I created Yooper Shirts in December of 2009 online only at YooperShirts.com. With successful designs such as the "sUPernatural", "Yooper Icon", and our "U.P. HEART", I was able to grow the YS brand and offer more designs in a variety of colors. After a year and a half online, I decided to take the business and open my first retail location in West Ishpeming. After three months, I then moved the business closer to Ishpeming where we shared space with the Ishpeming/Negaunee Chamber of Commerce on US Highway 41 West.
In November 2011, I purchased screen printing equipment so we could have the capability of printing the entire YS brand in-house. I hired my first employee and continued to build the company brand while offering custom graphic design, screen printing, and embroidery services to the public.
September 6, 2013 (9.06), marked the ribbon cutting ceremony and the grand opening of a new retail, and production space, located in downtown Ishpeming. We spent countless hours renovating what was previously the AMCAB space in the Old Gossard (Pioneer Square) building. From refinished hardwood floors to a large exposed brick wall, our new shop had a high-end feel in a small town environment.
After many successful years at the Gossard, an opportunity to purchase a new location came about. On February 10, 2017, we purchased our new, and only, retail location on Third street in downtown Marquette. We spent the next four months remodeling the space to give it the exact look, and vibe, that was needed for a pleasant, and inspiring, shopping experience.
On May 26, 2017, we opened the doors to the Third street location and converted our Ishpeming retail location into our production facility due to our continued growth. It was a hard decision to close the Ishpeming retail but as we continue to expand we needed more space for printing and behind the scenes operations. Our main retail location is now located at 503 N. 3rd in Downtown Marquette where we are strategically located in the heart of the city.
On December 14, 2018, we purchased a 6,000 square foot building (old UPPCO building) in Ishpeming for our new production facility. In February 2019, we were fully operational in our new location. This expansion allows us to run more efficiently by creating a better workflow for our employees.
My passion for this company continues to burn and I push to make it grow, efficiently and effectively, each day. Not only do I love what I do, I am fortunate enough to create designs & clothing that people all over the world can enjoy. I also love the fact that I can give back to my hometown of Ishpeming and offer jobs to my friends and family. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Owner/Designer
Born & Raised (Ishpeming, Mich.)
*The term "Yooper Shirts" is a registered trademark of Yooper Shirts, Inc. (United States Patent and Trademark Office)
