A local business that shows up

The Story Behind the Dog

If you've noticed a black lab popping up throughout our branding, meet Virgil.

Virgil belongs to the Grissom Group owners and serves as the unofficial mascot of the company. He spends his days living the good life near the beach, chasing anything that moves, and occasionally helping himself to whatever happens to be left too close to the edge of a kitchen counter. If something goes missing, there's a good chance Virgil knows where it went.

Virgil's partner in crime is Morgan, a yellow lab who keeps him company and helps remind us that life is better with dogs.

We're a dog-loving company through and through, and we know we're not alone. That's why you'll often see a canine touch woven into our branding, and why we include at least one dog-related item in every smart cooler. Whether it's treats, poop bags, tennis balls, or another useful pet item, we want our coolers to reflect the communities they serve, including the four-legged family members.

After all, dog people know that sometimes the most important convenience item isn't for you. It's for the dog waiting at home.

More Than a Mascot

There's a special connection between Virgil and the Grissom Group story. We're proud of our Indiana roots, and the Grissom name carries a legacy familiar to many Hoosiers through Virgil Ivan "Gus" Grissom, the Indiana-born astronaut and one of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts. While our company is built around a very different kind of journey, we appreciate the values often associated with that legacy: innovation, curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to explore new ideas.