Intracoastal Iron & Metalwork LLC

intracoastaliron.com

Year founded: 2006

Number of employees: 6

Top official: Ben Kastner, owner

Company description: Fabricator of custom metal and ironwork including gates, rails, stairs, furniture and fixtures; also specializes in historic preservation

Target market: Builders, architects, designers, homeowners Company growth: “[We've] grown from a small two-man operation to a thriving business with six employees over the past 12 years.”

How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “… by hiring locally and trying to do as much business locally as we can. We work with dozens of local vendors and subcontractors to get the job done …”

How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “I knew I wanted to use my welding skills in a more creative and artistic way, and I saw the need for a high-end blacksmith shop in our area that specialized in everything from design to installation.”

What are your future goals for the product? “Our future goals for Intracoastal Iron are to continue expanding throughout the region and the Eastern Seaboard, while maintaining our commitment to producing the very best quality metalwork. We strive to stay at the forefront of technology in our industry by constantly upgrading our machinery and continually educating ourselves on the best way to serve our customers.”  

Second Set Designs LLC/Tachits  

tachits.com

Year founded: 2016

Number of employees: 1

Top official: Christi Burton, owner and creator

Company description: Decorative solution for securely attaching a card to a gift

Target market: “Anyone who has ever slid the corner of a card underneath a bow or dog-eared a piece of tape to a card, in hopes of it staying attached to the gift.”

Company growth: “I’ve created new Baby and Bridal collections and added a new material to the mix. Now Tachits are available in metal, rubber and newly created foam core with printed images. I’m excited to say that more collections are in the works including birthday and custom design Tachits.”

How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “I have partnered with a handful of locals (videographer, designer, photographer) who are extremely creative and gifted, in what they do. Without them I could not have gotten the product to where it is. I plan on using them for projects going forward as they are amazing in their fields.”

What are your future goals for the product? “The plan is for corporate logos, festival logos on swag bags, collegiate, local attractions, galas with gift bags and versions with LED lights. I’d love to see wedding-themed versions of Tachits on thank-you bags at receptions or for out-of-town guests as welcome bags providing information.”  

TAY HAM

tayham.com

Year founded: 2013

Number of employees: 3

Top official: Taylor Hamilton, founder

Company description: “Featuring bold designs, clever wordplay and pop culture-related content, we have a card for every life event and un-occasion.”

Target market: “People who like fun things” Company growth: “Tay Ham started as individually made-to-order cards for friends and family in Taylor’s living room. It is now headquartered in the Brooklyn Arts District and is sold internationally to over 500 independent stores. It is also sold nationwide in Urban Outfitters, Paper Source, Nordstrom, Bed Bath & Beyond and most recently Bloomingdale’s.”

How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “We try to use North Carolina products and services. All of our cards in printed in Durham and Wilmington. We use all local marketing, graphic designers and builders as well. We were some people’s first clients after venturing out their own. We love supporting independent businesses.”

How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “I have been drawing and making cards since I could hold a pencil. The business itself started very organically and just kept compounding on itself.”

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