On September 17, 2024, The Original Bug Shirt Company in Powassan, Ontario, was buzzing with excitement as an unexpected call changed everything for this insect-repelling clothing brand. The call, coming from Trndy Social based in Florida, announced that renowned Canadian comedian and TV personality Howie Mandel was interested in promoting their products.

Jean Dutrisac, an employee at the company, was initially unsure whether the caller was legitimate. “I was dumbfounded,” she recalled. But after further investigation—confirming Trndy Social's affiliation with Mandel—co-owner Julie Gohm began to entertain the possibility.

The communications escalated with a couple of emails and a draft contract, bringing more clarity to the collaboration. Their excitement peaked when it was revealed that Mandel, known for his germaphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, had a genuine interest in their bug shirts, especially as he faced challenges enjoying outdoor activities due to mosquitoes.

Gohm had ramped up social media efforts earlier this year, targeting audiences in the U.S., potentially catching Mandel’s attention. The Original Bug Shirt Company has a rich history, having been founded in the early 1990s. After acquiring it in 2019, Gohm and her husband, Dan, have expanded its reach, selling hundreds of thousands of insect-repellent garments worldwide.

The partnership with Trndy Social further solidified when Gohm was impressed with the respect shown during the commercial creation process. After reviewing a rough cut, adjustments were made based on their feedback—a testament to how much the agency valued their opinions.

Now, Howie Mandel is set to feature in a commercial promoting these bug shirts, which will air across major networks in both Canada and the United States, just in time for mosquito season! The ad will run on platforms like CNN, the Discovery Channel, and CTV, and will even be showcased on Mandel's YouTube channel and podcast.

But that’s not all—anticipation builds as Gohm reveals plans for a dazzling billboard in Times Square featuring Mandel and the bug shirts, bringing even more visibility to Powassan and its innovative company. Although the commercial doesn’t explicitly mention the quaint Northern Ontario town, the company's website, bugshirt.com, is prominently displayed throughout, ensuring viewers can connect with the brand.

As word spreads locally about Mandel’s endorsement, Gohm has received praise from the community for effectively putting Powassan "on the map." While Gohm and Dutrisac have yet to meet Mandel personally, this collaboration is bound to create a buzz much larger than that of any mosquito.

Stay tuned—this is one summer partnership you won't want to miss! As Howie Mandel works to keep those pesky insects at bay, he might just inspire others to do the same with The Original Bug Shirt Company’s innovative products.