Smathers and Branson

Behind The Scenes At The S&B Photo Shoot

2011-08-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer the Smathers & Branson® team spent the weekend in Spring Island, South Carolina for a photo shoot. We were lucky to work with three great models and a talented photographer (and long time friend) Dennis Kwan. It was an exciting time for us as we covered scenes of golfing, boating, drinking, hunting, and more. The venue was perfect and we want to thank everyone at Spring Island who made this shoot possible!

We wanted to give the followers of our blog a sneak peak at some behind the scenes shots of the photo shoot. While you will see the finished product in emails and catalogues to come, this is the first place to get a sneak peek of all the work that went into the shoot. We will be using even more photos on a brand new Smathers & Branson® website set to launch very soon! Keep checking in with us this fall for some very exciting changes!

Check out our facebook page for even more photos from the S&B Photo Shoot

The Dog Days of Summer

2011-06-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

When we first started Smathers & Branson® in the spring of 2004 we spent a lot of time trying to pinpoint exactly who our customer would be. Now, seven years later, we are still impressed by the geography and different interests of our customers. With themes that resonate with sailors, sportsmen and drinkers we hope to appeal to all things a man loves. Not surprisingly, our needlepoint products that include man’s best friend have been some of the most popular!

The first domesticated dogs were gray wolves as long as 15,000 years ago. Beloved for working, hunting and companionship, these loyal animals quickly become fixtures in everyday life. Domesticated by all members of the socioeconomic ladder, a dog’s duty ranged from exertion on the farm to being pampered by royalty. No matter the breed, a dogs’ unwavering loyalty has earned the pet the title “Man’s Best Friend.”

At Smathers & Branson®, we are fortunate to have a dog in our office everyday! Moose (pictured above) is a Golden Doodle that belongs to co-founder Austin Branson and has been “working” at Smathers & Branson® since June 2009. A friendly and playful dog, Moose has helped inspire new designs and is always a welcome distraction during a stressful moment in the office. Although we do not have a golden doodle key fob (yet), we are happy to offer key fobs for over a dozen different breeds! Don’t see your breed? Post a comment and let us know what dogs we should be including moving forward!

www.smathersandbranson.com

Spring Golf In The Northeast

2011-05-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

Golf is one of the only sports that allows an athlete to express his own sense of style while competing. Unlike baseball, football, or basketball where the athletes all wear identical uniforms, golf, especially in recent years, encourages an athlete to merge his personality and playing style with what he wears on the course. The influx of young talent on the PGA Tour coupled with the cross over appeal of golf for companies like Puma, J.Lindberg, Burberry, Peter Millar, Nike, and Adidas has made the business of Golf Style a big deal. For more on the sartorial standards on the PGA Tour, visit our friends at The Khaki Crusader (www.khakicrusader.com); but for our blog we will focus on where the weekend warriors and vacationers will be playing this summer.

One of the most exciting parts of spring in the northeast is dusting off the clubs and hitting the course for the first time of the season. Even if your swing feels like you are opening collapsible lawn furniture, the first swings of the year are often the most highly anticipated. Unlike courses in the south and out west that stay open year round, courses in the northeast shut down from early November to late March, making the open season that much sweeter. To many, summertime golf in the northeast is enough to justify living through the brutally cold winter months.

This summer, should you be lucky enough to play a few rounds in popular northeastern golf destinations like the Hamptons, Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard, take a second to look inside the pro-shop. While debating whether or not you should buy the new “White Driver” check out our needlepoint belts and accessories which now don the logo of clubs from Shinnecock and Winged Foot to Sankaty Head and Baltusrol. A Smathers and Branson belt is a great way to standout in any foursome and a logoed flask may be just the thing to get you off the bogey train!

Pictured above are two proud recipients of needlepoint belts after a tournament at The Quarry at La Quinta this past April. If you have any inquiries about your home course making needlepoint belts and accessories please email us at info@smathersandbranson.com.

The Ivy Standard: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Columbia, Cornell, Penn & Brown

2011-04-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Few collegiate conferences have had the sartorial influence that the Ivy League has. Well before the formal establishment of the Ivy League as an athletic conference in 1954, these 8 northeastern schools have been beacons of both higher education and a style all their own. Intellectual ability, ambition, and acumen of the highest standards fosters an environment of well-dressed and polished students.

The Ivy League aesthetic, as documented by Ivy Style, is a traditional look with nods to the past and to the future. The ubiquitous tartan, herringbone, and houndstooth patterns on Ivy campuses have been passed on for generations. Using traditionally subdued colors (charcoal, tan, and olive), the Ivy look projects an understated confidence all its own. Recently, these classic looks have been accessorized with bolder colored ties, belts and pocket squares.

The store most responsible for creating and maintaining this look is J.Press in New Haven, CT. Just minutes from Yale’s campus, J. Press has become synonymous with Ivy style. Opened in 1902, J. Press has become a staple for classic New England patterns and fabrics, demonstrating that style is not something created in an instant, but rather cultivated over generations.

While the Ivy League is deeply rooted in tradition, it has also embraced new brands that fit the aesthetic. When we first launched our collegiate line of needlepoint belts and accessories, the Ivies were some of the first schools in the collection. Luckily, the partnership has been a success and today you can find all 8 Ivies represented at J. Press or online at www.smathersandbranson.com.

Photo from Life Magazine

Spring Break with Smathers & Branson

2011-03-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

The first few days of spring are packed with anticipation and excitement. Warmer weather and longer days seem to brighten everyone’s mood as afternoon golf rounds and early mornings fishing become a possibility. Here in Washington, DC we are still weeks away from the Cherry Blossom Festival, but it seems like some people have already gotten spring fever. Those lucky few are of course the college kids on Spring Break.

From New Orleans to the Florida Keys, be sure to stop into one of our many retailers in Spring Break destinations. Below are three can’t miss men’s stores in some of our favorite Spring Break spots. If you don’t see your favorite store below, let us know!

New Orleans: Host to one of the most infamous parties in the world, New Orleans is teeming with party seekers, students, and musicians during Mardi Gras. Famous for wild costumes and equally wild behavior, NOLA has earned a reputation as one of the best Spring Break locations. For over 70 years, Perlis has been clothing locals and tourists alike. With a full selection of Smathers and Branson® needlepoint belts and accessories, Perlis is the place to visit if you forgot to pack your favorite outfit or if somehow your shirt was misplaced after a late night on Bourbon Street.

Key West: Anyone who has made the long drive to Key West, FL knows that visiting the southern most point in the US rarely disappoints. With a personality and attitude all its own, Key West is a haven for beach bums and fishermen. Between drinks at the Hog’s Breath Saloon and afternoons exploring the coral reef, take a second to visit our friends at Assortment Inc. A Key West institution, Assortment Inc. has several custom Smathers & Branson® designs geared directly towards the Keys lifestyle.

Sea Island, GA: When spring break comes around all students must make an important decision: you can pack six people into one hotel room with your friends or join your family on their vacation. If you are lucky enough to visit Sea Island, GA, we would highly recommend skipping the trip to Cancun this year. With world class golf courses, tennis, and a five mile continuous beach, Sea Island has earned a reputation as one of the best resorts in the country. Whether you are in the Beach Shop at the Cloisters or the Golf Shop at the Lodge, stop in and take a look at the custom Smathers & Branson® Sea Island products.

Even as we write this, we are jealous of the students on Spring Break! Where are you going this Spring Break?

Going Green

2011-03-03T09:10:00.001-08:00

Green. It means different things to different people. To some it is a sign of environmental activism. To others it is a mark of naiveté. And to the rest it represents the chase of the mighty dollar. Wherever you are in the world, there is only one day that green is ubiquitous.

That day, of course, is St. Patrick’s Day. A religious turned secular holiday, St. Patrick’s Day has become a rallying point of revelry for Irish and non-Irish alike. Unlike any other holiday, St. Patrick’s Day encourages whiskey shots immediately after church. This March 17^th, whether you are dyeing the Chicago River green or meeting a group of friends for a parade in Savannah, Ga., avoid getting pinched by sporting a Smathers and Branson clover product.

Before heading out to celebrate, take a second to view our collection of four-leaf clover products. From start to finish, Smathers and Branson has you covered throughout the day: use our coasters to rest your drink; use our flask to sneak a drink; and use our wallet to buy a drink. The one rule to always follow on St. Patrick’s Day is to make sure to hand over your clover key fob to a designated driver!

Our entire line of needlepoint belts and accessories can be viewed at www.smathersandbranson.com, so take a look and maybe you will get lucky!

Coaster Sets from Smathers and Branson

2011-02-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

It happens to us all. You have been invited on a trip with a friend or a significant other and you are looking to make a good impression. These getaways, typically to a family beach or mountain house, can be an important step in a relationship. Being the classy person that you are, instincts tell you to bring a gift, but the question is what?? You know that it is the thought that counts, but you would feel a little bit sheepish showing up with the eight dollar bottle of wine that has been in your kitchen for years. Do not worry, Smathers and Branson has got you covered.

Over the past five years, we have made several additions to our line beyond our beloved needlepoint belts. This winter we launched what many have called “the perfect house warming gift”-- needlepoint Coaster Sets. With designs that are meant to represent the places and activities that our customers love the most, these hand stitched coasters will be a great addition to any coffee table. Our coasters’ bold colors and handsome wooden packaging will be a conversation piece for years and hopefully you will get all the credit.

Selling in sets of four at $75, these needlepoint coasters are a great gift without breaking the bank. If you are feeling really ambitious you can have them monogrammed, but be sure to give us 4-6 weeks to have them stitched!

You can see our entire line of needlepoint coaster sets online at www.smathersandbranson.com! Not seeing a design that you would like? Post a comment and let us know what patterns we should add this spring!

Southern Swing

2010-10-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

As the leaves change color and the long evenings of summer give way to the long shadows of fall, it is clear that college football is upon us. Now four weeks into tailgates, victories and rivalries, Smathers and Branson wanted to take a moment to let you know where you can stock up on your favorite team’s gear. In recent history, the South has been the epicenter of college football, so here are a few great stores to stop by on your way to the game.

Clemson, South Carolina plays host to one of loudest and most feared college stadiums in the country. When en route to Death Valley, take a quick detour to M.H. Frank to stock up on all the purple and orange gear you could ever need. The Clemson faithful have M.H. Frank to thank for earning the reputation as some of the most dapper college fans in the country.

It is good to be the champs and this year The Locker Room, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has been riding last years national championship with huge inventories of ‘Bama apparel. The Locker Room has created some great custom Smathers and Branson ‘Bama products that can only be found in their Tuscaloosa store.

One of the first stores to support our collegiate program, Britton’s Clothing in Columbia, South Carolina is the place for all things Gamecocks. Whether you are looking for a Gamecock flask to keep the wheels greased at the game or a needlepoint wallet to hold your ticket, do not forget to stop by Britton’s on your way to the stadium.

Finally, whether you are a Peyton or an Eli fan – Smathers and Branson has got you covered. It is rumored that several members of “Football’s first family” have been spotted wearing our needlepoint belts at their alma mater. At Ole Miss, show your R*bel pride and stop by Hinton and Hinton in Oxford, Mississippi or check out the checker board and power T gear at M.S. McClellan in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Those are just a few of the great stores that have supported our collegiate line this season. Don’t see you favorite team mentioned? Drop us a line at info@smathersandbranson.com and we’ll connect you with one of the other great stores that carries our collegiate gear! We now offer products for over 60 Colleges and Universities and some new schools just hit the web!

Thank You From S&B

2010-07-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last month Smathers and Branson lost a dear friend with the passing of Gilles Bridier, the proprietor of Murray’s Toggery on Nantucket. Gilles was one of the very first store owners to take a chance on Smathers and Branson. Over the past 6 years, we were fortunate to work with him and develop a friendship along the way.

Known for his thick French accent and jokester demeanor, Gilles continually kept us on our toes. Fresh out of college, we were only 22 years old when we took a trip out to Nantucket to show Gilles our inaugural line. Meeting the head of such an iconic store, our nerves showed as we butchered the pronunciation of Gilles’ name in every possible way. To our embarrassment, a Murray’s employee corrected us after we had been calling him “Gels,” “Jillies,” and “Giles” during the entire 30 minute meeting. Undeterred by our amateur French accents, Gilles was willing to give us a shot. We left Nantucket with a 20 belt order and no clue how the relationship would develop.

Just one week into carrying our line, Gilles called us seemingly upset and concerned. He told us, “The belts have not sold. The customers don’t like the designs. Should I send them back?” Our hearts dropped and there was what seemed like a minute of awkward silence until we heard his famous laugh on the other end of the phone. The belts had in fact sold. They had sold out. Once Gilles stopped laughing, he went on to place the largest order we had received at that time. It was the perfect introduction to both Gilles’ sense of humor and Murray’s monster orders.

Gilles’ big personality was complimented by his innate business sense. He was the first person to encourage us to make custom products, which have been hugely successful at Murray’s and eventually in other stores. Moreover, store owners from across the country would look to Gilles and the lines that he carried for advice and inspiration. Working with Murray’s has provided great exposure and we will forever be indebted to Gilles for taking a chance on us. Gilles’ legacy lives on at Murray’s and with his sons and their company, Castaway Clothing.

Gilles, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for believing in us when we were doubting ourselves, for always making us laugh, and for being one of the most fair and honest people we have had the privilege of working with. You have taught us a lot and you will certainly be missed here at SB!

Peter & Austin

Summer in New England

2010-04-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

What a great time of year!—golf season is upon us, boats are about to go back into the water, and Fourth of July BBQ plans are being sprinkled into casual conversation. At Smathers and Branson ®, we are working hard to make sure that you’ve got some great accessories for your spring/summer season. Our new line has already hit your local retailers and will be up on the web soon!

As mercury levels rise, many of New England’s stores are preparing for the heightened foot traffic that comes with seasonal visitors, sunburns, and smiling faces. Whether you are lucky enough to visit Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, or Maine, be sure to stop in and say hi to our friends along the way.

Murray’s Toggery on Nantucket is an institution. Founded in 1945 by the same family that runs it today, Murray’s has been clothing Nantucket locals and tourists alike for over 60 years. Not only did this store create the Nantucket Reds for which they’re famous, it also makes a habit of employing college students during the summer months to maintain a great balance between tradition and new blood. If you happen into Murray’s this summer, be sure to check out to check out their extensive selection of Castaway Clothing, founded by two of Philip Murray’s grandsons.

Just a short ferry ride from Nantucket is Martha’s Vineyard, where up and coming clothier North River Outfitters is quickly making a name for itself. With locations in Boston and Edgartown, NRO carries the entire line of Smathers and Branson needlepoint belts, needlepoint wallets, and needlepoint flasks. They also carry customized Smathers and Branson Vineyard and Boston belts that can only be found at NRO!

In Newport, Rhode Island, be sure to swing by Island Outfitters and pick up a belt fit for a day on the water! Newport has long been considered the top sailing destination on the East Coast, and Island Outfitters carries Smathers & Branson® products that would look great on any boat crew. When you’re back on dry land, the Island Outfitters Newport store on Thames Street is only a short walk from one of Smathers and Branson’s favorite deck bars – the Black Pearl.

Should you end up in the coastal town of Camden, Maine this summer, don’t miss the Smathers and Branson® selection at the Admiral’s Buttons. Whether you are in town for an August wedding or a 4^th of July reunion, the staff at AB will have everything you need to make sure you are looking good.

Didn’t see your favorite store posted here? Have any suggestions to where we should be selling this summer? Want to see Smathers and Branson® products in your local pro shop? Let us know! There are too many great stores in New England to mention them all and we want your feedback! As always, be safe this season and remember anything else is just a waist.

Monograms: Turn a Gift into an Heirloom

2010-03-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

The concept of putting a monogram on something has been around for millennia. Greek and Roman rulers used monograms as a royal signature marking their coins, Victorian era aristocrats used monograms to flaunt their status, and throughout time, artists have used monograms to sign their work. Monograms have certainly stood the test of time and seem to be more popular than ever as they are showing up on everything from iphone cases to needlepoint belts.

At Smathers and Branson®, monograms have grown in popularity each year of our business. Since 2005, we have offered a monogram option on our needlepoint belts, but we now offer monograms on our needlepoint wallets, needlepoint flasks, and needlepoint key fobs.

Whether you are looking to protect your prized item by adding initials, commemorate a wedding date, celebrate a graduation year, or you just want to customize your favorite Smathers and Branson® design, we have the monogram for you! This subtle and timeless form of customization will never go out of style, and with our three different monogram options, you are sure to find something for everyone.

With father’s day, mother’s day and graduation just around the corner, remember that our monogrammed products are a great way to give a gift that is truly one of a kind!

Smathers and Branson® monogrammed products take up to 6 weeks to be produced and can be purchased at www.smathersandbranson.com.

Catching the Grand Slam at Boca Grande

2010-03-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

At Smathers and Branson we owe much of our success to our partnerships with over 600 high-end shops across the country. From the beginning, these stores have given us precious distribution and aided our grass roots marketing campaign. Part of the purpose of our new blog is to give thanks to the customers and store owners who helped Smathers and Branson along the way. There are countless stores to thank, but today we will begin with Boca Grande Outfitters in Boca Grande, Florida. As school vacation/spring break arrives, many of us are taking our “March down to Florida,” so we figured Boca Grande is a great place to start.

Since 1997, Boca Grande Outfitters has been the primary outfitter for local saltwater fly fishermen and guests hoping to make the big catch. Like the Darien Sport shop, Boca Grande Outfitters is a hybrid between men’s clothing and outdoor gear. This nexus of fashion, function, and the outdoors makes for a great partnership with Smathers and Branson needlepoint products. With a focus on our fishing patterns, the great team at Boca Grande has developed a successful custom program. They have worked with us to create their own custom needlepoint belts, needlepoint flasks, and needlepoint key fobs. These custom products can only be found at Boca Grande Outfitters and are a great way to commemorate catching the Grand Slam!

Boca Grande, which looks more like a screensaver than anything else, is also home to the famous Gasparilla Inn. Frequented by the Bush daughters, this club is famous for its service and has also embraced Smathers and Branson’s custom program. Just a short walk from the Inn is the inspiration for one of Smathers and Branson’s best selling needlepoint belts. The Pink Elephant, a restaurant famous for its ice cream based, smile inducing drink called “The Hummer,” was the eatery of choice as Peter and Austin launched their first line in 2005. After a few too many Hummers, Peter and Austin decided that the Elephant Martini belt would quickly become a needlepoint staple.

The month of March is an ideal time to sneak away to Florida (“I’ll leave for a week and when I come back it will be spring right?”) So if you find yourself in Boca Grande anytime soon, be sure to stop in and say hi to our friends at Boca Grande Outfitters located at 375 Park Avenue.

Smathers and Branson: Business Casual

2010-02-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Smathers and Branson needlepoint belts are reminiscent of summer days at Murray’s on Nantucket, or winter getaways at C. Orrico in Palm Beach, but our needlepoint belts are now being worn in more places than ever! As suits in the workplace become rare, the culture of business casual is leaving many Smathers and Branson customers with one critical question: can I wear my needlepoint belt in the office? This question, which we field from store buyers and individual customers alike, is surprisingly difficult to answer; but these four guidelines can help set some ground rules.

1) Stick with the Classics: Surcingles, Basketweave, Herringbone
When wearing a Smathers and Branson needlepoint belt in the office, any employee should hope to hear “that’s handsome” instead of “oh my!” To assure this reaction, stick to our timeless patterns like the Basketweave needlepoint belt, Herringbone needlepoint belt, and the Surcingle needlepoint belt collection. Depending on the area of the country and your specific profession you can probably get away with the Jolly Roger, Bonefish, and American Flag needlepoint belts, but be careful in the ever evolving world of business casual.

2) Get Personal: Fishing Flies, Golf Flags, Bluefish and Striper
Smathers and Branson needlepoint belts are designed to remind you of the things you love most (which typically does not involve the office). With that in mind, don’t be afraid to let your co-workers know that you would rather be on the Front Nine or fishing for Bluefish and Striper than being called in on a weekend.

3) No Booze: Beer Cans, 99 Bottles of Beer, Elephant Martini, and Shrimp Cocktail
Unless you’re a Budweiser executive, these needlepoint belts should be left at home. While we love these designs, wearing alcohol related belts to the office may give off the wrong impression. These gems are better suited for the Christmas party or a golf retreat than they are for the typical day at the office.

4) Glory Days: The Collegiate Section
We all remember when. For some of us, it was just last year, for others the memories are hazy, and for many there are no memories…ahh, the glory days of college. With March Madness around the corner, we are reminded that you can never go wrong by showing off school pride, whether or not your team is going to make a run for the finals of the Big Dance.

Note: Unless you are ready for the unemployment line, under no circumstances should you wear the needlepoint collegiate belt of your boss’s rival school.

Friends of Smathers and Branson, we want your input! We wear whatever belt we want in our office, so let us know what you think is acceptable at your own job!

Say "I Do" to Smathers and Branson

2010-01-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

As January comes to a close, most of us are mentally finished with winter weather. While snow during the holidays is great, come February the Smathers and Branson office is ready for warmer temperatures and longer days. This January, our office has kept busy testing new designs, preparing new products, and eagerly anticipating the summer days ahead. With an office of twenty-somethings, it is no surprise that many of us have been setting aside summer weekends for weddings.

Between the months of May and August, the S&B team is attending 31 weddings for friends, family, and even complete strangers (summer interns = wedding crashers, right Frank?). We will be traveling from San Francisco to Portland, Maine with tuxedo in tote and eyes on the bar.

Although our office will be busy at the weddings this season, our products will be even busier. From the start S&B has been honored to be a part of the wedding party, and we have now provided groomsmen gifts at over 200 ceremonies. From cummerbunds to key fobs, the vows can never be official until they are stitched in needlepoint - (at least in our humble opinion).

For three years now, we’ve been offering deals on monogrammed belts, flasks, wallets, and cummerbunds for wedding parties. As a great way to commemorate the nuptials, many bridegrooms choose to include both initials and the date of the ceremony on our needlepoint products. The design possibilities are endless and much is left up to your own creativity! If you have an upcoming wedding please do not hesitate to contact us for information regarding price breaks, custom designs and delivery time. All custom products take 4-6 weeks for delivery so do not delay!

The best part is – the groom’s is always free, so when it comes to groomsmen’s gifts, just say I DO to Smathers and Branson!

The Bob Hope Classic : A Dream Pairing!

2010-01-20T07:58:00.001-08:00

What’s your dream foursome? At Smathers and Branson we spend almost as much time developing new products as we do wishing we were on the golf course. This weekend marks the most cherished celebrity golf tournament of the year, and dream pairings will be seen left and right. Since 1960, the Bob Hope Classic has been pairing celebrities, sports stars, professional and amateur golfers for five days of competition and good times. At this California venue, one is just as likely to see an exploding golf ball a la Bill Murray, as they are to see a hole in one from past champions like Phil Mickleson.

Named for the late Bob Hope, a renowned entertainer and avid golfer, this tournament transcends the game of golf and encourages even the most casual fan to watch. Whether hoping to see Kevin Costner’s real life Tin Cup moment or simply watching how Samuel L. Jackson, Luke Wilson, and Padraig Harrington interact, the Bob Hope Classic has something for everyone.

This year, Smathers and Branson is excited to be a part of the Bob Hope Classic. On the first day of play, celebrities and tournament officials are given a gift on behalf of the tournament sponsors. In 2010, the gift of choice was a customized Smathers and Branson needlepoint belt with the Bob Hope Tournament insignia! We want to thank everyone at the Bob Hope Classic for thinking of us, and we are thrilled at the possibility of some of the world’s biggest stars wearing our product!

One of the reasons Bob Hope loved his tournament was because he could pick his own foursome. Having played his way down to a four handicap, Hope was not bashful with his pairings and in 1995 he was seen on the links with Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford. It is up for debate as to which member of that power foursome had the honors on the first tee! Luckily, those upholding the legacy of Bob Hope have honored his affinity for a dream pairing, by pairing a Smathers and Branson belt with any outfit on the course.

A Little History Behind the Needlepoint

2009-07-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Part of the thought behind creating the blog is that we want you to be able to get to know the guys behind the scenes at S&B a little better. With that in mind, here’s a little of our story:

My name is Peter Smathers Carter and along with my good friend and business partner, Austin Branson, I founded Smathers and Branson™. As many of you know, we launched the company in 2004 after graduating from Bowdoin College. Our girlfriends had made us needlepoint belts and we decided to do some research on the product. To our surprise, we discovered that no one was selling finished needlepoint products at the high quality and affordable price that we were looking for.

We searched for nearly a year until we were satisfied with a group of stitchers and a producer that we knew could create the quality product we had set out to make. Today we employ and provide opportunities for over 2,000 people in 16 villages in Vietnam. This continues to be one of the most satisfying parts of our business.

At first, we set up our headquarters in Austin’s parents’ attic in Bethesda, Maryland. While the surroundings were comfortable, as our company continued to grow we realized we needed our own space and moved into our new warehouse/office that we still call home today.

As our working space has increased so has our inventory. While men’s belts continue to be the heart of our brand we have since expanded into women’s belts, children’s belts, dog collars, cummerbunds, key fobs, and now wallets, flasks, headbands, and coin purses. In response to heavy demand, in 2008 we created a collegiate line comprised of schools from around the country. And as always we continue to work with country clubs, stores and individual customers creating custom patterns for all of our products.

We just attended our five-year college reunion and upon reflection, these past five years have certainly been a blur. We now sell our products in nearly all fifty states and eight countries around the globe. To have moved from Austin’s parents’ attic to the global operation we are today has been quite the experience but our goal has and always will remain the same: to provide you with the finest quality needlepoint and the customer service to match.

Now with this blog we hope not only to get to know you a little better but also for you to get to know the people behind the needlepoint; the S&B team. Whether you've known us for a while or this is the first time you've heard of us, check us out on our website, http://www.smathersandbranson.com and remember, “anything else is just a waist.”®

All the best,

Peter, Austin &The Smathers and Branson team