CP Feature: The BLACK Collection

Reggie Black is founder and CEO of BLACK Collection, a clothing design company. He is a recent graduate of Delaware State University.


You started in the fashion industry at the age of 12 while working in a family business. What was this business? What did it expose you to?
I began my first quest at business, retail and fashion at an urban store located in Washington DC called SOLO (Strive Or Lose Out) Sports. Working at SOLO Sports exposed me to the inner works of a business, and what it took to operate a company overall. It taught me so much; I just knew that I wanted to create a fashion company that would cater to a clientele outside of the local area.

Did you have other experience in the fashion industry growing up?
I actually didn’t. SOLO Sports was pretty much it. I just knew where I wanted to take the company, so I couldn’t wait until I was able to travel, learn, and see more.

What made you realize that you wanted to start your own company? How old were you?
Well ever since I used to work in SOLO, I couldn’t wait to start the line. I actually decided to start the line on a bus ride during my study abroad experience in South Africa. I was on the bus writing ideas, and I just told myself when I get back to the States, I was going to begin the groundwork for starting the line. I was about 21 years old.

So you decided to start the BLACK Collection. What were your first three steps? The first three steps were getting all the legal, and tax documents in order that was first. The second step was getting advice from some great friends of mine that had already had clothing lines similar to what I wanted to do. (Shout out to Tabi Bonney). Just so I would at least have an idea of what to expect. The last step was to just get to work.

How many collections have you released since its inception? In what way do you try to make each collection different?
WOW!!! Great question! We've never released “collections”; we've just released products, up until our newest release of the Spring/Summer 09. That was a collection. I’m pretty sure we’ve released over 25 to 30 products. Considering we are an exclusive, limited product brand we try not to release too much, at one particular time. Each product we release we bring something different, step outside the box a bit, but we remain on course with the BC sharp point. I feel we grow through each piece we release.

What is your favorite piece in your current collection?
Hands down it has to be the BC Cardigan. My partner Dylan Chase created a masterpiece. Its clean, chic, and the elbow pads have a great quality finish when you actually see the product in person. The picture doesn’t do the product any justice. You have to see it in person, or purchase one at www.blkcollection.com

Have you been featured in any shows? If so, which ones?
Yes, we’ve been featured in several shows. HIV/AIDS Awareness Benefit Show Sponsored by BET, Howard University’s Spring Homecoming Show 2008, St. Mary’s College Fashion Show, Syracuse University Fashion Show, Pretty N Punk Fashion Show, EliteDC Magazine Spring Issue 08 Fashion Show, Sex in the City Fashion Show which featured a performance by Lyfe Jennings, etc.

What has been your most reliable source of funding? Has it been difficult to find financial support?
The most reliable source has been us: Team BLACK Collection. We have decided to fund everything ourselves to remain sole control of all business operations. Most investors tend to want a percentage or some sort of input in day-to-day operations. It has definitely been difficult, especially now with the economic hard times we are faced with now.

As founder/CEO, what is a typical workday like?
As of right now BLACK Collection is my full-time occupation, but I also have a regular job. My current (8am-3pm) offers the flexibility I need to get things done. A workday starts off with morning recaps, and things to do with my partner Dylan Chase. This occurs every morning before we clock in to our other jobs. After that I’m replying to emails, text messages, Facebook post, Twitter replies, etc. I normally receive a text from our PR Director Sonnie Daze with updates in regards to PR opportunities, and any additional ideas she may have around 10:30am. We follow through with what she has to discuss, and close any outstanding business ventures. During the day its constant contact with consumers, and people interested to know about BC. I live on my Blackberry. After my 8a-3p it’s straight to the grind. Whether it’s creating products, meeting my partner to go to a networking event around the city, or simply meeting and planning it’s strictly to the grind. Days off, and weekends and a completely different story, it’s work for a large percentage of the day. Probably all day!

Do you design everything yourself or do you work with a team?
Absolutely not! Team BLACK Collection works collectively on our pieces. Two of our new products the “Love Is Suicide” hoodie, and the “Man/Woman Hearts Tee were designed by our new edition to BC, Sonnie Daze. Dylan Chase designed the BC Cardigan. We all bring something different that works well with our team chemistry. Team BLACK Collection is comprised of 3 individuals. Dylan Chase who I was introduced to by my initial partner Mike Briscoe. She has been with the company for almost 2 years, and Sonnie Daze who has been a great friend, and supportive of the line for about 2 years and counting recently just joined the company. Sonnie and I met through Myspace, funny but true.

What makes the BLACK Collection different from other brands?
We don’t base our brand on current trends like most brands. What they fail to realize is that once that trends fades so does their business. We create personality driven, classic, chic, innovative products that will be appreciated years from now. We focus on longevity, and timeless brand equity, and brand loyalty.

Have you had to make any sacrifices to pursue this career?
Yep! A lot! I’ve made serious financial decisions to fund BC. I’ve let go friendships of those who didn’t believe, I’ve sacrificed having a “regular social life” but that doesn’t bother me. The biggest sacrifice which I don’t regret one bit was dropping out of graduate school in the process of pursuing my MBA. I had to decide what it was going to be? I’m positive I made the right decision.

What suggestions would you make for a young person interested in becoming a designer?
Rule #1: Self-Validate: don’t wait for anyone to buy into your idea. Follow your dream, and give it 150% daily. Rule #2: Have Patience! You’re definitely going to need a lot of it in this industry. Rule #3: Don’t take short cuts, or you will definitely get cut short. Rule #4: Work hard Rule #5: Be Consistent!

Do you love what you do?
Wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Click here to see the BLACK Collection!

CP Feature: American Bird Products

Samuel Fox is the Co-Owner and Co-President of American Bird Products, proud manufacturers of the internationally-known Audubon Bird Call. He is a student at Yale University.

The American Bird Products dates back to 1951. How did you first get involved?

My interest in the company came from the respect I had for my late grandfather, Roger Eddy. My brother, Martin, and I purchased the business, with the support of our mother from Roger Eddy’s (my grandfather) estate about a year after he died. I was a junior in high school when I first got involved. The challenge of running a successful business and putting my own mark on a company that had been in operation for more than fifty years was the truly enticing part.

What is your role/what does it require of you? How long have you been with American Bird Products?

My brother and Martin and I have been at the helm of ABP, Inc since 2004. We are each 49% owners. My mother and father each hold 1% for voting purposes if Martin and I ever have any disagreements we cannot resolve ourselves (so far we have not). With such a small company it is not a stretch to say that I do everything necessary for the business to thrive. I am involved with everything from production of the products, to customer service and sales, to packing orders and shipping them out. During the school year I spend a limited amount of time at our physical location but am able to keep up with everyday operations via computer. I normally spend about 5-6 hours a week in the office and I dedicate about an hour a day to general upkeep on my computer or on the phone. During the summer though, it is a full time job.

About how many people work for American Bird Products?

My brother and I are full time employees. We also employ an office manager who comes in on a part time basis. She does regular office maintenance, packs and ships orders, keeps the books (deposits checks, etc). And during production runs (usually about three months long, twice a year) we employ at least two full time laborers.

How difficult is it for you to juggle between studying at Yale and running a business?

It has been difficult to prioritize all of my responsibilities. On top of my schoolwork I am also on the Yale track team which takes up even more time than school or work. Admittedly, since taking over the company, I have put business before schoolwork, but, mostly because of geographic constraints it has been difficult to spend enough time working for ABP. I look forward to graduation for a number of reasons, including the fact that ill have more time to dedicate to my company.

American Bird Products produces the Audubon Bird Call and the Soda Bottle Bird Feeder. Could you explain the uses of each? Which one is the most popular?

The Audubon Bird Call is a simple device. It is comprised of a small Birchwood cylinder and a zinc-cast plug connected by a short screw. The wood and metal plug are dusted with a rosin which is essential in producing the call’s voice. When twisted together, the friction creates a squeaking sound reminiscent of many wild song bird sounds. The Soda Bottle Bird Feeder is an environmentally friendly and durable zinc-cast adapter meant to turn a recycled 2 liter soda bottle into a bird feeder. The soda bottle simply screws right into the feeder adapter which includes two feeding trays and perches. We like to think that the feeder is also virtually squirrel proof, as squirrels have difficulty balancing on the slippery plastic of a soda bottle. Our Bird Call is our classic product and sells much more successfully around the world.

Do you plan on introducing new products?

We have begun to introduce some new services for our customers. Bird Calls are now customizable as we are able to laser engrave any image that will fit onto the Call. Certain customers use the Bird Call as a promotional item. We can provide Calls in a range of colors and can imprint company, or organizational logos directly onto the Call. We are also always looking to expand deeper into the gift market as that is the market that we have been most successful in.

Your grandfather, Roger Eddy, was known for handcrafting the bird calls and refused to use mass production. Do you still do the same?

We still manufacture our Audubon Birdcall by hand in the same fashion as my grandfather almost 60 years ago. It is important to do so because our strongest marketing position for the product is “all-american and hand-made.”

American Bird Products distributes not only in the US but throughout the world in places such as Japan and Australia. Did these distributors become a part since your leadership of the company? If so, how did you go about doing this?

Our European distributors came with the company when we took over, but most of our others have been cultivated in the last 5 years. Persistence and asking a lot of questions is key when looking for customers. In Australia we spoke to our small customers to find out who their main suppliers were domestically, then we went after those companies as possible distributors. Same for the UK and Japan. There is also an element of luck. We have been approached by individuals from many different countries looking to become distributors of our products.

Where do you see American Bird Products in the next five years? Do you plan to continue with the company after you graduate?

There is certainly a cap to the success of our products. We are not producing hot new electronics or revolutionary software etc. We make a classic American tool/toy and our sales are better described as steady rather than explosive. However there is definitely room for improvement. I would like to delve deeper into the promotional market and also cultivate more international customers. The infusion of energy that ABP stands to receive when I graduate and am able to work side by side with my brother on a regular basis will no doubt lead to growth in sales and production. And, as mentioned, we are always looking to extend our product and service line.

Do you enjoy what you do?

Running a business is fun. Every sale, every order, every shipment seems to be your own creation. Seeing a business interaction go from early phone calls, to price quotes, to logistical coordination, to shipment, to payment is one of the most fulfilling things I can think of.

Learn more here!

CP Feature: AArow Advertising

Mike Kenny is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of AArow Advertising, a unique spin on advertising. He is a graduate of San Diego State University.

In one sentence, how would you describe your business?

We are an international marketing company that combines the power of human interaction and the talent of our AArrow Sign Spinners to create cost-effective marketing campaigns for our clients.

Good advertising depends upon a unique approach. In what way is AArrow advertising different from other advertisers out there?

Most advertisers think they have to use the ‘shotgun approach’, meaning they think if they throw enough advertisements out into world people are bound to look at it. This makes people feel disenchanted with the overbearing amount of ads they are exposed to. On the other hand, we believe in targeting consumers one by one, so they receive the individual advertising experience that actually makes our client’s message ‘stick’ in their heads.

What sparked the idea?

When Max and I were 16-year-olds, we got a job where we were asked to hold a sign on the street corner. The only problem for us was that it was probably the most boring job in the world. We grew up in the Southern California extreme sports culture and, as skateboarders and surfers ourselves, we started doing tricks with our signs to entertain ourselves. And it turned out to be an effective advertising solution that can be seen around the world.

When you started the business in 2002, what were your first three steps?

The first thing we did was invent an aerodynamic AArrow that came with a few failed attempts. Second, we made a skateboard-style music video of our sign spinning to show off our talent and skill. Third, we headed to the streets, targeting hundreds of local businesses, to sell our innovative and unique service, only to be turned down by every single one. Eventually, persistence and a true belief in the concept led to our first client: The Healthy Back Store in San Diego.

You were only in high school at the time you started AArrow Advertising. How did you know what steps to take business-wise at such a young age?

We had just graduated high school and learned a lot by trial and error; evaluating what works and what doesn’t and adopting the approaches deemed the most successful. We really we couldn’t have done it without the support of our family, friends and mentors. When you don’t know what steps to take you have to ask.

Where did you look to find funding for AArrow Advertising when you first started out? Was it difficult?

We started AArrow Advertising with almost no money and to this day have had to rely little on outside financing. This has forced us to be resourceful and to become a profitable business very quickly, as there was no other way for us to make it happen.

Currently, you employ more than 750 youth between the ages of 16-24. How do you promote yourself to this age group as an employer?

AArrow Advertising has developed such a strong culture and recognizable brand that we attract a great deal of youth that share our same core beliefs by continuing to build the brand and being an active member in the community and in local school districts. We have developed strong youth hiring partnerships with city governments, school districts and other youth-hiring organizations in every city we operate in that assist in our hiring needs.

Why do you have such a strong focus on youth employment?

Our drive to start AArrow Advertising came from a desire within us and our friends to not have to work most of the jobs that are available to youth that don’t challenge, motivate or interest the employee base. The 16 to 24 age group is often overlooked when it comes to employment opportunities, and I believe that about 70% of this age group is currently not working. So we decided to make youth employment a core focus of ours and the young people we employ have responded to the tasks at hand with an immense amount of energy and enthusiasm.

Other than being of young age, what qualifications are required of employees to become skilled spinners?

Age really doesn’t matter in becoming an AArrow Sign Spinner. The most important quality is the attitude you possess and your competitive drive. If you are a positive person and you believe this would be a fun and exciting job, chances are this is the right place.

The best spinners are recognized as “AArrow All-stars” in your various locations ranging from Washington, D.C. to Las Vegas. How does one get to this level?

Serious amounts of practice. Our current World Champion, 17-year-old San Diego native Teddy Hale,

has been sign spinning for four years now and continues to practice every day; just as any other athlete would. The sign spinners on the top 10 list are there because they continue to push the limits of this sport higher and higher.

Your clients include Fortune 100-500 companies, sports and entertainment industries, websites, food chains, and celebrities. How did you attract such a broad range of clientele? Who are your most frequent clients?

We attract such a broad range of clients because of the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of our advertising approach. This advertising concept works for the smallest and the largest businesses because of how many people we can get to look at the client’s message. Advertising based on
human-to-human interaction will work for every client from Snoop Dogg to Staples. Our most frequent clients continue to be luxury apartment complexes, mobile phone providers, restaurant chains and retail stores.

You recently started to grant franchises of AArrow throughout the nation. Why? What analysis did you do before making this decision?

We have been interested in the concept for years and became convinced in 2007 after we had been receiving an overwhelming amount of phone calls from people all across the world asking how they could own a piece of the business. Since our concept is centered on local operations, it makes sense to have an entrepreneur operate an AArrow Advertising city.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded AArow Advertising the Most Outstanding Community Involvement Award in 2008. Was community involvement always your intention?

Yes, AArrow Advertising is a very community-based organization. We hire youth, drive traffic into local businesses and use the power of our advertising to make a difference in the world by raising awareness about important social issues and needs.

It looks as if every member of the company has a lot of fun. How do you make sure that despite all of the work it requires working with AArrow Advertising is enjoyable?

We truly believe that you have to enjoy what you do since you dedicate such a large portion of your life to work. The concept is naturally fun and the AArrow Advertising employees are here because they have a passion for the sport of sign spinning. It’s a job where you get people to smile and applaud for you all day long… what could be more fun that that?

Where do you see AArow Advertising in the next three years?

Our business expansion plans in the next three years include 50 major U.S. AArrow Advertising markets and 20 countries with AArrow Advertising operations across them, as well as securing top brands as our sponsors. We also see sign spinners from around the globe traveling to compete in the AArrow World Sign Spinning Championship which (of course) will be on ESPN by that time. Most importantly, we see ourselves still having fun and still spinning every chance we get.

Start spinnin' here!