I want to start this one off by saying, we want to hangout with Mr. Trent Williams.
When you talk to Trent Williams, you don’t get a polished corporate pitch, you get something better. You get honesty.
What started as a simple dream to hunt, fish, and document the journey, has grown into Pronghorn Peak Apparel, a brand rooted in hard work, family, and a deep respect for the outdoors.
Originally, the mission was straightforward: show people what’s possible on public lands and waters if you’re willing to put in the work. Over time, that passion evolved into two connected worlds:
- A media platform documenting real outdoor adventures
- An apparel brand that lets people wear that lifestyle every day
And at the center of it all? A hat.
How a Simple Logo Turned Into a Growing Apparel Brand
Like many great businesses, this one didn’t start with a business plan, it started with curiosity.
Trent didn’t even know what he was building at first. He just knew he needed a logo. So he combined two of his biggest passions:
- Elk hunting
- Lake trout fishing
That design became the identity. And once it existed, the next step felt obvious:
“It seemed dumb not to do anything with it.”
So he made a few hats.
Then friends wanted some.
Then more people asked.
Then different colors.
Then larger orders.
And just like that, without overthinking it, an apparel company was born.
What Makes Pronghorn Peak Apparel Different?
In a crowded world of outdoor brands, what sets Pronghorn Peak apart isn’t scale, it’s intentionality.
This isn’t a large operation with layers of departments. It’s Trent and his wife, balancing:
- Full-time jobs
- Family life
- Order fulfillment
- Customer service
Every order is personal. Every email gets answered by the founder himself.
That level of connection shows up in everything they do:
- A relentless focus on quality over shortcuts
- Gear designed for both the mountains and everyday life
- A commitment to never losing that direct relationship with customers
This isn’t just apparel, it’s a reflection of real life.
Why Custom Hats Became the Cornerstone
Custom hats weren’t originally the business, they were the marketing.
Trent started making hats simply to wear in his outdoor videos. But something unexpected happened:
People wanted them.
Over time, hats became:
- The #1 selling product
- A way to build brand recognition
- A tool for fundraisers and community events
- A staple in everyday outdoor life
“The hats are the cornerstone of the clothing company.”
For nearly a decade, those hats have been everywhere, from hunting trips to family photos to life’s biggest moments.
More Than Apparel: Becoming Part of People’s Lives
This is where the story shifts from business to something deeper.
What Trent is most proud of isn’t revenue or growth, it’s where the hats show up:
- Family photo shoots
- Weddings
- Birth announcements
- Everyday life with friends and family
“Although it’s just clothes to some people, I always take it as they are supporting me and proud to do so.”
That’s the turning point for many brands, when products stop being products and start becoming part of people’s stories.
Why Quality (and the Right Partner) Matters
Not all hat experiences are created equal and Trent learned that the hard way.
After trying multiple suppliers, the only customer complaints he ever received came from hats made elsewhere.
When he found Authentic Leather Patch Company, things changed.
What stood out most?
- Clear, consistent communication
- Transparency about inventory and lead times
- Willingness to take on complex designs
- Sending samples before full production
- Keeping him informed at every step
“It’s priceless to be able to have that kind of trust.”
For a founder who cares deeply about details, that level of reliability isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
The Reality of Building a Brand (No One Talks About)
Trent doesn’t sugarcoat the journey.
There are wins but there are also setbacks.
One of the biggest lessons came from a bad apparel order:
- Inconsistent colors
- Crooked logos
- Poor quality control
It led to difficult conversations with customers and a lot of stress.
But the takeaway is what matters:
“Failure is inevitable. What sets you apart is how you handle it.”
That mindset, owning mistakes and pushing forward is what separates lasting brands from short-lived ones.
Advice for Anyone Starting Out
If there’s one message Trent would pass on, it’s this:
- You won’t know everything when you start
- Every step will feel uncomfortable
- Growth comes from taking the leap anyway
From ordering your first 12 hats to managing large production runs, every stage brings new challenges.
The key is simple:
Don’t let fear stop you from starting.
What’s Next for Pronghorn Peak Apparel?
Like many passionate founders, Trent doesn’t have a perfectly mapped-out future and that’s part of the beauty.
The goals are clear, even if the path isn’t:
- Turn the apparel and media brands into a full-time career
- Expand into new products and designs
- Continue producing high-quality outdoor content
- Keep building a community-first brand
“The adventures will never stop.”
Where to Find Pronghorn Peak Apparel
- Website: PronghornPeakApparel.com
- YouTube: Trent Williams Outdoors
- Facebook: Trent Williams Outdoors
- Instagram: twilliamsswy
Final Thought
There’s something refreshing about a brand that didn’t start with a strategy deck or a growth plan.
It started with a logo.
A few hats.
And a willingness to try.
Everything else followed.
