Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Moore.
Hi Austin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Squirrel Saloon Trading Company started as an idea between friends while we were deployed together in Iraq. Like a lot of conversations overseas, it began as a way to pass the time—talking about what to do with the extra room in our house and the idea of building a home bar like all young men want to do.
When we returned stateside, that idea became real. We built a bar in our house and named it The Squirrel Saloon, officially hosting its first party on Memorial Day in 2019. It quickly became a gathering place for holidays, parties, and friends—rooted in camaraderie, laughter, and appreciation for the freedoms we don’t take lightly. That sense of brotherhood became the foundation for everything that followed.
From there, we decided to turn the Saloon into something bigger. What started as a home bar for friends to chill at evolved into The Squirrel Saloon Trading Company—a veteran-owned and operated clothing company inspired by adventure, the great outdoors, and a rugged, squirrelly spirit. Our mission is simple: we’re fueled by a passion for adventure and the outdoors, and through our iconic squirrel logo, we aim to ignite a spirit of fearless exploration and rugged resilience. With a focus on quality, camaraderie, and a dash of squirrelly attitude, we’re dedicated to inspiring people to conquer the wild and embrace their inner adventurer.
To us, being squirrelly can mean a lot of things. It might be hitting the trails deep in the backwoods, chasing the next adventure outdoors—but it can just as easily be a night out on the town with friends, making memories and enjoying life. At the end of the day, it’s not about what you’re doing—it’s about doing something. We want people to get out, say yes more often, and go experience life.
We originally operated out of San Diego, but as the company grew, we moved our operations to Virginia Beach. That move marked a new chapter—giving us room to grow while staying true to our roots and the community that supports us.
Today, Squirrel Saloon Trading Company reflects our entire journey—from a deployment-day idea to a backyard bar to a growing American brand. We’re proud to be veteran-owned, proud to love this country, and committed to building gear that stands for adventure, resilience, and the freedom to live life a little squirrelly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The process has been anything but smooth. From the start, we’ve been figuring things out as we go—from learning how to market, to setting up the website, all the way to hosting our first pop-up shop at the end of 2025. It’s been a rollercoaster. One of our biggest struggles has been learning how to market in today’s social media–centric world, especially with ever-changing algorithms. That said, there have definitely been high points, from our recent pop-up at the Shack in VB during their winter market to sponsoring two rodeo athletes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Squirrel Saloon Trading Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Squirrel Saloon Trading Company is a veteran-owned and operated lifestyle and apparel brand built around adventure, camaraderie, and not taking life too seriously. What started as a backyard bar called The Squirrel Saloon has grown into a brand that represents getting outside, doing things, and making the most of your time—whether that’s deep in the backwoods or out on the town with friends.
At our core, we specialize in apparel and gear that reflects that mindset. Our designs are inspired by the outdoors, western culture, and a little bit of squirrelly attitude. Through our iconic squirrel logo, our mission is to ignite a spirit of fearless exploration and rugged resilience. We focus heavily on quality, comfort, and pieces people actually want to wear—not just slap a logo on and call it good.
What really sets us apart is that “squirrelly” doesn’t mean one thing. For us, it can mean hiking trails, chasing adventure, hunting, fishing, rodeos, or simply grabbing a drink with friends and making memories. The common thread is action. We want people to go do things, get outside their routine, and live life a little harder and a little freer.
We’re also proud of the community we’re building. From pop-up shops and local events to sponsoring rodeo athletes, we’re intentional about supporting people who live the lifestyle we represent. We started operations in San Diego and later moved to Virginia Beach, which marked a big step forward for the brand and allowed us to continue growing while staying grounded in who we are.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is authenticity. This company wasn’t built in a boardroom—it came from friendships formed overseas, a love for America, and a shared belief that life is better when you get out and experience it. Everything we put out is a reflection of that journey.
What we want readers to know is simple: Squirrel Saloon Trading Company isn’t just clothing—it’s a reminder to embrace adventure, value camaraderie, and live life a little squirrelly. If our gear gets someone off the couch, out the door, or into a new memory with friends, then we’re doing exactly what we set out to do.
Pricing:
- Shirts & Crop Tops: $28-$33
- Hats: $35
- Hoodies: $55-$60
- Can Coolers: $8
- Flags: $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squirrelsaloon.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squirrelsaloontrading/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squirrelsaloontrading/
