I recently had the pleasure of working with Bob and Carol Fitzgerald on their new business, West Countyline.  Read on, and see what they had to say.

Please tell us about yourself, your family, and growing up in Barrington.

CAROL:  Bob and I met at Countryside School, in 3rd Grade, when Bob’s family moved to town. We were both the youngest of large families, therefore experiencing Barrington not only through our eyes, but also through those of our siblings and parents.  My parents purchased property in North Barrington before World War II, built a house on Signal Hill Road and started a family in 1946. By 1952, after the birth of number 5, my father and grandfather designed and built a new house on Ridge Road, where I grew up. Conveniently, it was a half of a mile down the road from where Bob and his family moved in 3rd Grade. We became fast friends

BOB:  Our families were quite similar, but there were also many differences. Carol’s family was quite sociable within the community of Barrington Hills. They were club members and even helped in founding St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Where my family were not an active part of this community, however we did experience Barrington Hills though osmosis simply because of our geographical location.  Most of us went to Countryside school and everyone went to Barrington High School. Both Carol and I were raised learning the value of work at a young age. She worked locally in retail and at a restaurant after school, and I worked at local restaurants and Jewel.

BOB & CAROL:  Growing up in Barrington afforded us the luxury of being exposed to some of the best childhood experiences we could only have found living within this equestrian style community that provided us with huge resources ranging from sweeping acreage at our disposal, a security of knowing our community was safe, a very diverse set of friendships that are still intact today.

What is your professional background and experience?

Bob: Having spent more than four decades in the fashion industry, including 18 years as a factory owner and partner, I have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most distinguished brands in the world. I commenced my journey as a salesperson at Esprit De Corp and subsequently climbed the ranks to become the division head of this billion-dollar company. I consider myself a creative and innovative individual, having consulted for numerous organizations post my tenure at Esprit. My expertise includes product development, patent development, and licensing. Catering to the needs of a diverse range of manufacturers and retailers.

What made you decide to get back into the fashion industry?

I chose to re-enter the fashion industry after realizing that few companies prioritize a middle ground approach that focuses on using higher-grade materials, West Countyline sets itself apart by pioneering this approach while also integrating sustainable practices. Moreover, as we have our own factory, we skip the traditional manufacturing to retailer process and offer direct delivery to consumers, resulting in a diverse range of products that surpass expectations in terms of timeless designs, durability, versatility, and affordability.

Our designs are intentionally crafted to stand the test of time, serving as staple pieces in one's wardrobe. We are committed to creating styles that not only endure through time but also allow people to confidently express their unique identity through distinct and fashionable designs. Carol and several other friends embody this belief wholeheartedly.

As a local, I can appreciate the name of your company.  What does West Countyline mean to you, besides being the company name?

The place holds a special place in the heart of many, including mine. It was the address of my childhood home, where I met my wife for the first time in the third grade.

What makes your apparel special?  What sets it apart from your competition?

At the core of our philosophy lies a commitment to using only the finest fabrics available. Even our sources of inspiration - the iconic designers that have come before us – do not use the quality of the materials we use. One of the key differentiators of our fabrics is their luxurious texture, which provides a sensory experience like no other. Additionally, our fabrics have a natural flow and flattering drape that enhances any silhouette. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are also highly functional, boasting moisture-wicking, breathability, and absorbent properties. To top it off, our fabrics are highly durable and resistant to pilling, shrinking, and stretching, ensuring that they maintain their shape and vibrancy for years to come. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled value by using only the best fabrics.

What is the hardest part about starting a business from scratch?

Learning all the software and vast nuances in today’s diverse ecommerce market and various applications therein.   

What is the most rewarding part?

Seeing all our efforts turn into what we had envisioned. A website and product that is both elegant and unpretentious.   

What is most exciting about it?

Getting back into the Design/Merchandising aspects again.

When you are not working on your business, how do you spend your time?

Going out to meet friends for dinner and our 2 glasses of wine, lol.  Carol on the other hand is also very involved with her own projects. She has been creating products for many years. She loves to be artistic in her thinking and putting these ideas into creating the products she loves.

Which local restaurants do you enjoy the most?

Bacchus Nibbles is our go to place to at least once a week, as far as Barrington goes, most all of them, Chessie's, Moretti's, Kelsey Roadhouse, Francesca's, and Regions.  We really enjoyed McGonigal’s as well.  All have an atmosphere we love and great bartenders with many patrons who we run into quite frequently for a friendly chat.

What is a little-known fact about yourself?

Started a Group of likeminded individuals to discuss “Thoughts Are Things” where we met each week at St Marks for three and a half years until the pandemic hit, we still meet up with many of them just not at the church.

I was voted best new designer for at the California Market Center for the Fall Market 2012

What are you currently reading?

The Master Key System

Name a few things on your bucket list that you have done, and what are a few you have yet to do?

The things on my bucket list I have done I cannot say in public. And the things on my bucket list I have not done I also cannot say in public.

What was the best advice that you ever took?

Listen to that quite voice in others as well as myself.  It is this voice that is the best guide for me to take.

Who has been most influential in your life?

My wife, Carol.

You can find West Countyline apparel on their website.

https://www.westcountyline.com/

Be sure to use BARR25% to save 25% on your purchase!