Volume 1 photoshoot October 2008.

The term Group Fly simply means, "a group of people reaching a higher destination". Our brand wants to do 3 things: CREATE dope product, LEAD, and INSPIRE others. We attached the infamous tagline FLY OR DIE to our brand because we believe you are either progressing towards achieving your goals and dreams or...you are just taking up space and dying....MESSAGE!!!!!

THE REASON I RUN WITH PASSION EVERYDAY TO PURSUE MY GOD-GIVEN DREAM...MY FAMILY

When my wife and I took out $10k out of our personal savings to start this brand in 2008, we knew we were doing the right thing. Over the past 3 years we have been researching, growing, learning and making a ton of mistakes to grow our brand. Along the way we have gained some great life lessons and experiences. I have learned that no one will promote and develop your brand like you personally. I have also learned that it is important who you surround yourself with on your team (make sure everyone on your team is there for your concept and your vision). After working many full 8 hour long workdays at a high level day job, what began as a nightly obsession for me as a full time husband/father has now become my reality...more on this later...

Vernon and intern Avery. (CREATE/ LEAD / INSPIRE)

Photographer/Videographer and GRP FLY FAM JIMI WONDER.

Hip Hop artist and GRP FLY FAM, my brother, Jabee.

Over the past few months we have been aggressive in our strategy to expand our brand regionally, nationally, and internationally. As I was making countless phone calls, visiting banks, networking, designing, sourcing product, drafting business plans, taking flights, making road trips, checking inventory, blogging, on top of being a husband/daddy to my amazing family...FINALLY…it happened!!!! 

Last week I closed on a large 6 figure deal, with my new business partner, mentor and now friend Trent Ward. Trent is a gifted and talented entrepreneur from OKC,  (he owns his own oil resource company...yes…HE IS MAJOR). Our partnership agreement was so amazing, that I did not sleep because of excitement for nearly 14 days straight during our 2 week negotiations. We both have the same amazing vision to expand street wear and sneaker culture locally here in OKC while impacting urban culture. We both are passionate about expanding Group Fly both as a brand and concept globally by having our own integrated manufacturing, media/design lab and distribution. 

Signing day with my new business partner Trent Ward.

I am so excited and blessed to be able to work on my brand full-time as an occupation. Now is the time as a brand to elevate to greatness by progressing the dream that started in my guest bedroom and  grew into my front living room. Soon, this very dream will be placed in OKC's premiere district for commerce and entertainment. Look for us to come with more amazing new product and high quality concepts/apparel in the next coming year!!!! Stay tuned as we write this next chapter. I would rather fly trying to be a King, than to die being average. Cadets we must FLY OR DIE!

This is just the beginning. Thank you for supporting the movement...FLY OR DIE.

Group Fly release at Warpaint.