Most students use what they learn in college to shape their careers. Josh Harding, however, did the opposite. A former biology major, Josh transferred into the College of HRSM and began his studies as a Retail Management major after starting his own
tie company, Coastal Tradition.

Josh founded the company in 2007 with friend and fellow USC student, Spencer Syfrig, after seeing a gap in the neckwear market.
“I was getting ready to attend a fraternity conference and was searching for some sort of fraternity-inspired necktie,” said Josh. “After looking around and finding nothing, I scribbled down some rough designs and showed them to my friends.”

“Do something you love
and you’ll never work
a day
in your life”

After receiving positive feedback from his friends, Josh and Spencer founded Coastal Tradition. In a smart business move, Josh transferred into the College of HRSM and began taking retail courses. He says they have all been useful in his professional life.

“I can’t help but wish that I had taken some of these courses before starting Coastal Tradition,” says Josh of his retail classes. “In any event, they have been extremely helpful in shaping and molding my business into something that I am very proud of.”

Having never worked in retail, starting an apparel business was not without its challenges. Without any background knowledge, Josh had to learn everything about the industry while on the job.

“The hardest part is all of the business legalities that are involved,” says Josh. “You just think you’re going to start a company and sell some ties – you never hear about
the other stuff.”

Despite the demands of running his own business, Josh couldn’t be happier with the evolution of Coastal Tradition and hopes to eventually make a career out of it. Seeing other people enjoy his products, Josh explains, is one of the best
parts of the job.

“We were at Carolina Cup and saw people wearing our ties for the first time,” said Josh. “It was a great moment.”

As for other students hoping to start their own businesses, Josh has only words of encouragement, explaining that if you are passionate about something, chances are that other people will be too. Doing work that you enjoy, Josh explains, is also a key to success.

“The old saying ‘Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ is really true. I love doing this,” said Josh. “It is definitely hard at times, but the reward of seeing other people embrace what you started is overwhelming.”

Coastal Tradition ties can be found at www.CoastalTradition.com.