Welcome Aboard!

For a clothing and accessories retailer, growing fast and having fun aren't mutually exclusive.

Text by Lindsay Holloway

In 1998, when Martha's Vineyard frequenters Shep and Ian Murray (pictured above, L to R) came up with the name Vineyard Vines for their then tie company, they were playing off the notion that they would eventually grow and expand their product lines, or "vines." And grow they did - to the tune of more than $37 million in sales last year. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company now offers lifestyle clothing and accessories for adults and children, employs nearly 120 people, and sells its products in four East Coast Vineyard Vines boutiques as well as online and in more than 600 stores nationwide. The company also recently added more to its plate with custom, golf and wholesale divisions.

Though Vineyard Vines' rapid growth can be attributed largely to increased product offerings and sales channels, the Murray brothers say success has been possible because they're doing what they love. "The number-one reason we're growing so quickly is because we're having fun." says Ian, 32.

"It's never been about making money," adds Shep, 36. "Success will find you if you do the thing that you love in the place you want to do it."

Vineyard Vines; 800/892-4982 or vineyardvines.com

Entrepreneur - August 2007