TVHS Graduate Launches Apparel Business

"I chose (to sell) apparel because I wanted to do something related to my faith and my love of the outdoors. These are two of the things I feel strongest about," said Austin Hittle, a 2021 graduate of Twin Valley High School (TVHS), when describing Holy Cross Outdoors (HCO), a business that he founded in March 2022, which offers hats, T-shirts and hoodies for sale.

Hittle is currently a sophomore at Moravian University in Bethlehem, where he is a business and marketing major. To start HCO, he used his own funds, which he earned by working summers at Weaver's Orchard in Morgantown. "What better way to get my feet wet in the business world than to dive in head first?" he said.

Hittle, who played varsity lacrosse and football at TVHS, said that he has always been interested in business. In middle school, he used Instagram to string photos and create videos for friends. "My dad started a business. He trains law enforcement officers. My family has always had that entrepreneurial mindset," said Hittle.

Hittle recently used his new business to raise funds for the families of the two Pennsylvania State troopers who were involved in a hit-and-run on I-95 in March 2022. "We did a fundraiser for them with $500 going to the families," he noted. "My dad has been in law enforcement since before I was born and in the military. I always had that appreciation for (law enforcement officers)."

Hittle gained a lot of experience while starting his own business. He began by developing the company logo, which features a cross and antlers. "The idea started in January/February of last year. I wrote down three sheets of different names. Holy Cross clicked for me," he stated. "I was photo editing and drawing (the logo) for a while, and it all came together."

He also launched a Facebook page and website and developed the company's mission statement, "HCO is a faith-based outdoors brand devoted to spreading the word of God and the love for the outdoors."

Since he is away at school, Hittle also had to find a place to manufacture the clothing items as needed, rather than keeping inventory at home. "I did a lot of research and found a business (that) can link my website to their program. When I get an order, it sends right to them and it prints on demand," he explained. "It leaves very little overhead. That way I don't have to be on-site for production. It is produced by a third party shipped directly to the consumer."

Right now, orders are only taken online, but Hittle would like to expand that effort. "If a product is in a physical location, it is more likely to sell because of consumer interest. I would like to start selling in local stores," he noted.

So far, most of the company's earnings have been put back into the business, but Hittle is pleased with how his efforts have progressed. "It worked out. There were hiccups along the way trying to figure things out, but I had nothing to deter me or make me want to stop," he said.

For more information about HCO, visit http://www.facebook.com/holycrossoutdoors or http://www.holycrossoutdoors.com.