VGKids starts Whiplash merchandising arm, adds 3 jobs

It’s never boring at VGKids. Pick your favorite column for growth and the Ypsilanti-based business is filling it. New employees, check. New revenue streams, check. Growing revenue, check.”Our sales numbers are fantastic,” says James Marks, founder & creative director of VGKids. “Last year was our best year ever and this year is even better.”VGKids recently started its Whiplash merchandising arm, which is handling the logistics for e-commerce activity. Marks says he has carefully selected the companies he is working with on the project. Some of the first clients include electronic music firm Ghostly International and Modest Mouse.The company has also expanded its core printing work by double digits. Its SPUR Studios keeps a full house of local artists and entrepreneurs and a sequel to the works-space has also opened in Pittsfield Township this year. Marks expects 30-40 percent sales increases in 2011 and has hired three people over the last year, including a new graphic designer last week. He hopes to add a few more jobs this year as the company ramps up its Internet presence through an updated website and social media presence.Source: James Marks, founder & creative director of VGKidsWriter: Jon ZemkeRead more about Metro Detroit’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.