Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Moritz and Cole Moser.
Caleb and Cole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It honestly just started out as a hobby. I looked at the boards I was riding and realized that my background, in CNC operating and fiberglassing with Boeing, directly translated into the world of making surfboards. Eventually, people started asking for my boards, so I started taking it seriously and came up with the name and logo.
Flash forward a year in, and my buddy Cole left his 9-5, at a creative agency, to join in as a partner. Flash forward another year to present time, we’ve just changed the name in order to expand, (We were Critters Surfboards, but now we are Critters Toy Co.) we have a clothing line in the creation and are making tons of boards.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenges that come with running your own business are many, but at the end of the day, we have our own thing, and to us, that means more than any of the hassles.
When you look at people in LA, commuting, two hours a day to work at jobs they dislike, then yea, everything has been really smooth.
We’ve had our share of issues along the way, but each one has taken us to a better place, in the end, than the situation where we began. It makes us look forward to the struggles. The struggles promote growth.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Critters Toy Co. – what should we know?
We make surfboards and strive to make each one an individual art piece. We want you to look at our boards and see how much fun you’re gonna have before you even surf it.
After that, you know… screw aggressive localism, ditch the thought process that there’s a formula to the biz, and ignore the negative people and attitudes that are consistently the loudest.
Since neither of us spent our formative years in “surf culture” we’re able to approach it all differently than someone who’s been saturated in it since birth. That separates us; we’re very proud to be “outsiders.”
After that, inclusivity is key. Everyone is welcome. Be Kind to people, and they’re generally kind back.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Have fun. Never grow up. If it’s not fun and it doesn’t bring you some aspect of happiness, then why do it? It’s contagious.
Contact Info:
- Website: critterstoyco.com
- Phone: (310) 365-3533
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @critterstoyco
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
