Truminati launched Dec. 21, 2012, a day most people anticipated would be the end of the world. For Larry Lynn and Spencer Brown, it was a new beginning.
Lynn, a 28-year-old former film and media studies student, teamed up last year with 23-year-old alumnus Brown to create Truminati, an online clothing company that seeks to bring more to the table than your average outfitter.
"We're more than a company; we're a lifestyle," Lynn said. "The name Truminati is an acronym meaning 'Truth, Respect, Unity, Magnificence, Intelligence, Nobility, Ambition, Timeless, Inspiration.' It is a play off of the Illuminati, which is only exclusive to its members. We are inclusive to everyone."
Lynn and Brown are using their business to benefit the community around them. While most companies produce their products overseas for an increase in profit, Truminati makes all of their clothes in the U.S. to help the economy and increase jobs for Americans.
As their company slowly grew and started to make sales around the nation as well as in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and England, the former Sun Devils felt it was their obligation as businessmen to help people less fortunate than themselves.
They give 5 percent of their profit to charitable programs they create. The fact Truminati is giving back to their community was a major reason Yenny Romero, a 23-year-old film major at Scottsdale Community College, chose to invest in the company.
"Larry and Spencer have a vision," Romero said. "It's not just about money with these guys. They actually have a plan that helps people in their community."
Truminati ships its merchandise from Tempe and L.A. Every customer receives a personalized thank you letter from either Lynn or Brown with every purchase.
Owning your own business can be hectic, the entrepreneurs said.
"You have to do your research and know how to get to your end goal," Brown said. "People are going to doubt you, but if you really want to start your own business, go for it. But you have to do it because you really want to, not for any other reason. You have to really want it for it to work."
Lynn said a team of like-minded people is crucial to getting a business up and running.
"It's important to have a good team behind you,” Lynn said. “Find people who believe in you and support your dream. Learn as much as you can and have faith everything will workout. It all does if you put enough effort.”
As Truminati gains more popularity, Lynn and Brown plan to branch their company out to include video production, artist management and other endeavors.
Lynn and Brown are determined to turn Truminati into a "billion-dollar company."
Reach the reporter at cmgaray@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter@ghost1effect
