Specialty Store

Thrive Farmers Corporate Office

Thrive Farmers, sometimes called Thrive Farmers Coffee, was founded in 2010 by current CEO Michael Jones and co-founder Kenneth Lander. The company supplies farmer direct coffee beans to wholesalers, consumers, and specialty stores.

The company provides coffee farmers with direct access to processing and distribution logistics, as well as to the marketplace in general, so coffee farmers retain control of their crops up until sale, rather than relying on middle sales agents.

Thrive Farmers distributes coffee to consumers through online channels, roasters, coffee houses, restaurants, and retail grocers. The company seeks out sustainable coffee farmers who can enter into long term partnerships with companies around the globe, benefiting farmers.

Thrive Farmers

History

PartyLite Corporate Office

PartyLite was founded in 1973 in Delaware. The company is the largest manufacturer of candles in the US. As of 2007, the company had approximately 4,000 employees.

The company is a subsidiary of Blyth, Inc., which sells candles and home decor items via home marketing “consultants”. Hosts or consultants demonstrate products at home based “parties”, which are designed to generate excitement over the products and increase sales. Products can also be purchased via the company’s eCommerce site.

In 2012, the company had $ 1.179 billion in revenue. PartyLite is perhaps best known for its highly scented candles, however, the company also offers gift items, flameless candles, holiday decor and jewelry.

PartyLite

PartyLite was founded in 1973 in Delaware. The company is the largest manufacturer of candles in the US. As of 2007, the company had approximately 4,000 employees.

History

Peet’s Coffee and Tea Corporate Office

Peet’s Coffee and Tea was founded in 1966 in Berkely, California, by Alfred Peet. The original location, close to the University of California at Berkley, is still standing, with much of it being used as a museum displaying memorabilia.

The company operates a chain of coffee and tea shops, which feature specialty or hard to find coffees, coffee flavors, and tea. The company went public on the NASDAQ in 2001 and can be found under the ticker symbol PEET. JAB Holding Company acquired the company in 2012 for an undisclosed amount.

Peet’s Coffee and Tea has approximately 5,000 employees, more than 200 locations, as well as annual revenue in 2015 of $700 million. In 2014, the company acquired Mighty Leaf Tea of San Francisco, then in late 2015, a majority stake in Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea.

In January 2022, the company announced that it had achieved 100% water processing of its decaffeinated coffees.

Also in January 2022, Peet’s announced its newest flavors, Cinnamon Churro coffees, and lattes.

Peet’s maintains its corporate office in Emeryville, California.

Peet's Coffee and Tea

History

In January 2022, the company announced that it had achieved 100% water processing of its decaffeinated coffees.

Also in January 2022, Peet’s announced its newest flavors, Cinnamon Churro coffees, and lattes.

Peet’s maintains its corporate office in Emeryville, California.

Rip City Skates Corporate Office

Rip City Skates was founded by current owner and CEO Jim McDowell in 1978 in Santa Monica, California. The company operates a skateboard and roller skate shop. McDowell, originally believed that skateboarding would become a “legitimate sport”, but is now thankful that that did not happen.

The company offers a wide range of skateboards, decks, and wheels for customized boards, as well as stock boards. Rip City Skates considers themselves to be different from other sporting goods or department store skateboard shops as they sell only core products from manufacturers who are interested in quality over price.

Rip City Skates have a large collection of vintage boards that are mounted on the walls and ceiling. They also offer repairs and service, sportswear, and protection equipment, such as helmets and pads.

Rip City Skates

History

Val Surf Corporate Office

Val Surf was founded in Valley Village, California, in 1962 by brothers Mark, Kurt, and Eric Richards. The brothers loved everything about the ocean and surfing, but found they could only find gear at beach side stores. The Richards decided to try their luck and, with the help of Hobie Surfboards, they opened their own landlocked surf store.

Today, the company has 4 locations, none of them on the beach. In addition to selling surfing equipment, the company also provides rentals, repairs, ski gear, shoes, wetsuits, swimwear, and other beach apparel. The company also designs and manufactures their own snowboards and skateboards.

Although the company has been approached by realtors for beach city properties or questioned about pop ups, the Richards family, currently, is happy with their land-locked store locations.

Val Surf

Although the company has been approached by realtors for beach city properties or questioned about pop ups, the Richards family, currently, is happy with their land-locked store locations.