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Babson Alumni Biz: Stork – Better-Fitting Men’s Undershirts

Greg Schwartz, Founder, Stork

Greg Schwartz, Founder, Stork

What is your name and the name of your business?

Greg Schwartz – Babson 2012

Stork

What’s the mission or description of your business?

Stork undershirts were designed to fix three fundamental flaws in the conventional undershirt: boxy fit, sleeves that bunch, short length. To solve these problems, our shirts taper down from the shoulders to the waist to create a slimmer fit, have shorter sleeves that won’t bunch, and a feature a slightly longer length to make sure that your undershirts don’t come untucked. To make sure that Stork members always have fresh undershirts, we deliver fresh packs every 3, 4 or 6 months.

Where is your business located?

The business is run out of my apartment in TriBeCa – 111 Worth Street, New York NY.

What inspired your business?

I was noticing the success of other businesses in the subscription eCommerce space – Harry’s, Dollar Shave Club, Birchbox and others. I was thinking about an alternative product that had been offered to consumers in the same way for decades, and would need to be ordered multiple times per year. Undershirts became that product, and I took it from there. I also never found an undershirt that I really liked. That was my other goal – to fix the undershirt. I spoke with friends, manufacturers and industry professionals, and designed a better-fitting men’s undershirt.

How did the idea begin?

I had the epiphany for Stork was when I was getting ready for work and was putting on my undershirt. I noticed that the neckline was worn out and no longer crisp, the length way too short to tuck in, there were holes in the armpits, and the color had turned from white to yellow. I didn’t know why I still owned the shirt, and came to realize that I had simply forgotten to buy new ones.

This turns out to be common for men. While 2/3 men wear undershirts, 4/5 admit that they don’t renew them as often as they should. Because undershirts get so much wear and tear, we also ask our members to recycle their used undershirts once per year.

What is your favorite thing about the business?

My favorite part of the business, other than the success of the business, is all of the amazing support I’ve received so far from family, friends and strangers.

What is your most recent business accomplishment?

Our most recent accomplishment has been the partnership with our new supplier who is able to deliver an awesome product, faster and at a lower cost. This new partnership will help us accelerate our business and streamline our operations. We’re also excited to announce partnerships with Vidfall, Shipster and Magnises – all which will be huge drivers in growing our membership base.

What’s been your biggest surprise with the business?

Maybe I should’ve seen this coming from the beginning, but the biggest surprise to me has been the amount of women customers we have. Women are buying memberships for their significant others, and also themselves.

Any perks/deals for fellow Babson grads/students?

Yes, absolutely – we’d love to have more Babson members! Use the code BEAVER25 to receive 25% off your first pack of Stork undershirts (offer expires 5/31).