Ghabra brothers open Fishtail Print Company
Brothers Connor and Ethan Ghabra found no need to finish college before launching a business that combines their strengths.
“I learned more in my junior and senior years at Cape than I did in three years at Virginia Commonwealth University,” Connor said.
Connor and Ethan are products of Cape High’s marketing pathway; Connor graduated in 2015, Ethan in 2017. Connor majored in graphic design at VCU, and Ethan studied business for a year at University of Delaware.
About eight months ago, they used their college tuition money to buy equipment and supplies, and four months ago, they opened Fishtail Print Company, a custom apparel, original branding and design studio. Ethan oversees sales and marketing while Connor focuses on design.
The brothers always knew they wanted to open a business and chose a beach theme to represent their favorite activity, surfing. Their father, John, owns Crackbreakfix.com, Mosquito Authority and a Washington, D.C.-area spin studio.
John credited Cape High teachers Gabriel Martinez and Jason Fruchtman for his sons’ success.
“These teachers made a direct impact and touched their future,” he said. “Fruchtman homed in on Connor; he saw his skillset and guided him on a path. Martinez had Ethan working in the school store.”
Now, the brothers fulfill design orders for the Cape district and hope to welcome student intern workers.
What makes their business unique, the brothers said, is their storefront, where customers can come in and feel the quality of materials before purchasing. Several brands are available, including Under Armour and Nike, and the store offers free shipping and local delivery.
“We offer the highest quality at the cheapest price and the quickest turnaround,” Connor said.
“We only sell what we would wear ourselves,” Ethan added.
A recent addition is an embroidery machine, used solely by general manager Ernie Gaudioso.
“Bags, socks, hats, you name it,” he said. “Anything a needle can go through, I can sew.”
Fishtail Print Company is located at 18585 Coastal Highway, Suite 22 in the Midway Shopping Center in Rehoboth. Call 302-408-4800 or go to fishtailprintco.com.
