Orange Coast College Swap Meet, also known as the Orange County Marketplace, has been a breeding ground for local entrepreneurs since its inception in 1969. Jeff Teller, the current President of Tel Phil Enterprises, Inc., which manages the swap meet, is planning to establish a Wall of Fame to honor those who kick-started their businesses at this iconic venue. With its affordable rates, the swap meet has provided a platform for small business owners to showcase their products and receive instant feedback from customers, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and growth.
Among the notable figures who began their entrepreneurial journeys at the Orange County Marketplace is Hezy Shaked, the co-founder of Tilly’s, a popular clothing and shoe retailer based in Irvine. Starting in the early 1980s, Tilly’s has grown into a chain with 140 stores across 14 states, with a projected expansion to 500 stores in the next decade. The company’s success story is a testament to the opportunities that the swap meet has offered to budding entrepreneurs.
Another familiar face that once graced the swap meet is Mark Burnett, the renowned television producer behind hit shows like “Survivor” and “The Apprentice.” Before making his mark in the entertainment industry, Burnett dabbled in retail at the Orange County Marketplace in the 1980s. His transition from selling discount clothing to producing groundbreaking reality TV programs underscores the diverse paths to success that have originated from this vibrant marketplace.
Mike Boone, the mastermind behind Boone Dry-Erase Boards, also found his entrepreneurial calling at the swap meet. Starting in his grandparents’ garage, Boone began selling his innovative products at the Orange County Marketplace in 1984. His venture eventually caught the attention of major retailers like Kmart, Wal-Mart, and Target, culminating in a lucrative sale of the company to Fortune Brands for an estimated $20 million. Boone’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of the swap meet in nurturing local businesses.
Rusty Vasterling, founder of Rusty’s Island Chips, is another success story that emerged from the swap meet. With his all-natural Maui-style potato chips, Vasterling has carved out a niche market for his products, which are now available in specialty markets across Southern California and even in the mini bars of the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. The exposure and customer base that Vasterling gained from the swap meet have been instrumental in expanding his business beyond the confines of the marketplace.
Tom Breitling and Tim Poster, the visionaries behind Travelscape.com, utilized the swap meet as a strategic location to promote their travel reservations platform in the mid-1990s. Their innovative approach paid off, leading to the eventual sale of Travelscape to Expedia for over $100 million. The swap meet served as a launchpad for their entrepreneurial endeavors, demonstrating the pivotal role that this marketplace has played in fostering business growth and success.
The legacy of the Orange County Marketplace extends beyond just providing a space for commerce; it has become a hub of creativity, innovation, and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. As Jeff Teller prepares to immortalize the achievements of those who started their entrepreneurial journeys at the swap meet, the Wall of Fame will stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship that thrives within the vibrant marketplace.
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