It’s recognized as a niche market, and one that Auburn’s Tommy Tucker is determined to corner.

Tucker specializes in custom-designed apparel for the paintball and boarding crowd, a growing industry in the realm of extreme sports.

Tucker’s PBRack Clothing line is colorful and specifically tailored for participants and fans who are looking for the latest T-shirt, hoody, jeans, shorts and headwear.

So far, business has been good for the young proprietor and his small staff, who continue to think big.

“We’re growing quickly. We’ve taken in a lot of clients,” said Tucker, 21, who recently moved his company’s headquarters from Vancouver to north Auburn. “We print for clients all over the world, and we want to get more Auburn companies involved.”

PBRack wear can be found at local skateboard and paintball retailers, including several national dealers and 30 shops throughout Canada. Tucker, whose clothing line has made inroads in Europe, would like to test the Asian market this year.

And the company’s biggest selling item? Try board shorts. Want to wear something different? Try thick-padded paintball pants for the avid competitor.

“We’re working on new stuff all the time … working on a new line on solely skate and surfboard shorts,” Tucker added. “We can really do just about anything as far as apparel is concerned.”

Tucker, the son of a successful businessman, began printing T-shirts when he was 16. He kept pushing his brand and styles, and soon his apparel business picked up. The clothing business came readily to him.

In time, Tucker decided to establish his own company where creativity is encouraged and the options are boundless.

Surrounded by a small and creative staff, Tucker is responding to what his online clientele demand.

“We’re artists at heart, so all of our stuff is real art-based,” Tucker said. “It’s fun. Everything is working out, especially in what’s called a bad economy. We’re thriving right now.”

In addition, PBRack offers custom screen printing, graphic/logo designing to help brand identity, and professional event and product photography from the shutter of Jimmy Hickey.

PBRack competes in paintball events and also sponsors local skate and paintball events.

To learn more or to order items, visit www.pbrack.com and www.rackcustom.com.

Customers can visit the company’s Auburn showroom by appointment only (1-888-515-7225). Office hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday.