Thursday, November 29, 2012

Get To Know: Andrew, EHS Executive Director


Get to know Andrew Leavitt, , Founder and Executive Director of Ellen’s Heart and Soul, and Leavitt and Avery Consulting LLC. , through this exclusive CBD Blog Q&A. We covered all the basics from favorite hobbies, to personal role model, to "what the heck do you do for CBD?". Read our special below...

When you're not wearing a CBD, what are your favorite brands?
I am all about comfort, I truly believe you should “Feel Good About What You Wear.” When I'm not sporting a CBD I am wearing anything that feels good! I’m a big fan of Perlis, Vineyard Vines, Southern Marsh and Ball & Buck. Though I can't afford any of it on my non-profit salary. 

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about business; although Ellen’s Heart and Soul is a non-profit, we are still a business and the best part is we are always changing and always finding new ways to express ourselves and help those around us. 

The best way to describe my true passion for business would be to reflect on this quote from Richard Branson..."There is no point in going into a business unless you can make a radical difference in other people's lives. To me, it's like painting a picture: you have to get all the little nuances right to create the perfect picture, or the perfect company."
Read more here:


I am in business to make a difference and the journey to do so it the most exciting part. 

What are your hobbies?
Anything that requires you to be outside! Golfing, Skiing, Mountain Biking and Boating. If I can do one of those things a week I am happy.

What's your second favorite place after Concord?
That is a tricky question. I would have to say New Orleans, there is something about being able to go to a great show every night of the week and hear the blues. 

Has starting a business always been a desire of yours?
Yes! To be honest if I could have dropped out of high school to start my first business I would have. The only catch would have been my father--he would have disowned me! My goal in life is to start and create as many business as possible and work to become a successful serial entrepreneur. Currently, I am the excusive director of  Ellen’s Heart and Soul and a founding partner of Leavitt and Avery Consulting, LLC  and I am disappointed that I only have two things on my plate at 23!

What's your affiliation with CBD?

I personally am nothing more then a supportive friend. I was the idiot that told Dan to quit his job to start CBD and I will continue to offer my support to my best friend for many years to come.

Ellen’s Heart and Soul on the other hand is an official non-profit partner of CBD with a portion of each shirt helping to fund out Meals For the Heart and Soul program.   


Who's your hero?
I would have to say my mother. She was a fighter and taught me the most important lesson of my life in the short time we had together. She taught me at an early age to advocate for myself and set goals. Helping me overcome my dyslexia and graduate both high school and college when others said I wouldn't and even couldn’t and how to appreciate the  benefits of  my dyslexia and how my mind works. 


What's a typical Sunday afternoon for you?

Sitting in a coffee shop preparing for the week ahead and then making dinner.  I don't use Sundays the way I should! 




Monday, November 26, 2012

Music Monday: Corey Smith

And here we are again, the fourth Monday of the month. This week's feature artist is one of my personal favorites, a rock/acoustic guitarist who possesses an upbeat style with a southern twang. Corey Smith, based out of Athens, Georgia where he attended school, instantly became popular with college aged students for his relatable lyrics and easy-going melodies. In an effort to make it big, Corey started offering (and still does, btw) free music to those willing to give him a listen. And now, he's one of the most well know performers in the area. An oldie but a goodie off "The Good Life" album is this week's selection, If I Could Do It Again.


Saturday, November 24, 2012

CBD team on Thanksgiving!

We at Concord Button Downs took Thanksgiving off
and spent it with our families. Here's what we did:


Michaela ran the Feaster Five in Andover, MA with her family.



Tom spent time at home with his family while sporting his Concord Button Down.

Dan ate good food...
...and good dessert!


Caroline watched the Patriots beat the Jets 49-19!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Concord Button Downs! We're thankful for everyone who has supported CBD this past year. Thank you to those who bought a shirt, volunteered your time, read our blog and helped in countless other ways!


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Price Increase Explanation


With the price of Concord Button Downs shirts increasing, we are taking this opportunity to further explain the reasons behind our decision. Over the past three months we have worked diligently to build a small following, and want to ensure that our customers understand the purpose of this increase. It is our goal to maintain your support by providing extraordinary customer service, upholding effective communication, and imparting ethical practices, allowing you to warrant our motives and behaviors. We understand the associations that come with price increases, and aim to be transparent in our clarification.

In determining whether or not this increase was necessary, we established three conclusive reasons that contributed to our final decision. Each reason provides further opportunities for our company to expand and create additional relationships with other organizations and potential customers. We hope these new opportunities increase our share in the marketplace, as well as open new doors to unchartered territories.

By increasing the price of our shirts we intend to investigate the possibility of working with retail shops, e-commerce affiliates, and CBD-alike institutions. Opening a Concord Button Downs wholesale division is a new initiative we are currently studying, and are excited by the market’s offering. As a result of increasing our bottom-line, we plan to enable practices that are fair to both wholesaler and retailer; thus, keeping with our goal of imparting ethical practices.

In addition, expanding our net-income allows us to run promotional events and hold seasonal sales. This will be a direct benefit to our customers who will receive discounts exceeding the previous $115 price point. By offering periodic price reductions we hope to build upon our customer service endeavors maintaining your loyalty and support.

Finally, as a proud producer of Made in USA apparel, it is important for our customers to be aware of the costs associated with domestic goods. While we could produce shirts internationally for a fraction of the cost, we disregarded this option believing in the work of American tradesmen and women. The implications of this decision however result in productions costs roughly six times greater than production costs in foreign lands.  Therefore, with such a high starting price point we must be strategic in how we utilize our funds, position our brand, and promote further opportunities.

Having read this notice on why prices are raising, it is our hope that you better understand the reasons behind our action. While this decision did not come easily, it is believed to be best for our organization. We thank you for your continued support of our vision to produce New England styled shirts made in the United States. Should you have further questions or inquires about this decision, we encourage you to contact dan@concordbuttondowns.com.

Sincerely,
The Concord Button Downs team

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Perfect Thanksgiving Fit

Why a Concord Button Down is Perfect for Thanksgiving

It’s now less than a week till Thanksgiving and we know everyone has plans on what they’re going to do for the big day. While you’re busy planning where to go for dinner, how much food you can eat and how to avoid washing the dishes so you can watch the game, we’ve got you covered on why a Concord Button Down is the perfect fit for the day.  

1.      We were kidding about avoiding washing the dishes…we know none of our CBDers would do something like that. That’s why a Concord Button Down is perfect for those that are ready to work. Roll up the sleeves and start cutting the squash or roll them up really far and clean out the turkey (for those that want to be a real hero!).

2.      The food is ready but where to go? It doesn’t matter if you’re going to your parent’s house, meeting your future in-laws for the first time or going to your friend’s to play a game of touch football--a Concord Button Down is versatile for your every need! Tuck it in at your parents, put a tie on for your in-laws or pair it with jeans for the game.


3.      Now that the food is made and you’re dressed for any and all circumstances, it’s time to get down to business and EAT! This is where a Concord Button Down is truly the perfect fit. We know they’re called Concord Button Downs but when you’re about to grab for your third helping, you can UNBUTTON it and make room for that extra scoop of mashed potatoes.


So order your Concord Button Down today and feel your best on Thanksgiving!
 



Monday, November 12, 2012

Music Monday: Matt the Electrician

It's the second Monday of the month, and that calls for music! This week's feature artist is Matt the Electrician, an Austin, TX native who made his name playing in local bars and coffee shops. An electrician by day and rock star by night, Matt Sever, often headed straight to the show without changing out of his workday grub. Soon regulars began to identify the folk singer-songwriter as, Matt the Electrician, and so the name stuck. Today's Music Monday selection features Milo, off the Made for Working album. We hope you enjoy!



Friday, November 9, 2012

Concord, MA

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Where and What is Concord, MA?


Where can you hear cannons going off at noon on a Saturday afternoon or see men walking down the street in Revolutionary War garb and a musket? Concord, MA of course! Concord is our hometown and the influence behind our button downs. Here’s a history 101 on Concord:

  • Concord is located 20 miles West of Boston and is rich in history, making it a great place for tourists to visit and stay.
  • The FIRST battle of the American Revolutionary War took place in Concord, MA and the shot heard round the world was fired here.
  • Some of the greatest authors of all time are from Concord. Just to name a few: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott. Henry James even called Concord, “the biggest little place in America.”

Did you know?
  • Harvard took temporary residence in Concord during the Revolutionary War?
  • Little Women took place in Concord?
  • Concord grapes are from Concord, MA. Welch’s uses these grapes in their juices and jams and has a headquarters here.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

Get To Know: Dan, CBD Founder

Get to know Dan, Founder of Concord Button Downs, through this exclusive CBD Blog Q&A. We covered all the basics from favorite hobbies, to personal role model, to "what the heck do you do for CBD?". Read our special below...

When you're not wearing a CBD, what are your favorite brands?
Anything that embodies a traditional or classic style. My interest in boutique clothiers started when I discovered, Southern Marsh, a company based down south. Since then I've come across a few other great brands such as Jack Donnelly Khakis, Collard Greens, Knot Clothing & Belt Co., etc. etc. There recently has been a large emersion of small/local clothing lines, all which I am a big fan of!

What are you passionate about?
What am I passionate about?...good question! I guess from a CBD standpoint, I'm passionate about 1) traditional/classic style, 2) high quality goods, and 3) American made products. These are the three key ingredients to all CBD products. Outside of CBD, I'm passionate about spending time with my family and friends.

What are your hobbies?
Aside from designing shirts my favorite hobbies consist of playing golf, fly-fishing, watching college football (Go Gators!), and reading educational fiction. Atop my recommendation list: The Servant by James Hunter.

What's your second favorite place after Concord?
Hmmm, tough question. There's probably a toss up for second place between the North Shore of MA (Massachusetts' hidden gem), or the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, VT (our family's favorite vacation spot). To be completely honest though I'm a big homebody, so the gap between first and second place is quite substantial.

Has starting a business always been a desire of yours?
No, not at all. If you had told me sixteen months ago that I'd be running my own men's clothing line, I would have laughed at you. This is something that is all very new to me, and something I did not plan on or account for. It's been a wonderful experience though, and something I feel very blessed to do.

What's your affiliation with CBD?
I typically joke with people who ask this question by telling them that I'm the CEO... as well as the janitor...and everything in-between. While I do handle most of CBD's operations, the support I've received from friends and family has been incredible! Whether it be taking photographs, modeling the shirts, helping with PR, or even running our blog, those who have lent a hand have done an amazing job!

Who's your hero?
My dad. Those who know me well know how close we are, and how much I think of him. He's my go-to for just about everything: advice, encouragement, support, etc. etc. Fashion isn't something he's into though, so it's been fun teaching him about the industry; it's probably the only thing that I know more than he does.

What's a typical Sunday afternoon for you?
Relaxing. I'm pretty old school so most Sunday's consist of church, a big afternoon lunch, and then football with friends. Although if it's nice out, you may just find me on the links. 


Friday, November 2, 2012

"Made in America"

Why is made in America so important?

He's got the red, white, and blue flyin' high on the farm
'Semper Fi' tattooed on his left arm,
spends a little more at the store for a tag in the back that says U.S.A.
won't buy nothin' that he can't fix,
with WD40 and a Craftsman wrench.
He ain't prejudice he's just, Made in America.
-Toby Keith, “Made in America”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! CBD is passionate about many things but what tops the list is that all our shirts are made in the good old U S of A. More specifically, we’re proud that all our shirts are made right here in Massachusetts. So what’s the big deal and why does this make us so unique?


We’re not exactly math people over here but these are some stats that may blow your mind:
  • 98% of the clothes that Americans wear are made overseas.
  • If consumers bought 1% more “Made in America” products or $64 worth, over 200,000 jobs would be created—that’s 200,000 families!
  • For every (1) manufacturing job in the USA (5) more are created!

Who’s really affected by clothes made in America vs. clothes made overseas and why should I care?
·     Look at the man or woman sitting next to you and then look in the mirror. Those are the people it matters to. By buying American-made clothing, you’re supporting your friends, neighbors and even yourself by keeping people employed.
·     You’re ensuring that generations to come will have jobs right here at home and America won’t become dependent on other countries to supply its goods.
·     You’re also refusing to take part in other countries inhumane and unjust labor practices. Many other countries can offer their products for a lot less because they don’t have a minimum wage law. They also don’t have safe work environment laws or other legal forms of protection for their employees.
·     And a little something that gets forgotten when talking about “Made in America” vs. overseas: the earth. Many overseas companies have no environmental standards and therefore can use harsh chemicals and dispose of waste in any way they choose. American companies have stricter protocols they must adhere to and are therefore easier on the environment.  

We at Concord Button Downs encourage you to think about not only the clothing you buy but all your products, and where they come from. Check out this cool map from ABC news to find products “Made in America” in your area.

What products do you try to buy domestically and why is it important to you?