William Bell, owner of apparel company Sic 970, comes to Front Range often. On Larimer campus, in the Longs Peak Student Center, I see him set up at least once a month.
To our campus he brings different styles of hats and shirts that he hopes to sell to students. But Bell doesn’t come only to sell his apparel: “I like the interaction. I enjoy that almost as good as creating the logo. It’s all about relationships with me.” It is true. On many occasions I have passed by his stand and students are lost in conversations with him.
Along with making personal connections with students at Front Range, he connects with the community through the social causes he bases his designs on. Through his designs he aims to spread awareness for issues such as anti-racism, protection of the environment, and the empowerment of women.
Willam Bell lives in Fort Collins and started the business here. He told me that the company has global goals, as the social causes he believes in affect the whole world. But the name Sic 970 refers to the urban slang “sick,” and to the place where the clothing company was founded. “I’m going like, why not Fort Collins? I don’t have to go down to Colorado Springs or Denver or whatever city, I live here.”
Along with being CSU alumni, Bell also took classes here at Front Range. He took management basics and small business management. I asked him if the things he learned in the classes he took apply to his career as a business owner. “Oh yeah!” He exclaimed. At Front Range he built upon his understanding of adaptability, being patient with consumers, and passion for business. “You have to be passionate about what you’re doing. I founded the company, I have to be passionate about it. Because if I’m not passionate about it, it will show.”
I asked the owner of Sic 970 if he had any tips for those studying business, “Learn as much as you can. There’s no silly question.” He said, “It’s okay to take a risk and fail.”
In ending our interview William Bells tells Front Range students to “Come check me out! Sick! Dope! It can’t be stopped!”
Come by the Longs Peak student center often enough, and you’ll be sure to meet this local business owner. He plans to come in on the 16th of this month, at 10:00am to 2:00.
