News Page 3 - The Simple Man

Grab your brats - Tailgating season is here!

August 18, 2022

Did you know National Tailgating Day is coming up? It is September 3rd this year. I didn’t know either. But I like it.

I most often associated tailgating with football. And my very unsophisticated research tells me some theorize it started in the late 1800s (without actual tail-gates, of course) at intercollegiate games, and other theories claim it became popular in American culture due to the Green Bay Packers.

Camping Hacks

July 20, 2022

In this month’s video I shared just a couple of the camping hacks we’ve learned over the years. Some have evolved and some have remained solid, untouched.

I wanted to provide a few more we have found to be essential when heading out in the woods.

Featured Simple Man: Jeff H.

June 13, 2022

It’s been a while, but I’d love for you to meet our next featured Simple Man, Jeff H. And since it is Father’s Day month, we picked one of the best. Jeff is married and has five boys, ages 8-15. By day he is a financial advisor; on his time off (c’mon he has 5 boys – no time off, right) he likes to read, listen to records (vinyl all the way), and is into comics, gaming and Legos. He grew up in the suburbs of Chicago.

Top 7 Things for Dad, He Doesn’t Even KNOW He Wants Yet.

May 26, 2022

If you’ve ever met my family, you learn quickly that our gift-giving game is like nothing else. We strive to find that special person a gift that illustrates to them what they mean to us. Our mission is to find them something special, and it is not a task, but rather a thoughtful, heart-felt challenge.

I’m trying to be better.

April 29, 2022

Another spring, another time of year we are knee deep in youth sports. And we only have one kid playing right now. I can’t imagine what you baseball families are experiencing where you have like, what….50 games ahead of you before July?

Whether it is sports, drama, music or any club activity, when our kids are in it, we are in it. A sacrifice for all. And that makes it very personal, right?

Putting my money where my mouth is

March 31, 2022

You have heard me in many a blog, video or social-media post ask you to continue to support local, small businesses. Beyond my typical catch phrases like “to make a short story long” and “I can smell a lie like a fart in a car”, the one starting to be heard most often is “thank you for supporting small”.

This little team went to market

March 02, 2022

Earlier this month, Em and I took a quick trip to Chicago to scope out new things for fall. I’ve mentioned before that finding the items for the shop is complex process that is a mix of exciting and very nerve-wracking. Many people have asked how this process works, so I wanted to give more details….paint you the picture, if you will.

What to Expect in 2022

January 26, 2022

January.

The month we crash.

The month I finally clean my holiday-season-neglected office and catch up on TV shows.

The month we escape to a warm location and play girls vs. boys, laugh-til-we-cry badminton with the kids.

The month we reflect on the amazing year that was 2021 and make plans to continue to grow in 2022.

7 Reasons to Shop Small this Holiday

November 24, 2021

For years there has been a strong focus during the holiday season to shop small, shop local. In our five years of existence, we’ve heard people say it has been their motivation, we’ve noticed the emphasis and certainly have appreciated all of it.

5, Five, V

October 28, 2021

The number 5 is no ordinary number. Wiki tells that 5 represents curiosity and adventure; the importance of number 5 runs through every culture and religion in the world; and the things associated with the number 5 range from the mundane to the bizarre!

Gratitude

September 24, 2021

In our house, fall also marks the insanity of the kids’ school, social and sports schedules. I feel like sometimes from sun-up to sun-down, it is an ever changing logistical schedule that some international corporations would be impressed with. And we only have two teens. Crazy.

Shop Vibes

August 25, 2021

A mix of indie, folk, indie-rock, Americana brand of music seems to fit the atmosphere of The Simple Man store. Soulful voices, crazy talented musicians who actually play the instruments, and lyrics that make you stop in your tracks.