Tempest: What a New Brand Has to Offer For the 904

Colby Nickell


What is special about Tempest that sets it apart from other big companies, like Billabong or Quiksilver?

Tempest is different insofar as the way we started up, and what our driving forces have been. For me, I am only eighteen, and to me, it seemed like the only next, logical step to get known in this industry was to create a clothing line.. To think we started with less money than a high end surfboard is worth, and we somehow managed to prove ourselves as a legitimate contender for sponsoring the top grom surfers, is amazing.


What products do you currently make and sell?

The products we make are shirts, bracelets, coozies, and stickers. When we establish a sufficient capital, we are full force on expanding into board-shorts, bikinis, hats, and all other items of clothing.




What does Tempest hope to accomplish in the next five years?

In the next five years, we plan to fully expand into a recognizable, outdoor brand with numerous products that appeal to all types of people. We have our clothing line in WindanSea Boardshop in Cocoa Beach, which is owned by Erik Thomas, a good friend of mine and also a board-shaping mentor. He has really helped me progress as a surfboard shaper, and I am humbled I have my line in his shop. Since I have experience in board-shaping, I am also hopeful that I can create a board line at Tempest. We are also hoping to get some “managers” of the company; people that will pay a percentage of expenses, and make that percentage back in return profit. Basically, our vision is like every other entrepreneur’s--- expand, expand, expand



Does Tempest support any local vendors or charities?

In terms of charities, we have plans in the next year to sponsor the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Walk to Cure Event held in Cocoa beach every March. My brother has Type I and, just like everybody else who is affected, is aimlessly waiting around for a cure. My mom, Sherri, is a huge advocate for the JDRF and has been on their board of committee for quite some time. We at Tempest also plan to start a fundraiser to acquire funds and materials to donate clothes to families in Puerto Rico. We will hopefully start the funding, and social media awareness in December, and then plan to leave to go to Puerto Rico in June.


If there is anything else about the company you find relevant or wish to share?

T Moving up to Jax is only the start of where I may go next. So many doors are opening in the surfing industry that it’s hard to remember where I came from sometimes. Tempest really helps me stay rooted in my hometown of Cocoa Beach, and makes me remember who helped me start my career. Biggest thanks to my loving mom and dad who never gave up on what I had planned in my life.

For more information about our company, you can visit our website: www.tempestclothingco.com
You can also follow my Instagram, surf4earth, and Tempest’s, tempestclothingco.

Interview by Kristen Pickrell.