Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Guilbault.
Raymond, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started 8&9 back in 2001. We’ve grown our apparel line to a men’s collection, stocked by 350+ retailers. We got here by working hard, pushing the limits of design and manufacturing while interacting with our customers on the ground level. In 2016, our business expanded to offer consulting services to other upcoming or established clothing brands and corporate clients that need custom clothing for their team or to launch a supplementary revenue stream. Now we’re consulting on marketing, strategy, design and manufacturing. Everything you need to grow a brand the authentic way, the way we did.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing is smooth in the apparel business. Murphy (referencing Murphy’s Law that says “anything that can go wrong will go wrong”) is a real guy and everything that can go wrong will. In 2001 we lost our first collection and were forced to cancel all our orders in the aftermath of September 11th. We were producing in Pakistan and simply couldn’t get the goods out and through customs to meet our orders. It was a huge set back, but it forced us to go hand to hand, sell one by one and be very creative. We launched a pop up campaign and took to the streets. By 2008 we came back with a full line and snowballed from there achieving 40-50% year over year growth.
8&9 MFG Co. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We design clothes to elevate our customer’s footwear. Our customers dress from the feet up so we consider that in every piece we make so it’s easy for them to get dressed in 8&9. We’re set apart by our attention to detail, the inspiration we draw from, and the way we execute.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined by your level of freedom. That’s what we work for, the ability to do what we want when we want. It’s about providing options for your family and your team. Profits create freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: 8and9.com
- Email: inquiries@8and9.com
- Instagram: 8and9
- Facebook: facebook.com/8and9
- Twitter: 8and9
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