10 Questions with Tom

On this edition of RovR ‘Round the Fire, we sat down with Tom DeFrancia, founder and CEO of RovR Products. Throw a few logs on the fire, and sit back and relax, because Tom is telling us the story behind RovR Products! This is how the idea for the KeepR came to be, and what song he would rock out to if he could only jam out to one for the rest of his life. 

1. What led you to start RovR Products?

I had an overwhelming desire to create products that would make spending time camping with my friends and family easier and more fun. Camping is a very social and fun time for me and usually involves packing a lot of stuff to make it a very comfortable experience. I like the set-up to be easy and quick, so I can enjoy being at my destination and not spending too much time setting up and packing out.

2. Where do you see RovR Products in the next 5 years?

I see us still making and selling products that are in the service of supporting people who live the RovR lifestyle.

3. What does the RovR lifestyle mean to you?

To me, the RovR lifestyle is that easy-going feeling you get when you're having a great time in the outdoors with friends and enjoying what the world has to offer. That can be a relaxing day on the lake, winding down with a cold one after riding the mountain (in summer or winter), and chilling around the campfire.

4. How do you embrace the RovR lifestyle?

I embrace the RovR lifestyle by keeping a positive mental attitude. I can't always be living in those awesome moments of pure joy and freedom, so I try to bring that spirit with me in day to day life.

5. If you could only hear one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I could never listen to one song for the rest of my life, because I like so many different types of music. If I had to choose, it would have to be a long jam, so I'll go with Scarlet/Fire from The Closing of Winterland '78. Is it two songs? Is it one? I don't know man, I'm just living the RovR lifestyle.

6. Why Colorado?

Colorado has been a part of my life since I can remember. My Dad is from Denver but we moved around a lot growing up while he was in the Navy. My earliest memory of Colorado was when he brought my brother and sisters to the mountains where we saw our first snow. The mountain landscape and smell of pine trees became etched in my memory. There really is such a thing as a rocky mountain high and I've been chasing it ever since. 

7. What's your favorite feature of the RollR?

The wagon bin. It's such a great feeling when I have rolled everything that I had in the back of my truck to the campsite in one trip. There is a great feeling of accomplishment in seeing a full camp or beach set-up come out of the wagon bin. It's just as nice throwing everything back in when you are leaving. 

8. What's your favorite movie?

Talladega Nights.

9. What inspired you to create the KeepR?

I was staying at a hotel during a ski trip and had made a cocktail in my room using the hotel ice bucket. I then made the journey down the elevator, and out to the hot tub. Halfway there, I realized that I already needed another cocktail. The vision of the KeepR with the ice bucket in the middle popped into my head. I called it the Cocktail Caddy for the longest time but I had to think of a name that I could drop a vowel out of.

10. What Campfire Cocktail best describes you? 

Tequila and blood orange Pellegrino. Easy to make and easy to drink.