.about

The Owners

Mike Kempf and Jeff Dorman graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. Both Mr. Kempf and Mr. Dorman majored in novelty t-shirt design with a minor in logo creation. Mr. Kempf and Mr. Dorman were born into the t-shirt making business…each a descendent from t-shirt ancestry.

Mr. Kempf’s great ancestor, Franklin Kempf, began his career in 1775 when he realized that the British Army did not take the Revolutionists seriously during battle, in part due to their unimaginative grey uniforms. In March, 1775, Mr. Kempf along with George Washington (who later became the 1st President of the United States of America), designed a shirt that said "Red Coats Suck". When the British Army came across soldiers wearing these shirts, they realized that their attacks on Revolutionists were not welcome, and quickly laid down their arms.

Mr. Dorman’s great ancestor, Huckaby Dorman, entered the t-shirt business in June, 1776 when he worked for Thomas Jefferson (who later became the 3rd President of the United States of America). Mr. Jefferson often had a difficult time expressing his thoughts to others, so Mr. Dorman, with the aid of his childhood friend Mr. Kempf, created a t-shirt for Mr. Jefferson that read "Declare My Independence". This outward expression caught the eye of several of the Founding Fathers, and Mr. Jefferson was asked to express more of his feelings in a lengthy document, which later became known as the Declaration of Independence.

Testimonials from the DeezNats first five seasons:

I came across your website and would like to get a t-shirt and a couple of beers at your tailgate this weekend. I have some friends in the area that are going to the game so maybe they’ll swing by. As soon as they get a look at these t-shirts, I’m sure they’ll want to grab one themselves.
– Seth Gelleno

I love your shirts. They are clever and deliver just enough "*&$# you".
– Alex Clifford

Before I got this confirmation email from you guys, my shirts had already arrived! And they RULE. Thank you so much for the great products – can’t wait for next year’s line.
– William Schlickenmaier

These shirts are so cool!!!!!I can’t wait to get one for everyone in my family! I think my NEW brother in law would love one!
– Erin Hughes

I wish you all weren’t Oriole-haters but I can’t deny your ingenuity and I love the slogan. 
– Peter Cairns

Ur shirts friggin rule!
– Samuel Tignor