Jax firefighter launches safety apparel company (Courtesy of First Coast INNO) — After years of dealing with the frustration surrounding acquiring and purchasing firefighter safety equipment, Jacksonville-based federal firefighter Sean Conant (pictured above) took matters into his own hands.
Conant partnered with long-time friend Dan McLaughlin to create a hassle-free uniform brand, FILO (“First In, Last Out”), to address those needs.
“At FILO apparel, our goal is to make dressing for the job easier for firefighters,” Conant said. “The company was born out of frustration when shopping for my own uniforms. My annual uniform stipend barely covered a couple pairs of pants and a shirt, and I had to wait a month or more for them to arrive. Then they had to be tailored to fit correctly. I decided our first responders deserve better.”
Conant, who has served as a firefighter and first responder for 18 years, said FILO apparel’s direct-to-consumer uniforms cost up to 56% less on average than conventional firefighter uniform suppliers. The company also bucks the typical distribution model by offering free shipping, faster delivery times, free inseam tailoring for pants and customizable name tapes and badge holders, Conant told the Business Journal recently.
As eager as he was to change things for firefighters, his business wasn’t born overnight. The clothing line went to market in summer 2023 but the early stages of the business began back in 2018.
“There was a lot of time on the phone,” Conant said of the business’ early days. He said it took months to find fabric manufacturers, transportation services, fabricators, among other things.
During the design process, Conant said it was also important that his firefighter apparel did not contain toxic chemicals found in some other Nomex products. He said his company specializes in PFAS-free fire station pants, shirts and shorts for both men and women because studies have exposure to PFAS can result in liver damage, thyroid disease, developmental issues, reduced fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression and cancer.
“Firefighters have enough to worry about on the job; they shouldn’t have to wonder if their uniforms are going to create debilitating health issues,” Conant said. “As we were sourcing materials and developing our manufacturing operations, it was extremely important that we use safe, PFAS-free Nomex.”
So far, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from female firefighters, Conant said. He said FILO’s line of women’s fire-resistant pants and shirts are among its most popular items, as women firefighters search for alternatives to the boxy, ill-fitting styles of conventional brands that design with men in mind.
But Conant isn’t resting on his laurels. He and his business partner are already looking at ways to expand their business with an eye towards helping firefighters stay alert: coffee.
He said the company is now working with coffee growers in Nicaragua and will be offering several brews direct to consumer via their website.
Photo courtesy of Textile World