Life League Gear Founder Overcomes Tragedy and Health Challenges to Launch Successful Lobstering and Outdoor Gear Company

January 04 21:03 2023

Tragedy Into Hope! Never Give Up…

In 2018 after driving home following a mountain biking trip with his friend, Vinny Hogan faced a life-altering tragedy. He was in an unfortunate automobile accident and was left partially paralyzed on the left side of his body. Despite back surgeries and extensive physical therapy that helped him regain some feeling, he knew he had to make changes in his life. He could no longer take part in his favorite adrenaline packed activities and even had to rethink his blossoming career of the last twelve years.

Vinny refused to give up and was determined to set an example for himself and his two young daughters. He had to give up some sports such as ice hockey, soccer, and mountain biking, but instead of throwing in the towel he found joy in another activity. “I always found solace in the ocean or around the water. I had a respect for scuba diving and freediving and for the last several years me and my friends made it a tradition to go lobstering in the Florida Keys together. I love the adrenaline rush hunting underwater! I also found my back would hold up well, as long as my buddies did all of the heavy lifting out of the water… lucky me hahaha.” This calmer activity allowed him to keep living out his passion for sport and the outdoors.

In 2019 Vinny was healing up nicely when the next big blow would arrive: His daughter at the age of two was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder known as XLH. Consequently, Vinny had to make further changes in his life – not only did he have physical restrictions from his paralysis, but now financial concerns began to pile on top of them due to the unknown long-term treatments for XLH. “It was either sit and pout about it or come up with a game-plan for the near future. I tried to stay positive the best I could.” Vinny explained.

Day in and day out Vinny felt the added pressure and need to come up with something that could help his family. Then an idea sparked, and he decided to go all in on it! Vinny developed a product designed specifically for catching spiny lobster in Florida. In-between his full-time job and family time he tirelessly worked and developed a state-of-the-art product for recreational lobstering. For over a year he remained resilient and positive, and the Lobster League was born, and the first ever “Foldable & Magnetic Lobstering Tickle Stick and Net Kit.” His idea was eventually patented and is now being sold in dive shops all around.

Despite taking on the many challenges of health, parenting, career change, manufacturing & shipping obstacles, financial hardship, COVID, and more… Vinny is still pushing forward, and this year has rebranded and relaunched as Life League Gear. – a brand under which Lobster League Gear still falls under. “So far, our products mostly cater to the dive community, but we have a few new products in the mix and plan to expand to many other outdoor activities as soon as possible. Currently we are best known in our niche for our folding lobster net kit, lobstering/dive gloves, lobster hotel catch bag, and our brand-new lobster snare that will release this next 2023 lobster mini season.”

By Land or By Sea, Enjoy Life.™ (we pronounce the PERIOD out loud) is the mantra at Life League Gear and Vinny has dedicated himself towards growing the company so others can learn about its mission and get inspired by Vinny’s tenacity in remaining strong even amidst the many struggles of life. “Never ever give up.” He tells his daughters to this day.  “At Life League Gear, our mission is to help you enjoy those benefits that come from being in the great outdoors by offering quality-made gear for your journey.“

To learn more about Life League Gear and their lobstering gear, diving gear, and more… visit www.LifeLeagueGear.com online.

Media Contact
Company Name: Life League Gear / Lobster League Gear
Contact Person: Vinny Hogan
Email: Send Email
City: Oakland Park
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lifeleaguegear.com/