Steve and Jack Thomas opened Seaview Outfitters while attending Miami University.The store carries many popular brands for Miami students. (JULIA ENGELBRECHT | The Miami Student)
Jack and Steve Thomas wanted to go to Alaska during the summer since they were little. Their aunt, who owns a restaurant and bar called the Seaview Café and Bar about an hour and a half from Anchorage, told them after all the siblings were over 16, they could go.
"We're naturally outdoorsy people who like outdoorsy stuff," Steve said. "We're do-it-yourselfers and the type of people who didn't want to work somewhere where our work didn't have an impact or got lost in the bigger company."
Over the course of several summers spent in Alaska, Jack and Steve said they got interested in the intricacies of their aunt's business. The interest grew until the summer of 2010 when the brothers decided to look into developing a business.
That business turned into Seaview Outfitters, an outdoors equipment and apparel shop located at 22 W. Park Place. The store had its grand opening Aug. 20.
Over the course of the 2010-11 school year, the brothers, Cleveland area natives, developed a plan to fill a need they saw in Oxford.
"We don't need another sub shop or Indian restaurant," Steve said. "We looked at the town and there wasn't a lot of retail for students or for locals. There really wasn't anything that is brands that students want."
The brothers have worked hard to get to the store opening. Getting "real-world" business people to take two college students seriously was a challenge Jack and Steve knew they were facing.
"We had to create something that would give us legitimacy," Steve said.
The brothers spent a majority of last school year developing a 28-page business plan outlining the culture Seaview Outfitters is attempting to create and why there is a market for the kind of store it is.
"The business plan really opened so many doors for us," Jack said.
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Gaining legitimacy was a concern for the brothers because both of them are continuing their studies at Miami University while working on the store.
Jack, 20, is a sophomore pursuing an accounting degree and Steve, 22, is in the masters of accounting program.
Both brothers say having strict discipline and time management is key to being able to balance their coursework and keeping a presence at the store.
"Certainly there are sacrifices we're making," Jack said. "But I still get to see my friends almost every night."
Jack said he designed his schedule to have all his classes in the morning on Mondays and Wednesdays. "[My schedule] frees up other days to dedicate to the store minus time for studying and homework," Jack said.
The brothers contribute being able to pursue their degrees and live their dream in part to the environment at Miami.
"Miami really inspires its students to dream and follow their passions," Steve said. "If we were at a different college or not in the business program, this probably wouldn't have happened."
Seaview Outfitters is hoping to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the university as well. So far, they have partnered with the Outdoor Pursuit Center, where Jack helps teach some classes, to help outfit students for trips. Also, they hope to help outfit study abroad students before they go overseas.
Steve said having the store open is the brothers' dream job and they have no plans to abandon the store post-graduation.
"Long term, we really want to get into outfitting," Steve said. "Whether that's in Cincinnati or being a name in the Midwest, we don't know. This is something we're in for the long run."
The brothers said they have no plans to leave Oxford and hope to expand and develop their online presence.
Currently, Seaview Outfitters carries Vineyard Vines, Columbia, and Mountain Hardwear, and Ray-ban and Oakley sunglasses. The brothers said they hope to have North Face by the end of September and Patagonia by January.
The store's website, www.seaviewoutfitters.com,features all apparel that is in the store with the exception of Vineyard Vines. Deals of the week will be featured both in-store and online.
Jack and Steve know that these brands play into many stereotypes about Miami University students and they don't shy away from addressing the issue.
"Our strategy is somewhat obvious," Steve said. "Those brands carry certain recognition and that label is important to the Miami student. We know what will help business. A lot of people say we carry those brands because that's what sells here and yes that's true, but they're dedicated to the outdoorsman."
The brothers said their goal is to get people to really enjoy the outdoors and return back to the basics of life.
Starting a business in a small town like Oxford has been a positive overall experience for the brothers.
"We've really been overwhelmed and blown away with how welcoming other business owners and the community has been," Steve said. "We're hoping to get more involved in the community in the future too."
The brothers said business so far has exceeded expectations. They said the return of students and word of mouth has helped spread their name. For now, Jack and Steve are looking to continue to build the small business they have and living their dream.
"This is the fun part," Steve said. "This is our dream job and we're blessed and lucky enough to experience it sooner rather than later."
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