Hey! Today is Brian K's fifth anniversary at Zappos. He started with Zappos back when it was in San Francisco. Now, look at him - one of the world's foremost proponents of Argyle and Argyle accessories. I thought I'd ask him a few questions about then and now. Please feel free to ask him other questions in the comments section.

1. What do you remember about your first day at Zappos?

I remember a lot less people :-)But I also remember a positive energy and a complete sense of unity in what we were trying to achieve as a company. We had so much to learn and when I look back I sometimes get all excited thinking about how much I have grown personally and professionally.

2. Any comparisons you'd like to make from then vs now?

I actually think we have enhanced our culture and work environment a great deal in the past 5 years. From the beginning (my beginning rather) I noticed it was a distinctly different place than any other I had worked at. Perhaps that was the beginning of the company culture forming and taking shape. But now, I see it as the core focus of the business, happy cows make good milk.

3. What did you think Zappos might look like now back then vs how it really is now. Any milestone moments?

Well honestly, I thought looking out my window that it would still look like San Francisco but it actually looks like Las Vegas! I know that is not quite what you meant, but really that is the only tangible thing I can say about it. Because back then we knew there was potential, but at least I did not know how much. While I had faith Zappos would grow massively I guess 5 years ago when I took the job I didn't fully comprehend the possibilities as I do now.

4. Any other stories about people from way back when you'd like to share with us?

Well, one of my first full days in the office was the day a certain someone arm wrestled a certain someone else and an arm was broken!

5. Anything else you'd like to add?

Well, I hope on my 10 year anniversary that I have grown and learned as much as I have in the first 5. It’s been a good fun ride so far, understanding where Zappos can go just adds fuel to the fire!



Brian shows off his Argyle trimmed shoes. His feet are propped up on several cases of offical Zappos shot glasses. Check out his quote on the white board. He has a bad case of hat head/hair today. And that is not his middle finger.

Well, I guess I should get off my Spartan tushie, do my duty, post my requisite Argyle blog and keep my job. Here’s the lovely 5’10” Stephanie S. wearing some Argyle yet maintaining her covert operative status with the Argyle box I swiped off of Lauren C’s desk. (Thanks Lauren!) She’s standing next to old family friend Mr. MooVader and in the background some of our top secret Zappos commemorative t-shirts are hanging from the ceiling. Lads, she's quite proficient with firearms, so watch out!

A while back I wrote about how Zappos was present at SXSW Interactive. I talked about why we went, what it was like, a bit about Tony's presentation, etc... What I did not cover was how much argyle was there! Man there was a lot, which means there must have been a lot of folks reading our blog and learning how important argyle is in order to be cool. Well, keep in mind, this was an Interactive festival not a music or film one which means cool was a little harder to find. But several people stood out and you can see them here on Flickr (I am too scared to just post their pics, I don't want to get punched in the cheek).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2378432763/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2378431955/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379273924/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2378433863/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379270136/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379269380/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379274260/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379261702/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379336492/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alx007/2379334388/

Enjoy! And see how the argyle tentacles are at work, spreading the gospel across the country!

First off, thank you to loyal reader 6! Also known as ZC1788, nice name! There are many like it, but that one is yours! Back on track, hello 6 readers and welcome to the very first edition of Argyle Tentacles. Argyle Tentacles is what I hope will become an ongoing effort to find argyle wearers (like yourself) from across this great country, and maybe even this giant planet (relative to a kickball). The idea was born when I was boarding a Southwest Airlines flight and saw the most creative argyle piece I have ever seen. I was not man enough to snap a pic, so I will try to describe what I saw. There was this woman, from behind I could see glimpses of argyle peeking over her shoulder trying desperately to spread across her back. But no, argyle sweater maker decided that would not happen, this was an argyle in-the-front only sort of shirt. But what made this stand out to me was the fact that the argyle pattern was mixed in with deer! That's right, deer! With antlers. Deer with antlers on a shirt with argyle. Argyle Lodgewear if you will. I was too embarrassed to walk up and get in her face and take a pic for you all, I will suck it up and do so next time. Sorry, don't hate me!

Anyhoo, it seems argyle is not only popular in the Zappos office itself, but even out in little 'ole New York City! Who would have thought that a trend that started in Henderson Nevada would influence the great city of New York. But it has, so just go with it and trust me that it all started in Henderson, Nevada! The pic below is of Aaron, he works at the Adstore, the ad agency that created our latest commercial (among many other things). Not a bad top for an ad guy (sorry guys, don't hate me because I am beautiful - Was that Kelly LeBrock or something?).

But wait, there is more. While on the topic of argyle spreading across the globe (originating in Henderson if you did not catch that twice before) and advertising, I saw the below strapping lad wearing argyle in an ad. Let me give you a little history first. The caveman below toured our office a while back, saw us wearing argyle and he had his our people call our people and we were able to convince them that argyle would help sell more insurance. They bought it, so easy!

Arrr me maties, April begins today and Alicia of arrrRDesk is wearing her pirate Arrrghyle attirrre today.
Joining her in Arrrghyle adoration es mi amigo arrrrRyan from the Spanish Team.



(pssst, I’ve been told in no uncertain terms that as a condition of my employment here I must post at least one Argyle-related post per fortnight or I won’t be here furlong. Oh save me Obi-one!)

So if you are one of my 5 loyal readers (I am that popular) you'll know that I host an unhealthy obsession with argyle. But the best part about this is that I have learned there are others more obsessed than I am here at Zappos. Awesome! The pic below is the second of this repeat argyle offender, and from what I was told by her is that there will be 50 separate argyle pieces to come over the coming months. 50? That is a lot, I suggest argyle therapy for her! If you are interested in jumping on the argyle bandwagon we can help ya out with some argyle pieces here at Zappos.com! Hopefully we'll carry more soon!! If so I would be our biggest customer!

Here's another entry for the Argyle Archives. Jeff, one of our graphic designers, ups the ante and not only sports a vest but matching socks as well. Jeff enjoys long walks on the beaches of Hawaii, watching the Food Network and his favorite aunt is named Lily.

Oh my, perhaps the next Argyle Addict will give a peek of Argyle undies?

I underestimated how fashionable we are here at Zappos.com. As luck would have it, I mean, as fashion would have it I stumbled upon (have you checked out StumbleUpon by the way? RULES!) 2 more argyle wearer people types. Luckily, they were available enough to pose for me, showing off their argyle styles. I think we may need to formally make Zappos.com the argyle headquarters of the WORLD! It can happen.

These lovely ladies don't know how proud they should be of their style, they wished to remain anonymous. I have trouble with that, I mean really, if you are so fashionable to know that Argyle is the new _______ you should embrace with open arms (and eyes). They chose to wear the black bar across their eyes so the fashion police (the good ones, the ones who recognize good fashion) don't stalk them continuously for fashion advice! As a strong promoter of Argyle I have some advice for these ladies... wear more Argyle!

Thanks, I'll be here all week. PS, we love Argyle!

Regarding my earlier post, well, walking around the office more Argyle was spotted. Luckily the two ladies were not too camera shy and were willing to pose for an Argyle pic with me! It sparked a thought in me, maybe Argyle is the new Zappos! Or better yet, maybe these are the beginnings of a Zappos.com uniform! SIgn me up!

OK OK, not quite "real" Argyle on Tara, but close enough! It is in the Argyle family.

That is real Argyle on Jessica! And real goofy face on Brian, aka me!

Not feeling cool enough due to lack of Argyle? Well... problem solved!

I love it when accidents happen, especially when they involve my favorite pattern, Argyle! Today, on this lovely Valentine's Day 2008, during a weekly "status meeting" we discovered just how fashionably alike several of us are. We were brought together by the Argyle ties that bind. Did I mention it was my favorite pattern? It's quite the conversation starter I might add! Oh, my Argyle socks and shoes (Ben Sherman) are sadly not visible in these pics. But trust me, they are there!

Who are these crazy Argylists? Well, Kevin is the tall strapping lad, I am the one in green/brown and the beautiful lady is none other than Michelle!