Marine Industry Spotlight: Top Angler Apparel By Amy Thurman Images provided by Top Angler Apparel
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t a recent marine industry networking event, Billy Gartside, of Waterline Up, a boat detailing company in Savannah, and a Southern Tides advertiser, pulled me aside. "Amy, I want to introduce you to someone. one. He's a local guy, a friend of mine, and just a good person! And he's got a water-related business I thought ought you could help him with. This is Blake, with Top Angler," Billy said, introducing us. He then pointed to the cool fish logo on Blake's shirt. t. That's a pretty solid endorsement in my book. Even stronger was Billy and the other advertisers in the new "River Drive Marine Group" ad on pages 26 and 27 inviting Top Angler to share their double page ad. So what's Top Angler Apparel all about? ut? It's a line of clothing and accessories for fishermen and anyone else who spends time on the water. The initial product line includes a line of hats (trucker, dad caps, and visors), long-sleeved Dri-Fit shirts, short-sleeved t-shirts, and, I was thrilled to learn, even something for women - women's racerback tanks! Also included in the product line are Top Angler Koozies and hat/tie hooks. And that's just a start. The company also plans to offer sunglasses and board shorts soon, with additional products in the future pipeline. Byron Blake (who goes by Blake) grew up in Savannah and has been around water all his life, crabbing and fishing - especially fishing. His father owned a corner store and was a jack of all trades. "Owning my own business is in my DNA," he said. "I have quite a few friends who own businesses too, and I've always enjoyed watching them grow as individuals, in their personal and professional lives. I thought, 'What do I love to do? What doesn't seem like work?' Fishing and being comfortable came to mind and from there Top
Angler g Apparel pp was born." First up was w the logo. "I wanted something that he said. "Nike has one of was eye-catching," eyerecognizable logos of all time. So I the most m played around with ideas until I came up play with this. I like to refer to it as 'the Nike wi sswoosh of fishing apparel!'" And what to put his fish swoosh on? Comfortable clothing - for everyone. Next Blake reached out to a friend who'd gotten a job as a graphic designer w with Nine Line Apparel. This local w founded by two brothers, both ccompany, om former military, has earned a solid reputation forme for helping other small businesses get a start. Blake spent quite a bit of time with Matt Lyda, president of business development for Nine Line, talking about his ideas. "Matt really helped me get the ball rolling," Blake said. "We talked about different avenues, he gave me solid guidance, and Nine Line even did my first run of hats at their new facility." Top Angler Apparel officially launched in February of this year. In addition to his online store at www.topanglerapparel.com, Blake's products can also be found at Kennedy Outfitters on Jekyll Island, and Pelican Market on St. Simons Island. Although he still works his "day job" at a large local company, he spends as much time as possible building his business. You can expect to see his line in more coastal stores in the near future - and if you own a business and would like to carry his products, he'll be happy to talk with you!
www.TopAnglerApparel.com topanglerapparel@gmail.com
(912) 429-5858 Visit them on Facebook and Instagram! August 2018
Southern Tides Magazine
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