Dave Horesh of Oxford Pennant Knows Puck

Oxford Pennant founder Dave Horesh reveals how a $2,000 credit card debt and a love for nostalgic, handcrafted pennants sparked a six-and-a-half-million-dollar business rooted in Buffalo’s identity. What began as a personal project—making felt pennants for local festivals—grew into a city-wide movement, with every flag proudly labeled 'Made in Buffalo' and manufactured within the city limits. Horesh explains that the company’s deep ties to Buffalo aren’t just branding—they’re a commitment to community, rooted in the belief that local businesses thrive when they’re embedded in the fabric of the city. This ethos became especially powerful during the Buffalo Sabres’ playoff run, where Oxford Pennant didn’t just supply merch but became a cultural partner, producing iconic banners like the RJ and Ryan Miller flags that fans now proudly display. Horesh shares emotional stories of watching his son grow up as a Sabres fan, and how the team’s resurgence has rekindled a collective joy in Buffalo, turning game nights into communal celebrations. The move to Larkinville isn’t just about space—it’s about creating a vibrant, walkable neighborhood where work, play, and community intersect. At its core, Oxford Pennant’s success isn’t about scale, but about meaning: making things that matter, for people who care, in a city that still believes in itself.