3. Primary ties.

• Author: Peterson, Eric
• Position: SMALL BIZ: MADE IN COLORADO

Shawn Reagan's day job in finance hasn't stopped him from pursuing fashion by night and on weekends. "I think of my ties being pretty versatile," he says. "You can dress up with them, but they can also be casual."

Reagan buys small amounts of fabrics and often repurposes Japanese kimonos and other vintage clothing into neckwear. "I like simplicity," he says. "I don't want to overdesign." He says he's looking to go full-time with Primary in the future. "It's been steadily growing. Soon I'm going to be hiring some...