patterson recounts his childhood in Milbank, South Dakota, where he developed an entrepreneurial spirit by doing odd jobs like mowing lawns and shoveling snow. He attended Arizona State University and later worked in medical device sales in San Diego. The idea for Tommy John came from Patterson's frustration with ill-fitting undershirts that didn't stay tucked in. He created a prototype by sketching a design and having it made at a local dry cleaner. After being laid off in 2008, he cashed in his 401k and savings to fund the business. Patterson secured a 15-store test at Neiman Marcus by guaranteeing to buy back unsold inventory. He personally visited stores to train salespeople and drive demand. The company faced challenges with inventory management and cash flow, especially during growth phases. A major breakthrough came when Howard Stern endorsed the product on his radio show, leading to rapid sales and inventory shortages. Patterson discusses the company's culture, hiring practices, and winning awards for being a great place to work. In 2018, he experienced a panic attack due to burnout, which prompted him to take time off and reassess his work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of mentors, including Dana Freed and his wife Erin, in his journey. Patterson reflects on the future of Tommy John, noting challenges like tariffs and inflation, and encourages entrepreneurs to invest in self-improvement during tough times. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions where Patterson shares advice, favorite books, and his definition of the good life.

As heard by us

A recession-born underwear company becomes a grounded lesson in what growth asks of a founder.

Tom Patterson's account of building Tommy John with his wife, Erin, gives the episode a practical business spine. The 2008 recession frames the problem they set out to solve: men's undershirts that did not fit well.

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Why you'd press play

Want a recession-born underwear brand story with a no-adjustment-needed lesson in learning to lead while the company grows?

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