THE MAKING OF ZippyBrands™
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL STORY OF JOEL MATLIN
An Entrepreneur’s Instinct
Entrepreneurship has always been part of Joel Matlin’s DNA. From building national companies like Frisco Bay Industries and AlarmForce—both ultimately sold to major corporations—to launching new ventures well into his seventies, Matlin has never lost the instinct that defines true builders: the ability to see a gap in the market long before others notice it.
But ZippyBack, his newest innovation, didn’t emerge from a boardroom strategy session or a formal market study. It began with a simple moment that many people would have overlooked.
One Simple Observation
In late 2023, Matlin was attending a youth sports tournament when something caught his eye. Hundreds of parents and fans were wearing baseball-style caps, jerseys and jackets covered in team logos filled the stands. But one part of the cap remained curiously blank: the back strap. It was visible to everyone behind each fan, yet it carried nothing—no player name, no number, no personality, no pride.
Matlin leaned over to his wife and said:
“Why is no one using that space? That’s prime real estate.”
The idea struck instantly: What if there were a small, interchangeable insert that could snap onto the back of any cap, displaying a sports hero’s name and number—or anything personal a fan wanted to show?
The Early Experiments
The very next morning, Matlin began sketching. Plastic shapes, clip systems, disc concepts. He ordered materials and contacted designers and engineers who could help turn the idea into reality. Early prototypes snapped too loosely or too tightly. Some printing surfaces warped. Others failed to fit properly on different cap styles.
But each iteration improved the concept.
He tested ABS, TPU, PP, and blended plastics. He experimented with matte, polished, and textured finishes. He consulted with toolmakers in China and manufacturers in both Canada and the United States. He invested in industrial UV printers to achieve high-resolution, full-colour graphics with perfect edge clarity.
Many entrepreneurs grow tired after a few prototypes. Not Matlin.
Decades of experience taught him that refinement is where success is born.
The Turning Point
The breakthrough came with the development of a two-part system—ultrasonically welded for strength.
- A slim frame that slides securely over the cap’s back strap or visor
- A removable, collectible insert that snaps cleanly into place
This transformed the invention into something entirely new:
Wearable collectibles.
Now fans could:
There was nothing else like it.
Recognizing the potential scale of this innovation, Matlin moved swiftly to protect the concept. He secured patent pending status, filed multiple U.S. and Canadian patent applications, and obtained official trademarks to fully safeguard ZippyBack’s intellectual property and future expansion.
The Licensing Vision
From day one, Matlin understood that ZippyBack was destined for the world of licensed sports merchandise. But he also knew the product needed credibility—proof that it could stand alongside established memorabilia and fan products.
That opportunity arrived through one of hockey’s most respected organizations: the NHLAA (NHL Alumni Association).
What began as preliminary discussions evolved into deeper collaboration. The NHLAA recognized the same potential Matlin had seen in that crowded arena—a simple idea with massive fan appeal.
In 2025, after nearly two years of development, Matlin signed a multi-year licensing agreement with the NHLAA to bring the sport’s greatest retired players to the ZippyBack platform.
The first program to launch in early 2026 is The GOAT Series—six of hockey’s greatest legends.
For Matlin, a lifelong hockey fan, the moment was personal.
Growing up in Montreal, he idolized players like Gordie Howe, Jean Béliveau, and later Wayne Gretzky. These weren’t just athletes—they were symbols of greatness, leadership, and Canadian pride. The idea that fans could now display these legends everywhere they go felt like a powerful blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Building a Category, Not Just a Product
To Matlin, ZippyBack isn’t simply an accessory. It’s a new category in the sports-collectible world.
ZippyBack is different.
It lets fans wear the names and numbers they love—visibly, proudly, and universally.
It also introduces serialized collectibles to everyday fans, who may never attend a memorabilia expo, but will proudly wear their favourite player’s number on the back of an everyday cap.
This mix of simplicity and emotion reflects the kind of product that made Matlin’s earlier ventures so successful: useful, universal, and designed to last.
What Comes Next
ZippyBack’s launch with the NHLAA is only the beginning. Matlin is already in discussions with additional leagues, athletes, teams, and global merchandise partners. His goal is to build a multi-sport collectible ecosystem—one where fans can collect ZippyBacks across hockey, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf, and beyond.
He envisions Special Editions, Rookie Series, Championship Years, Player Milestones, Autograph Editions, and event exclusives.
Most importantly, he sees ZippyBack becoming something instantly recognizable:
A universal symbol of loyalty, identity, and pride.
The Entrepreneur Who Spots Hidden Opportunity
Looking back, Matlin still smiles at how it started—one small observation in a crowded arena.
But that’s who he is:
And a lifelong fan who knows that sometimes the best ideas are the ones hiding in plain sight.
It’s a movement—a new way for fans to celebrate their heroes.
For Joel Matlin, it marks the next chapter in a remarkable entrepreneurial story defined by resilience, reinvention, and the belief that innovation can live anywhere… even on the back of a cap.
ZippyBack is more than a product.
It’s a movement.
A new way for fans to celebrate the legends they love.
And for Joel Matlin, it marks the next chapter in an already remarkable entrepreneurial journey—one defined by resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering belief that innovation lives everywhere… even on the back of a cap.
Every Fan Wears Legendary Status With ZippyBrands™
ZippyBrands™ isn’t just another collectible — it’s a platform for players and teams to engage with their fans in a whole new way. Our vision is to partner with professional and amateur athletes, leagues, and organizations to create a fresh, affordable collectible that celebrates the connection between fans and the game.
With ZippyBrands™ — players and teams can give their supporters something personal to wear, trade, and treasure. From the pros on the big stage to youth teams in local communities, ZippyBrands™ makes every cap a badge of pride and belonging.
ZippyBrands™ is the next great sports collectible — one that represents every player, every team, and every fan.
