Where “HawkGrips” Really Came From
If you’ve ever wondered why our brand is called HawkGrips, here’s the story that started it all. HawkGrips is a name people know, recognize, and trust today— but where does it come from, and what does it really mean?
The story traces back to a night out with college friends in 2011, where school pride, a few rounds of beers, and product innovation collided. The result was a brand name that felt strong, edgy, and cool… and perfectly captured what makes our tools unique: the patented crosshatch grips.
Tissue Tools: The Early Days
Before HawkGrips, the company was called Tissue Tools– a name that was short-lived and almost no one ever knew existed.
Hawks + A Lightbulb Moment
The idea for the name came during a night out in Conshohocken, PA, when HawkGrips Founder Frank Osborne was with college friends from St. Joseph’s University in Philly. As they talked about his new business, the Hawk came up - a nod to their school pride and a symbol that carried weight. Hawks are known for their sharp vision, strength, and agility. A hawk is strong, sharp, and cool. It perfectly captured the energy he wanted for the tools.
The Innovation That Sealed the Name
What really set Frank Osborne’s HawkGrips IASTM tools apart from their competitor were the patented crosshatch grips. They made the tools easier to hold, reduced hand fatigue, and upgraded the entire experience of using them. Combining this innovation with the “Hawk” idea gave the perfect name: HawkGrips.
Making the Name Official
The name sounded cool, the website was available, and there were no conflicts. Everything lined up perfectly. Tissue Tools quickly became HawkGrips, with the first sale happening soon after the change, so almost no one ever knew the old name.
Now next time you pick up a HawkGrips tool, you’ll know where the name came from.
Curious about how Frank Osborne turned his own injury and rehab journey into the company we know today? Check out the full origin story here to learn why HawkGrips exists and how it’s helping clinicians and patients every day.
