On Episode 17 of Behind The Brand, Fuller takes a look inside direct-to-consumer premium brand, Parallel Eyewear. Parallel Eyewear, the maker of sustainable, eco-friendly bio-plastic frames and the proprietary NEOX lens, is created with conservation and the consumer at the forefront. CEO David Johnson and COO Ralph Sphire share what inspired the brand and how they are able to create premium sunglasses for a fraction of the price of their competitors.
David Johnson, Founder & CEO of Parallel Eyewear, has been a competitive golfer for over forty years, having competed on the amateur/semi-professional circuit. Additionally, he has been an avid fly fisherman for most of his life and has fished all over the world. Now, he has developed a line of polarized sunglasses to fit the needs of anglers, golfers and everything outdoors.
“When you’re watching golf, you see players wear their glasses while walking across the green but they always remove them and place them on top of their cap before putting,” said Johnson. “We wanted to create a product that provided the protection and optics that allowed amateurs and professionals alike to wear them from beginning to end while on the green.”
“When fishing, it’s imperative that you have optics that enhance your perception of the environment around you,” said Johnson. “Our performance polarized sunglasses were designed to increase your awareness and visibility while protecting your eyes from the glare on whatever body of water you’re casting your line.”
From ice fishing in Maine to the flats in Patagonia to closer to home in Southern California, Parallel Eyewear has been tested in the field by guides who spend more than 200 days each year on the water.
Parallel has created the highest-performance sunglasses while using the most advanced and greenest technologies, sourcing the best creative designers and using state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
“Our direct-to-consumer sales and customer service business model allows us to manufacture and sell the highest quality performance sunglasses at a revolutionary price point,” said Sphire. “Every single model in our line of performance eyewear is available for less than $100.”
To take a closer look, listen to the entire podcast for insight on how this brand emerged and is poised to redefine the premium eyewear industry.
Episodes are available on Soundcloud, and iTunes. Follow along on the TBA Outdoors Behind the Brand podcast page for episode descriptions and a complete collection of video episodes.
TBA Outdoors has niche category expertise and has been the driving force behind many national brands including Contender Boats, Outdoor America, FIREDISC Cookers, Heybo Outdoors, BOTE Boards, Fish Hippie, Williams Knife Co. and frogg toggs, developing and delivering tangible results that positively impact business in the outdoor industry.
To inquire about being a guest on the TBA Outdoors podcast, contact Todd Fuller at tfuller@tbaoutdoors.com. For more information about TBA Outdoors, visit TBAoutdoors.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
