Somers Small Business Spotlight: J Wingfield

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: 
J Wingfield
• Owners: 
Vince Trotta & James McKinnon
• Website: 
http:www.jwingfield.com
• Address: 
J Wingfield shirts are available in Charles Department Store – Katonah, NY & online. Much of the collection is influenced by the towns throughout Westchester, including Somers.

How did you come up with the name?

Our story begins at the turn of the twentieth century when company founder, Angus McKinnon, was born in rural Georgia to Scottish immigrant farmers. Cotton growing and textile manufacturing were the lifeblood of his community and the backbone of his southern upbringing. His Uncle (J Wingfield), an executive of the Eagle & Phenix Cotton Mill, gave Angus his first job and instilled in him how the depth and breadth of the cotton business was deeply woven into the American dream.

Why start a business in this town?

You can start a business anywhere these days and Somers is a great town to take advantage of that opportunity. One of our owners, Vince Trotta, lives in Somers and experiences first hand the change of seasons and short commute to NYC where are shirts are designed. Westchester County has a significant influence in our product names, design, and style. Many of our products are named after towns in Westchester, including our J Wingfield Somers Box Check: http://www.jwingfield.com/products/somers-box-check

What business are you in?

Men’s Fashion Apparel

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Building an authentic brand takes time and being patient is challenging when you’re eager to let everyone know about your great product.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Our shirts are being made available through our direct to consumer e-commerce website and through an exclusive array of local retailers including Charles Department Store in Katonah, NY. We’re in the middle of our proudest achievement, and hope it never stops.

How does your business give back to the community?

The J Wingfield business model helps to create job growth through its “dirt to shirt” supply chain structure by offering an affordable American made men’s dress shirt.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.