Boobies & Co. Doesn't Sell What You Think

Michael Maguire and J. T. Gyorfy, both off Morris Township and both Morristown High School graduates, made a decision in 2010.

The slow economy made finding a job tough so they decided to start their own business.

With their friend, Joseph DeDalto of Monroe, NY, they launched a screen printing studio and a graphic design firm.

“We knew what we wanted and it wasn't wasting time on endless job searches and getting an unpaid internship,” said Gyorfy.

 The design part of the business is called Vistan Design, but the name of the screen printing company requires a little explaining. It’s called Boobies & Co., but the reference is ornithological, not anatomical.  

When Maguire was in high school, he had to give a presentation on the Galapagos Islands, which included information about a strange bird called the blue-footed booby. Maguire says inspiration struck and he found himself inspired to draw these quirky creatures.

Maguire carried his interest through college, creating original artwork centered around the birds. The Boobies & Co. idea was the subject of his senior thesis at Parson’s School of Design in New York (Company slogan: Blue feet. Big ideas.). Gyorfy joined-up after studying economics and entrepreneurship at Wake Forest University, while DeDalto brought his experience from the School of Visual Arts.

The three friends constructed a state-of-the-art printmaking studio in Maguire’s basement. “It took a lot of elbow grease,” said Gyorfy, “but now we have a fully functioning screen-printing studio where we can turn a design idea into printed tee shirts in a single day.”

By starting a business, the partners say they can build their work day around their own ethics and beliefs.

“This is a company that makes its products 100 percent in the United States. Our raw materials and blanks are sourced from the U.S. We only use original designs and we individually hand silk-screen every shirt we sell,” said Maguire. “With our small size, we can deliver a more environmentally friendly product. We reuse and recycle materials in the studio, we print in small batches, and we use high-quality water-based inks that do not require heavy chemicals for clean-up.”

In addition, Boobies & Co. donates 10 percent of its profits to the World Wildlife Fund, which helps to keep the blue-footed boobies and their animal friends protected. 

 The three friends are working hard selling new products including new shirt designs, tote bags, baby onesies, and hooded sweatshirts. Merchandise can be purchased online at Boobiesco.com.