Tumbleweed TexStyles Joins The Panhandlers in wilfire Relief Efforts
By Andrea Hampe
At the end of February, a series of deadly wildfires devastated the Texas Panhandle, taking the lives of at least two residents, in addition to thousands of head of cattle. Five different fires destroyed more than a million acres and hundreds of structures in the heart of Texas cattle country.
According to CBS, “The land that’s been burned in just over a week in the Panhandle alone is nearly as much as what was burned across the entire state from 2017 to 2021, when the Texas A&M Forest Service says it responded to 3,682 wildfires that burned nearly 1.4 million acres.” Leaders of the state’s agriculture industry say it could be years before farms and ranches recover from the destructive blazes, as costs of rebuilding fencing, barns, and other ranch infrastructure are estimated to be massive. While the final toll of the recent fires has yet to be determined, it’s clear that this is one of Texas’ most devastating wildfire battles.
Most Texans are so proud of the Lone Star State that they wear the Texas flag like a badge of honor. Texans are proud of their state’s rich history and culture, which is why when fellow Texans are in trouble, there is no lack of residents who show up to answer the call. Continuously keeping their finger on the pulse of Texas, the owners of Frisco’s Tumbleweed TexStyles knew it was their duty to help.
Using their Texas-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand and their connection with the Texas singer-songwriter quartet The Panhandlers, former Frisco ISD teachers Brian Wysong and Jeb Matulich raised proceeds to be donated to the STAR Fund. The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund) was created to allow monetary donations from private individuals and entities to fund disaster recovery efforts. STAR Fund money can aid farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners in rebuilding fences, restoring operations, and paying for other agricultural disaster relief.
So, who are these guys? Texas natives Brian and Jeb met as fellow teachers at Frisco’s Liberty High School. Brian was a marketing and entrepreneurship teacher for about ten years, and Jeb was an art and former Texas history teacher. “I saw Jeb sketching a design that was really cool,” says Brian. “Through conversations about our love for all things Texas, including food, traveling, people, music, sports, and art, we decided to partner together to launch a t-shirt business.”
Armed with just $700 and an unwavering determination, Brian and Jeb took the plunge into the world of entrepreneurship, purchasing their first batch of 120 t-shirts. Little did they know, this modest investment would lay the foundation for Tumbleweed TexStyles’ impressive rise. From their flagship store in downtown Frisco to their online platform, the brand has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship and authentic Texan spirit.
Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, musicians, nonprofits, and brands such as Whataburger and Dr Pepper, Brian and Jeb have not only created a brand but a community that embraces and celebrates the diverse facets of Texas culture. “This has led our brand to have an immense amount of success with influence in the Texas t-shirt space with thousands of retailers, including Buc-ees, Cavender’s, Scheels, Tyler’s, Hallmark, and boutiques all over Texas,” says Brian. “This also has led us to be able to do custom work with musicians such as Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Randy Rogers, Old 97’s, and Aaron Watson. In addition, we have been able to work with some of the top BBQ joints in Texas, including Hutchins BBQ, Panther City BBQ, Kreutz BBQ, Zavala’s BBQ, and the Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ with Daniel Vaughn. These amazing opportunities have established our brand and specifically our design team as one of the best in the industry when it comes to drawing up authentically cool Texas art.”
So what did they do to help? As the wildfires swept through the Panhandle region, farmers and ranchers lost everything in what would become the most widespread in Texas history. As it was all unfolding, when Brian and Jeb were thinking of ways to help, they thought of their friends from that region.
“Both Jeb and I, along with our wives, graduated from Texas Tech University and are avid fans of the Texas country and Americana music scene,” says Brian. “Over the years, through being involved in various festivals, we have become friends with the guys from The Panhandlers band, which includes Josh Abbott, Cleto Cordero from Flatland Calvary, William Clark Green, and John Baumann. All four guys lived out in Lubbock, so we all have a heart for West Texas, the Panhandle region.”
A quartet of seasoned and acclaimed musicians, The Panhandler’s formidable lineup stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and camaraderie. With roots firmly planted in the soil of Texas country music, the group celebrates the profound influence of West Texas on Texan musical heritage. Their homegrown country music is a fusion of regional authenticity and universal appeal that pays homage to the roots of West Texas while forging a path uniquely their own. Given their pride in celebrating this beloved part of the state, it’s not surprising they were eager to help when the opportunity arose.
With their collective desire to give back to their West Texas roots, The Panhandlers partnered up with Tumbleweed TexStyles to draw up a cool t-shirt design to raise funds for the Panhandle. The design consists of Smokey the Bear, wearing a red bandana around his neck adorned with The Panhandler’s logo, with the words, “Only You Can Help Provide Relief.” The partnership decided to donate 100% of the proceeds to the recovery efforts of West Texas. Many fellow Texans and beyond showed their love by pre-ordering the classic t-shirt with a shipping date of March 27. At the time of this article, the estimated donation was around $12,500!
“We have been Go Texan members through the Department of Agriculture, so we all felt like donating the proceeds to the STAR Fund, which is a state of Texas fund aiding farmers and ranchers who’ve been impacted, was the perfect place to give the donation to. The proceeds from each of The Panhandlers Relief t-shirts sold will be going to that STAR Fund,” Brian explains. It’s a powerful example of community coming together in times of need, fueled by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those who have lost everything.
Behind the scenes, the design team at Tumbleweed TexStyles, led by co-owner Jeb Matulich and Hillary Wysong, poured their hearts into creating a design that would resonate with supporters and drive meaningful change. Hillary, Brian’s wife, a former digital graphics and animation and art teacher at Liberty High School, now channels her creativity into Tumbleweed TexStyles full-time, bringing her artistic visions to life in every piece of marketing and product design. Jeb is also still a full-time teacher at Liberty High School. Brian, who spent a decade teaching and coaching at Liberty High School, brings his entrepreneurial spirit to the table, infusing the project with passion and purpose. Together, they embody the spirit of giving back and making a difference in their beloved community.
When asked what they love most about doing business in Frisco, Brian replied, “Frisco, Texas is our home. The place that we live, do life, and have raised our children. We have deep roots in the Frisco ISD organization as teachers and coaches. So, doing business in our own community with the support of our friends, neighbors, and former colleagues is a true blessing. We love being able to create art and apparel that so many people love to wear and support. The city of Frisco has grown so much over the years and is a great place to live, but also for tourists from all around the United States to travel to. It is an honor that our brand has become a staple for many visitors that want to take a taste of Texas, and specifically Frisco, back home with them. We love our community and the people we get to serve on a regular basis.”
For Brian and Jeb, doing business in Frisco isn’t just a profession; it’s a labor of love, a testament to the deep-seated affection they have for their hometown and the people they’re privileged to serve. The collaboration they have with organizations and groups such as The Panhandlers isn’t just about fashion; it’s a heartfelt endeavor born out of a shared love for Texas and a desire to make a difference. Designed with heart and purpose, the relief t-shirt serves as a tangible symbol of solidarity and hope, exemplifying Tumbleweed TexStyles’ commitment to using their platform for meaningful impact.
“These partnerships have been incredible opportunities, and we are very grateful,” says Brian. “We are humbled each time we see our products and designs being worn by customers across the country and when such incredible brands, businesses, and people choose to believe in us so much that they wear, post, and share on social media.”
Be sure to keep an eye out for future endeavors of Tumbleweed TexStyles. There’s no doubt that when a fellow Texan is in need, they’ll be there lending a helping hand. For more information on this Texas-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand, be sure to visit tumbleweedtexstyles.com or visit their Frisco flagship store in the heart of downtown Frisco in the Rail District at 7511 Main St., Frisco.
Andrea Hampe is a content writer, mom of three boys, and a youth sports fanatic.
