Former Bowling Green State University roommates Ryan Fowler and Kevin Goldner have turned being proud alumni into a profession.
On Sept. 13, their online store of BGSU apparel, BG Memories, launched. The company was founded in response to the lack of apparel options for alumni no longer in the area. BG Memories makes it easier for anyone in the United States to purchase Falcon memorabilia.
Fowler and Goldner, who currently live in the Cincinnati area, realized the demand for BG apparel was higher than the supply outside of Northwest Ohio.
“What we realized in the last month is that alumni have been craving [opportunities] to buy not only merchandise but one-of-a-kind designs,” Fowler said.
The online store will create familiar memories for any BGSU alumni: the un-falcon-believable shirt designs include Brathaus, Campus Quarters, Myle’s Pizza and The Battle of the Peace Pipe.
Fowler said his fondest memories from attending the university involved Campus Pollyeyes.
“That was the staple of the weekly diet for the last two years at least,” he said.
BG Memories partnered with Campus Polleyes to create a t-shirt with the restaurant’s logo.
These designs are featured in The Memory Collection, created with the culture of Bowling Green in mind. The store features two other collections, Fanwear and Vintage, which use official logos of the university. Goldner created all the designs on the website.
Fowler said the product is of top quality. Not only are the clothes printed on demand, made as the orders are placed, they are made with better material, he said.
“It breathes a little bit more,” he said. “I know it’s us marketing ourselves, but our hooded sweatshirts are beyond the most comfortable sweatshirts that I’ve owned in the past.”
The biggest response has been for the hockey apparel, Fowler said. Less than a decade ago, the hockey program was on the verge of collapsing.
“The fan base of BGSU hockey is so passionate,” Fowler said.
Since the launch of the hockey apparel, BG Memories has received orders from as far as California and Florida.
The website is currently offering T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and hoodies. Prices range from $25-48. For more information, visit bowlinggreenmemories.com.
