Welcome to Off the Trail. A casual interview series with people who inspire us and live their passion through the great outdoors. To kick things off, we had the pleasure to talk with Jordan Schiller of Real Thread (the awesome crew who print all our tees).

Jordan grew up in the northlands of Michigan; playing hockey and longing of better surf. After moving to Florida in 2007, Jordan joined the team at Real Thread to bring creative concepts to life through their world class services. Undoubtedly, Jordan is a major reason why the Cedarpass shop is a reality. We are grateful to work with him and the rest of the Real Thread team.

Here we go.

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Let’s start out with the basics. Who are you and where do you live?

I’m Jordan Schiller and I currently live in Orlando, Florida.

What is your biggest passion?

My biggest passion is people. Being able to connect with others, and create inspiration while being inspired, develops action and change.

Do you have a favorite outdoor activity?

That’s a tough one to narrow down to just one, so I’ll have to mention two different activities that are quite opposites. The first is definitely surfing. It’s an out-of-body experience being out in the water and feeling the flow of the natural energies that travel through the waves and water.

My other favorite is simply going on a hike after a fresh snow in the middle of the woods.

Let’s talk a little about Real Thread. You truly are a one-of-a-kind and have an amazing ethos. In a sea shell, who is Real Thread?

We are innovators in the apparel screen printing industry that have dedicated 100% of our time to bettering the craft of Water Base and Discharge printing methods. We also place a large emphasis on working with talented people and building lasting relationships.

What is water-based / discharge inks?

This unique process actually soaks into the fabrics of the shirt rather than sitting on top; like traditional printing methods. The result is a quality shirt with superior softness that everyone will love.

How is this process better than traditional printing methods, like plastisol?

Our process has many benefits over using traditional ‘plastisol’ inks. The main difference is the durability and feel. The prints have a soft touch with superior quality and comfort; especially when you’re out being active!

Real Thread puts a strong emphasis on quality and creativity. Has working in a team with this mindset affected you personally?

I personally believe that quality and creativity starts with people and relationships. I’ve learned that when you truly care about someone, you start to focus more on the quality of what you’re offering. Along with relationships, creativity and quality are spurred from discontent and a drive to make a product, process, or idea better than when you first came across it.

How does where you live impact you?

Orlando has impacted me back allowing me to realize that . . . I need to be somewhere with more waves!

Are you inspired by the outdoors? If so, how?

Without the world’s natural design, we have no inspiration to create.

Were the outdoors a part of your childhood? Has that impacted who you are today?

I was always drawn to the beach as a kid. There was something about the sun and the waves of energy through the water. I try to focus on harnessing that energy and look to inspire (move) people through the natural energy around us.

That’s a wrap. Thanks Jordan for your time and thoughts.

- Christopher

Interview completed on February 20, 2014.

Off the Trail: Jordan & Real Thread