Paul Miles at Mid-Atlantic MMA posted a great interview with New Cumberland-based MMA clothing company Tattoo Fightwear’s Larry Novak; plus, Larry gives meaplug at the end of the interview, so you know I just had to post this.
I got a chance to talk to Larry Novak owner of Tattoo Fightwear … He’s one of those guys that’s so nice you almost think he’s jerking you around. But he’s not. He’s just genuinely one of the nicest guys in the fight scene. A week or two ago, Tattoo added shorts, mouth guards and hand wraps to the apparel line that already included shirts, hoodies and hats. We did this interview by email this week. Larry’s about eight foot four and a quarter feet tall. If you see him, show him some love.
Q: First, as a guy who runs an apparel company, Larry, your sort of by definition a behind the scenes guy. People may have a Tattoo t-shirt but not know who you are. So let’s start at the beginning, who is Larry Novak?
LN: I’m first and foremost a married father of four. I have 2 biological children and 2 step children. My full time job besides Tattoo Fightwear is being a teacher in the Harrisburg School District. I love to support my family in everything that they do, watching them succeed in opportunities that they have chosen gives me great joy. I grew up between Cleveland, OH. and Chino CA., I’ve had an opportunity to see two different worlds and life styles through out my childhood and teen years. I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I received my Bachelors degree in Health and Physical Education and have an associates degree in Sports Fitness Management.
Q: We’ve talked a little about this, but Tattoo has a mission statement that goes above and beyond “Sell t-shirts of angels wings and revolvers to bulk dudes”. What is that mission statement, and what in your history made this mission important to you?
LN: The mission statement is as follows:
Tattoo Fightwear — Strong by Choice
We’re all Tattooed — our lives marked permanently by struggle, strife or achievement. How we incorporate these marks into ourselves is up to us — whether they tear us apart or make us stronger than before. Tattoo is the lasting emblem of pride that represents victory over adversity. Tattoo is symbolic of honoring our achievements, reminding us where we came from, finding the strength to meet any challenge head-on. Though we’re marked by fate, we’re strong by choice.
This heart, spirit and mindset that we wear on our sleeves is the core of Tattoo Fightwear. Our gear is battle-tested by warriors who bear the permanent marks of battle, who have used their adversity to become stronger than before.
Throughout my childhood and into my adult hood I went through many trials and tribulations. I took the initiative to work through my issues and develop a positive outlook on the things that I went through. I realized that everyone has things that have impacted their life and wanted a way for people to be able to express that through clothing. The angels and gun thing is great and I’ve seen alot of cool designs but I wanted to move more towards a positive message instead of destruction.
Q: The first I became aware of Tattoo was when you started your sponsorship program with Warrior Challenge out in Lancaster. You guys are a major supporter of the WC and have your logo in the center of the cage. Talk about your experience with the WC, what it means to you to support that organization?
LN: I’m really fortunate to be connected to the Warrior Challenge. The promoter, Mark Jovich has taken me under his wing and guided me through Tattoo’s beginnings. Mark has been in the martial arts seen for a long time and is a wealth of knowledge. To be connected to this organization has really worked well. Mark used to run a fight camp titled Central PA. Mixed Martial Arts which has now been given to two of his students. Because of my connections with the Warrior Challenge I was able to sponsor some of the best fighters in the mid state area. I like the way Mark has developed the Warrior Challenge, start small and let it grow and grow with it. This prevents the one hit wonder syndrome. I owe alot to Mark Jovich and the Central PA. Warrior Challenge for their commitment to Tattoo Fightwear.
Who else is in the Tattoo Crew. Who works with you, and what fighters are you guys sponsoring right now?
LN: The Tattoo crew is devised of a bunch of close family/friends who have given me their time with no strings attached. My wife who is Mrs. Tattoo who was the one who told me to go for it with the Tattoo idea. Frank who we call Fwank is my technical support, Ryan who we call Knobles Grove is always at the shows manning the Tattoo booth. My clothing is made at Axis Custom Apparel, they have made my life so easy. My photographer is Dave Fish who does the photos for the web site.
As far as sponsored fighters, they are: Chad Strawbridge, Justin Scott, Duane Bastress, Chad Hoare, John Andell all of them train at Central PA Mixed Martial Arts out of M.A.C.E.. Other sponsored fighters are Jeff Runk, Lewis Rumsey, John George, Matt Bentley, Dustin Pague and James Chappell. These guy’s are a great group who carry themselves with great respect.
