Reality television star Rob Rausch has launched a collaboration with Crown Royal, unveiling the brand’s inaugural camo bag and a capsule collection in partnership with Realtree. While celebrating this milestone, Rausch reflected on his upbringing and shared his future aspirations during a fishing trip at Realtree Farms in Georgia.
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For the Alabama native, the serene surroundings of the farms bring back memories of his childhood. “It feels a lot like how I grew up, just a bit more upscale,” he remarked to PEOPLE while enjoying a wild game tasting. Rausch, who was raised in a close-knit family, highlighted the simplicity of his roots, growing up in a three-bedroom trailer alongside his brother Adam and sisters Bella and Lily.
The realities of growing up as siblings were both unpredictable and formative for Rausch. “We had to share rooms quite a bit, rotating between siblings when things got a bit too close for comfort. I shared a room with Adam, then Bella, and sometimes even Lily,” he explained. He noted significant differences in personality, particularly with his sister Lily. “We rarely shared a room because our temperaments clashed. She’s very organised, while I’m not, which made it a challenge at times.”
At the heart of the partnership between Crown Royal and Realtree is a philanthropic endeavour, with a donation of $20,000 being made to the Purple Heart Foundation. Rausch spoke about his affinity for Crown Royal, stating, “It’s a staple in my lifestyle. I love hosting poker nights with the lads back home. To have this collaboration with Realtree, which includes styles I’d wear anyway, is just fantastic.”
Interestingly, while some team members at Realtree were initially unaware of Rausch’s fame from shows like Love Island and The Traitors, their families quickly filled them in. “Their wives and daughters knew who I was, which was amusing,” he recalled with a chuckle.
Following his victory on The Traitors, where he secured a cash prize of $220,800, Rausch has expressed a strong desire to support his family, particularly his sister Bella, who has Down syndrome. “Bella is one of my favourite people in the world; she’s taught me valuable lessons about positivity and acceptance. I’m grateful to have her in my life,” Rausch commented.
Additionally, he plans to invest in a clothing brand called Creek Rat, which he runs with his sister Lily. “Lily deserves all the credit for her creativity and hard work in making our brand what it is. It’s all because of her,” he acknowledged.
As Rausch enjoys a surge in popularity, his father, Rob Sr., has also attracted attention for his looks. Rausch noted that they have discussed the newfound interest surrounding his father, and he finds it quite funny. “It seems to amuse him a lot,” he added.
Reflecting on his experience from The Traitors, Rausch gained insight into his strengths, particularly his social skills. However, he is not considering a return to reality television in the form of Survivor in the near future. “I don’t think I’ll be heading back to Fiji anytime soon, but maybe down the line,” he said, remembering his time filming Love Island in the tropical setting. He also left the door open for future opportunities in shows like Dancing with the Stars, saying, “Never say never.”
With the success he has experienced, Rausch’s fashion has also evolved. He now boasts a growing collection of overalls, which has expanded significantly since his time on Love Island. “I used to have just two pairs, but following several brand partnerships, my collection has swelled to about 25,” he said. “It’s amusing because I never pack them when I travel to LA, but brands would provide them for me, and I get to keep them.”
Now, despite the whirlwind of recent events, Rausch dreams of having a family and farm in the future. “That’s definitely part of my long-term goals,” he expressed.
As he looks forward, Rausch mentioned the need for a pause amidst the chaos of his newfound fame. “I’ve been caught in a rush since winning. I’m eager for life to slow down a bit, but I remain thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way, and I appreciate the support from everyone.”