Big Frog Brings Custom Apparel to Chicago’s North Shore With Bannockburn Opening

Before they were Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More franchisees, Ryan and Regan Wilson both grew up around small businesses. Regan’s family ran a busing company, while Ryan grew up watching his parents build their own careers in small business. His dad co-founded an engineering firm, and his mom continues to run her own interior design business. Even though both worked in the corporate world — Ryan in digital advertising and Regan in HR — they always imagined owning something of their own.

“We always kind of saw that as the eventual path,” Ryan said. “Honestly, we looked at a bunch of different types of concepts. We were looking for something that would really help us be community focused." 

The Wilsons wanted a business where their work and social energy could connect with the people around them. With three young children, they also valued the idea of their kids growing up in and around the business. When exploring franchise opportunities, they focused on finding a proven model with a strong track record, and Big Frog stood out for its social and community-focused culture.

“What I love most about this company is that we’re dealing with people in moments of joy,” Ryan said. “That was a big draw for us.”

Like for many franchisees, Big Frog gave them the framework to follow while still letting the couple build a business that reflects their own values.

Building in the Community

The Wilsons moved to the North Shore three years ago. They’ve spent much of their time in schools, youth sports, and local events, and they’ve seen how quickly the area embraced them. Opening a Big Frog nearby felt like a natural next step.

“The community really welcomed us with open arms,” Regan said. “So, being able to work with those folks that we have found to be so welcoming is really attractive." 

Their store will open at 2541 Waukegan Road in Bannockburn, Illinois, close to their home in Highland Park and surrounded by several neighboring communities where their kids play sports and where friends live. 

"That's one of the things that's fun about where we found this store location,” Ryan said. “We're set up well to be able to support all of [the neighboring communities] from where we'll be located.”

Choosing the Right Fit

When looking at different businesses, the Wilsons explored several industries but decided Big Frog matched their lives better. “We were down to two concepts,” Ryan said. “One was pest control and the other was custom apparel. I thought, 'Do I want to spend my day chasing raccoons out of a basement or printing shirts for sports teams and celebrations?'”

For people thinking about ownership, the couple’s choice shows how the day-to-day reality of a business matters as much as the numbers on paper. For Ryan, that lifestyle side of Big Frog was a big selling point. The retail hours mean he can be home for dinner, make it to his kids’ games and even have them involved in the store, creating shirts for birthdays and school events. 

“Ryan coaches travel baseball, and he wants to be able to be at those games,” Regan said. “Our kids can even come into the store and see their ideas come to life.”

Meeting Everyday Demand

Demand for apparel is steady and woven into everyday life — from kids’ activities to the workplace. People are already buying shirts, uniforms and team gear, so owning a business like Big Frog is really about stepping into a need that already exists in the community.

The Wilsons expect most of their work will come from schools, camps, sports leagues and local businesses. With three kids of their own, they’ve seen firsthand how much families already spend on custom shirts and uniforms.

“Our kids each got five or six shirts just through camp last summer,” Ryan said. “Then there’s baseball uniforms, tournament gear and school spirit wear." 

Regan notes how her professional background plays a role, too. “In HR, I’ve seen how much companies invest in new hire swag and branded apparel,” she said. “That’s a huge opportunity we can support locally.”

The Future With Big Frog 

The Wilsons want Big Frog to be part of their family and part of their community. “Five years from now, our kids will be old enough to really help out in the shop,” Ryan said. “They’re going to grow up around this, and it’ll feel like part of the family.”

Big Frog is more than just a business — it can become part of the everyday rhythm of a community. It’s not only about selling shirts, but about being there for the schools, teams and families that keep coming back year after year.