Sportif USA is making its living off of the great outdoors. The family-run company, founded by John Kirsch Sr. in 1965, makes casual clothing for men and women including sportswear (ski apparel, fleece and waterproof outerwear) and clothing targeting outdoor enthusiasts (shirts, hiking shorts, jackets). It also offers organic items. Sportif's apparel collections are sold through traditional retailers, as well as through catalogs and online. The apparel company operates Aventura Clothing Co., a division run out of Sparks, Nevada. After a single-engine plane crash claimed the life of John Kirsch Sr. in 1991, his son John Kirsch Jr. (company president) took the reins of Sportif's operations.

The firm generates most of its sales from women's wear, including its Koret and Sag Harbor lines. It also produces men's and children's clothes and accessories. Its other brands include My Michelle, Baby Phat, Phat Farm, Rewind, Vince, and XOXO. The company is a major supplier to department stores, as well as mass retailers, specialty boutiques, and catalogs. Kellwood also operates Vince and Sag Harbor brand outlet stores across the US. Kellwood has gained a foothold in new niches and grown through acquisitions, including Vince, Briggs New York, and Phat Fashions. It was taken private in 2008 by Sun Capital Partners and has been restructuring.

The oral health company makes and markets toothpaste, toothbrushes, sonic teeth-cleaning systems, and breath mints, for better oral care. Dentist Ron Murayama developed a less-expensive system for whitening teeth in the 1980s, then sold that product and business before starting Amden (where he's now chairman) in 1992. The firm promotes its products, primarily the Cybersonic system and its "harmonic resonance," through infomercials, often enlisting the help of celebrities, such as Vanna White and Cheryl Tiegs. Amden claims the Cybersonic is the world's fastest toothbrush.

Swat Fame designs and manufactures denim, sportswear, and dresses for juniors, girls, and contemporary markets. Its brand portfolio includes See Thru Soul, Kut Kollection, Kut from the Kloth, Bu from Malibu, Underground Soul, and Indigo Royalty. Swat Fame's collections are sold through US department stores, including Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, Von Maur, Buckle, Windsors, Arden B., Macy's, Nordstrom, J. C. Penney, and Kohl's, as well as through specialty retailers such as Charlotte Russe.

Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Inc. company develops, makes, and markets upscale polarized sunglasses designed to reduce glare for fisherman and enhance vision during water sports, such as kayaking, skiing, and sailing. Costa Del Mar sells its namesake eyewear to about 3,000 US retailers, including department stores, sporting goods shops, and optical and sunglass specialty outlets. It also sells its products online. Its eyewear, which comes in some three-dozen styles, is backed with a lifetime warranty. The sunglass maker is a subsidiary of the A.T. Cross Company, which acquired Costa Del Mar Sunglasses in 2003 and made it part of its Cross Optical Group.

Neways, Inc. was established in 1992 by Tom and Dee Mower, veterans of the chemical industry. Neways helps consumers find new ways to live clean, healthy lives. The company designs and makes products that are free of harmful ingredients for wellness (nutritional supplements, weight management), beauty (cosmetics, hair treatments), and household care (automotive, laundry supplies). Its products are distributed to about 30 countries worldwide. Neways has corporate offices in Australia, Israel, Japan, and the US, among other countries. The Mowers eventually sold Neways to private equity firm Golden Gate Capital in 2006.

Founded in 1919, family-owned CalCedar is a leading supplier of wooden slats used in making wood-cased pencils, including art and cosmetic varieties. The company also makes its own brand pencils (California Republic Stationers and ForestChoice) and pencils for other customers. CalCedar's products are sold worldwide. The company has moved its slat production plant from California to China and also operates a factory in Thailand. CalCedar sold its Duraflame log business, which it invented in 1969, to Clorox in 1978 and has exited the supply siding and decking business.

Founded in 1947, the pet food maker offers a variety of cat and dog food products that not only meet the nutritional requirements of pets but are also specially formulated to help treat specific health needs. The company's AvoDerm brand dog food promotes better skin and coats, while its Active Care line promotes joint health in older dogs. Its Pinnacle line offers a holistic approach for canines and felines. Breeder's Choice other product lines include cat food, skin and hair care products, and dog treats. In 2006 Central Garden & Pet Company spent about $25 million in cash to acquire Breeder's Choice.

Blyth, Inc. was founded in 1977. Blyth prefers to light up the party with one of its wicked products. As the largest candle maker in the US, Blyth sells its scented and unscented candles under the Colonial Candle, PartyLite, Ambria Table Lighting, and Seasons of Cannon Falls names, among others. Its portfolio also extends beyond the candle business with Sterno butane products and lighting, Two Sisters Gourmet sauces and condiments, and ViSalus nutritional supplements, as well as a variety of catalog and online businesses that market household goods and gifts. Blyth's products are sold through home parties and retailers worldwide. It also supplies institutional customers, such as restaurants and hotels.

Babor wants to treat its customers' skin to some of its products. Babor Cosmetics America Corporation makes systems for skin care treatments at home or in salons. The company offers face care products (including make up and moisturizers), as well as body care and sun care lines. It covers the men's market, too. Babor for Men includes men's skin care products (moisturizer, balancer, shaving gel, after shave balm, after shave, all-over shampoo, and deodorant spray) and fragrances. Babor Cosmetics has operations or representation in more than 50 countries. The first Babor product was HY-OL, a hydrophilic face cleansing oil patented in 1955 by namesake Dr. Michael Babor.

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