Company Overview
The Original Bug Shirt™ Company, based in Powassan, Ontario, has been a trusted name in outdoor protective clothing since its inception in 1989. The company specializes in producing high-quality, durable garments designed to shield wearers from biting insects like mosquitoes, black flies, ticks and other biting insects. Over the decades, their flagship product, The Original Bug Shirt, has become an essential item for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, and families seeking reliable insect protection while enjoying nature.
The Founders: Bob Meister and Sara Callaway
Bob Meister and Sara Callaway co-founded The Original Bug Shirt Company in 1989 out of a passion for the outdoors and a need for better protection against insects. Frustrated by ineffective insect repellants, they envisioned a solution that combines effectiveness, comfort and environmental consciousness. Thus, The Original Bug Shirt™ Company was founded, driven by a mission to create chemical free insect protective clothing.
Their hands-on approach, from design to production, ensured that every bug shirt was made to the highest standards, allowing people to enjoy outdoor activities without the nuisance of insect bites.
Their commitment to quality and local craftsmanship was unwavering. They partnered with Julie Gohm, owner of JMI Design Studio alongside her skilled team in Powassan, Ontario who meticulously handcrafts each item in the bug shirt gear line of clothing. These garments, made from specially selected fabrics are lightweight, breathable and offer 98.9% UV protection… a testament to their dedication to excellence.
Continuing the Legacy: Julie and Dan Gohm
In 2019, when Bob Meister and Sara Calloway retired, Julie and Dan Gohm purchased The Original Bug Shirt Company. Julie and Dan have been integral to the company’s success since its early days, handling the manufacturing side of the OBSC™ bug gear since 1991. Julie’s company JMI Design Studio Inc, has been the perfect fit to continue the legacy Bob and Sara had built. With decades of experience in the production of bug shirts, they continue to ensure that each product meets the company's high standards for protection and comfort.
Under their leadership, OBSC™ has continued to thrive, maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and local craftsmanship. Julie and Dan have expanded the product line, ensuring that The Original Bug Shirt™ remains the go-to choice for outdoor protection for families, outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals worldwide.
Today, The Original Bug Shirt Company stands as a proud symbol of a small Canadian business with a global impact in offering reliable protection for any outdoor adventure. All of the OBSC™ bug gear is still proudly made locally in Powassan located in Northern. Ontario.
From Backyard to Backcountry, we’ve got you covered…literally!