Backstory: Bigtruck Hats

Active Junky loves endless opportunities to get our feet wet and our hands dirty around the Lake Tahoe region. It’s one of those idyllic playground locations where you can paddle your SUP, rock climb, practice yoga on the dock, and fish with a dry fly all in the same day.  

And despite the many outdoor brands and athletes born from this little slice of California heaven, one brand has come to adorn more heads than any other, and everyone from mountain mamas to ultra-runners now wears their products on a daily basis. 

Meet the founder of bigtruck hats, Galen Gifford, who was a real-estate broker, president of a visual graphics firm, and a performing musician before he chose to make happiness a priority over of money. By pursuing his authentic bliss, he ultimately became the taste-maker for a world-wide brand.

Did you ever envision making such an impact on your community when you started this business? 

It is certainly humbling. The community support for bigtruck as a local brand and now as an internationally growing brand has been overwhelming. We’re proud to have the factory and retail hat bar in Truckee, and it’s a true honor to symbolize our community through the brand and product. The message of #funfirst reminds us to seek more fun and use that to fuel our greatest achievements.  

What keeps you coming in to work every day? 

Passion keeps me coming to work and spreading the message that, for us, we believe the more fun we have, the more joy we share, the happier we are and the more we contribute to our communities. Fun first for me is being outside with my family and designing products and hats at bigtruck on top of being a steward to a brand that encourages people to find adventure. Another part of that is serving our community by supporting non- profits like The High Fives Foundation and The Shane McConkey Foundation. Being an example of a next-generation mountain town business by providing year round, meaningful employment with benefits is what keeps me coming to work everyday. We only want to grow and spread the stoke! 

What inspires your designs?

I am fueled by smiles and contributing to a lifestyle that supports fun and “going for it”–and this shows in our designs. Whether it’s sports, travel, art, music, nature, the list is never ending.

For more about the company and bigtruck products, check out their website: www.bigtruck.com