In addition to boasting one of the most insane teams in all of boardin', Hobo Headwear provides one helluva stylish and efficient cap that sails high amidst the sea of snow apparel companies. These transients have a nice little system figured out, guaranteed to sharpen up that image of yours regardless of what gutter you call home. We sat down with chief Hobo & founder, Colin Walters, for a little chat. Remember, kids: Always a Hobo, never a bum!
What year did this Hobo journey begin?
(Colin Walters) The summer of 2004.
Any particular reason you chose to name the brand Hobo Headwear?
Well I didn't, one of my best friends, Jakob, did. He's always been good with names.
Who else is involved with the brand?
Dylan Alito and Riley Doyle are my partners. Dylan does the boardin', Riley does the art. Thomas Minor helps out with some graphic design. Victoria Hock is our seamstress and she kills it. We also have an intern, Beau. The snow and skate team is: Jaeger Bailey, Brandon Hobush, Jordan Small, Johnny Lazz, Stevie Meskill, Mark Wilson, Jared Jordan, Aidan Flanagan, Austin Julik-Heine, Boody, Chedda, Max Bigley, Red Gerard, Kyle Hay, Josh Bishop, Chris Sypert, Mike Wick, Dylan Dragotta, Riley Nickerson, Mary Rand, Derrek Lever, Blake Geis, Earl Snyder, Daryl Radovich, Joa Field, and Chris Chavez. And the fish team: Drew Rodden. John Graham in California is our first official sales rep. Also, we will be partnering up with Woodward at Copper this season, so they will be very involved, too.
You are strictly a headwear company, correct?
Yes, but we like to dabble in whatever products we're interested in. 
Tell us a bit about your operation. Will Colorado always be home base?
Colorado will always be home, but I'm a traveling man. Washington is looking nice. Our operation is small but it's beginning to take shape. Down the line here in a little we will have the hottest Hobo haven.
When you pull up next to one of the million beggars in Denver, what's your move?
I gave this Denver bum, Smokey, a hat a few weeks ago. He was super gnarly and accepted the snapback but said he'd rather have vodka… But I think I'd rather give a hat out to a hobo over a bum. Always a Hobo, never a bum. 
The snowboard world is littered with startups, namely apparel companies. What is one thing that you think has helped Hobo to not only maintain, but continue to grow?
Because our growth has come from a very natural state. Dylan, Riley and I started as little punk snowboard kids and have continued to find like-minded individuals that want to come along for the journey. Through this experience, each winter has molded us into the family we've become. The team's priorities have demanded us to critique each of our products and entire brand year after year.
How the hell did you get such a stacked team?
Growing up with Dylan, I learned at a young age that there are some unique people in this world. They have this superhuman gene where they can do things others can't, not only on a board, but in general. I've begun to notice this in many people, especially all these boarders I've come across. It's awesome. They all radiate style, creativity, and confidence. No talkers, wankers, kooks, sallys or slow motion boarders - ya gotta rip and rip fast. On top of that, and most importantly, I look for good people that value being humble and know how to communicate with other human beings, specifically myself. It's pretty easy to spot a potential new rider.