Ep 12. Swim By Chuck Handy

In season 4 episode 12 of The Profit, Marcus Lemonis visits Swim By Chuck Handy, a swimwear company in Lighthouse Point, Florida. The business was started in 1999 by Chuck Handy himself, and he has been hand-making swimsuits out of his garage ever since. Chuck is a one-man show, doing everything from sewing the suits to selling them at trade shows across the country. However, despite his hard work and dedication, Chuck is barely breaking even and is struggling to keep the business afloat.

When Marcus arrives, he is immediately impressed by Chuck's craftsmanship and the quality of the swimsuits. However, he quickly realizes that the business is not sustainable in its current state. Chuck's prices are too low, he has no online presence, and he is not taking advantage of new technology to streamline his production process. Marcus sees potential in the business and decides to make an offer to invest in Swim By Chuck Handy.

Throughout the episode, Marcus works with Chuck to modernize the business. He introduces him to a digital printing technique that can produce intricate designs on the swimsuits and shows him how to set up an online store to reach a wider audience. He also helps Chuck negotiate better deals with his suppliers and recommends that he hire a part-time employee to help with production.

However, there are many obstacles along the way. Chuck is resistant to change and is hesitant to raise his prices, which Marcus believes are too low to sustain the business. Chuck is also dealing with health issues that make it difficult for him to continue working long hours in his garage. Additionally, Marcus discovers that Chuck has a significant amount of debt and must work with him to come up with a plan to pay it off.

Despite these challenges, Marcus remains optimistic about the future of Swim By Chuck Handy. He sees the potential in the business and is determined to help Chuck succeed. He even helps him prepare for a major trade show in Las Vegas, where he hopes to make new connections and generate new business.

In the end, the episode is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. Chuck's dedication to his craft is admirable, but without the guidance of Marcus, he may have never been able to take his business to the next level. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in small business ownership, entrepreneurship, or the fashion industry.