Five Years Later, Bajio’s Bet on Independence Is Still Paying Off

Al Perkinson launched performance eyewear company Bajio as a brand guy. Five years of competing against conglomerate-owned rivals later, he's a hardened CEO who still believes independence is what keeps a brand, and the industry's spirit, alive.
Published: September 1, 2026

Five years ago, I sat down with Al Perkinson right before Bajio hit the market. He had just pulled together a team of Costa veterans, raised money from anglers and boat captains, and was promising to build something different in a category that was consolidating fast.

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Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series