Chris Riccobono, founder of UNTUCKit, Speaks to L.E.O. Program Students at Don Bosco Prep

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 18, 2019
Contact: Matthew Perricone, President - 973-615-3501 - leonidasfoundation@gmail.com
 
Ramsey, NJ - Chris Riccobono - the founder, Chairman, and CEO of clothing start-up UNTUCKit - was the most recent guest speaker to the students in the L.E.O. Program business track at Don Bosco Preparatory High School. Mr. Riccobono, himself a Don Bosco Prep alumnus, spoke to the twenty-five juniors about his road from growing up in Bergen County, NJ to running his own multinational clothing company.  This February 8, 2019 event was part of the L.E.O. Program’s interactive business education curriculum focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.
 
Mr. Riccobono spoke of his uncertainty about his future career path during his time at Providence College, although he knew he wanted to own his own business eventually. He found a job that allowed him the flexibility to start his own business while fulfilling his current responsibilities, encouraging the LEO students not to worry about finding the perfect job, but to ensure they find employment to fulfill their financial obligations while charting their own course.
 
While balancing his work at GE Healthcare with running his own wine blog “Pardon That Vine,” Mr. Riccobono enrolled at Columbia Business School and earned his Master of Business Administration degree through their Executive Education program. His wine blog provided an in-depth learning experience about social media and e-commerce. All the while, he continuously thought of ideas for a business of his own. 
 
Mr. Riccobono found his passion when he came up with a solution to the problem of untucked dress shirts looking sloppy as the world shifted towards a more business casual approach - an issue he personally experienced. He launched UNTUCKit in 2011 with only $100,000 in start-up capital. Mr. Riccobono created a story to establish the brand, differentiating the everyday use of his product with the conceptual idea: this business solves a problem all men face. He knew there would be a market for UNTUCKit since it was an issue he himself had experienced.
 
UNTUCKit was profitable in each of its first three years in business, a rare feat for a start-up operation. The company did not have a physical office or staff until year 5, at which time it started giving out equity at a high valuation. UNTUCKit opened its first physical store location in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood in 2015 and has been expanding internationally, offering its products to a wide demographic (men aged 18-75 years) with its US brand ambassador, Super Bowl champion QB Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. 
 
Mr. Riccobono capitulated his presentation by highlighting the need to find a plan that can evolve as life does, maintaining a career while developing one’s own business ideas, and always creating a story. He stressed the critical importance of digital marketing and suggested that inclined students consider working in data at a start-up. He reminded the young men that family always comes first, but to be confident and always find a way to attain their goals.
 
“Mr. Riccobono’s story features lessons that can inspire our students as they proceed through this program,” said Professor John Esposito, the L.E.O. Program’s teacher. “His unrelenting drive, persistent work ethic, and focused approach to growing and developing his business should serve as a model for all young entrepreneurs.”
 
The Leonidas Foundation’s President, Matthew Perricone, offered the following statement: “The Leonidas Foundation and the L.E.O. Program are proud of Mr. Riccobono’s incredible accomplishments. We thank him for taking the time from his busy schedule to impart his wisdom, experience, and prowess on our young entrepreneurs who will be working on creating their own start-up ideas as they move through this program.”
 
For more information on The Leonidas Foundation and The L.E.O. Program, please visit www.LeoUniteUs.com.

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