New accessory business seeks to build its brand

Student startup company Waiders LLC began with unique watches, but hopes to expand on their brand in the coming months.

Started three months ago by four University of Maryland students, Waiders capitalized on the local trend of using Maryland's state flag on their products. Their watches feature interchangeable red and silver faces, and have a Maryland flag design on both black and white watchbands.  

Damiano Melcarne and Stephen Pinto cofounded Waiders, before quickly adding Dean Spann and Mike Foster to the team.

"We all have equal say," said Pinto.

The four initially ordered 500 watches, and have sold over 100 for $20 per watch, but sales have been stagnant recently, according to Melcarne. 

The company ordered their next product earlier this week, an insulated drawstring bag that will be marketed as a "tailgater," according to Pinto. The reversible bags will have a Maryland flag design on one side, and read "Maryland" in cursive letters when turned inside out.

Despite their current use of the Maryland flag, Waiders wants to be an accessories company that appeals to all college students in the future. The group used the flag design to quickly create a following and build their brand, said Melcarne, but their larger goal is to design an array of watches with unique faces that will appeal to people ages 18 to 24.

Waiders can be found on social media, specifically Twitter (@WaidersUSA) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/WaidersUSA). Their products can be bought at www.waiders.com.