Behind the brand

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Born in a barn and driven by a commitment to excellence, Raise The Standard represents the journey of overcoming obstacles and striving to be the best version of yourself. Grounded in a "never give up" mindset, the brand embodies hard work, perseverance, and a strong sense of community.

Raise The Standard isn’t just about apparel—it’s a lifestyle. Through thoughtfully designed products, empowering messages, and a dedication to authenticity, we inspire individuals to face challenges head-on and pursue greatness every day. Together, we create a movement where resilience meets purpose, encouraging everyone to embrace their journey and raise their own standard.

THE JOURNEY

May 2020

The Beginning

In 2020, Raise The Standard Was Born from Resilience and Purpose
Our foundation was built during challenging times, driven by a determination to succeed and a mindset to never settle for less than greatness. With a clear vision and an unwavering focus, we launched with slogans that inspired the strength to push forward, no matter the obstacles.
Starting from screen-printing shirts in a barn, with no certainty of what the future would hold, our commitment to hard work and perseverance quickly resonated with others. Documenting the long hours and dedication to our craft, we showed that Raise The Standard was more than a brand—it was a way of life.
By the end of our first year, the momentum was undeniable. We had to move out of the barnmoved into a modest warehouse space, laying the groundwork for the growth that followed. This was just the beginning of a movement that continues to inspire resilience, unity, and purpose every single day.
AUG 2020

GRAMMY AWARDS

We were selected to be the Offical Hoodie for The GRAMMY Awards swag bag. This catapulted our brand having celebrities like Teddy Swimms and Lindsey Shaw to name a few wearing RTS and spreading our mission globally.
FEB 2021

The Workhouse

Feb 2021: The journey of our brand took a defining leap forward. From a humble start in a small barn, we transitioned to a 5,000 square foot facility lovingly nicknamed the "Workhouse." Equipped with state-of-the-art machines and the room to fulfill, package, and ship orders seamlessly, this new warehouse symbolized our commitment to growth and excellence. Countless nights were spent within those walls, fueled by dedication to building something greater. This pivotal move marked the beginning of a new chapter—one defined by expansion, hard work, and the pursuit of a vision that reached beyond borders.
March 2022

Refining Our Purpose, Handcrafting Our Future

This was the year of reflection and refinement, a time to focus deeply on our "why" and who Raise The Standard was truly for. Our founder, Nicholas Poulin, dedicated himself to handcrafting each piece of apparel, infusing personal care and attention into every item. Despite the challenges, this period marked significant growth for both the brand and its mission. We honed in on our processes, refined our vision, and embraced the hard work needed to lay the foundation for the future. This chapter was defined by craftsmanship, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to serving a community inspired to raise their own standards.
June 2023

Rolling Across America: Connecting Through Resilience

In 2023, Raise The Standard hit the road in the RTS Truck, embarking on an unforgettable journey across the country. Through events and meet-ups, we connected with thousands of incredible individuals, each with their own story of resilience and strength. This experience allowed us to meet many who supported our brand and hear firsthand how our mission inspired them to overcome life’s challenges. A fun (and wild) fact: we even survived a tornado in Delaware during our travels! Scroll to the last picture to see the proof of that unforgettable moment. These powerful experiences became the heartbeat of our journey, fueling our commitment to empower and uplift through every thread of our apparel.
May 2024

Building Our Team and Taking Social Media by Storm

Until this moment, Raise The Standard had been built through the tireless efforts of family and friends who poured their hearts into every step of the journey. In May 2024, we reached a pivotal milestone by expanding our team to seven employees, bringing in new hands to help craft our apparel with the same dedication and care that defined our early days. This growth allowed us to meet the increasing demand while continuing to honor the quality and passion at the core of our brand.
Inspired by the countless stories of resilience we encountered during our travels, we turned to social media to amplify our mission. Through authentic storytelling and a commitment to connection, we took social media by storm, growing our audience to over 300,000 followers across all platforms. This chapter marked a transformative period of teamwork, outreach, and sharing our message of strength with the world.
March 2024

Honoring a Hero, Uplifting a Legacy

In March 2024, Raise The Standard demonstrated the power of community and commitment by donating over $70,000 to honor a fallen hero. This milestone was more than a donation; it was a testament to our mission of resilience, patriotism, and standing united in times of need.
Through the unwavering support of our customers, we turned a shared vision into action, providing meaningful aid to the family of a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. This moment solidified our belief that together, we can make a lasting impact, inspiring others to rise to challenges and uphold the values that define us.
This wasn’t just about giving back—it was about honoring courage, preserving a legacy, and continuing the mission to Raise The Standard for what it means to serve and uplift one another.