Source: The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, Calif.迷你倉新蒲崗Sept. 04--After launching a prosperous packaging business seven years ago, a Temecula Valley couple has another startup in the bag.In fact, their newest online company sells bags -- as well as computer sleeves, backpacks and totes --customized with separate padded and protective compartments for electronic paraphernalia.Globe trotters Julie and Jean-Luc Annet wearied of wasting time in airport lines as they fumbled with their laptops, tablets, smartphones and other high-tech gizmos. They discovered a missing niche in the luggage market: affordable, durable products, designed and organized to expedite security clearance.So the Annets invested $1.5 million inventing their own line, called ECBC (Evolve Cases and Bags of California), ranging from $29.99 totes to $399.99 garment bags sold at EC-BC.com via Amazon. The rolling luggage even comes with a battery back-up pack compatible with most devices to spare travelers from hunting for an airport plug.There's also a FastPass system to let travelers glide quicker through security. That is a Traffic Safety Administration-compliant front zippered flap for all electronic gear. When unzipped, it lies down flat through security scanners while keeping the gizmos securely housed into the high-density foam compartments"It was a leap of faith," Julie Annet said of the venture she and her husband started in August 2012. "We have a ton of inventory," she said during an interview at their Murrieta headquarters for both companies. Annet, 43, gestured at stacks of boxes in the warehouse. "Now all we need are purchase orders."She and Jean-Luc, 51, are still pumping money into EC-BC in hopes of breaking even after at least two years of operation. "Building a new brand is difficult," Julie said. "We're gaining momentum on Amazon, though."Testimonials are beginning to trickle in on their website,.ec-bc.com. Wrote Brad Denbo, owner of ExceliNet Computer Services in Murrieta: "I've never had another messenger-style bag last me more than six months. The zippers or the strap always breaks on me. This one has been great for the last six months and shows no sign of wear so far. Thanks."Although close to 90 percent of startups puncture the dreams and ambitions of entrepreneurs and fail, the Annets have tasted success with their first startup, a custom packaging company that grossed $8 million last year.The Belgian-born Jean-Luc and the Nebraskan-born Julie met in Vegas where she worked in real estate and he was in sales. They married and moved to the Temecula Valley to be closer to Jean-Luc's job with the Southern California-based packaging company. But when Jean-Luc wasn't paid for fi迷你倉出租e months, the Annets were forced to dip into their savings to survive."We always wanted to be entrepreneurs," Julie recalls. (Jean-Luc was in China on business and unavailable for an interview.) "We decided to get a loan, take a chance and roll the dice."It was more than luck, however, that has made their packaging business a wrap. The Annets launched Global Link Sourcing in 2006 after signing on former clients with whom Jean-Luc had built a rapport. In this highly specialized market, the Annets orchestrate the process of turning out stylish, one-of-a-kind package components. As troubleshooters, they oversee everything from concept to delivery. Now with more than 40 customers on board, the Annets work with mostly with manufacturers in Asia, India and Costa Rica."We aren't talking about brown boxes with peanuts and bubble wrap," Julie said of the innovative metal tins, printed paper folding cartons and clear and plastic containers they've helped design. Bound by confidentiality agreements, the Annets aren't allowed to disclose their customers, but said that the company expects revenues to top $9 million by the end of 2013. "Jean-Luc works, lives and breathes customer service," Julie said.Global, which employs six people, is headquartered at 41690 Corporate Center. the ideal location, the Annets figured, to start a second company. "We wanted to own and control the products," Julie said. "We also saw a lot of gaps in the functionality and affordability of bags for the modern traveler and students.Two years ago the Annets contracted with Dan Curtiss, a Boulder-based industrial designer for many leading baggage companies, to develop a reasonably priced, high-quality line for them. "We wanted products you don't have to replace after 10 trips," Julie said.The bags are manufactured in Vietnam from a nearly indestructible fabric that's made in Korea. After a $30,000 setback -- the Annets were forced to change the company's original name, Evolve, after an industry luggage giant threatened legal action -- ECBC was off and rolling into the hands of customers.Ryan Garguilo, a trip-planner and founder of travel blog, Pause the Moment, wrote: "The ECBC Javelin is hands down the best daypack I've ever traveled with..."The Annets are confident that their brand will gain recognition and traction. "We know that more online purchasing is the trend," Julie said. "We're taking it step by step with ECBC, one rung at a time."Follow Laurie Lucas on Twitter @Laurielucas and check her blog on pe.com/businessCopyright: ___ (c)2013 The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, Calif.) Visit The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, Calif.) at .PE.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉
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