My grandfather, Joesph L. Martin, was born on May 27, 1931, in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age of 14, he moved to Watts, California, where he attended Watts Jordan High School—a place he was incredibly proud of. Growing up, our family never got tired of hearing stories about his days as a proud Watts Jordan Bulldog.
Papa was the backbone of our family. No matter what life threw our way, he was the one who held us together. There was never a problem too big or too small for him to handle.
In 2010, we lost him to Alzheimer’s disease. When he passed, it felt like our family had lost part of its foundation. That loss inspired me to create Papa Joe’s Bucket Hats & Accessories—not only to honor the man who meant so much to us, but also to build something that represents the values he lived every day.
If you knew Papa, you knew one thing for certain—he was never without his bucket hat. He wore one every single day. In fact, he loved his bucket hats so much that he would often fall asleep wearing one. My brother and I used to get into trouble for playing with his hats. To us, it was just a hat. To him, it was his crown.
Papa served our country during the Korean War before dedicating 45 years of his life to working at Alcoa. Alongside my grandmother, he raised four daughters while doing whatever it took to provide for his family. He sold fruit, cut grass, collected and recycled metal, fixed anything that was broken, and never turned down an honest day’s work. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do.
Despite living with the effects of a childhood brain injury, he never allowed it to define him. His determination, resilience, and work ethic inspired everyone around him.
Some of my greatest memories are working beside him. As a kid, I painted houses, helped with plumbing jobs, cut grass on weekends, crushed aluminum cans with his truck, and sorted scrap metal for recycling. Looking back, I realize those weren’t just chores—they were life lessons.
Papa taught me what it means to be a man: work hard, provide for your family, keep your word, and treat people with respect. He believed in earning everything you have and never making excuses.
He loved to say, “The early bird gets the worm,” reminding me that success belongs to those willing to get up and work for it. Another lesson I’ll never forget was, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” He taught me to stay strong, stay focused, and never let the opinions of others determine my path.
Around Watts, he jokingly called himself the “King of Watts,” because everyone seemed to know him. To me, though, he wasn’t a king—he was simply my Papa, the person I could always count on.
Papa Joe’s Bucket Hats & Accessories is more than a clothing brand. It’s a tribute to the man who shaped my life and taught me the values I carry with me every day. Every hat we create represents confidence, hard work, authenticity, and individuality.
When you wear a Papa Joe’s hat, you’re not just wearing a hat.
You’re wearing a crown.
