Press
Staten Island son to showcase unique line of borough-themed headwear on ‘Shark Tank’
Max Nelson and his HOOD selection of hats — many of which are labeled with Staten Island logos — will be showcased on "Shark Tank." (Courtesy of Max Nelson)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Watch for Friday’s episode of “Shark Tank,” set to air April 19 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m on ABC when Castleton Corners native Max Nelson will showcase his line of luxury headwear called HOOD before a panel of five investors.
According to the show’s format, the investors decide whether to invest as entrepreneurs and make business presentations on their company or product.
Interestingly, HOOD, a customizable collection of hats, of which Nelson is founder, are available in a wide range of materials: merino wool, wale corduroy, velvet, cashmere, Japanese twill, denim and canvas — in assorted styles — snapback, snapback curved, fitted, and a dad hat. And there are more than 30 colors in a variety of fonts.
A King of Staten Island hat. (Courtesy of Max Nelson) Staten Island Advance
HOOD donates 5% of all sales to The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), an organization working to end mass incarceration in California.
A LITTLE ABOUT NELSON
Nelson spent his formative years playing stick ball at P.S. 29, the elementary school located in his home community, and he went on to attend Staten Island Academy.
Though he left the borough with his family in 1988, he says his time growing up on Staten Island influenced his creation of HOOD.
In fact, on the Shark Tank episode, viewers will see Nelson proudly wearing his Castleton Corners HOOD hat.
Max Nelson, founder of HOOD wears his Castleton Corners hat. (Courtesy of Max Nelson) Staten Island Advance
A LITTLE ABOUT NELSON’S COMPANY
Hood was founded in 2018 with the intent of not just making another hat, but creating a distinguished category in fashion that didn’t exist before.
Nelson says HOOD presents elevated, timeless headwear that is meticulously crafted to create an unmatched fit, feel and finish — and there’s more to it than just expert construction.
He explains that HOOD represents stick ball games at the schoolyard, runs on the blacktop at dusk and mix tapes on the front porch on a summer night. “In other words, HOOD encompasses the essence of every neighborhood’s culture, something the brand believes is an instrumental piece to understanding who we are and the foundation of the brand,’' he said.
Nelson adds that at HOOD: “You’ll find the intersection of sport, music, fashion and art, an array of collections that appeal to cultures across the board, college and professional sports hubs, U.S. and international cities, famous ski spots, music legends, TV icons and more. There’s no lack of options to choose from as HOOD also offers a hat customizer to create the lid that best represents you.”
Max Nelson wears his HOOD hat. (Courtesy of Max Nelson) Staten Island Advance
Celebrity fans of HOOD include Ben Affleck, Jay Z, Ryan Reynolds, Rick Ross, Zach Braff, Jake Paul, Floyd Mayweather, Nas, Swizz Beatz, Sophia Culpo and others.
For additional information visit hoodhat.com
FYI: Prices range from $65 to $120.