Huffy
The fact that the bicycle supply company has been in business for over a century is quite remarkable. It began in Dayton, Ohio, and has since expanded to include several subsidiaries. The list includes companies such as Gen-X Sports, Royce Union, Huffy Bicycle Co., and American Sports Design Co. The company was founded by George Huffman, who named it after an old moniker he used to go by.
The company shut down two of its American operations in late 1999 and outsourced manufacturing to other countries. Six manufacturing facilities in China, one in Taiwan, and one in Mexico are currently in operation. Previously, the plants in the US were located in Celina, Ohio.
Oakley Sunglasses
James Jannard, an entrepreneur who started with a $300 investment, founded Oakley. It’s difficult to comprehend how it went on to become the legendary sunglasses brand it is today. The property was previously purchased by Luxottica, a Milan-based firm. Regardless, Oakley’s headquarters in Lake Forest, California, continues to operate.
The 1975-founded company went public in 1995, raising $230 million in its initial public offering. Since then, it has expanded its product line to include, among other things, ski goggles and shin guards. Following the sale of the company, James Jannard decided to pursue a new career path. To serve that market, he founded Red Digital Cinema in 2007.