Keeps Clear Vision of the Future
by Aaron London
Spending much of 2020 in pandemic lockdown , Perkinson said he used the time to envision the brand he wanted to create and launched Bajio Sunglasses in April 2021 .
The name Bajio – pronounced bah-hee-oh – is Spanish for “ the shallows ,” the part of the ocean between land and the deeper waters , the ocean ’ s nursery , “ where countless sea creatures are born and raised ,” according to the company ’ s website .
“ We ’ ve had a good run so far ,” he said . “ Things are going great . We ’ ve had a great reception from the community of anglers who were ready for a small , independent brand that provides really good customer service along with innovation and technology .”
Perkinson said he expected to sell about 15,000 pairs of sunglasses in the first year . The actual number was closer to 35,000 . And already , the company ’ s sunglasses are available at 500 locations in 44 states and 14 countries . Perkinson said the huge demand for Bajio Sunglasses has meant an increased focus on expanding the supply chain , and he expects sales to double in the coming year .
Bajio ’ s success is also an example of the diversity of the manufacturing landscape in Volusia County . That diversity is good for manufacturers as well as the entire community , according to Jayne Fifer , director of education at Volusia Manufacturers Association .
“ Because our manufacturing community is so diverse , it means they are more intent on helping each other ,” she said . “ They don ’ t mind sharing information , products or anything .” Fifer said that kind of cooperative spirit is important to maintaining a solid manufacturing base .
“ A lot of times when you have a one-industry area , it ’ s very closed ,” she said . “ But we are not . We ’ re willing to share and we are open .”
Scan the QR code to access the EVOLVE Live ! podcast with Al Perkinson
Photos provided courtesy of Bajio Sunglasses
EVOLVE-SUCCESS . COM MAY 2022 | 9 |