An entrepreneurial cluster champion: Jack Stone

Jack Stone is a great example of an entrepreneurial cluster champion. He tirelessly crosses the state with a missionary's zeal convincing apparel companies that it is their self-interest to collaborate more closely and outside organizations that it is in their self-interest to assist in developing an apparel cluster.

When experts or central committees examine the state and think about what we ought to focus on in the future, no one put apparels on their list. In fact, most list apparels as an example of the type of industry that we'll need to let go of as we make the transition to a more innovative economy.

None of that makes any difference, because Jack believes and is willing to work hard to build a strong and vibrant apparel cluster that can "identify strengths and opportunities still existing in South Carolina apparel companies, collaborate by working together to implement advanced marketing and supply chain technologies, and focus on marketing to the end consumer."

Jack is focusing on apparel, and not some other sector that "experts" might think more appropriate, because it is in his self-interest to. He owns an apparel company and has for most of his life.

Adam Smith noted that, "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest."

That's why entrepreneurial cluster champions do what they do too.