Meet Slater Cane | Creator of Wild Cane Supply Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Slater Cane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Slater, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea behind creating Wild Cane Supply Co. came about naturally. It all started about six months into the pandemic when I found myself barely working at my restaurant job. With some unexpected downtime, I decided to make myself a leather belt. Once it was finished, I had the thought: why not make a few more and see if others might want one?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so I gave it a shot. When I made it into work, I brought the belts along and sold every single one to my coworkers. Their positive feedback gave me the encouragement to keep going. Each belt bore the name “Wild Cane,” which I burned into the leather by hand using a soldering iron—a small but meaningful touch that gave the brand its identity.

Growing up, I’ve always been drawn to quality. Whether it was gear, apparel, or tools for any hobby I pursued, I’d save up to invest in something that would last. To me, quality wasn’t just about durability—it was about the confidence that what I owned could keep up with my lifestyle.

With my love for the outdoors and exploring untraveled trails, I wanted to combine that adventurous spirit with my passion for creating timeless, high-quality goods. Starting with handmade leather goods, I soon set out on a new challenge: designing apparel that lived up to the same standards. My goal was to craft pieces that fit seamlessly into an active, adventurous lifestyle while standing the test of time.

Growing up in a big surfing family, I’ve always embraced a sense of adventure. I know firsthand the difference between premium goods and those that fall short. My dad often said, “Quality goods lead to quality experiences, and quality experiences make for a quality life.” That belief has been at the heart of everything I create for Wild Cane Supply Co.—because piece by piece, great gear helps build a life filled with unforgettable moments and meaningful journeys.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wild Cane Supply Co. was born from a family lifestyle rooted in exploration—a way of life where premium, American-made goods and quality experiences matter. Our provisions are designed to last, carrying the marks of your adventures and the stories that come with them. That’s what we stand for.

Our mission is simple: to provide essential items, big and small, that stay with you for a lifetime. Every product we create is made to endure the rugged demands of a wild and adventurous life. Handmade in the USA, Wild Cane goods are not just built to survive—they’re built to thrive alongside you, reflecting the life you live.

What sets Wild Cane apart is our relentless attention to detail—the kind of care most consumers might not even notice but can certainly feel. It’s about asking the right questions:

Where is the fabric made?
Where is the garment cut and sewn?
Does the fabric’s pattern align perfectly around the piece?
How will the product age over time?
What functionalities will it provide in everyday life or on the trail?

We ask these and countless other questions during the design and manufacturing process, ensuring that every item meets our high standards. Manufactured in Los Angeles, CA, our products aren’t just about style—they’re about living a life of adventure. When designing, we always ask ourselves, “Would we love this for our own adventures or everyday life?”

I’m incredibly proud of what Wild Cane has achieved so far. From creating hit products like the Mammoth Flannel, Lookout Beanie, Get Lost Tee, and Tetons Thermal, to building a loyal customer base and an ever-evolving online shop, which has become a hub for everything we stand for. Now, with the addition of a blog covering various subjects, our platform has become more interactive and exciting than ever.

At its heart, Wild Cane is built on the family lifestyle of exploration—a legacy of gear that’s meant to be passed down from generation to generation, carrying with it the stories of those who came before.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been a smooth ride. It’s taken mistakes, calculated risks, and sometimes just pure leaps of faith. I’ve always told myself, “If I like it, somebody else will too.” There were products I believed in that didn’t take off—it’s never easy to see something you poured time and money into fall short. But I’ve learned to see those moments as part of the journey. Every setback has been a chance to grow, to adapt, and to keep building something better.

At the end of the day, Wild Cane is more than a brand. It’s a reflection of a lifestyle, a dedication to quality, and a commitment to creating gear that will last through every adventure—and tell the story when it’s passed on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If one of my good buddies were visiting, we wouldn’t waste time in the city. I’d take them on an epic expedition straight to the mountains. There’s one spot I always rely on—a small, serene, man-made lake nestled in the Sequoia National Forest at about 6,000 feet elevation. It’s the perfect basecamp, surrounded by endless trails to explore, off-the-grid camping spots, and crystal-clear rivers ideal for a refreshing swim.

From there, we’d head to the central coast near Santa Cruz, CA, to soak in the beauty of the rugged coastline along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. It’s not just about the views; it’s a trip through the rich history of surf culture that defines the area.

To wrap things up, no California adventure would be complete without a stop in Ventura for the legendary IN-N-OUT Burger—a must for any visitor and a Cane Family tradition. It’s the perfect way to end a trip packed with unforgettable experiences.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to several incredible groups of people who have been instrumental in my journey. Owning this company for the better part of four years has been an unforgettable experience, and I’ve been fortunate to receive so much love and support along the way.

First and foremost, my family and friends have been my rock, always cheering me on. But the support doesn’t stop there. I’ve drawn inspiration from the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of working with, including fellow small business owners who share and believe in my mission. A special thanks to Chilao, Eezy Supplies, Losty Co., Kung Fu Tonic, Aeronaut, Faro Board Bags, and the incredible event coordinators who’ve allowed me to showcase my goods at their events.

I’d also like to acknowledge some of the bigger brands that have inspired me to pursue quality and craftsmanship in my products: Filson, Iron and Resin, Freenote Cloth, Roark, and The Ampal Creative. Their dedication to excellence has motivated me to hold my work to the highest standard.

But above all, I owe endless gratitude to my team. When I say “my team,” I’m talking about my brand ambassadors—the unwavering supporters who truly are my biggest fans and my fiancé, whose love and encouragement mean the world to me. Without their constant belief in me and this brand, Wild Cane Supply Co. wouldn’t be where it is today.

Just writing this has me tearing up, but it’s a testament to how much each of you has touched my heart and this journey. Thank you for being a part of it all.

Website: https://wildcanesupply.com

Instagram: @wildcanesupply

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildCaneSupplyCo

Image Credits
Image Credits go to:
Slater Cane
Jaime Lozoya
Scott Naurath
Jodie Odonnell
Andrew Skowron
Jose Fernandez