Ryan Heuser leaving Paul Frank

I heard that Ryan Heuser is leaving Paul Frank, a company he helped found in 1995.

The Paul Frank brand, now owned by Saban Brands, can be found on a wide range of products, from bikes to bedding. 

I followed up with Ryan and asked why he is leaving and what’s next.

Why are you leaving?

Ryan Heuser: I feel I have contributed all I could give to the brand and it’s as simple as I’m ready for the next challenge. It’s certainly bittersweet for me. We were purchased in August of 2010 by Saban Brands. I leave knowing that the brand is in very competent hands and that they are working on some incredibly big initiatives that will ensure the brand grows to levels that go beyond expectation.

You were at Paul Frank from the beginning. What were a few key moments for you with the brand?

Ryan Heuser at MAGIC in 2011

There are too many to list. I think back fondly to how innocently and naively we started this thing from my garage. I think about walking into a building we were about to lease and thinking to myself “how are we going to fill this place,” only to grow out of it way sooner than expected.

I think about all the personalities that shaped the brand along the way. I think about all the great parties we threw. I think about when Gene Simmons from Kiss called and yelled at us for doing a parody of his band. We illustrated Julius as all of the members featuring their signature facial paint jobs. He didn’t think it was as funny as we did.

I think about the hurt from a very public lawsuit with Paul (Frank) himself. I think about the family we created and the friends who cared so passionately as if they owned it as well. I think about the smiles we brought. I will always have that to take with me.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a start up project going which I will be talking about in the coming months. You haven’t heard the last from me in the apparel space. I’ve also written a book about my personal journey at Paul Frank and am currently shopping it. I’ve also been doing a bit of public speaking to business schools for both high school and college business students. I’m sharing my story in hopes of inspiring just one kid to dare to take a chance just like I did.