Meet Karthik Shanadi and Luke McGurrin, who started an apparel business with just $500; by 2024, their merchandise business was generating an estimated $10 million a year

Karthik Shanadi and Luke McGurrin did not have an easy journey. They made their own path to success and achieved what many could not. They started their career in the apparel business with just $500. At that time, they were still studying at the University of Florida. It began as an effort to solve problems with college merchandise. Later, it grew into a group of businesses serving students, companies and college athletes.

Shanadi and McGurrin founded Greek House in 2013. They struggled to find a supplier that could make customised clothing for a fraternity fundraiser at the university. They wanted it to be made quickly , offered different designs and cheap.

They did not rely on existing suppliers. Instead, they approached a manufacturing facility to get the work done. The initial investment was $500, reported Starter Story.


They later expanded the business and built operations around customised clothing licensing and online ordering systems.

How did the business expand?

They both developed different businesses as Greek House grew to serve different customers. It includes College Thread. It caters to college organisations and departments. Meanwhile, Threadly provides customised apparel for companies, fundraisers and non-profit organisations.

They also built a type of technology that could manage and help customers handle the process of designing, selling and distributing merchandise.

Shanadi talked to the Starter Story and described how different businesses served separate markets within the industry. He also talked about building the business without outside funding while continuing to work on their operations.

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Why did they launch Athlete's Thread?

This came after changes in US college sports. It created new opportunities for student-athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness, commonly known as NIL.

The task was simple. The founders identified that athletes could use merchandise to build their personal brands and earn money.

The platform allows college athletes to sell personalised merchandise through online stores.

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How did they attract customers?

They used campus ambassadors and affiliate promotions to reach customers. Later, their products were promoted on social media, and discount codes were shared.