From Shark Tank to Style:

Justin Baer's Roadmap to Fashion Innovation & Entrepreneurial Success

I’m Justin Baer, the entrepreneur behind a groundbreaking menswear brand that started with one simple idea and grew into a movement redefining professional style. You may have seen my journey on Shark Tank, but there’s so much more to the story. I specialize in sharing actionable insights on innovation, building a loyal customer base, and creating products that blend function, style, and comfort.

Whether it’s turning frustration into opportunity, scaling a business in a competitive market, or helping professionals upgrade their confidence with versatile wardrobes, I bring fresh, relatable perspectives your audience will love. Let’s inspire and equip your listeners with the tools to innovate, take action, and succeed in their own ventures.

featured in the press

Podcasts and Appearances

Value for your audience

Things I love to talk about...

  • Behind the Scenes of My Shark Tank Success
    I’d love to share the untold stories from my Shark Tank experience—what it was really like to pitch in front of the sharks, how it shaped my business journey, and how entrepreneurs can leverage media exposure to build credibility and drive growth.

  • Turning Frustration Into Innovation
    Let’s dive into how I turned a simple wardrobe problem into a game-changing product. I’ll share how professionals can spot gaps in the market, innovate in unexpected ways, and turn everyday frustrations into opportunities for success.

  • The Power of Quiet Luxury in Menswear
    I’m passionate about redefining what it means to dress sharp in the modern world. I’d love to talk about how quiet luxury is transforming professional wardrobes and why timeless, performance-driven apparel resonates with high-achieving professionals.

  • Lessons in Scaling a Fashion Brand
    Scaling from a single product to a full apparel line hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I can share the challenges, wins, and actionable lessons I’ve learned while growing my brand in the competitive fashion industry.

  • Style and Confidence for Busy Professionals
    I believe a great wardrobe does more than just look good—it builds confidence and credibility. I’d love to share style tips for professionals who want to dress sharp without sacrificing comfort, and how versatile clothing can work for any occasion.

  • E-commerce and the Future of Retail
    As someone who’s built a successful direct-to-consumer brand, I can share how platforms like Shopify transformed my business. I’ll dive into creating an exceptional online customer experience and the trends shaping the future of e-commerce.

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
    I’m an entrepreneur at heart and love talking about what it takes to turn ideas into reality. I can explore the mindset behind innovation, the importance of action and creativity, and the lessons I’ve learned from building my business from the ground up.

a few featured articles

How We Made It to Shark Tank

Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., struggled with the discomfort of wearing dress shirts under sweaters during his decade in Manhattan. During the pandemic, he developed the Dress Collar Polo™, combining the comfort of a polo with the formal appearance of a dress shirt. A TikTok video showcasing this innovation, filmed by his 7-year-old daughter, went viral, leading to widespread interest. Encouraged by this response, Baer applied to Shark Tank, secured a partnership with Mark Cuban and Peter Jones, and expanded his product line to include various menswear items

Menswear Focuses on Sustainability & Craftsmanship

There’s a reason why male consumers are interested in craftsmanship and sustainability. In fact, there’s something oddly liberating about making the decision about how your purchase effects the planet. Although the reasons vary for each customer, data shows that consumers wish to understand the full transparency of today’s product offerings. It’s been said that the reason why men focus on craftsmanship and sustainability, is because they wish to do their part in lessening the carbon-footprint on our beloved mother-earth.

Mark Cuban Saw His Younger Self in this ‘Shark Tank” founder - and offered him a $1 million deal

Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., appeared on "Shark Tank" seeking a $300,000 investment for a 4% equity stake in his company. Mark Cuban and Peter Jones were impressed by Baer's innovative approach to menswear, particularly his creation of the Dress Collar Polo, which combines the comfort of a polo shirt with the formal appearance of a dress shirt. Cuban saw parallels between Baer's entrepreneurial journey and his own, leading him to invest. The partnership aims to expand Collars & Co.'s product line and market reach.

Testimonials

What others say about me

Changed the game in the shirting industry

I recently came across an forward-thinking menswear item from Collars & Co. The progressive brand has changed the game in the shirting industry. They developed an original dress-collar polo.
Essentially, it is a comfortable stretch polo shirt with a structured dress collar. The style provides a hassle-free way to look polished with all the benefits of a classic dress shirt. I own one and I fully endorse the item. More importantly, I am interested in watching this brands development - moving into the near future.

- Joseph DeAcetis

7 viral TikTok and Instagram golf products worth trying

This innovative polo shirt will make going from the office to the course easier than ever. The viral product combines a formal English dress collar with the silhouette of a 4-way stretch short-sleeved polo shirt. Layer with a jacket or sweater during the work day for a comfortable but professional look and shed down to the polo when it’s time to hit the links.

- Gabrielle Herzig

4 Tips for Building a Following -- and a Robust Revenue Stream -- on TikTok

One success story Johnson offers is that of Justin Baer, the founder of menswear brand Collars and Co., which has nearly 32,000 followers on the app. Baer started last April with a video recorded by his 7 year-old daughter on an iPhone, which got
50,000 views by the end of the day. Since generating $40,000 in the first month following the release of the video, the company's sales have increased an average of 40 percent a month.

The entrepreneur recommends small-business owners start simple. "I think people get caught up in being perfect," Baer says. "Just get it out there and test it. TikTok is a great proving ground."

- Hannah Hall

Areas of expertise

From Shark Tank Spotlight to Everyday Success

What happens when a simple idea to solve an everyday problem becomes a game-changing fashion brand? I know firsthand. As the creator of an innovative polo shirt that blends style, function, and comfort, I turned a frustrating wardrobe challenge into a revolutionary product that captivated the judges on Shark Tank and millions of viewers.

But my journey didn’t stop there—I’ve since built a versatile menswear line designed for professionals who demand style that works as hard as they do. I’d love to share my story, packed with insights on product innovation, scaling a brand, and navigating the world of e-commerce, with your audience.

Leading a Menswear Revolution with Everyday Versatility

In a world dominated by fast fashion, I’ve carved out a unique niche with timeless, performance-driven apparel that embodies quiet luxury. My goal has always been to offer elevated pieces that professionals can wear seamlessly from the boardroom to the golf course.

From crafting polos that revolutionize officewear to creating a performance blazer that’s wrinkle-proof and travel-ready, I’m redefining what it means to dress sharp in the modern world. I bring a fresh perspective on innovation, customer loyalty, and the future of fashion—and I’d love to share these insights on your podcast.

Turning Frustration Into Fashion Innovation

What do you get when you combine an entrepreneurial mind with a personal problem? In my case, it was a best-selling product that disrupted menswear. Tired of the discomfort of wearing dress shirts under sweaters, I reimagined the classic polo, designing it with the look of a dress shirt but the comfort of performance wear.

Today, my apparel line combines innovation with practicality, earning features in GQ and Fast Company and a loyal following among professionals. I’d love to share how I turned frustration into fashion innovation and the lessons I’ve learned along the way with your audience.

questions to ask

Tap Into My Expertise

  • Your Shark Tank episode was one of the most intense and memorable ones. Can you share what it was really like behind the scenes and how that experience shaped your entrepreneurial journey?

  • Your brand emphasizes versatility, like going from the office to the golf course. How do you approach designing pieces that can seamlessly adapt to different settings?

  • What are the challenges and joys of scaling from a single innovative product to a full menswear line that caters to professionals and beyond?

  • As an entrepreneur, you’ve redefined classic menswear staples. What does quiet luxury mean to you, and how does it reflect in your designs?

  • You’ve described yourself as an entrepreneur at heart. What keeps you excited about creating and innovating in the apparel industry?

  • Core values like integrity, innovation, and excellence guide your brand. How do you ensure these values resonate with every piece you create and every interaction with your customers?

  • You’ve made e-commerce a big part of your business. How has the Shopify platform and the digital marketplace shaped your success story?

  • For entrepreneurs listening, what were the key lessons you learned about navigating the competitive retail landscape and staying true to your vision?

  • You’re passionate about building a loyal community around your brand. What’s your secret to fostering such a strong customer base?

  • For our audience who’s curious, what’s the ultimate vision for your brand, and where do you see it going in the next decade?

About me

Meet Justin Baer

I'm Justin Baer, an entrepreneur passionate about redefining comfort and style through innovative apparel. My journey began by combining the look of a dress shirt with the comfort of a polo, creating a hero product that revolutionized professional wear. Inspired by life in New York and milestones like marriage and fatherhood, I’ve expanded our line into a full menswear collection known for performance utility and timeless luxury, featured on Shark Tank, The Wall Street Journal, and Men’s Health.

My brand goes beyond clothing, fostering a community centered on excellence, integrity, and creativity. Seeing my designs in action and hearing how they boost confidence is the most rewarding part of my journey. I love sharing insights on e-commerce, Shark Tank, and the future of fashion with professionals who value innovation and style. 

follow my journey

From Shark Tank to Fashion Innovator

Copyright 2025 | Justin Baer