In a heartwarming chat with Ross Lohr, the visionary behind Project Repat, we gained insight into the extraordinary journey of transforming a simple idea into a powerhouse business that seamlessly blends sentimentality with sustainability over the past 11 years.
Hailing from just outside of Boston, Ross embarked on his path with a fervor for nonprofit work, a self-proclaimed “do-gooder,” as he fondly recalls his early days working in Tanzania and South Africa. Little did he know, these experiences would lay the foundation for what would become Project Repat.
During his college years, driven by a passion for social good, Ross established an NGO in Tanzania, South Africa, focused on education and cultural exchange. Regular visits unveiled a curiosity about the global second-hand clothing trade, leading to the repatriation of T-shirts to the U.S. Initially sold to fund nonprofits, Ross pivoted toward sustainability, focusing on crafting T-shirt quilts. “This is something really meaningful to people. It feels good to make something that’s not just another frame but a cherished memory,” he stated. He emphasized the everyday significance, recognizing the value in preserving memories associated. As he put it, “Americans see T-shirts as their trophies, their memories. T-shirts are what we get for every event we participate in every race we run… [There is] a lot of nostalgia associated with those shirts.” The pivotal moment for Ross and his team arrived with a massive Groupon and LivingSocial campaign, “All of a sudden, thousands of packages started flooding our office,” reminisces Ross, capturing the whirlwind moment when Project Repat gained unexpected momentum.
As Project Repat soared, so did its commitment to social responsibility. Ross found a key ally in a worker-owned cut and sew facility in North Carolina, emphasizing “We wanted a supply chain with dignity. That, to us, means making sure that people are paid well for the work that you’re doing,” Ross affirmed. The commitment to a dignified supply chain became integral to Project Repat’s business philosophy. “What we’re doing is sort of our special sauce and that comes with having really great production partners to do the work.” He gives a special nod to their chosen facility in North Carolina, stating, “It is a worker-owned, cut and sew facility, mostly run and owned by descendants of Guatemalan refugees.” These resilient individuals, some of which are survivors of the Guatemalan genocide in the 60s, bring a unique spirit to the creation of every Project Repat masterpiece.
In a bid to tackle textile waste, Ross sheds light on the alarming reality that 5% of Earth’s waste comprises used textiles. However, Project Repat is on a mission to make a change, launching the Scrappy Socks and Scrappy Clothing Company. Ross reveals, “We funded research and development at our production partner to shred down the scraps, combine them with other recycled materials, and spin it into yarn, marking the beginning of a full circularity process.”
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Ross offered valuable advice, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace resilience, adaptability, and the courage to put their ideas out into the world. “You got to just put yourself out there. You can’t sit on an idea forever and hide it and expect to put something out in the world that’s absolutely perfect the first time you put something out. It may not go exactly how you plan.” He emphasizes, “But if you’re open to feedback, flexible, and you’re in bold, there is a business idea there somewhere.”
In concluding thoughts about Project Repat, Ross states, “I can sleep easy at night, knowing that I’m not making a product that’s going to destroy the world and will actually help people.” With these words, he encapsulates the essence of the company —where every stitch tells a story of sustainability, sentimentality, and positive impact.
Article by Pollyana Ramos Tucker