Our Mission

FOREFATHERHOOD exists for two reasons.

First, to create premium apparel for proud, present fathers.
This is your jersey. The one that represents your favorite team. Your family.

Second, to build a community that challenges the stigma around men’s mental health and emotional vulnerability.

If we can’t speak up about our struggles, how will we teach our kids to speak up about theirs?

Talking about what’s weighing you down only lifts you up.

Founder Story

Then

I never thought I would live to be a dad.
Truthfully, I did not think I would live to be 30.

As a recovering addict and suicide survivor, I believed I was too selfish to ever be a father. Too broken. Too far gone.

Now

I am the proud father of two little boys.

Becoming their dad showed me something important: I still have a lot of healing and growing to do as a man. They push me to be better. They also reflect back who I am when I fall short.

They are my motivation. They are my mirror.

My legacy is no longer about what I accomplish.
It is about how my sons grow up to impact and interact with the world around them.

Being a father is hard.
It is also a high honor.

From my journey, three principles became clear. They are the foundation of FOREFATHERHOOD.

Presence.
Patience.
Progress.

Presence

Living in the moment is not easy.

Between work, stress, and responsibility, it is easy to go through the motions. While we are busy planning the future, the moments we will someday give anything to get back are passing us by.

Slow down. Look up. The most important moments are happening right now.

Patience

We have all been through a lot over the last 25 years.

This is our first time living this life.
It's also our children’s first time.

We deserve reminders to extend patience to ourselves and our kids.

Progress

Parenting is not linear.

There are good days and bad ones. Steps forward and steps back. Growth takes time. Give yourself grace.

If you care about becoming better as a father and as a man, that tells me everything I need to know about your character.

Making an Impact

We break the stigma through connection and conversation.

Clothing
When you see another dad wearing FOREFATHERHOOD, you already know something about him. The logo represents pride, but more than that, it represents character and intention.

Content
We share real stories. We ask hard questions. We lead by example. Short form or long form. Podcast or interview. The goal is the same. Normalize opening up and talking honestly about fatherhood and mental health.

Community
In 2026, we hope to host our first FOREFATHERHOOD event. By partnering with local businesses, we want to create spaces where fathers can connect, share, and grow together.

Join the Movement

There are three ways to be part of FOREFATHERHOOD.

Wear the Work
Post photos that represent your pride in fatherhood while wearing FOREFATHERHOOD gear. Tag us @forefatherhood.

Share the Message
We create content around fatherhood and men’s mental health. If something resonates with you, or you think it might help someone else, share it.

Be the Mission
We do not get better at talking about our feelings without practice. It can be uncomfortable. It can be awkward. It is never weak.

If someone you know needs an ear, be one.
If you need an ear, speak up.
If you feel alone, our community is here.

Being a father is not easy.
Taking care of our mental and physical health allows us to show up for our families the way they deserve.

Listening to someone could save a life.
Talking to someone could save yours.

Welcome to FOREFATHERHOOD.

Founder
Chris Claessen