The Genesis Of Lando: A Startup Story

Author: Alexia Pineda

Now, our story isn’t a long one, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not a reader. 

Lando begins similarly to the tales of small businesses that have started for centuries — with a dream. 

  • THE IDEA

    A son and father — Andrew and Carlos — workshopped this, what seemed, a crazy idea of building a company up from the confines of their home during the treacherous time of COVID. I’ll spare the details of what it was like to live during that era as most recall it as if it was yesterday. So, follow me along with the story that led to you reading this today.

    We all know how life goes, it likes to get in the way of the plans that are forged. In this instance, it happened to derail this moment for three years. The son went off to college states away to play college basketball and the dad stayed in the place they call home: Orlando, FL. 

  • THE ORIGINAL PLAN

    Fast forward to the son’s second year in college, and this wave of depression creeps into the very crevice of his soul. The love of everything diminished, basketball was seemingly floating away, and the call for home screamed louder than ever before. He made the ultimate decision to head back to his hometown and figure out what to do next. Little did he know, it would spark a whole new plan.

    This idea became a reality and all their efforts were indebted to making this come true. From December 2022 to February 2023, plentiful amounts of time were poured into this company from imagining the products to making a website to the entirety of emerging into the business world. 

    When it came down to what this company would be called, there was only one answer, an ode to the place that heals Andrew in many ways: Orlando. Thus, Lando Sportswear was born.

  • ACTIVE 2-IN-1 SHORTS

    The first product to reach the hands of the previous, Lando Sportswear, were the infamous 2-in1 shorts. From the compression on the inside to the side pocket to fit a phone, the shorts were like nothing Andrew had ever dreamed of as an athlete. The swiftness and sleekness of these shorts were something he knew he must share with the world. 

    Due to the switch of branding, you can find the exact item on the website as the ICON 2-in-1 shorts.

  • THE LAUNCH

    On March 10, 2023, Lando Sportswear was officially out for anyone to see. As you may expect, little to nothing happened. A few items sold here and there, but there were chirping sounds of crickets. However, Landosportswear wasn’t giving up. The motto, ‘Keep Striving’ was created as a way to exemplify that through the apparel you can continue to put forth 100% in every movement. 

    As it went, the surge of excitement evaporated and confusion rocked the company. 

    In Andrew’s words, “It’s hard to start a business when you don’t know how to run one. I was 19 and it was a challenge.”

    By March of the next year, they wanted to give up. This dream was losing its grip on them and the defeat swarmed over this grand idea that drove both of them for years. 

    Sometimes, the reality isn’t what you had prayed for. 

    “I didn’t like the feeling of giving up. But I couldn’t see a way out.” – Words Andrew said when recalling this time period. 

  • THE SWITCH THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

    A personal change catapulted a switch in every aspect of his life. He began attending church more, he bettered his mental health, he started working out more, and read a faith-driven entrepreneurial book that flipped a light on. 

    This company became more than just a dream that was talked over in the late hours of the night, it became something with an identity, something that carried importance and power.

  • LANDO

    A rebirth of Lando less than two years later. With a newly constructed website, a switch in name, and a newfound perspective, Lando is what you see today. It is a story of determination and never giving up. Looking back, the motto, “Keep Striving” was a manifestation of what this company should have been doing all along. Today, we can confidently say just that. 

    What we hope to bring to your hands are top-quality items at an affordable price, but also much more. The meaning behind our company is what we believe each and every one of you can strive to do. Yes, you, looking at this screen. These aren’t words said lightly: We believe you too have the power to walk powerfully in this walk of life with determination, power, and strength in all you do. We hope our clothes get to be along for the beautiful plan laid out to you by someone a lot stronger than all of us. 

    Welcome to Lando. Join us on this journey of self-discovery.