Palisadian ‘Luxury Headwear Company’ to Appear on ‘Shark Tank’

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Those who tune into “Shark Tank” on Friday, April 19, may see a familiar face.

The episode is set to feature luxury headwear company HOOD, which was founded by Palisadian Max Nelson.

“HOOD was founded in 2018 with the intent of not just making another hat but creating a distinguished category in fashion that did not exist prior,” read a statement ahead of the show. “HOOD presents elevated, timeless headwear that is meticulously crafted to create an unmatched fit, feel and finish.”

Nelson lives in El Medio Bluffs with his wife, Carly, and two children, Rivers and Violet.

“It was important for me to start HOOD because I wanted headwear customers to have more elevated options as far as materials and the customization experience went,” he said to the Palisadian-Post. “I also wanted to empower people to tell their story from a geographical point of view through customization.”

The collection is available in a range of materials, including merino wool, wale corduroy, velvet, cashmere, Japanese twill, denim and canvas. A variety of style options is available as well, like snapback, snapback curved, fitted, dad hat and five panel.

“With more than 30 colors and a variety of fonts,” the statement continued, “HOOD has a style for everyone.”

But, according to the statement, “there is so much more to HOOD than just flawless construction.”

“HOOD represents stick ball games at the schoolyard, runs on the blacktop at dusk and mix tapes on the front porch on a summer night,” the statement read. “In other words, HOOD encompasses the essence of every neighborhood’s culture, something the brand believes is an instrumental piece to understanding who we are and the foundation of the brand.”

There are several different collections to shop from, including college and professional sports, U.S. and international cities (including the Palisades), ski spots, musicians, and more. There is also a hat customizer, so customers can “create the lid that best represents” them.

HOOD also donates 5% of sales to The Anti-Recidivism Coalition, which is working to “end mass incarceration in California.”

“Shark Tank,” which is on its 15th season, is an American business reality television series, where entrepreneurs present about their companies to a panel of venture capitalists who decide whether or not to invest.

“‘Shark Tank’ was a very enjoyable experience,” Nelson said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Nelson’s episode is set to air on ABC from 8 to 9 p.m. on April 19.