This Charlotte startup puts your favorite book on a shirt
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litsy-founders
I am seriously fascinated by the startup world, the fact that in the middle of normal chill (or not-so-chill) sessions… incredible ideas emerge. Charlotte isn’t teeming with entrepreneurs but the ones we have are pretty freaking awesome.
Meet Jeff LeBlanc and Todd Lawton
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Jeff recently moved to Charlotte after spending 12 years in New York to launch his second startup with his best friend Todd. Jeff and Todd have been friends since the second grade. I don’t even remember who my friends were two years ago, let alone elementary school. But I digress, these guys are basically life long best buds who had this awesome idea to spread their love of reading. Yep, these guys love to read… I know right? But calm down ladies they’re both taken (naturally… *eye roll*)
They run Out of Print
Their first startup Out of Print is a clothing company that puts your favorite books on a shirt so that you can look smart and sexy at the same time. Something I’m trying to master at the moment. They launched in 2010 and have customers in over 80 countries. They were even on Fortune.com… they’re basically celebs. You might have seen some famous peeps sporting their gear… yes I am about to name drop. Alessia Cara, Emma Watson, Josh Brolin, Chris O’Dowd, John Green, Daniel Radcliffe… should I keep going?
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They care about our community.
As some of you may know, 3rd grade reading is a hot topic right now for Charlotte and with so many organizations in Charlotte working to make a real impact, it’s nice to know that Jeff and Todd have donated over 1.7 million books to communities in need. They were also recently a part of one of the largest book donations in Charlotte Mecklenburg history in collaboration with READ Charlotte. I had the privilege of being in the room when Jeff spoke with a group of teens on the importance of finding your passion. They are invested in our community and want to be a positive part of the growth. How could you not love that?!
Litsy
These guys don’t want you to only dress like you read but they actually WANT you to read as well. Their new start up Litsy is an app that’s basically like Instagram but for book lovers (like me!). Check out their recent feature in Tech Crunch here.
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They want to hire you
Litsy is always looking to hire creative developers and product people, their offices are located in HQ Charlotte or the building formerly known as Packard Place. So if you like books, looking great while you read them, and getting connected to other good-looking book readers. Check them out or send your resume over to [email protected], I have a feeling Jeff is the coolest boss ever.