How it all started
Back in the day...
Jerry McNabb was affectionately known as Fathead and he wore the moniker proudly. Fathead was developed into a logo and trademarked but after not using. it for 10 years, Jerry lost the trademark. Boo Hoo... anyway... Jerry had the foresight to acquire WI license plates with FATHED and then a second plate had FATHEAD.
Meanwhile, life was busy and love came along. When Jerry and Kim started dating, she lovingly called him Jer-Bear. But she made it clear, she wasn't going to drive around in any vehicle with FAT on the license plate!!! So Jer-Bear sold his Silverado with the WI FATHEAD license plates and bought Kim her engagement ring.
As Kim always called him Jer-Bear, that naturally became the basis of his new brand and the beginning of Jer-Bear Athletic Wear.
Kim's good friend Maureen "Mo" Barsema sketched the first logo (over there on the left) and Jer-Bear Athletic Wear was christened. But Jerry did not care for the beret so he had his good friend Josh Stelzer draw the baseball hat sitting sideways on the logo which is the current design.
Jer-Bear Athletic Wear was launched and some select clothing and hats were made, thanks to Josh and his fantastic team at Elite Embroidery in Sun Prairie, WI.
And that is how it all started... Keep scrolling down for more history!
Early Days...
New Beginnings...
New Beginnings...
OG Fathead family... once Fathead trademark was lost, PHATHEAD was used...
New Beginnings...
New Beginnings...
New Beginnings...
Early Jer-Bear Merch... Yes, Jerry HAD TO HAVE some merch that said
JER-BARE (his private stock) vs JER-BEAR.
You can order his private Jer-Bare stock directly through him -- the rest of us will just roll our eyes at you.
Kim's Story
New Beginnings...
Kim's Story
Some of you knew and some have heard of Kim, and she was everyone's favorite -- wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend -- because she simply loved everyone she knew. Her motto was "Be the Light" and by that she meant to always brighten the room, the life, the fun and avoid the dark or negative.
Kim and Jerry were married 24 years and unfortunately in September, 2021, Kim was diagnosed with terminal gall bladder cancer and was given maybe a year to live. And what a year she lived!!! Surrounded by the love of family and many, many friends, Kim fought for every single day she could get. Sadly, on Sept. 7, 2022, just two days shy of one year, Kim lost her cancer battle. But her legacy shines on --
BE THE LIGHT!
To this day, Jerry, Stephanie, Karlie and Kim's extended Schmidt and McNabb family remain grateful to everyone who supported and loved Kim during this difficult time.