Our Story

The Bridge Burner

Bridge & Burn’s founder, Erik Prowell, worked as a software developer and was well into a masters degree in Computer Science when he realized he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life slouched in front of a computer screen. Always possessing an interest in design, Erik crafted small batch t-shirts out of his garage as a hobby. When the collection organically gained traction, he took a leap of faith and quit his corporate job, launching headlong into the new venture. A popular early design featured a hand holding a match to a bridge with the words Never Look Back boldly emblazoned across the chest, and Bridge & Burn was born.

Bridge & Burn founder Erik Prowell at his desk

2009

In the midst of the rising success of Erik’s t-shirt line, he begins exploring the idea for “sophisticated hoodies,” leading him and his then business partner to Vancouver, BC, where a seasoned designer gives them a crash course in apparel design: fit, fabric and tech packs.

Bridge & Burn founder Erik Prowell looking through fabric swatches

2010

After an introduction to a boutique factory in China prized for unusually small runs, high production quality and excellent working conditions, Erik officially launches Bridge & Burn—a small line of functional, distinctively West Coast outerwear. With every passing season, the brand continues to grow the assortment and improve on the classics.

Bridge & Burn's first store in Portland, OR

2013

The first flagship store opens in downtown Portland, offering a space for the Bridge & Burn world to come to life. The store offers a full sensory experience of the brand, complete with smell, touch, and direct customer feedback to inform our design.

Bridge & Burn's first store front in downtown Los Angeles

2017

Our second flagship store opens its doors in the burgeoning Arts District of Los Angeles. The expansion of our Northwest haven introduces a new influx of customers, proving that the Pacific Northwest aesthetic and gear appeals well beyond our rainy locale.

Bridge & Burn gets a new store front in Portland, OR located in Union Way.

2018

Our Portland Flagship store moves into the marquee shopping district of downtown Portland. In addition to expanding our wholesale presence to 28 states and five international cities, the company sees exponential sales growth with existing accounts.