As Derek Thompson and his partner eagerly awaited the arrival of their first child eight years ago, it quickly became clear to Thompson that diaper bags on the market were not tailored for men. After an exhaustive search through both large retail chains and upscale boutiques, they finally settled on one of the few bags available that didn’t feature floral designs or overly feminine colors.
As he embraced fatherhood, Thompson realized he wanted baby products that reflected his identity as a proud dad. Frustrated by the lack of options that catered to fathers, he decided to transform the product landscape, starting with diaper bags. Balancing his time between preschool drop-offs, playdates, and household chores, he gradually built his company, D.T. Gear, named after his children, and designed a diaper bag that was both functional and stylish.
“The baby product industry is predominantly aimed at mothers. Nothing appealed to me personally, so I decided to make a change,” says Thompson of his brand, D.T. Gear. While initially focused on dads, he emphasizes that his products are designed for everyone. “I never wanted to create something exclusive for dads. Moms are welcome too, and honestly, many of my friends say, ‘I’d carry that bag! Forget my partner!’” he laughs.
Thompson believes that with fathers increasingly taking active roles in parenting, his company has become more relevant than ever. By crafting fashionable products for dads, he aims to empower men to feel proud of their parenting roles. “Men are just as capable and engaged—by choice. I want to provide them with something that clearly states, ‘I’m a proud dad.’”
Recognizing a gap in the market for fashionable dads, Thompson pursued his vision. Since launching his brand three years ago, D.T. Gear bags have not only been featured in boutique baby stores across the country but also caught the attention of a British publisher. This past June, the brand was highlighted in a book titled Our Royal Baby, which showcased baby products aligned with the stylish preferences of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Thompson was thrilled that his “Frenchie” bag, now rebranded as the “Windsor,” was included in the glossy publication.
Despite the success, Thompson candidly admits that achieving quick fame takes considerable time and resources. “I underestimated how much I could handle alone, and I’ve faced some tough lessons about the challenges involved,” he shares. Nevertheless, he views parenting as a constant journey of adaptability and creativity, much like entrepreneurship.
For aspiring parent entrepreneurs, Thompson offers this advice: “Just take the leap and don’t look back. You’re already lacking sleep, so why not use that energy to reach out to friends and contacts to make it happen?” He adds, “There’s a unique fire in parents who are sleep-deprived yet constantly thinking, ‘What could improve my life?’ It’s a time ripe for creativity.”
Thompson acknowledges that many of the items marketed as essential baby gear are not strictly necessary. “We could easily toss essentials into a backpack and call it a day,” he jokes. However, when he shows up to playdates and preschool drop-offs with his bag, and other fathers express their wish for a D.T. Gear bag during their early parenting days, he knows he’s tapped into a need. “Hearing, ‘I wish this had been around when I was a new dad, but I’m using it now and love it,’ reassures me that I’ve created something valuable and versatile,” he explains.
One of the most rewarding aspects of building his business from scratch is the example he sets for his children, ages 8 and 6. Although juggling full-time parenting with a startup has been no small feat, Thompson hopes his kids understand the importance of pursuing their ideas and recognizing the support available to them during new challenges. “I’m not quite where I want to be, but I believe I’m where I need to be, and that’s an invaluable lesson for my children,” he concludes.
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Summary
Derek Thompson, after facing a lack of stylish diaper bags for men, created D.T. Gear to cater to fathers who want to express their pride in parenting. His journey reflects the evolving role of dads in childcare and the importance of providing functional, fashionable products that resonate with modern families.