Tyron Hazen, Founder of Puffin Drinkwear
What if your beer had a better outfit than you?
That was the accidental genius behind Puffin Drinkwear, a brand that’s redefining the way we accessorize beverages—and telling a bigger story about entrepreneurial grit, curiosity, and the magic of not knowing what you're in for.
Here are the key takeaways that every aspiring founder, builder, and brand nerd should bookmark.
You Don’t Need a Roadmap to Start Building
Tyron’s story starts with a simple idea—and a lot of trial and error. From dismantling electronics as a kid to filing a patent for a water bottle he never launched, his path into entrepreneurship wasn’t linear.
“I assumed there was a path... turns out there are just ways that might work. You just have to know where you’re going.”
Lesson: There’s no perfect blueprint to launching a product. Tinker, prototype, and trust your instinct—even if the destination feels unclear.
The Product That Sparked a Movement
The idea for Puffin was born in a backyard, sparked by an old koozie that felt like a sleeping bag. Holding a bottle and touching the retro fabric, Tyron thought:
“What if I made a sleeping bag for my beer?”
That moment of playful curiosity led to the now-iconic Puffin drinkwear—tiny, tailored jackets, parkas, vests, and more, all designed to insulate your beverage and show off your vibe.
Lesson: Some of the best product ideas aren’t “solutions”—they’re expressions. When your brand reflects a lifestyle, it markets itself.
Puffin Drinkwear model on a bear
From Garage Builds to Factory Orders
Building a working prototype wasn’t easy. Between learning new tools, surviving propane mishaps, and nearly getting flagged at TSA for a “pipe bomb-looking” prototype, Hazen’s journey was fueled by persistence and creativity.
Eventually, he landed a small production run with the help of a sourcing contact abroad and a growing buzz back home.
“The first time I saw it work, I teared up. It was just this idea... and now it existed.”
Lesson: Physical product development is a grind. Celebrate the wins—especially the messy, early ones.
Going Viral… and Then Going Door-to-Door
Puffin’s first inventory landed in 2018. Instead of waiting for viral moments, Tyron and his team went store to store in downtown Bend, Oregon, pitching the product by hand. A single walk-in customer sparked a chain reaction of orders, and suddenly, local retailers couldn’t get enough.
“We dropped off ten. Two days later, the store asked for 36 more. Then 100. Then everything we had.”
Lesson: Online virality is unpredictable. In-person hustle still works—and sometimes, it’s what unlocks retail momentum.
Gustavo Padron using a Puffin Drinkwear on his bear
Final Word: The Product Is Just the Beginning
Puffin is more than a novelty—it’s a brand built on personality, passion, and patience. From napkin sketch to national shelf, the story behind the insulated beer jacket proves that great ideas deserve to be pursued—even when the path makes no sense.
So next time you're holding a cold drink, ask yourself: Is it wearing a Puffin yet?
Explore Puffin Drinkwear at puffindrinkwear.com
Listen to the full interview on The BrandVentures Podcast
Stay tuned for more adventures with The Brandventures!