At first glance, Mike Cox seems to be the average hard-working 32-year-old man from Chicago’s West Side. But upon getting to know him you’ll find out that he’s so much more. Mike is a man with a big heart and passion for his city. He is also to the creator of SoGo, a fashion brand that represents everything Chicago.
The name of Mike’s Brand is short for “I’m so Chicago” and came to fruition as a way to honor his best friend Robert’s legacy while raising awareness for heart health. BDO was able to get to know more about Mike, his vision and his goals for his brand, his family and Chicago.
BDO: Tell us more about SoGo.
Mike (MC): “SoGo” is a brand that represents everything Chicago. SoGo is short for “I’m So Chicago. Meaning that everything I do is centered on the person that Chicago raised me to be. No matter if you’re from the west side, south side, north side or over east, we all have pride in our city and this brand represents that.
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The older I became and the more I traveled the world the more I realized that us Chicagoans are a different breed of people. We have our own style and our own slang that catches on everywhere. We originated so much stuff around the nation and I want to highlight that through this brand.
BDO: When did you first meet Robert and please describe your relationship?
MC: My best friend and brother Robert Jenkins. We met when we were like 3-4 years old at Daycare. We both were from the same area so we always ended up at the same schools. Same grade, same classes year after year. Our bond just grew naturally over time.
After a while, you really didn’t see one of us without seeing the other. Mike and Rob. Almost like we were the same person or one name. People would confuse us so much. People say all the time like “such and such is family”, but legit that was my brother. We had so many life experiences together. So many that I can’t even remember all of them sometimes. Frick and frack. Nobody knew me better than he did.
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BDO: How exactly did Robert pass?
MC: One day Rob was playing ball at LA fitness, playing basketball was something that we did together about two to three times a week. After one of the games, he took a break to rest, but he suddenly passed out. He was unresponsive and CPR didn’t revive him. He was taken to the closest hospital but it was too late.
BDO: What was the condition called? Did he have any symptoms or signs?
MC: The only signs or symptoms that Rob would complain about were chest pains here and there. That’s why when it happened it hit everyone hard because it was so unexpected. The reality of it all was really hard to deal with.
BDO: What are you doing to honor his legacy and what do you want people to know about heart health awareness?
MC: I strive to honor my brother in everything that I do. That’s actually how SoGo even came into existence. I’ve always been a creative person but this situation struck a fire in me and brought it to the surface even more.
After he passed, I started making hats and clothes in his memory. I wanted them to be unique and not your typical memorial shirt. Every item I would make would get such positive feedback that it pushed me to keep going.
That just flowed into me taking a step back and looking at my community and my city. I felt that a brand that highlighted the positives of Chicago instead of the negatives that the press often show could go a long way in bringing good energy to the city.
February is Heart Health Month. Rob passed in February of 2017. We want to bring attention to this condition which not only has affected Rob’s family and friends but many others as well. Many of them young in age. Rob was 31 years old when he passed.
To help bring awareness to this issue, me and a group of family and friends are committing to doing 28 miles during the month of February. We are also wearing #RedForRob every Friday of the month. Better activity leads to a healthier body.
To cap Heart Health Month and our commitment, we are throwing a “SneakHeart” Sneakerball. The SneakHeart Sneakerball is a black-tie event where we will concentrate on the importance of Heart Health, and encourage everyone to make regular doctor's visits to stay on top of any and all issues dealing with the heart.
BDO: What steps are you taking to help ensure his sons know his legacy and are heart healthy?
MC: Rob left behind two handsome and growing sons. Through everything that I do I hope to show them the true meaning of being your “brother's keeper.” Nothing in life or death can break that type of genuine bond.
Their mother’s love will take them far. She is doing an outstanding job of making sure that their health conditions are monitored. They already have a cardiologist of their own to start any preventative care when it comes to any heart issues that they may face.
BDO: How has Rob's untimely passing motivated you?
MC: Rob’s unexpected passing showed me that some things transcend life. Our bond was unique and I want to use that to show people everywhere that life is short.
We will experience pain. Some pain will cut deeper than ever imagined. We have to do our best to use that pain and turn it to something positive. Although Rob isn’t physically here, with the things I’m doing, his story and his legacy can impact many more lives.
And at the core of SoGo, the brand is my brother and his memory. Everything is all connected. As me and my friends say, “Waves Don’t Die and Memories Never Fade”. He will forever live through us.
