Now open: Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Jacksonville

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, a full-service custom apparel decorating shop with nearly 100 franchised locations specializing in “un-frog-ettable” Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has opened its first shop in Jacksonville, located at 9965 San Jose Blvd. #56 in the Merchant’s Walk shopping center in Mandarin.

Bobby Nebel owns the new shop and, after a long career in retail with expertise in digital and online marketing for large brands in multiple states, is thrilled to be coming home to Florida.

Born and raised in Miami, Bobby has built cross functional teams for big retail brands including Lord & Taylor, Lazarus, Rich’s, Hecht’s, DSW, Bath & Body Works, Sears Holding Company and others. Bobby was working in Washington, D.C. when he met his wife, Joy, who comes from a long line of family well-established in the Jacksonville business community since the 1800s. Her grandfather owned Leibo’s and her great uncle owned Fashion King, Fashion Men's Shop and The Hub, all of which were respected as long-time, local businesses and contributed to Jacksonville’s growth. Bobby and Joy have lived in Georgia, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois and most recently Ohio, raising their children in a myriad of these places.

“We wanted to open our own business and thought, ‘why would we stay where it’s always raining or snowing – let’s go home to Florida’,” Bobby said. “Of course, I want to make money and Big Frog has a solid business model for that, but the brand’s mission statement really hit a sweet spot for me. It really is all about community service.”

Big Frog is a high-tech, light manufacturing retail garment decorating boutique that specializes in no-minimums, no setup fees, free design help, and fast turnaround including a 24-hour turn on in-stock garments. Further, the brand is fully immersed in the communities in which it has a presence by supporting local organizations through Big Frog’s many give-back initiatives and a robust online fundraising platform that allows non-profits to reap big rewards.

This deep community service and commitment resonated with the Nebel family because Bobby has made giving back a part of his life for years including supporting and mentoring in programs for the homeless and disadvantaged children. Already busy on the committee planning the golf tournament next spring for River Garden Foundation, an elder care facility in Jacksonville, Big Frog Jacksonville-Mandarin plans to keep children and seniors the focal points of ongoing community support. Bobby already has his Big Frog character costume ready to participate fully and in an impactful way.

Bobby will lead all aspects of business strategy and networking for the new shop in Jacksonville-Mandarin which will employ two graphic designers and a production manager, his son Colby. Colby, 25, will have the opportunity to learn every aspect of the trade including logistics, finance, buying, marketing, and merchandising with the goal of assuming ownership of the shop in the future, making this an authentic family-owned, Jacksonville business.

There will be an official grand opening celebration this fall with a ribbon cutting, special deals and other festivities. Located at 9965 San Jose Blvd. #56, Jacksonville, FL 32257, the Jacksonville-Mandarin shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed Sunday. For appointments outside of regular business hours, please contact the shop by phone at (904) 800-6888 by email at robertn@bigfrog.com or online at www.bigfrog.com/jaxmandarin.