From Rags To Riches - Brief Article

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Nov, 2000

Name: Eduardo Barea, 40, Miami, Fla.

Achievement: Founded Ibiley School Uniforms, which now supplies more than 300 schools across the country.

Signs of success: In 1999 Ibiley had revenues of $9 million, of which Barea donated the equivalent of 5% to supply uniforms to inner-city children.

How he did it: Born in Havana, Barea immigrated to Miami from Mexico in 1983 and lived in his uncle's garage while studying English. When Dade County began considering uniforms for public school children, he beat a path from PTA meeting to PTA meeting to sell the idea.

Lesson learned: "Before you start, have enough to support your family for six months," says Barea. "Then be willing to work 12 to 16 hours a day to make your idea work."

Next goal: Expand beyond the classroom. Ibiley has won a contract to supply uniforms for Burger King.