Scrappy Apparel Co. Earns a Spot on the Inc. 5000 List: Our 17-Year Journey to Success
We’re thrilled to share a moment with you that has brought smiles, cheers, and a few tears of joy to the Scrappy Apparel family.
Scrappy Apparel Co. is proud to announce its spot on the Inc. 5000 list—recognizing us as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. After 17 years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, we have reached #3652 on the prestigious list.
We’re extra proud of this achievement because it was our first time applying for the award. The recognition is more than just an honor. It’s a motivating force that sets a new benchmark for us. We hope to secure a spot on the list every year going forward.
For all the dreamers and doers out there, especially our fellow entrepreneurs, you understand the grit and determination it takes to bring a vision to life. We have not only worked hard, but also smart to achieve our goals.
Today, we’d like to celebrate our Inc. 5000 milestone by telling the story of how we got here. It’s not just our story—but the collective story of every person who believed in our dream.
Work With Our Award-Winning Team!
The Inc. 5000 Recognition is a Celebration of Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Inc. 5000 is an esteemed annual compilation of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Organizations are ranked based on their revenue growth over a consistent three-year period.
This list is instrumental in highlighting the tremendous achievements and significant impact of the country’s independent small businesses, a vital segment of the American economy.
The stories behind the Inc. 5000 list are a testament to entrepreneurship at its core. Each company started as just an idea, but it grew into an award-winning organization when nurtured with passion and hard work.
Our success at Scrappy Apparel didn’t come from luck. It mirrors the values the Inc. 5000 celebrates: constant innovation, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up.
From Humble Beginnings to Inc. 5000 Success
Our founders, Chris and Grant, never settled for less—we were always driven by our dreams. We crossed paths at West Virginia University, united by our shared passion for soccer.
Chris was from Schaumburg, IL, and he had an intrinsic connection to Chicago’s vibrant sports culture. On the other hand, Grant, a native of Marietta, GA, had always been invigorated by the competitive spirit of the city.
Even though we both had promising paths carved out in the corporate world, we felt a pull toward something more profound—something truly our own.
In 2006, a pivotal conversation between us sparked an idea: to launch a t-shirt business. And then, Scrappy Apparel Company was born!
How We Kept Scrappy Apparel Afloat Early On
To say the first four years were demanding is quite an understatement. To give you an idea of how many challenges we faced, here are some of the measures we took to keep our dream alive in its early years:
- We pressed every single shirt ourselves.
- We worked side jobs to pay the bills and fund our venture—coaching, bartending, waiting tables, valet parking, etc.
- We didn’t even pay ourselves for the longest time—we kept reinvesting our earnings into the company.
Our dreams kept us going, and we worked tirelessly to keep Scrappy Apparel afloat. “Work Hard and Hustle” became a powerful mantra to help us stay resilient during tough times.
Networking and perseverance paid off. In our early days, we worked on some projects that we’re still proud of to this day:
- Launching Scrappy Music, a side project that encouraged independent musicians to submit their music to us and stream it through our online radio platform
- Designing and selling the original North Coast Music Festival t-shirts in Chicago
- Organizing “Scrappy Hours” with local bands, restaurants, and Sweetwater Brewing Company in Atlanta
Year after year, we continued to scale our business and create more opportunities. Our team at Scrappy grew, and so did our network, encompassing vendors, suppliers, and craftsmen from all over the globe.
As our manufacturing capabilities strengthened, we expanded our services to include:
…and much more!
After 17 remarkable years, we’ve earned our spot on the Inc. 5000 list.
A Message For Our Fellow Apparel Entrepreneurs
If Scrappy could make its mark on the Inc. 5000 list, your brand is more than capable of achieving its own extraordinary milestones.
As you know, entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows, marked by challenges and uncertainty at every turn. But at the same time, it’s a journey of immense potential, creativity, and personal growth.
To every apparel entrepreneur daring to dream, create, and leave an imprint – keep building your legacy. Your story, your brand, and your artistry matter. You’re shaping the future of the fashion industry with every new garment you create.
No matter what, keep your entrepreneurial dream alive. It’ll illuminate the path toward more success than you ever imagined.
What’s Next For Scrappy?
Although we’re extremely proud to receive the Inc. 5000 recognition, we’ll always work to improve. We’ll continue to push for excellence and expand our reach into new markets.
At Scrappy Apparel, we’re dedicated to helping brands scale their operations and reach new heights. Our founders dreamed of building a successful business from the ground up—now, we can look back on the journey with pride.
We’d like to thank all our customers, partners, and team for believing in us. We’ve come a long way in 17 years, but we’re just getting started!
