COMMUNITY FABRIC
Upstate of Mind finding its neighborhood niche in Troy
TROY, N.Y. » It’s been said by state officials and local residents alike that what makes a small business relevant to its community is how it connects to its customers.
A business that identifies with and fits into its neighborhood is one that will become part of the fabric of its community. One business that has figured this out very well is Upstate of Mind.
Located at 33 2nd St, Upstate of Mind is a store, a brand, and a lifestyle. It’s the most popular expansion of its parent company, Compas Life, co-owned by Tim Fealey and John Schildbach. It can be easy to miss at the moment, but Fealey and Schildbach are hopeful that will change with the arrival of their new company sign, which is on its way.
The unassuming storefront houses a cozy shop featuring quality clothing and accessories that welcomes customers to get in touch with their inner Upstate.
“Like the name suggests, Upstate of Mind is a state of mind,” Fealey explained. “You don’t have to be ‘upstate’ to connect with your community and to know that’s where you belong. You can be upstate wherever you are.”
Fealey and Schildbach met around 2012, when they were both working for the same clothing company. Eventually, they decided to go in a different direction together.
“I was in sales, and he was in graphic design,” Schildbach recalled. “At the end of 2013 we were both planning to leave the company for different reasons, but we thought about teaming up and putting our talents together. We launched Compas Life in 2015.”
“We have a left brain/right brain thing going, and we thought it would be good to work together creating our own brand,” Fealey added.
The two did just that to come up with their company name and concept, trying to find an idea that aligned with their own ideals.
“We thought about what did we want to stand for,” Fealey said. “We both love the outdoors, the weekend warrior was kind of our thing. A compass is something you use when you’re outdoors, it guides your path and helps you find your way, and we liked that concept. I came up with the idea of leaving off one S to give the word some symmetry in graphic design, six letters instead of seven.”
With some creative input and feedback from both of their now-wives, Fealey and Schildbach got their online clothing company up and running. When they came up with their Upstate of Mind collection, they struck gold.
“The brand took off,” Schildbach said. “People all over the state resonated with it. We trademarked it and we’ve grown the business substantially with the brand and collections we grew out of it.”
The Upstate of Mind brand is currently available three different ways. You can stop by the store to shop for everything from hoodies and hats to tote bags and mugs, all featuring graphics and artwork designed by Fealey. You can find Upstate of Mind products at over 100 retail partner locations across the state.
Or you can shop their online store at compaslife.com, which includes their full inventory of Compas Life products in addition to the Upstate of Mind collection.
As a testament to the philosophy that being upstate is a state of mind, Fealey noted that the majority of their online sales currently come from out-of-state customers.
With the huge success of the Upstate of Mind brand, Fealey
and Schildbach were ready to think about expanding the company. So in 2020, they started to figure out how to do that. The timing of their plans came with a surprise twist.
“We sat down in Stacks and we talked and came up with a game plan,” Fealey recalled. “And then two weeks later, the world shut down. That was actually helpful, because it gave us a chance to think and plan.”
“Our biggest sales were in 2020,” Schildbach said. “We had a really successful run with e-commerce. It helped to catapult us into getting our own store and hiring employees.”
“I think it made people rethink where they shop,” Fealey added. “I think people made the connection of small businesses being our neighbors. And that upstate mentality resonated with people even more than ever.”
Upstate of Mind opened its doors in July 2022, and according to Schildbach it’s been doing well ever since.
“It’s been steady since the pandemic and we’ve been growing,” he remarked.
A huge part of Upstate of Mind’s business model is collaboration with other small businesses. It aligns perfectly with their philosophy of getting out and exploring, even if you don’t go very far.
“It’s a great opportunity to show off other great upstate businesses,” Fealey said. “People can experience these businesses, and have new ‘upstate of mind’ experiences. You learn about new companies and new places.”
“We want people to be ‘everyday explorers.’ Get up and go and explore your own backyard,” Schildbach said. “That’s something I’ve learned myself. We travel all over the state, and I always ask around — what’s the local coffee shop that’s NOT Starbucks? What’s the town park? It’s a great way to discover these great places that are right here.”
Most recently, Upstate of Mind collaborated with DeFazio’s Pizzeria during Troy Night Out, a partnership Fealey and Schildbach were very happy about. Fealey also designed the mugs that were featured at the Hot Chocolate Stroll.
“DeFazio’s is a great company, and we’re so excited to work with them,” Schildbach said ahead of the event.
Fealey and Schildbach both love having their store in the Downtown Troy community and being part of everything the city has to offer.
“There’s a good small business culture here,” Fealey said. “Being part of the community is great, it’s something I’m excited about.”
“I love the energy this town has,” Schildbach agreed. “I couldn’t be happier where we’re at.”
What’s next for Upstate of Mind?
Fealey and Schildbach are looking forward to the arrival of warmer weather, when the Downtown corridor becomes more walkable and foot traffic increases. They’re working on some new collections as well as expanding the current ones, including branching the Upstate of Mind brand into home goods. And they have a lot of great collaborations with other local businesses in the works, for classes and popup events every month.
“A goal for 2024 is figuring out how to get more foot traffic into the store,” Fealey commented. “I think once the new sign shows up and it’s easier for people to find us, that should help.”
Upstate of Mind is also continuing to push for more retail partners, but Schildbach says at the same time they’re going to be picky about who they partner with.
“We want to maintain a level of exclusivity,” he explained. “We’re looking for partners in towns we’re not in yet. And we’re trying to draw more attention to our website.”
To stay up to date on events, product lines, and sales, sign up for Upstate of Mind’s newsletter on their website, www.compaslife.com.
New subscribers will get a code for a 15% discount on their next purchase. You can also follow Upstate of Mind on Instagram and Facebook. The brick and mortar store at 33 2nd St is open Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Whether you’re shopping online or shopping in person, Fealey and Schildbach invite you to discover your inner Everyday Explorer and get into an Upstate of Mind.
Are you a small business owner in Rensselaer County? Would you like to be featured in an upcoming Small Business Spotlight? Email mschuman@saratogian.com for a nomination.