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

Hi Andrew, how do you think about risk?

Risk is inherent in entrepreneurship. It is exceptionally difficult to build any business without taking on some risk.

For me, running an action sports clothing brand, risk has been a factor of growing this company since day one. I am an attorney by trade, and it took a leap of faith to simply adjust my career path, and invest my savings, in order to pursue growing Cyndrom. However, that decision came easy to me since I have dreamt of building this brand since I was in high school. It is that same passion that has made every subsequent decision to take risks equally simple.

While risk plays a prominent role in growing a business, passion and drive will always defuse the anxiety that risk-taking  causes. Some entrepreneurs are driven by a need to make a living, while others are fueled by the love for what they have created. Regardless, that drive is the x-factor needed to turn an idea into a successful business.

There is never a better time to take risks than when you are just starting out. An excellent piece of advice given to me recently was that while Cyndrom is in its growth stage, now is the time to just try anything. Many still have not discovered Cyndrom, so I should try as many ideas as I can think of to help this brand grow. 


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Cyndrom is an action sports clothing brand. We create products for anyone who finds enjoyment out of the culture of surfing, snowboarding, skiing, and skateboarding, and design those products to endure their lifestyle.

Our slogan is “born from a love of action sports”. That perfectly embodies what Cyndrom is and what drives its growth. I conceived this brand growing up on New Jersey’s famed Jersey Shore, an avid fan of all things board sports. My goal is to make the highest quality products for every person that loves these sports as much as I do. Whether you’ve ridden boards your entire left, or found your first board today, Cyndrom is a brand made for you.

Our product line is comprised of both activewear and casual clothing. Most of the catalog consists of t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, and hats. In 2022, we are advancing our catalog to include technical gear for riders, beginning with rash guards and snowboard gloves.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

Being an East Coast brand initially, I am both proud and excited about expanding here in Colorado. Last year we began to see a huge online following among snowboarders due to the popularity of our “Ride On” collection. This opened up Cyndrom to an entirely new customer base, particularly people right here in Colorado, who have shown immense support for the brand. Having recognition among board riders here has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me since beginning this brand.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy?

The first years were anything but easy. Cyndrom began as a hobby while I was in college, designing and making t-shirts for my friends on a screen printer that I built out of wood. Later, while in law school, I felt ready to finally establish an LLC and a proper supply chain, and begin selling Cyndrom products at festivals and surf contests. Our first break was joining the Asbury Park Punk Rock Flea Market. We had an eight-foot-wide pop-up shop in the city’s Convention Hall (famous for where Bruce Springsteen got his start) selling our products among a few dozen other artists and skate brands. We continued running pop-ups at increasingly larger festivals (our biggest was the Vans Warped Tour) before finally landing in boutique board shops, which in turn helped boost our online sales.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

The lessons I learned so far along the way were the importance of persistence and education. Each of the opportunities afforded to growing Cyndrom, from new shops carrying the brand to new festivals providing us space for a pop-up, was the result of tenacity and never taking “no” for an answer. 

Additionally, juggling Cyndrom with post-graduate schooling was undoubtedly the best decision I made. When Cyndrom began, I was still studying at Rutgers University for my MBA and JD. Rutgers not only gave me a wealth of business knowledge to help overcome nearly every business hurdle in my way, but also awarded me a $20,000 grant after graduating to further pursue my dream of building this brand. I can confidently say that Cyndrom would never have made it even this far without my education, and I believe every entrepreneur should seriously evaluate whether further education can help grow their businesses too.


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.

My favorite spot in Denver is Cherry Creek. It was the first place I visited on my very first trip to Colorado, and I have returned every time since. It is such a beautiful neighborhood, and has what might be my favorite restaurant in all of America. Tucked away on E 3rd Ave is a place called Fortune Wok to Table, where they make the best Chinese food that I have ever eaten (and I was born in New York, so that is saying something). I tell every friend I have who is either visiting or moving to Denver that they have to go there. If its your first time in Denver, then you can’t go wrong with the popular hits: Union Station, 16 Street, a game at Ball Arena, etc.  

Outside of Denver, a trip into the mountains is a must. My favorite town is Breckenridge. Not only a beautiful mountain for riding, but also a very fun town with plenty to do when you’re not snowboarding or skiing. 


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My parents deserve the biggest shoutout. They are without a doubt my biggest fans, and have provided immense support to growing my business. Education is paramount to my parents. Throughout my life I was told that that they would help me pursue any goal I could dream of, and asked only that I put my education first. About halfway through law school, I felt the time was right to open Cyndrom while I finished my degree. My parents (who have zero experience with board sports) were behind me 100% and have remained that way to this day.

In addition, my brother Joe has dropped everything time and again to help me build this brand. From spending all day at festivals running our pop-up shop, to taking off work to help me pitch our business to investors, there would be no Cyndrom without him.

Website: www.Cyndrom.com

Instagram: @Cyndrom

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyndrom/

Twitter: @Cyndrom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cyndrom

Image Credits
Katie Habermann, Emma Lowecki, Halli Lowecki, Keegan Trumbo, and Matt Petruzelli

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.