I’ve made the hardest decision of my life today. I have resigned my position as chief creative officer at skinnyCorp/Threadless.
As you may imagine, this was not an easy decision. What makes Threadless special is its ability to turn every single person – from our vendors to our employees – into part of a giant family dressed in ink-slathered cotton. The collective dedication and creativity of the Threadless family, as well as our beloved community, is awe inspiring.
The pride I have for Threadless is unmeasurable.
Of course, none of this has been possible without Jake. He has always had the vision and ability to wade through my onslaught of ideas and cherry-pick the ones that we both knew were best for the community and for Threadless as a whole. The decision to leave was no different. After many long discussions with Jake and our CEO Tom, we’re all on the same page that this is the right direction to take.
If I had to pick the one thing I’ll miss the most, it will be working with Jake, Tom and the rest of the executive team as Threadless continues to grow more and more awesome.
So, whats next for me?
First, I am taking some time off. In the seven years of building Threadless, the longest vacation I ever took was about 2 weeks, and that was last month. I’m looking forward to spending real quality time with my family and friends, without meetings, deadlines or other work related things getting in the way.
Next, I am going to rededicate myself to things I love. Who knows, maybe I will start skating again. (Probably not, but we can all dream). I heard a rumor that people actually travel for pleasure. I may give that a go as well.
Lastly, I will start getting involved in a few projects that are just too exciting to keep secret, but too early to talk about. I hate to do it, but you will just have to stay tuned to hear about all the awesomeness to come.
The past seven years have been amazing. While I will no longer be involved in the day-to-day grind of the company I helped create, I will remain close to Threadless not only as an owner and advisor, but through my many friends there. And of course, I will continue to be an active part of the most awesome community, ever.
Thank you Threadless; I cant wait to show you what’s next.
35 Comments
Good luck! You’ve done so much for Threadless, I can’t imagine what you’ll be doing next to change the world!
Onward and upward, my friend. Let’s talk about the future ASAP!
All the best -
I’d like to piggy back on what Mark said.
Watch out world – creativity is on the loose!
:) good luck homie
I like brave people, fortune favours the brave. All the very best Jeffrey. I look forward to seeing what’s to come.
Jobs come and go. Friends are forever. As cheesy as that sounds, clearly you got the best of both worlds. Having got a peek behind the curtain, I am excited to see what a “creative powerhouse” does when set loose.
It is indeed courageous to leave the baby you have so painstakingly brought up. All the best for taking the step forward to explore un-chartered territory. :) Look forward to discovering your new exciting projects.
Good luck, Jeffrey! You’ll do great whatever you choose to do.
Congratulations Jeffrey – excited to see what your up to next. If you ever need travel ideas, you know where to come. See you in boulder this week!
To new beginnings! Congrats Jeffrey. T-shirts will never be the same.
Best of luck. I know you’ll do well. Spending time with family is the best investment. :)
Wow – exciting – good luck on your future endeavors and thanks for creating an awesome organization. Can’t wait to see what you do next, work and play!
Best of luck with everything along the way. Enjoy your time away…
Congrats! Change is always difficult to do, but often the right thing.
Keep pushing.
Have I got places for you to travel to! Congrats on beginning the next phase.
Congrats Jeffrey! Looking forward to seeing what you get involved in next. Enjoy the time off and keep us informed!
Congratulations Jeffrey. I can’t wait to hear what’s next for you.
Jeffrey – I look forward to seeing the same passion in your next adventure that you brought to Threadless. Good luck!
it was a pleasure to work together for the last many years. i am bummed to see you leave threadless but super excited to see what is next.
And like always, I got your back if you ever need something tech. i know people ;)
Can’t wait to hear what is next!
Good luck, duder.
Good luck! And if you’re ever in Hawaii… :)
Following you from a far for a while, and now I am jumping out of my skin waiting to hear what is next.
Right on brother man. I’m excited for you but will miss the daily pong battles. It’s been a pleasure.
May the road rise up to meet you…
I’m fairly new to Threadless and only started following you after BigOmaha. You and Threadless is an incredible story however I’m looking forward to learning even more from you as you start in on new projects. Best of luck to you and enjoy your time off with your family.
You guys are all awesome. Thanks so much for the good vibes!
Wow, that’s huge news! Congrats and best of luck.
Lots of luck to you my tattooed metal friend.
What they said. Good luck! Congrats! Can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Congrats! Can’t wait to hear what your up to next. Hopefully this means you’ll be in SF more often. 2009 is a great year to take off.
You’re going to completely crank whatever you do next out of the park just like you did at Threadless!
Has been great getting to know you since you inspired literally hundreds of folks at BIG Omaha and appreciate your genuine and sincere help…
Looking forward to the chapter that lies ahead!
Jeffrey, I am so gonna miss your micro-visits and doorway-chats in our little office, but I’m thrilled that you have the freedom to pursue more projects you’re passionate about! Thank you for so freely endowing us with your creative brilliance, ideas, wisdom, guidance & advice, your money in our dice game jar… It’s all been so wonderful.
Get that list of veggie-friendly restaurants in SF put together; you’re my go-to person for recommendations, and you know I’ll be visiting.
-heather :)
Just wanted to wish you well my friend. It’s been quite a long road since we argued over who got the best desk at the old office…memories are worth a lifetime.
Stay in touch—
Pflug
I started skating again after not skating for something like 16+ years. Not like riding a bike but fun. Very fun. Good luck.
5 Trackbacks
[...] Digg should be in good hands with Kalmikoff. One month ago, he resigned as the Chief Creative Officer of skinnyCorp/Threadless where he had worked for 7 years. He had been [...]
[...] keep reading. The Chief Creative Officer for Threadless as of the last 7 years, Jeffrey Kalmikoff, resigned last month. So…if he resigned last month, why am I posting about it now you [...]
[...] Digg should be in good hands with Kalmikoff. One month ago, he resigned as the Chief Creative Officer of skinnyCorp/Threadless where he had worked for 7 years. He had been [...]
[...] Digg should be in good hands with Kalmikoff. One month ago, he resigned as the Chief Creative Officer of skinnyCorp/Threadless where he had worked for 7 years. He had been [...]
[...] Digg should be in good hands with Kalmikoff. One month ago, he resigned as the Chief Creative Officer of skinnyCorp/Threadless where he had worked for 7 years. He had been [...]