Our Story
“It all began with a phone call in November 2022. My brother in New York is a huge Tennessee Vol fan. He was unable to get around and wanted a Tennessee Vols cane. He asked me to check the local stores that sell UT apparel and other fan stuff – but I couldn’t find any canes. So, what’s a brother to do?
I told him that I would make one for him with UT colors and graphics. After a trip to a local medical supply store, I found a suitable cane. Painting it orange and white and adding Vols decals, the cane was complete. Before I shipped the cane to him, two ladies saw it and wanted to get UT canes for their husbands for Christmas. Two more canes were crafted in time to make it underneath the Christmas tree. (One was appropriately delivered on Christmas Eve.)
Several other persons suggested that it would be a good idea to pursue production of the canes and establish outlets for selling them … an idea I was already considering. More research and investigation revealed that no company was making such a product. At that point in July 2023 we established Collegiate Canes to deliver the highest-quality canes for every college.
Large-scale production efforts began. The LLC has built a company that includes our lawyers, an accounting firm, a marketing group, a website and a company to handle logistics and supply chain issues. The needed NCAA licensing has also been secured.
Our hope is that our canes will bring enjoyment and security as you show your school spirit with every step!”
– Dave Conklin, Founder of Collegiate Canes
