The idea for the Barkley Series paracord bracelet had been developing in agricultural business senior Eric Frizzie’s mind, and — after winning $500 from a lotto ticket — Frizzie decided it was time to create his business.
Sara Natividad
Special to Mustang News
It fits around a wrist, and has 13 tools for surviving the wild.
Cal Poly ROTC student and agricultural business senior Eric Frizzie used the design of the commonly used paracord bracelet — a bracelet made of rope strong enough to hold 550 pounds — and wrapped it around 13 tiny, yet effective, instruments for survival in case an adventure turns disastrous.
Frizzie was inspired to create this product after his friend and fellow Cal Poly ROTC member died two years ago. His friend, Matthew Barkley, taught him how to make a paracord bracelet, and Frizzie wanted to continue the legacy of Barkley, who Frizzie said emanated the spirit of an outdoorsman.
The idea for the Barkley Series paracord bracelet had been developing in his mind, and — after winning $500 from a lotto ticket — Frizzie decided it was time to create his business. He launched Summit Outdoor Supply along with ROTC student and political science senior Jesse Kinsell, the company’s CFO.
Their business’ main product is the S.O.S. bracelet, but they plan to create other survival and outdoors products as well, Frizzie said. The S.O.S. bracelet has been a hit among hunters and military veterans because of its wide variety of available tools.
The bracelet includes:
- 12-16 ft. of paracord (can hold up to 550 lbs.)
- Industrial strength buckle with whistle
- Trail marker
- Strike-anywhere matches
- Fire starter
- Fishing lure and line
- Split shot weight
- Water storage (a condom)
- Water purification tablets (for up to 20 gallons)
- Salt
- Antiseptic wipe
Summit Outdoor Supply employs members of the Grizzly Youth Academy, a military boot camp for minors, and Achievement House, Inc., an organization that serves disabled community members of San Luis Obispo.
“That’s a big thing for this company,” Frizzie said. “It’s all about giving back for us.”
The company is having a launch party on March 21 at Marston’s Bar and Grill to celebrate the opening of their store.