Avacado Sportswear: Stitching Community and Comfort in Central Wisconsin
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In the heart of Central Wisconsin, where the air carries the scent of pine and the spirit of small-town grit, Avacado Sportswear has been quietly making a name for itself. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Tim and Amanda Gladowski, this fictional sportswear company blends cozy athletic wear with a mission to give back. From their workshop in Wausau to the trails and gyms of the region, Avacado is more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of movement, community, and the power of doing good.
A History Woven from Passion
Avacado’s story began in 2010, sparked by a shared frustration. Tim, a former high school track coach, and Amanda, an avid hiker and yoga enthusiast, couldn’t find sportswear that ticked all their boxes: comfortable, durable, and affordable. “Everything was either overpriced or fell apart after a few washes,” Amanda recalls. So, armed with Tim’s knack for design and Amanda’s eye for detail, they decided to create their own.
The name “Avacado” (intentionally misspelled with an extra “a”) came from a lighthearted moment—Tim joking about Amanda’s obsession with the fruit during a brainstorming session. It stuck, symbolizing their quirky, down-to-earth vibe. Starting in their garage in Wausau, they sketched designs, sourced fabrics, and sewed prototypes late into the night. Their first product? A moisture-wicking running shirt that debuted at a local 5K race, handed out to friends and runners who couldn’t stop raving about the fit.
By 2013, Avacado had outgrown the garage. The Gladowskis leased a small warehouse on Wausau’s east side, hired a handful of local sewers, and expanded their line to include leggings, hoodies, and lightweight jackets. They kept production close to home, partnering with a fabric supplier in Stevens Point and leaning into Central Wisconsin’s DIY spirit. Today, 14 years in, Avacado’s a regional favorite, sold online, at local sporting goods stores, and through pop-up shops at races and festivals across the state.
Gear That Moves You
Avacado’s sportswear is built for real life. Their signature “Trailblazer” leggings—stretchy, squat-proof, and pocketed—are a hit with hikers tackling Rib Mountain. The “Pace Setter” hoodie, with its soft fleece lining and thumb holes, keeps runners warm on crisp Wisconsin mornings. Every piece is designed with input from locals—runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who test prototypes and weigh in on colors (forest green and slate gray are perennial bestsellers).
The Gladowskis pride themselves on sustainability, too. They use recycled polyester in their fabrics and keep waste low by producing in small batches. “We’re not perfect,” Tim admits, “but we’re trying to leave the planet better than we found it.” That ethos resonates with their customers, who sport Avacado gear from the Ice Age Trail to the YMCA’s spin classes.
Giving Back to the Community
For Tim and Amanda, success isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose. Early on, they pledged to donate a portion of Avacado’s earnings to local charities, a commitment that’s grown with the company. “Central Wisconsin raised us,” Amanda says. “This is our way of saying thanks.”
One of their key partners is the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area. Each year, Avacado donates 5% of its holiday sales to fund after-school programs, helping kids stay active with sports and outdoor adventures. Tim, who coached kids for years, often drops by to lead a running clinic, decked out in Avacado gear, of course. “Seeing those kids light up when they hit a new personal best—that’s why we do this,” he says.
Another cause close to their hearts is Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners, a nonprofit fostering cultural exchange and support between the two regions. Avacado’s annual “Global Run” collection—think vibrant tees inspired by Nicaraguan textiles—raises funds for the organization’s education and health initiatives. Last year alone, they donated $3,000, enough to supply school materials for dozens of Nicaraguan students. Amanda, whose college years included a service trip to Nicaragua, calls it “a full-circle moment.”
A Team Effort
Running Avacado is a true partnership. Tim, 42, handles design and logistics, sketching new ideas at the kitchen table and negotiating with suppliers. Amanda, 40, oversees marketing and community outreach, her warm energy shining through in every Instagram post and customer email. They’ve got no kids—just two rescue dogs, Milo and Juniper, who lounge in the warehouse and occasionally model bandanas from Avacado’s pet accessory line.
The couple’s dynamic is the company’s heartbeat. “Tim’s the dreamer; I’m the doer,” Amanda laughs. Together, they’ve weathered lean years, supply chain hiccups, and the challenge of staying small in a big-box world. Their 10-person team—mostly locals, including a few retirees who sew part-time—feels like family, pitching in with ideas and celebrating milestones like hitting 5,000 online orders last spring.
Looking Forward
As Avacado heads into its 15th year, Tim and Amanda are dreaming bigger. They’re eyeing a collaboration with a Wisconsin microbrewery for a “Run & Refresh” apparel line and hoping to sponsor more local races. But they’re firm on keeping roots in Central Wisconsin. “This is home,” Tim says. “We’re not chasing some corporate takeover. We just want to keep making gear people love—and keep giving back.”
So, next time you’re lacing up for a jog or zipping a hoodie against the chill, check the tag. If it says “Avacado,” you’re wearing more than sportswear—you’re wearing a piece of Central Wisconsin heart, stitched with care by Tim and Amanda Gladowski. And somewhere, a kid at the Boys & Girls Club or a student in Nicaragua is smiling because of it.