28. Inside Rock ’Em: How Rob Starkman Built a Sports Merch Powerhouse

Meet the mastermind behind the boldest socks in sports and pop culture.In this episode of The Sports Moms Playbook Podcast, hosts Rachel and Yaritza sit down with Rob Starkman, founder of Rock ‘Em (formerly Rock ‘Em Socks). Rob shares how a dorm-room idea at UCF turned into a global brand with licenses spanning the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Broadway, and more—plus why their mantra is “a sock for every story.”From tie-dyeing team socks in a sink to buying UCF’s actual basketball court for Rock ‘Em HQ, Rob takes us behind the scenes of product creation, licensing wins, athlete collabs (hello, Travis Hunter), building a 30,000 sq ft facility in Orlando, and why business is “the best and worst day” all at once. We also get into travel hacks (Team Delta), Kyoto food dreams, and yes—mom socks and custom youth team orders.In this episode:Dorm room hustle → global brand: how Rock ‘Em started and scaledLanding major licenses (NFL, Disney, Marvel, NCAA) without losing brand voiceWhy “a sock for every story” fuels product strategy & communityInside Rock ‘Em HQ: in-house production, a performance gym & the UCF courtAthlete partnerships and pre-game moments that move the needleEntrepreneurship truth: hiring friends, tough calls, and staying relentlessTravel, tennis, Mario Kart, and a cheesecake that made Rob cry (Kyoto!)Custom gear for youth sports teams, moms, and holiday gift ideasSponsor ShoutoutsThis podcast is sponsored by Official SportsMom MVP.Smackin’ Sunflower Seeds—bold flavors, less mess, ballpark-ready packaging.Stock up at smackinsunflowerseeds.com and use code RACHEL84257 for 10% off your first order.Connect with Rock ‘Em Shop & customs: rockemsocks.comSocial: @rockemConnect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvpShop The Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/Subscribe to The Tea Report: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/supportConnect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvpShop The Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/------------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello LabsWebsite:  https://www.hihellolabs.com/