MOUNTAIN KHAKIS
he premium outdoor clothing brand notched its first sale with a pair of pants online in
November 2004. Eight months later, Mountain Khakis had shipped products to 75 retailers.
Now, their goods are sold in more than a thousand shops across the country, including
Jesse Brown's Outdoors in South Park—their very first client. While product development
happens in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the remainder of Mountain Khakis' business operations and
its 34 employees are based here in Charlotte. Company President Ross Saldarini says, "Charlotte
has one of the most vibrant outdoor communities in the Southeast, and there's a well-educated,
diverse workforce here." He notes that the business climate is a plus, too. "Charlotte is an
affordable place to build a business, and there's a rich history in apparel here," he adds, pointing
to the fact that North Carolina was a hub for manufacturing up until the 1990s. Saldarini says the
brand's mission is to help people live authentically, get active and make life an adventure.
A v i d X c h a n g e
WEBSITE
avidxchange.com
DATE FOUNDED
2000
PRODUCT/SERVICE
Offers automated bill payment solutions for
businesses.
A c c r u e P a r t n e r s
WEBSITE
accruepartners.com
DATE FOUNDED
2002
PRODUCT/SERVICE
Provides temporary and direct-hire placements
in several specialty areas.
T a p i t y
WEBSITE
tapity.com
DATE FOUNDED
2009
PRODUCT/SERVICE
Designs and offers consulting services
online apps.
CHARLOTTE
STARTUPS
PHOTO COURTESTY OF ERIC GADDY
MY FAVORITE
CHARLOTTE HANGOUTS
Mint Museum Uptown
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
U.S. National Whitewater Center
$
24 WINTER 2016