Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Frischer.
Hi Andrew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on a small farm in Western Oregon in the sleepy tiny town of Forest Grove. Dreaming of grand adventures, I joined the Navy at 18 and spent 24 years in the Submarine Force, exploring the world and serving on missions for our country. I was an ANAV, or Assistant Navigator, the pinnacle of my rate (job). As the senior enlisted Navigation expert onboard the boat (boat not ship, they are subs), my job was to navigate the ship, plan and prepare operations, and train the officers and enlisted sailors in the art and science of navigation. I fell deeply in love with the craft of navigation, like taking a blank chart and creating a whole voyage to a faraway destination. I dreamt for some time about creating a product that showcased what we do but never had the time to explore it. After retirement from the service, I took a job teaching navigation to the Surface Sailors (non-submarine warships) for the US Government, feeling I still had more to give to the next generation of future mariners. There is a tremendous amount of pride that these kids, and I say that with the utmost respect, considering most of them are between 18-25, have in their chosen profession and the overwhelming responsibility and expectations that is trust upon them. FOM 9 designs is my love letter to the profession and to those that choose to sail the seas.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a steep learning curve. The ideas are flow, but the execution takes some work. I’ve had to spend a lot of time immersed in a world I previously knew little about, online sales. Everything from the production and shipping to social media marketing it’s been a bumpy path with lots of mistakes along the way. I would have to say though that the most challenging aspect is just getting your product out there and opening people up to your story. Maritime Navigation is not a high-visibility life, so for most people I’ve encountered, it’s about education and storytelling to help bring them into your world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
There are a lot of great companies out there designing and creating products reflective of their support for our armed forces. My goal is to showcase navigation history and pride within the community and make it fun and fashionable while also educational; I want the sailors to be proud to show off what they have. My focus is not only for the military but for all master mariners around the world who appreciate and have pride in what they do. I’ve already learned so much from those in the community who have reached out to me through social media from around the world about how genuinely proud they are of what they’ve accomplished and that there are companies like mine supporting and educating on this unknown corner of the world.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just keep grinding, have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to fail. Oh, and watch a lot Youtube videos!
Pricing:
- Shirts range between 25$ to 40$
- Hoodies/sweatshirts $45 to $60
- Mugs $30 to $45
Contact Info:
- Website: fom9.myshopify.com
- Instagram: fom_9designs
- Facebook: FOM9Designs
