Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Norton.
Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a working-class, single income home with a mom who faced serious health struggles and a father who spent much of his time over-the-road trucking. Life threw a few early curveballs my way — I ended up dropping out of high school my junior year when my mother became seriously injured. I worked my share of dead-end jobs, blue-collar jobs, and often found myself figuring things out on my own. But those experiences shaped my drive to learn, improve, find my faith, and constantly push myself.
After getting laid off from a global manufacturer, I went back to school, eventually earning my MBA over the course of many years, while working full time, and raising a family. After that, I decided to chase a dream I’d had since I was a teenager — creating my own T-shirt brand.
There were times in my life when I wasn’t accepted or included — when I was the quiet, insecure kid sitting on the sidelines, visible only when I became the punchline of someone else’s joke. I still remember how much it meant when a funny Three Stooges T-shirt or a Metallica concert tee helped me stand out in a good way. Those shirts gave me a little confidence — a reason for people to look past my outsider status and actually talk to me. It’s funny how something so simple could make me feel seen.
That’s the spirit behind BigBabyGorillaBear.com — a brand built around confidence, swagger, and self-expression. It’s more than just apparel; it’s about helping people feel good and look good! I want the Big Baby Gorilla Bear brand to remind people that we all have strength and boldness inside us, even when we don’t feel it. I’ve been the person sitting alone at the lunch table, and I’ve also been surrounded by great people, many friends, and big opportunities. Big Baby Gorilla Bear is about bridging those worlds — reminding everyone that confidence isn’t something you have to be born with. It’s something you build — one choice, one challenge, and maybe even one outfit at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Building and maintaining an e-commerce site is a lot more complex than it looks from the outside. Our launch was originally planned for May 2024, but we were delayed several months due to website glitches and API issues with our suppliers. Marketing turned out to be a whole different beast — and don’t even get me started on interstate commerce sales taxes! Every step has been a learning curve, from logistics to design to customer outreach.
The truth is, I always feel like I need more time, more energy, and maybe a few more hands. I know other entrepreneurs get it! Every setback has taught me something valuable about patience, adaptability, and persistence.
We’ve been impressed with BigBabyGorillaBear.Com, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I want Big Baby Gorilla Bear to be more than just a clothing brand— I envision it like a small community. Our slogan is “More Than Just a Brand, It’s a Boss!” The brand’s mascot — a gorilla-bear hybrid — is our unique character that stands for strength, swagger, and a touch of mischief, which pretty much sums up our style. Likewise, we recently implemented our “BBGB Around the USA” web page for our friends to showcase their purchases at various places around the country!
What sets us apart is our purpose. I built this brand on the belief that confidence can be created — that the right shirt can make you feel like you belong, even when life tries to tell you otherwise. We create bold, confident, and funny T-shirts that help people express who they are or how they feel. Every design is crafted to bring out a smile, spark a little boldness, and remind people that self-expression is power. Did I mention they are soft, and feel great??
We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take pride in every detail — from quality fabrics like ring-spun cotton, to authentic designs. Big Baby Gorilla Bear is for anyone who’s ready to stand out, laugh loud, and wear their confidence on their sleeve — literally.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Being based out of Tipp City, I love the small town, Americana feel. Tipp City is a wonderful, quaint little community and a northern suburb of Dayton. Really, this whole region is so rich with history, inventors, historical figures, etc. Dayton and the surrounding communities have that wonderful Midwestern charm, and resiliency when times are tough. That is why we say we are Dayton Strong! There is so much to see and do here – I really cannot imagine calling anywhere else home!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bigbabygorillabear.com
- Instagram: @bbgorillabear
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559469497828#
- Twitter: https://x.com/BBGorillaBear
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigBabyGorillaBear
