A young Maritime business owner is proving himself on the world stage.
Alex MacLean is the founder of East Coast Lifestyle, a local brand that is having huge success here at home.
On Friday, MacLean beat 2,000 other students to take second place at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards in Washington, D.C.
The popular brand, which has been worn by hockey start Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon and hip-hop artist Classified, started as a business class project for MacLean. It’s turned into an east coast state of mind.
“I’m really trying to grow this brand past Canada, and I’ve trademarked this brand around the globe,” MacLean said. “U.S.A., Australia, Japan – I’m really trying to put the Maritimes on the map.”
At only 23 years old, MacLean’s business started in his parents’ basement. He’s accomplished a lot so far, but this latest achievement left him speechless.
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards seek the best business students from around the world.
“I’ve learned a lot in this whole learning curve so far, and I’m really trying to keep it going and keep it growing and get this thing international,” he said.
“It just grew so fast,” said Alex’s dad, Scott MacLean. “But it just shows (what can be accomplished) with new entrepreneurial spirit, with an understanding of how the Internet works.”
As part of his prize for placing second in the competition, MacLean will get to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama. He also earned a mentorship with business leaders who will help expand his brand to new markets.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Vince Williams
