Since the unveiling of Adams & Sons’ Limited Edition Blue Bridge Tie October 1st, half of the ties have been sold. “We’re running slightly ahead of our goal of selling out by the end of the year,” Eric Adams told Owensboro Living Tuesday.
The tie has made quite an impression so far. It was revealed at the Chamber of Commerce’s October Rooster Booster meeting, Mayor Ron Payne presented the first tie to Governor Steve Beshear, and it graced the cover of the 4th Quarter issue of GO Business Magazine.
Here is the back story:
Background
As a fairly new business, Eric Adams was searching for a way to raise awareness about the menswear store and needed a creative idea to broadcast to the community what Adams and Sons is all about. Perhaps a limited edition neck tie with a great story behind it that could also support a worthy cause…
Inspiration
Some might call it a lightbulb moment, but the answer, he realized, was always right in front of him: the Blue Bridge, which spans in perfect view from his office at Adams and Sons Clothiers on the ground floor of the Hampton Inn Waterfront hotel.
“I drive that bridge every day on my way to work. It’s iconic to Owensboro. To me, it’s a symbol of connectivity,” Adams said.
In researching the Glover Cary Bridge, Adams discovered an interesting fact: The bridge was built in 1940, which means it is 75 years old this year. At that point it became really important to get the tie out in the 2015 calendar year. The tie needed to be in production soon.
Design
The design created for the tie is a replicating pattern that is actually a reverse of the bridge with its mirror image. The outline of the bridge is depicted in white and the backround is “blue bridge blue,” making it immediately identifiable to anyone familiar with the Owensboro landmark bridge.
To get the blue exactly right, Eric and his designer walked down to the bridge with a handful of pantone books to perfectly match the blue paint.
The blue gaps between the replicating bridge patterns create a wave effect, adding to the water elements of the design.
Production
With the idea finalized, Adams & Sons partnered with Collared Greens, based in Virginia, to produce the limited run of 75 neckties celebrating the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Glover Cary Bridge.
To take it the final step, Adams wanted the proceeds of the tie to somehow impact the community. After considering several charities, he decided to donate the proceeds to the Owensboro Health Foundation to help offset expenses for underprivileged patients.
Selling 75 ties for $150 will raise roughly $7,500 for the Owensboro Health Foundation, which works out very nicely with the project’s ongoing theme with the number 75.
The Debut
Tie #1 was presented by Mayor Ron Payne, on behalf of the City of Owensboro, to Governor Steve Beshear during the League of Cities Conference at the Convention Center. The Blue Bridge tie was officially unveiled the next morning at the Chamber’s Rooster Booster Breakfast. Sales began October 1.
Moving Forward
The goal of Blue Bridge Tie project is twofold: to raise awareness for the new business, and to raise money for charity. With exposure from media covereage, the goal to raise awareness is already being met. But more importantly, proceeds of the Blue Bridge Tie will help ease the financial burdens of several local families when they receive assistance from the Owensboro Health Foundation for unmet medical expenses incurred by travel, lodging and other medical costs.
As far as future limited edition tie projects, “We’ll see how it goes this year to determine the run next year,” Adams said.
“We’re a young business, but I want people to think that we are progressive minded, that we have fresh ideas that help not only us, but also help our community. My hope is to continue to grow the idea of the limited tie for charity so we can contribute more and more to the community each year.”
To purchase a tie for yourself, drop by Adams and Sons inside the Hampton Waterfront (401 W 2nd St, Suite 105), or contact him at 270-993-3245 or online at adamsclothiers.com.
*This article appeared in the 4th Quarter issue of GO Business Magazine.
