Three Minutes Across the Counter With: Michael Mejer

"Three Minutes Across the Counter" is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email ryan@patch.com with the name of your business. 

We start today with Michael Mejer, the 19-year-old owner of Livin’ Good, a clothing brand based out of Babylon. The clothing line is carried at 583 Surf & Skate in Ocean Beach and Mejer said he is trying to get the apparel into Bunger Surf Shop.

"Our brand embodies being hungry for success, staying motivated to reach your goals, but not losing sight of what’s really important (the good times spent and memories that are made with friends and loved ones)," said Mejer, a 2012 graduate of Babylon High School who is currently majoring in biology at Dowling College. 

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Mejer: The owner of 583 Surf & Skate saw someone wearing Livin' Good. After he heard I was behind Livin' Good, my boss then gave me a call and let me know he wanted my brand on his shelves. I got off the phone and got on the next ferry with a backpack full of shirts. That was my first real opportunity.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

Mejer: My father owns a manufacturing company called EDM MFG, Inc, and my mother is a nurse. Both of them do what they love to do, and work extremely hard day in and day out. I definitely picked up a work ethic by watching them.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Mejer: My entire life, 19 years. 

Patch: What do you love best about Babylon?

Mejer: There's a lot of things I love about this town, but without a doubt the food! Lonestars from the Meat Market, the 2 slice special from Gino's, can't go wrong with the steak and mashed potatoes at the Post Office Cafe either. I could talk about the food here all day.

Patch: What's a business mistake you've made that later you were glad you did?

Mejer: Fortunately, I haven't really made any big mistakes that stand out to me. I look at everything as a learning experience. I think that's the only way to go about it, not only as a business owner but as person as well.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know.

Mejer: I've been to Poland numerous times to see family. I can speak Polish fluently as well.

Patch: What's the best business advice you've ever received?

Mejer: Do what you love, and turn it into a means of making money.

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

Mejer: Don't expect an overnight success, so do what you love. If you're having fun doing what you love you'll work 24/7 and you won't even realize it.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Mejer: We're not hiring at the moment, but when I was looking for a place to get our shirts printed, or get the tags sewn in I always paid attention for punctuality, consistency, and to work with a company or someone who keeps their word. Nothing more valuable than that.