At BuckWholesale, we love seeing how our customers use our hats to build something meaningful in their communities! This month, we're thrilled to highlight Paul “Crazy Legs” Stofko, the race director behind the Crazy Legs Race Series in Northwest Indiana.

(Hat showcased above can be found here: https://www.buckwholesale.com/blank-trucker-hats-structured-mesh-bk-caps-wholesale-compare-to-richardson-112-5194/?searchid=0)

1. Could you tell us a little about your business, and what inspired you to get into this industry?
In the heart of Northern Indiana, where the spirit of adventure meets the love for physical fitness, Paul “Crazy Legs” Stofko has ignited a movement through the Crazy Legs Race Series (CLRS). Established in 2008, this race series is not your ordinary running event—it’s an exhilarating journey across all terrains and weather conditions, pushing participants to embrace the wild side of racing. Paul, driven by a passion for promoting an active lifestyle, founded the Crazy Legs Race Series to encourage people to get physically active while exploring the hidden gems of Northwest Indiana’s parks. With a unique twist, CLRS stands out by choosing underused parks for its races, inviting participants to discover the beauty of these often-overlooked natural spaces. “These parks are true treasures, and our races allow participants to experience them in a whole new way,” Paul says.

2. What products or services do you offer?
The Crazy Legs Race Series currently boasts 13 races ranging from 5k to 50k, encompassing a blend of trails and roads. What sets CLRS apart is its commitment to promoting non-pavement/pavement races in the region. The races take place in parks or areas spanning Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties, ensuring a diverse and captivating backdrop for every event. Proceeds from the race series are donated to non-profits including Friends of the Indiana Dunes, Outdoor Afro, Silverstray Social, and Red Feather Development Group.

3. How long have you been in business, and what has your journey been like so far?
Started in 2008, race directing is a constant learning experience. Each race I direct I look for improvements or adding unique elements to the event.

4. What accomplishments have you felt the most proud of?
Being able to provide financial assistance to non-profits through the proceeds of my races.

5. Could you tell us what sort of struggles you run into, and how you overcome them?
I am a one-person operation, so I am in charge of getting permits, developing the course, purchasing food, creating swag items, and race day logistics.

6. Do you have any tips to offer when it comes to customizing hats?
I purchased unique iron-on patches to add to your trucker hats.

7. Which type of hats that we carry are your favorite?
Blank trucker hats with various colors you offer. I also purchase your winter plain/blank short beanies knit hats as well the winter knit magic gloves for my race participants.

8. What strategies have you found most effective in growing your business?
Personal connections are vital. Research has shown that the psychological and physical health benefits of social contact are so great that they can even outweigh the harmful effects of other risk factors and boost life expectancy.

9. What are the biggest changes your business has seen over the years?
We have many new road and trail races in our area that take away some of participants.

10. Has BuckWholesale played a role into the success of your business?
BuckWholesale has provided me the items to make unique swag for my races. I am always on the lookout to make my races stand out in the crowd.

11. What are future goals and aspirations for your business?
I am beginning to develop ultra distances that are 50k distance and above. I see the trend that runners want to put themselves beyond the marathon distance and also to experience races on non-pavement terrain.

12. Do you have any advice for someone just starting out in this line of work?
Race directing is tough with some long hours, but I believe races are a reflection of your personality. I enjoy creating races that are challenging but are welcoming to all levels of fitness.

13. How do you build and maintain relationships with your customers?
Listen to advice or ideas your customers have. Look at upcoming trends in the industry and adapt your business as needed.

Follow Paul’s journey and learn more about upcoming events through the Crazy Legs Race Series Facebook page at facebook.com/crazylegsraceseries.