Math Teacher’s T-Shirt Business Booms Thanks to Ted Lasso

News Summary

Brendan Curran, a math teacher from Johnson County, is witnessing a significant surge in sales of his Kansas City-themed T-shirts after his designs were featured in the popular show ‘Ted Lasso.’ His shirt, ‘Joearthur Gatestack,’ has become a bestseller, boosted by endorsements from the show’s creator Jason Sudeikis and other celebrities. As filming for Season 4 is set to begin in Kansas City, Curran hopes to further capitalize on the interest in his merchandise as he balances teaching and entrepreneurship.

Johnson County – Brendan Curran, a dedicated math teacher from Johnson County, is experiencing a surge in success with his Kansas City-themed T-shirt business following the exposure from popular television show “Ted Lasso.” The increased visibility comes as the anticipation builds for Season 4 of the acclaimed series, which is confirmed to be in production, with filming expected to take place in the Kansas City area soon.

Curran, who teaches advanced placement statistics at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, began his T-shirt venture five years ago, inspired by his passion for graphic design and the local culture. One of his standout creations is the “Joearthur Gatestack” T-shirt, which pays homage to Kansas City’s renowned barbecue scene. Initially, sales were limited to friends and family, but they skyrocketed when Jason Sudeikis, an Overland Park native and creator of “Ted Lasso,” wore the shirt during the show, including in the pilot episode that aired in 2020. This significant exposure marked a turning point for Curran’s business, officially named Three KC.

In the wake of Sudeikis’s endorsements, which also included appearances by celebrities like Jen Hatmaker and Brené Brown, the demand for the “Joearthur Gatestack” shirt has surged, making it Curran’s best-selling design. To further capitalize on this success, Curran is working on a trucker hat featuring the same slogan, reflecting the increasing interest generated from the show and its connection to Sudeikis.

As the production of Season 4 gears up, local residents in Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit have received notifications regarding filming in their neighborhoods. This development adds to the excitement surrounding the series and provides Curran with optimistic prospects for his merchandise sales. He has expressed hopes that the new season will further elevate interest in his T-shirt designs.

Curran and Sudeikis share a long-standing friendship that dates back to eighth grade when they competed against each other in basketball. Sudeikis has consistently championed Kansas City throughout his career, providing a strong connection that benefits Curran’s business. While some may believe that the T-shirt was created in response to “Ted Lasso,” Curran clarified that the design was developed prior to the show’s airing, dispelling that misconception.

Curran’s entrepreneurial journey began in a digital design class he taught, where he developed various Kansas City-themed graphics. His company name, Three KC, symbolizes three major cultural touchstones of Kansas City: barbecue, the Royals, and the Chiefs. The slogan itself emerged from a playful exchange at the 2014 Big Slick charity event, showcasing his deep roots in the local community.

Currently, Curran balances his teaching responsibilities with running Three KC. His T-shirts are sold through local retailers and on his company website. With the World Cup approaching and Kansas City set to be a host city, Curran is also designing new shirts for the event while cautiously navigating trademark considerations.

Recently, Curran met with Sudeikis and “Ted Lasso” co-creator Brendan Hunt to scout locations for the upcoming filming. Although he expressed a willingness to participate in the production, as of now, there are no confirmed plans for his involvement. Nevertheless, Curran continues to operate his T-shirt business successfully while enjoying his career as an educator.

As the filming for Season 4 of “Ted Lasso” approaches, the community in Johnson County remains eager to see what impact this will have on local businesses like Curran’s. With a clear connection to the show and a burgeoning following for his designs, Curran’s journey illustrates the exciting intersection of local culture and popular media.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 4 KC: Casting Advice Ahead of Ted Lasso Filming
• Kansas City Star: Ted Lasso Filming in Kansas City
• KCTV5: Ted Lasso Season 4 Casting Calls
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ted Lasso
• MSN: Be an Extra in Ted Lasso
• Google News: Ted Lasso Kansas City

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson 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 American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.