Home

Name: Kippah King

Type of business: A Web-based business supplying handmade kippot on order for weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs

Address: Oakland, Calif.

Telephone: (510) 839-6969; email: info@kippahking.com

Web site: Kippahking.com

Founded: 2005

Top officer: David Gluck, owner

How would you describe your business?

"We are a company specializing in providing hand-crocheted kippot, and other specialty kippot, for bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and other events," said owner David Gluck.

What makes your business special?

"We contribute back 10 percent of our profits to Israeli non-profits and other Jewish organizations. The customers can also specify their synagogue or day school. Of course, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and the highest quality merchandise at a competitive price, but it is the maaser (giving 10 percent) that makes Kippah King unique."

What goals do you have for the business?

"Our goals are to expand our product line beyond hand-crocheted kippot. We are just about to add eco-suede kippot to our Web site, which should be a popular green choice for customers. These kippot feel like suede but are made out of recycled cardboard!"

How has your business changed?

"I started this business after my oldest daughter's bat mitzvah four years ago. Every quarter, we have experienced tremendous growth. We have had to deal with the challenges of maintaining an adequate supply by diversifying our sourcing. The result is that we will soon be carrying even higher quality kippot that are handmade in South America."

What was your most important deal?

"We have had a few big orders from the JNF and a Jewish basketball league, but we treat each order with the same high level of importance, and have never missed getting a customer their kippot in time for the event."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"Diversifying and expanding the product line. As we continue to grow the business we look forward to maintaining the personal relationship with our customers, and always striving to maintain the highest quality products possible."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"The quality of a kippah we sell is ultimately the best marketing tool. The people who attend a simcha notice the label, the color, the weight, and texture of the cotton. The kippot are colorful and comfortable to wear. Most of our business comes from people who pick up a kippah at an event. Our excellent customer service results in many referrals."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"You must be detail-oriented. It's the small details that make a big difference to the customer's satisfaction. You also must be sure that you have the temperament to give total service to your customers. They are working against time and money constraints, and you need to be very sensitive to those issues."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"I get to play a small part in an important event in people's lives. I enjoy chatting with people and helping make their event all they had hoped for. The job is satisfying because I get great feedback. I have gotten my unsolicited testimonials. I also get a kick out of seeing how far Kippah King kippot are traveling. We have had orders in 35 states and on four continents."