From the earliest Jessie can remember, she wanted to work at Fortney & Weygandt — just like her dad, Bob Fortney. When she left for maternity leave in 2015 to have Bobby, she always thought she'd be coming back. She had a career there- a path and a plan that she and her Dad had been building since the day she was born. But somewhere near the end of leave, something shifted. She wanted to be a Mom first.

JAK started not long after. One embroidery machine in our house. Her dad had always told his kids the same thing: find something you love, and figure out how to make money doing it, so you never work a day in your life. Jessie was finally listening.

A small shop, raised alongside a family.

One embroidery machine. Our house. The early years were small and steady — custom pieces for local retailers, word spreading slowly by people asking "who made that?" while pointing at someone's hat. The machine moved around as our family grew. Bobby, then Addie three years later, then Kaleigh, then Maggie. JAK ran on whatever hours they would give her, which wasn't many. For almost a decade, the family carved out space for JAK so JAK could keep going.

In 2024, when Maggie started all-day preschool, everything changed. After nine years of stolen hours between feedings and school pickups, Jessie finally had real days to work with. JAK got a real workspace, more equipment, and the kind of attention she'd been waiting to give it. The brand caught up with the craft — and I handle the business stuff while she focuses on the part she loves.

About the Craft

Jessie still picks the thread colors. Still tests every design on a scrap before it runs. Still sources apparel that's built to work — hi-vis that meets safety standards, polos that last, hoodies that keep you warm. Decoration methods vary by project and purpose. The constant is quality: nothing goes out unless it looks sharp and will stay sharp through hundreds of washes and real work days.

The work she does now isn't different from 2015.

The difference is that now she has time to do more of it. And a family who's been part of every step. Bobby keeps a watchful eye on quality. Addie decides which originals are cool. Kaleigh makes sure there are always enough tigers in the lineup. Maggie just really likes mustard. The kitchen counters still have embroidery hoops on them more often than not.

JAK is hers, but it's only hers because her family makes it possible. And somewhere, her dad is smiling about the way it all worked out.

Your F&W Branded Gear

Everything in this store has been selected, crafted, and quality-checked with full attention. Your gear carries the F&W mark — a symbol of professionalism and quality that represents your company both on-site and in the office. Whether it's a hi-vis vest, a polo, or a hoodie, it's been made to last through your workday. You're wearing something that connects back to her dad's legacy, made by someone who understands that quality isn't a shortcut — it's a promise.

Questions? Contact us here.