Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Sullivan
Hi Zach, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Zach Sullivan, but a lot of folks also call me Sully. I have lived in Duluth for a decade now and I love it here. ROMP is my full time gig, and it keeps me busy. I design and produce all of my products. From cutting out fabric to sewing, all aspects of the production happen in my little home studio. Come in on any given day and there will probably be a nest of thread littering the base of my sewing machine. Growing up I was always around sewing. My mom knit, quilted, and sewed all sorts of things. It was always accessible to me and in high school I took a crack at making a sweatshirt. It just didn’t fit right. In college I worked at UMD’s rental center where we would repair gear and have access to the machines for our own use. That was when I was able to teach myself more about sewing and using a machine. After college I got a job at the Duluth Folk School where access to sewing machines and knowledge helped me become confident enough to buy my own machine! That was when it all changed.ROMP Bags started from my own interest in creating my own bike bags. I have always loved riding my bike and, at the time, had been getting into riding longer and needs. I started to sew my own bags out of canvas from a local business’s dumpster. I eventually started to purchase some of my own fabric and make things for friends. The encouragement from those friends, especially the folks at The Back Alley Surf Shop, helped me dive into it as a business! The Back Alley was home to my studio for four cherished years. I have outgrown that space and now rent a larger space. Today I sell in more than 15 stores and online. I love to go to events and rep my bags as well. When I am not sewing, businessing, or repping ROMP, you can find me biking, camping, or spending time with loved ones.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just like any business, there have been struggles along the way. Recently I have had some growing pains. In the last year I have moved from my small studio space at the Back Alley Surf Shop, to a larger space. My new larger space doesn’t cater to walk in traffic so marketing myself has become an ever more important part of the job! Another struggle has been splitting time between sewing, marketing myself, and keeping up with ordering materials. There always seems to be something to do. Although it has been a struggle, it has been rewarding when someone acknowledges that what I am doing is cool or meaningful to them. Like writing to you here at Voyage Minnesota.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ROMP Bags?
ROMP stands for Rad Outdoor Multi Purpose Bags, and I design and sew all of the products myself. My number one bag is the Fanny Pack. The roll top closure system is super versatile, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear. I make an attachment system that allows you to attach your water bottles and other beverages to the sides of the Fanny Pack. The Burrito Bag is another popular bag that folks use for just about anything. It has two sets of daisy chains to mount the bag on your bike, your canoe, or a variety of other things.
My favorite projects are custom Frame Bags for peoples bikes. Customers will send me a stencil of their bike frame, then we will work together to choose colors and specific features to incorporate to fit their bike and style. This is super fun for me because I get to work with individuals and make something that I know they really will appreciate. It also almost always includes sharing stories of past bike trips and the dreams of the next ones.
Working with others brings me joy and another way I get to do that as a sole proprietor is by making “white label” products for other company’s. Currently one my favorites is the Saw Sack I make for Bad Axe Toolworks in Superior, WI. It is a protective bag for their wood working saws. Other white label projects include Kicksled Sacks for Ely Bike and Kicksled, and Chalk Bags for climbing at Trailfitters here in Duluth.
I sell my product at many stores locally, and as far as California. I also fulfill orders online at rompbags.com, and you can find a link for custom frame bags there as well.
ROMP Bags playful yet tactical designs are great for your next outdoor adventure!
How do you think about luck?
The feeling of being at the right place at the right time comes to mind. I have been lucky to be a part of an epic growth of the Lincoln Park craft district, which I believe has been a hub for like minded quirky folks. I have had an ability to connect with so many of these artists, crafts people, musicians, and business owners through my time at the Duluth Folk School and The Back Alley. These folks inspire me to do my own quirky thing, and provide the community with something one of a kind and useful. I am lucky to have a local community that provides that space.
Pricing:
- Fanny Pack $90
- Burrito Bag $45
- Feedbag $50
- Bottle Holsters $35
- Custom Frame Bag starts at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rompbags.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rompbags/
Image Credits
Molly Swailes
Hank Elholm
Dan Plys
