10 Things with George at NFW
I sat down with George Fox—owner and founder of NFW, a watch designer and engineer right here in our hometown of Fairfield, CT—to share his story of vision, determination and giving back to those who have sacrificed for all of us.
IAFM: George, tell us how NFW was born. How did you get to this part of your career? (If you want, let people know where the name NFW came from ;)
GF: I had worked at Timex for 10 years and really wanted to break out on my own, creating watches exactly how I wanted them. I tend to have an entrepreneurial spirit and a "no compromises" take on things... Before working for Timex I was a furniture designer and metal sculptor. I've made pieces for the likes of Elton John, Madonna, and others.
So I left Timex and got to work building a company and designing watches! I had contacts all over the world who were ready and willing to help, which made a huge difference. In regards to the "NFW" name, I'm going to let your readers' imaginations answer that question! If you're thinking something that's a bit "irreverent" then you're on the right track!
IAFM: We know that NFW is built around supporting Veterans. Can you elaborate for our readers?
GF: In 2010 I got a call from a guy in the Army Special Forces (AKA the Green Berets). He said that a bunch of the Special Forces guys had been buying our watches because the watches were rugged, dependable, comfortable and they loved the designs. He asked if we could make some watches with the special insignia of the 7th Special Forces Group. So I flew down to Fort Bragg in NC to meet with them. But before they would meet with me they said I'd have to run their obstacle course, known as "Nasty Nick." Completing this course is necessary to be selected for Special Forces. I was up for the challenge and completed the course! So, they brought me to an underground bunker conference room. I showed them some design ideas, which they loved. I suggested that we also have the watches raise funds for their charity organization, the SFA, to benefit the families of fallen Special Forces. They thought this was a great idea and we struck a deal.
The watches were a huge success, selling out very quickly, and raising around $20,000 for the SFA. Since then, we've done more programs for Special Operations, and many other military charity organizations. And these projects have led to large corporate projects as well.
The best part for me is that we don't just raise funds for these military orgs, but I get personally involved in donating my time. I've run Spartan Races with Operation Enduring Warrior, helping amputee Veterans complete these very tough races. It's pretty amazing to see guys who are missing arms and legs complete these races. It really gives one a LOT of perspective. I've also worked with Honor Flight, which flies WWII Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. These old guys are treated like kings for the day and it really touches them and makes them realize how appreciated they are, and that they're not just forgotten old men. The guy I was assigned escort for the day was a tank driver in WWII, who was part of the group that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. He was 90 years old but you could still see how deeply it affected him. So, I always say that working with these organizations gives me way more than what I give to them.
IAFM: Tell us something that people would be surprised to know about you.
GF: Back in the 80's I was a professional windsurfer, with several sponsors! I also piloted hang-gliders!
IAFM: How do you know when you have the right idea?
GF: Well, I don't do traditional market research. I literally go by my gut feeling and have learned to tune in to that special feeling.... I design all our watches on paper with a pencil to get the initial idea. From there it goes to 2D and then 3D computer modeling. At that point is when I'll get that feeling, that special excitement when I look at the design. If I only "like" it then we don't make it. But if I "love" it and get excited by it, then I know enough other guys will also love it. This method has actually served me well and has helped the watch designs stay true to the brand's identity.
IAFM: What are some of the biggest lessons that have impacted the way you work? What was the lesson and what was it like before and after?
GF: The biggest lesson I learned was when we did our first charity fundraiser, which was for St. Jude's Children's Hospital: I didn't initially set out to have the company necessarily raise money for anyone in need. NFW was going to be strictly for making and selling really nice timepieces. But one day as I was driving, a St. Jude's commercial came on the radio. It was a mom talking about what her child was going through, fighting cancer, and how hard the doctors at St. Jude's were working to save her child and that no one is turned away at St. Jude's for not being able to pay.
The idea struck me that we have a new collection about to be unveiled, and wouldn't it be great if a portion of the revenue from each watch sold went to St. Jude's. So that's what we did. And it was a huge success!
What I learned is that people don't simply buy a product just on the basis of the product alone.... But that people will get behind a product and a company that is truly doing some good in the world. It was wonderful to see people rally around a cause. And another bonus was that it made me feel really good that NFW now had a purpose: To help others! And we've been doing that ever since our first little St. Jude's fundraiser. Doing something that matters, something that's bigger than oneself, is a huge reward.
IAFM: If you could take a class to learn anything, what would it be?
GF: I think it would be fascinating to learn how to become a Master Distiller, making really good whiskey!
IAFM: Who inspires you?
GF: I seem to find inspiration from so many people... I guess that's a blessing! But I really am inspired by my parents, who both came from poor childhoods (my mom came from the coal regions of Pennsylvania and my dad was a poor kid from the streets of Philly). My wife is so brilliant that she inspires me immensely. The many Veterans I've met who have witnessed horrible things and horrible injuries, to still embrace life and overcome their hardships and wounds, both mental and physical. People are fascinating and I think almost anyone can be inspiring. I also find inspiration & ideas in well-designed objects, whether it be a building, a bridge, a car or a sculpture. I love anything that's designed and made extremely well.
IAFM: Loyalty or Honesty? Why?
GF: No one has ever asked me this question! Let's see.... Although both are extremely important I'm going to go with Honesty. Loyalties can change over time, which I think is normal and natural in many situations. But Honesty must remain a constant.
IAFM: What are you currently reading?
GF: "The Bomber Mafia" by Malcolm Gladwell. I love all of his books! He really digs into the psychology of what it is to be human.
IAFM: What's your all-time favorite album?
GF: Impossible to answer!!! But I'll go with a tie: David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars" AND the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Blood Sugar Sex Magic."
Check out George’s website: https://nfwonline.com/
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NFW President George Fox, doing some “field testing” of two new watch models.
Automatic self-winding movement that NFW uses in many of their watches, built here in Fairfield.
NFW watches are known for toughness, reliability, refined style and amazing illumination in darkness.
NFW was commissioned by the USCG To build special watches for their elite Rescue Swimmers. This pic: In the helicopter on a training mission. (Photo courtesy of Rescue Swimmer Joey Gryzenia)
NFW was commissioned to make special watches for the recipients of the nation’s highest military award, the Medal Of Honor. George Fox presented these watches to each recipient at a special ceremony in Tampa. (Photo courtesy of Ron Shurer, Medal of Honor recipient)
NFW’s Shumate Dive watch can be worn anywhere, no matter how you’re dressed - from a business suit to a wetsuit.
A watch from NFW’s Valor collection.
Retired Navy SEAL and NFW Ambassador, Ray “Cash” Care wearing his NFW Valor model.