Tidemark Talks
Tidemark Real Estate Services is a privately held, full-service commercial real estate company based in Orange County, California. Our mission is to create value for our clients through creative, professional and effective brokerage and management services with a focus in Orange County industrial real estate.
Tidemark Talks
How Obey Clothing Was Created | Steve Mellgren's Journey from Screen Printing to Streetwear Icon
In this episode of Tidemark Talks, we sit down with Steve Mellgren, the founder of Obey Clothing and Dimensions screen printing. Steve shares his incredible journey from welding in Torrance to building one of the most iconic streetwear brands in the world alongside artist Shepard Fairey. Learn how unexpected opportunities, strategic partnerships, and creative thinking helped shape Obey into a global phenomenon. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a streetwear fan, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on business growth, resilience, and the power of staying under the radar.
Our website: https://tidemarkrealestate.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tidemarkrealestate/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tidemarkrealestate
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18063320/admin/dashboard/
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Steve Mellgren, founder of Obey Clothing
01:59 – The beginnings of Dimensions screen printing and Obey Clothing
03:09 – How a random FedEx box from Shepard Fairey started it all
06:59 – Growing up in Torrance: From welding to buying his first house as a teen
13:27 – Transitioning from welding to sales, and starting Dimensions
24:09 – Strategic leasing and real estate investments for business growth
32:06 – Steve's success in diversifying through smart investments
38:02 – Obey Clothing's growth: Building a dream team and retailer relationships
43:12 – Partnering with Shepard Fairey and supporting artists
46:23 – The keys to success: Timing, luck, and treating people right
52:06 – Steve’s passion for music and his guitar collection