A Tribute to Scott Barber
In 2020, we tragically lost our founder and leader Scott Barber in an automobile accident. To those of you who never met Scott, we wanted you to know a little more about him.
If you met Scott once, you felt like you knew him forever. Within the menswear industry, he was widely admired for his design talent, entrepreneurial spirit, humility, upbeat personality and wicked sense of humor.
He launched his self-titled brand in 1994 with little formal training other than working for a men’s store in Fort Collins, CO. “I didn’t study textile design; I just have an eye,” he told MR Magazine in 2007. “Ted Williams could hit fastballs; I understand fit, proportion, and color.” Scott’s natural talents were evident from his very first collection. Within a few years, the Scott Barber brand could be found coast to coast at the finest specialty stores across the country.
Unlike many in the fashion business, Scott was not in it for the attention. What he valued most were the personal friendships with each store owner and the relationships his brand forged with customers. Ironically, Scott built the brand without a passion for sales. Scott’s products sold themselves.
Outside of business, Scott was most passionate about his wife Tonya and two children, Amanda and Charlie. Scott’s penchant for design and adventure extended to motorcycles, vintage sport cars, boats, planes, skiing, outdoor adventure, animals, music and a dry joke. In an industry known for “over the top,” Scott was refreshingly laid back and down to earth. He was the guy you wanted to live next door.
Looking to the future, the greatest testament to a life’s work is that it’s worth preserving. This is exactly what we plan to do with Scott Barber. In Fall ‘21, we will debut our faithful evolution of the casually refined, easy going elegance of Scott Barber with new luxury performance fabrics, updated styles, inspired designs and finely-tuned detailing.
We are honored and excited to continue Scott’s legacy and hope you will join us. Thank you for being a customer and friend of Scott Barber.
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21 comments
I am recent customer of scott barber. I just found out about Scott’s passing in 2020. A few years back I discovered a piece of clothing that I loved and shared with my friends, . I wrote to customer service about ordering more as it appeared out of stock . Scott personally replied and sent me a gift as well. I corresponded with him a more few times in coming months . he operated 24/7 and replied early mornings and late at night. I am very sad to discover he is no longer at the helm. He was the model of an passionate and caring entrepreneur.Hope he is smiling as he reads this more the better place.
He always called me after I placed orders. What a great guy. I am so sad and understand that life can be so unfair..
Thank you for carrying on his quest!!
Mark Stone
Scott was among my dearest of friends, if not most dear. I met him near 46 years ago at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. I worked part-time at the Alpine House (a ski shop) and Scott part-time at the Briar (a clothing store, of course!) just a few doors apart on Collage Avenue. I loved to ski and so did Scott. He had a passion for the clothing business as did I (at least the “wearing” part!).
We shared a multitude of other passions as well. Family and great friendships foremost, then the stuff of life… Clothing, Skiing, Golf, Formula One & fast cars, to name just a few. We also enjoyed a similar sense of humor… Mostly and remarkably silly, juvenile, somewhat whacky, & always, always a contest to out-entertain one another!
After school, I moved to California and spent the next 25 years or so in the ski business, and Scott of course remained in Fort Collins and eventually created Scott Barber Sportswear. Along the way, he met the love of his life at a clothing store in Fort Collins, about a mile away from his office. Imagine that! The decision to marry Tonya was the best of his fruitful, and more than exceptional life.
After all these painfully long months, I am still reticent to come to grips with his passing. It’s nearly impossible for me to discuss him with his family and close mutual friends, of which there are many. Over time the gravity of his death will clearly evolve into cherished memories, and recollections of so many, truly wonderful experiences. Most certainly for all of us who knew him well… Loved him. Especially Tonya, Manda, Charley (AKA the C-Dub), sister Ann & husband Dan, all of whom share a big piece of my heart and will forever.
Without question, I am a better and happier person in part because of my long and cherished friendship with this wonderful, lovely human… Scott Barber.
Scott was among my dearest of friends, if not my dearest. We met 46-ish years ago at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. I worked part-time at the Alpine House (a ski shop) and Scott at the Briar (a clothing store, DUH!) just a few doors apart on Collage Avenue.
We shared a multitude of other passions as well. Family and great friendships foremost, then the stuff of life… Clothing, skiing, golf, & fast cars, to name just a few. We also enjoyed a similar sense of humor… Mostly and remarkably silly, juvenile, somewhat whacky, & always, always a contest to out entertain one another! After school, I moved to California and spent the next 25 years in the ski business, and Scott of course, in the clothing business for the remainder of his fruitful, and more than exceptional life. Ever after, we were active on our mobiles & made time for painfully few visits over the
After all these painfully long months, I am still reticent to come to grips with his passing. It’s almost impossible for me to discuss him with his family and close mutual friends, of which there are many. Only God knows how much I miss him.
Over time, the gravity of his death will evolve (to some degree) into cherished memories, and recollections of so many truly wonderful experiences left in his wake. Without question, I am a better, happier person in part because of my long and cherished friendship with this wonderful, lovely human… Scott Barber.
I knew Scott when we both worked for Ferrell Reed in the late ’80’s/early ’90’s. I was his customer service support for his territory out of Denver. Scott was a good friend and I mean that to say when you were a friend of Scott’s, he was truly there for you with support and that fantastic sense of humor. I was so sad and shocked to hear that he has passed last April. We always knew when Scott found the right person, he would be an excellent husband and father, so, Tonya, you must be very special. I send my deepest condolences to you and your family.