Local Veteran Turns Military Passion into Fashion

If you're military or a military supporter, you'll want to check out veteran-owned Grunt Style, an apparel company started by former Army Infantry Drill Sgt. Dan Alarik, who grew his business while studying at Harper College in Palatine.

To say Grunt Style is a success is an understatement. It is the largest military street apparel brand in the country, designing and selling a variety of patriot-inspired clothing and gear.

Alarik, who is originally from Barrington and lives in Hoffman Estates, said he attributes his company's success to his "great crew," 70 percent of whom are veterans.

"They all pour their hearts into it."

The concept for Grunt Style was conceived in the summer of 2009, while Alarik, who served two tours of duty in the Balkans, was training recruits on a rifle range at Ft. Benning, Ga.

"I thought, I love our country and our military – everything we’ve done and what we stand for as a nation and in uniform – but outside of the uniform, how can I share this culture?'"

Learning the business

Alarik, who attended Harper College on and off since high school and played on its football team, returned to school in 2010 to learn more about business and how to grow his company.

At Harper, Alarik met business adjunct faculty member John Golde, who has taught and mentored students for 40 years, in an Introduction to Business course.

"Dan stands up and says, 'Could you help me?'" said Golde. "He had such enthusiasm and belief. The minute I heard apparel, I thought, we've got something here."

With Golde's mentoring and Alarik's use of social networking, Grunt Style began to take off. Golde, who has never accepted payment for his work with the company, continues to serve as an advisor.

"Mentoring is a lost art," said Golde. "I get satisfaction watching Dan's business grow."

And grow it has.

Veteran owned and operated

Today, the company operates from an office in Schaumburg and has 34 employees, the majority of whom are veterans. In fact, many currently serve in the Army National Guard and Army National Reserve.

The company's four graphic designers, who are veterans, translate the lifestyle into military-themed apparel and merchandise such as patches, posters and titanium dog tags.

"We market (to customers) all over the country. Troops overseas order all the time," said Alarik.

Customers can order merchandise online and even make custom requests. Grunt Style also offers a "Beer Guarantee," meaning if your shirt ever gets damaged, the company will replace it for free.

Check out Grunt Style online at www.gruntstyle.com.