The Story Behind Googz & Co.

Legendary Goods for Legendary Seekers

Googz & Co. is more than just a store—it’s a celebration of mystery, adventure, and creativity. Founded by artist and explorer Michael Esordi, this brand is the culmination of decades of passion for Bigfoot, cryptids, and the unexplained.

With over 20 years of designing for the Bigfoot community and traveling the world to research mysterious legends, Michael has woven his love of folklore into a brand that brings imagination to life.

The Origins of a Legend

From childhood road trips to deep-forest explorations, Michael’s sense of wonder was always in full swing. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, his journey took him across the country, eventually landing in San Diego. It was there, during an art direction project in Northern California’s Redwoods, that he first ventured into the world of Bigfoot. A visit to Willow Creek, a small town known for its ties to the legend, led him to interview eyewitnesses and dive deeper into the mystery. That experience sparked a lifelong fascination.

As the internet was just beginning to take off in the mid-’90s, Michael saw an opportunity to combine his passion for Bigfoot with his expertise in digital design. He launched Bigfoot Surplus, the first-ever online store dedicated to Bigfoot and cryptid-related merchandise.

But the adventure didn’t stop there.

Expanding the Mystery

As Michael’s travels and research deepened, so did his creative pursuits. Moving back east, he expanded Bigfoot Surplus beyond just merchandise—it became a gateway to exploring the paranormal, cryptozoology, extraterrestrial encounters, and folklore. This evolution led to Believe It Tour, a project dedicated to traveling the world to research and document mysterious legends.

During this time, Diana Esordi, an equally talented designer and explorer, joined the adventure. With her keen eye for design and passion for storytelling, she became a driving force in shaping the artistic vision of the brand. Together, Michael and Diana infused their creative talents into the Believe It Tour and beyond, developing new legendary characters, designs, and experiences that blended folklore, history, and imagination.

Alongside this journey, Michael’s signature “Googz-eyes” art style—born from childhood sketches—found its way onto a growing lineup of quirky, legendary characters, bringing a unique and playful energy to the cryptid and paranormal world.

The Birth of Googz & Co.

Fast-forward to today, and all of these creative ventures have come together under Googz & Co., a brand that blends the best of Bigfoot Surplus, Believe It Tour, and the artistic visions of both Michael and Diana. With a focus on original designs, legendary storytelling, and high-quality goods, Googz & Co. is the ultimate destination for fans of Bigfoot and beyond.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning. Googz & Co. is continuously expanding its product line, collaborations, and creative storytelling. With an ever-growing selection of legendary goods, we invite you to join the adventure!

Have a favorite cryptid? A legendary tale to share? Let us know! And don’t forget to spread the word—because every legend deserves to be told.