Tempe, Arizona, December 22, 2025
Dixxon Flannel Co., based in Tempe, Arizona, has announced a significant collaboration with the Zac Brown Band, marking a key milestone in its growth. Founded in 2013, Dixxon has established a reputation for innovative flannel shirts, exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Tempe’s dynamic business environment. The company’s journey highlights the importance of collaboration and a supportive economic atmosphere for local entrepreneurs.
Tempe, Arizona, continues to solidify its reputation as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurial endeavors and economic expansion within the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The city fosters an environment where local innovation and strategic partnerships can flourish, driving both personal achievement and broader community prosperity. A prime example of this flourishing landscape is the Tempe-based Dixxon Flannel Co., which has recently announced a significant collaboration with the renowned Zac Brown Band, marking another milestone in its remarkable growth trajectory.
The success of enterprises like Dixxon Flannel underscores the profound impact that a supportive business climate and the drive of dedicated entrepreneurs can have on regional economic growth. From its strategic relocation to Arizona to its innovative product development and thoughtful collaborations, Dixxon Flannel exemplifies the spirit of resilience and calculated risk-taking that propels the Phoenix AZ business sector forward.
From Humble Beginnings to Arizona’s Business Climate
The story of Dixxon Flannel Co. began in 2013 with founder Danny Dreyer, also known as Danny Dixxon, who started selling quality flannel shirts as a side project while working at a motorcycle shop in Irvine, California, alongside his father. Dreyer’s initial motivation was to create a superior flannel shirt, driven by a frustration with how traditional flannels would wrinkle, shrink, or lack a perfect fit. This commitment to refining classic designs, encapsulated by their mantra “classics redefined”, led to the development of a signature D-Tech™ blend, designed to minimize shrinking, wrinkling, and eliminate the need for ironing or dry cleaning. These shirts also feature hidden collar-stay buttons and a center box pleat for enhanced comfort and range of motion.
A pivotal decision in the company’s journey was the move to Arizona. Dreyer quickly realized the challenges of doing business in Southern California, citing high costs. Seeking a more favorable environment, he relocated to Arizona, where he had family. This move, initially to Gilbert in 2013, allowed Dreyer to focus on building his business, ultimately leading to Dixxon Flannel Co. establishing its headquarters in Tempe. The business grew from humble beginnings, with Dreyer selling flannels during his lunch breaks at a Valley Harley-Davidson dealership before expanding into a 48,000-square-foot warehouse and eventually to its current building in Tempe, which also houses a retail store. By 2020, Dixxon Flannel Co. was generating over US$20 million in annual revenue and now employs more than 100 individuals. This relocation highlights how a more accessible and supportive economic landscape in Arizona can foster significant growth for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs.
The Art of Collaboration: Dixxon and Zac Brown Band
Dixxon Flannel Co.’s ability to forge impactful partnerships is a cornerstone of its success, exemplified by its third collaboration with the GRAMMY Award-winning Zac Brown Band. These limited-edition flannels are designed to commemorate the band’s latest album, “Love & Fear,” and their performances at Las Vegas’ Sphere in January. The collection includes items such as a short-sleeve flannel featuring an all-over black and charcoal gray plaid pattern, crafted from Dixxon’s durable D-Tech™ blend. Another collaboration involved a brown flannel fabric designed for big and tall men. These exclusive releases often sell out quickly, a testament to Dixxon’s effective strategy of creating scarcity and exclusivity through limited “drops”. The company leverages social media extensively to generate anticipation and hype for these releases, a contemporary marketing approach that resonates with their dedicated customer base.
Beyond the Zac Brown Band, Dixxon Flannel Co. has engaged in a diverse range of collaborations with other notable bands such as In Flames, Three Days Grace, Metallica, and Shinedown, as well as local Arizona brands like the Phoenix Suns, The Shop Beer Co., State 48, and Cider Corps. These partnerships not only expand Dixxon’s reach but also demonstrate its deep roots in various cultural communities, from motorcycle and counter-culture enthusiasts to music fans.
Tempe: A Growing Hub for Entrepreneurial Spirit
Tempe, Arizona, stands out as a particularly fertile ground for business growth and innovation. The city boasts one of the country’s most thriving economic environments, attracting a diverse array of businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to agile startups. The City of Tempe Economic Development team actively supports businesses through various initiatives, including the Tempe360 program, which connects companies with valuable resources and partners. Furthermore, businesses in the state can leverage programs offering tax credits, microloans, and grants (State-level), alongside assistance with property searches and navigation of the city development process. This proactive approach to business support plays a crucial role in fostering Tempe economic growth.
The city’s strategic location within the Phoenix metropolitan area, coupled with its robust infrastructure, makes it attractive for industries such as technology, aerospace, and bioscience. Tempe benefits significantly from its proximity to Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest public universities in the United States, and the Maricopa County Community College System, which collectively provide a skilled workforce and a pipeline of talent for local businesses. Such an ecosystem creates an ideal environment for Phoenix small business ventures to scale and succeed.
Local Impact and Economic Vibrancy
The success of Dixxon Flannel Co. serves as an inspiring narrative for the broader Phoenix AZ business community. Its growth from a modest side project to a company with over 100 employees directly contributes to local job creation and economic vitality. Such entrepreneurial achievements illustrate the resilience and innovative spirit prevalent in Arizona’s business landscape. Downtown Tempe, for instance, reflects this vibrancy, with 169 street-level retail businesses as of Q3 2025, of which 67 (40%) are dining establishments and a notable 116 (67%) are local and independently owned. This demonstrates a healthy ecosystem where local businesses are not just surviving but thriving, fostering a strong sense of community and local pride.
Fostering a Pro-Business Environment for Future Success
The journey of Dixxon Flannel Co. in Tempe highlights the advantages of an economic environment that prioritizes entrepreneurial innovation and provides tangible support for businesses. By offering a stable and predictable operating landscape, coupled with resources like tax credits (State-level) and development assistance, Arizona and Tempe create conditions conducive to sustained growth. Dixxon’s ability to maintain its pricing structure for 13 years further illustrates how a well-managed business in a supportive environment can deliver value to its customers over the long term. Continued emphasis on fostering such a pro-business climate, including exploring policies that reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, will undoubtedly contribute to even greater prosperity and inspire more local success stories across the region.
Conclusion
Dixxon Flannel Co.’s collaboration with the Zac Brown Band is more than just a marketing initiative; it is a powerful testament to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Tempe, Arizona. This Tempe-based company exemplifies how vision, innovation, and strategic decisions, supported by a favorable business environment, can lead to significant local and national recognition. As Dixxon Flannel continues to grow and forge new partnerships, it reinforces Tempe’s position as a vibrant economic center. HEREPhoenix.com encourages its readers to support the innovative spirit of Phoenix small business ventures and stay engaged with the ongoing Tempe economic growth that defines our dynamic region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest collaboration involving Tempe-based Dixxon Flannel Co.?
- Tempe-based Dixxon Flannel Co. has collaborated with the Zac Brown Band, producing its third set of flannel shirts for the band.
- Why did Dixxon Flannel Co.’s founder, Danny Dreyer, move to Arizona?
- Danny Dreyer moved to Arizona because he found it hard to do business in Southern California due to high costs, and he had family in Arizona.
- What is special about Dixxon Flannel Co.’s products?
- Dixxon Flannel Co. developed a signature D-Tech™ blend that minimizes shrinking, wrinkling, and never needs ironing or dry cleaning.
- How does Dixxon Flannel Co. achieve its business success?
- Dixxon Flannel Co. utilizes a strategy of limited edition releases (“drops”), creating scarcity and exclusivity, and relies heavily on social media to build hype.
- What is Tempe’s business environment like?
- Tempe maintains one of the most thriving economic environments in the country, attracting top research firms, Fortune 500 companies, and startups, and offers a supportive business environment.
- What resources does the City of Tempe offer businesses?
- The City of Tempe offers resources such as the Tempe360 program, tax credits (State-level), microloans (State-level), grants (State-level), and location assistance to help businesses succeed.
Key Features of Dixxon Flannel Co. and Tempe’s Business Environment
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Company Headquarters | Tempe, Arizona | Local |
| Founder’s Relocation Reason | High business costs elsewhere, moved to Arizona where family resided. | State-level |
| Product Innovation | Signature D-Tech™ blend minimizes shrinking, wrinkling, and eliminates ironing. | Nationwide (product feature) |
| Business Model | Limited edition releases (“drops”) and social media for hype. | Nationwide (business strategy) |
| Annual Revenue (2020) | Over US$20 million. | Nationwide |
| Employee Count | Over 100 employees. | Local |
| Tempe Economic Environment | Thriving economic environment, attractive to startups and Fortune 500 companies. | Local |
| Tempe Business Support Programs | Tempe360 program, location assistance, connections to state resources. | Local/State-level |
| State-level Financial Programs | Tax credits, microloans, and grants available through State of Arizona programs. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
