News
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July 28, 2008
Koscheck Wants to Leave His Mar
by Danny Acosta
When Josh Koscheck wasn’t in a singlet pinning the NCAA wrestling ranks on their backs, he was longboarding and riding street bikes all over Pennsylvania. Even then, he was sporting California coastal gear, which would come to be the inspiration for his clothing line Mar.
The idea for Mar was born in 2006, and has become the fulfillment of the UFC fighter’s childhood dream: to own his own business. Hanging around with friends, the welterweight contender was struck with the idea to spearhead a clothing line. The logo and name, which in English means “to disfigure” and in Spanish means “ocean” soon followed. A lack of experience in business and fashion did not dim his outlook.
While developing a prominent mixed martial arts career, he approached his girlfriend about the idea. “You don’t know shit about clothing, what are you talking about?” she said. “Give me a year and I’ll know everything there is to know about clothing,’ he replied.
Koscheck voraciously researched licensing, screen-printing, and shipping, among other aspects of business. Looking to his manager DeWayne Zinkin Jr. as inspiration, Koscheck launched and maintained the brand through internet advertising, name-dropping in interviews, and sending free shirts to everyone from training partner Jon Fitch to former champion Chuck Liddell.
“My ultimate goal is to [sponsor] as many professional athletes as I possibly can, whether it’s surfing, snowboarding, BMX, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Soliciting the services of a Mexican-style tattoo artist named Rudeboy keeps the styles fresh, but don’t be shocked if Koscheck gets involved in the designs--he oversees everything.
www.marclothing.comSource: KosMMA.com
