How it all began
G’day, guys! I’m Mick, the founder of IAM Aussie Activewear, and I’ve been pounding the pavement and trails for so many K’s that I’ve lost count.
And, like most distance runners, I’ve chatted about everything along the way, from politics and religion to wedding singers and stain removers. But some things kept popping up, and I realised I had a passion for more than just waking at ungodly hours to knock out the K’s.
I realised that I loved the natural environment here on the coast. How could I not?
My runs take me along some of the most famous surf beaches in the world. From Burleigh to “D-bah”, I get a bird’s eye view of the surfers jockeying for a ride as the waves peel across the Pacific.
And then, just a short drive from home is the Scenic Rim and the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. This stunning hinterland is known as “the green behind the gold”, and it’s brimming with spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests and ancient trees.
I knew I was blessed to live in such a paradise
Yet something was missing, and it took thousands of K’s to realise what it was. The natural world was perfect, and we couldn’t improve it if we tried. But I missed a time when quality was important and things were made well, to last.
Back in the day, it was all Aussie-made, from the cars on the streets to the clothes people wore. Businesses were locally owned and staffed and came from their founders’ ideas rather than just another carbon copy of a soulless franchise.
From these cathartic running sessions, IAM was born
So, I decided to create a business dedicated to providing high-quality Activewear, from Aussie-designed gems to handpicked treasures—if not made by us, then sourced with heart.
As a runner, I knew I needed fabrics to avoid chaffing and overheating. They’d have to provide unrestricted movement and breathability and wick moisture away from the body. I’d design and manufacture in Aussie Merino and cotton and source other quality products that fit the IAM ethos—and everything would be printed, packaged, and shipped straight out of beautiful Burleigh! Can you get more Australian?
