Draft:Simple Modern

Simple Modern
Company typePrivate
IndustryDrinkware
Founded2015
FoundersMike Beckham, Bryan Porter, Micah Ames
Key people
Mike Beckham (CEO)
ProductsTumblers, water bottles, lunch bags, totes

Simple Modern is a privately held American company based in Moore, Oklahoma that designs and sells insulated drinkware and accessories. Founded in 2015, the company distributes its products through e-commerce platforms and national retailers. It has been featured in independent product reviews and retail news coverage.

History

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Simple Modern was founded in 2015 by Mike Beckham, Bryan Porter and Micah Ames. The company began as a direct-to-consumer brand primarily through Amazon before expanding into physical retail.

In 2022, it opened a 175,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in southeast Oklahoma City. By 2024, the company had transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and was reported to have exceeded $200 million in annual revenue, according to an interview with Beckham in the Tulsa World.[1]

Distribution

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The company sells its products through its own website and Amazon. As of 2025, Simple Modern is also carried by major retailers including Target, Costco, Walgreens and Hobby Lobby.[1]

Licensing

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Simple Modern holds licensing agreements with a wide range of entertainment and collegiate brands. Partners include more than 100 U.S. colleges and universities, as well as major entertainment companies such as Disney, Mattel, Universal Products & Experiences and Warner Bros. Discovery.[2][3][4]

Product reception

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Simple Modern products have been reviewed by independent media outlets:

  • The New York Times Wirecutter named the 24-ounce Classic Tumbler the "best tumbler overall".[5]
  • CNET and NBC News Select featured Simple Modern tumblers in product roundups.[6][7]
  • BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping included Simple Modern products in gift guides.[8][9]

The company’s extra-large beach tote bag was featured in USA Today and SFGATE during Amazon Prime Day promotions, with coverage noting its water resistance and capacity.[10]

Philanthropy

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Simple Modern has made charitable contributions to public schools and nonprofit organizations:

  • In 2023, it donated 14,500 reusable bottles to Oklahoma City Public Schools.[11]
  • In 2024, Simple Modern funded a classroom wishlist at Soldier Creek Elementary in Midwest City through its “Stock Your School” program, providing bottles and a $500 grant. It also donated to 9 other schools across the nation.[12]
  • In 2025, the Stock Your School campaign is also funding teacher wishlists and classroom needs across multiple states.[13]
  • In 2025, the company launched the “Great Nurse Getaway,” a national campaign awarding a Caribbean cruise to a nurse, along with travel kits and tumblers for her entire unit.[14]

References

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  1. ^ a b Gibson, Rae (June 30, 2024). "Simple Modern sees big growth, gives employees ownership stake". Tulsa World. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  2. ^ "Simple Modern announces partnership with Mattel to launch Barbie and Hot Wheels collections". Licensing International. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  3. ^ "Simple Modern and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products renew and expand partnership". License Global. February 21, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  4. ^ "How companies like Apothékary and Simple Modern navigate licensing deals". Modern Retail. August 10, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  5. ^ "The Best Travel Mug". Wirecutter. February 21, 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  6. ^ "Best Travel Coffee Mugs". CNET. 3 April 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  7. ^ "Amazon Winter Sale". NBC News Select. 10 January 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  8. ^ "Fantastic Things To Treat Yourself To Before Prime Day". BuzzFeed. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  9. ^ "38 Wonderful Winter Products". MSN. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  10. ^ "Simple Modern Beach Bag Is a Standout Prime Day Deal". USA Today. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  11. ^ "Simple Modern donates 14,500 reusable water bottles". KOKH FOX25. September 6, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  12. ^ "The Porch Visits Midwest City School Receiving Free Reusable Water Bottles From Simple Modern". News 9. August 16, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  13. ^ "Simple Modern launches national Stock Your School giveaway". AP News. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  14. ^ "Eau Claire registered nurse wins cruise". WEAU. May 16, 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.