A love story and a shipwreck - what better way to build your own company?

Walter was the guy who traveled all over the world when he was a teenager, was captivated by different cultures, and developed a taste for wildly hot curry. Chris was the girl who was studying economics, but went to class wearing Indian print skirts and funky boots and ended up knitting ski hats in class.

When the adventurous guy finally went out on a date with the artistic girl, they fell in love - with each other and the idea of running their own business together someday.

Chris and Walter Chapin got married and moved to Concord, New Hampshire. There they decided to start a family and a business at the same time. Neighbors and friends told them they were nuts. "Do one at a time," relatives advised. "We have nothing to lose," said Chris. "Why not?" replied Walter. So Chris and Walter began designing and selling fun, casual rugs out of their garage. Thus, Company C was born (and eventually so were two adorable little boys).

In the early years, Chris sat in the garage making colorful patterns while Walter processed orders and shipped rugs. Chris' contemporary, vibrant designs were a hit, and Walter braved the sweltering heat in India to build business relationships, market ideas and source materials. Then came the shipwreck.

A boat carrying Company C's rugs crashed and sank in a Sri Lankan harbor. Orders were late, products destroyed and hopes shattered. However, Walter and Chris didn't give up. Instead, they offered assurance to their customers that replacements were on the way and that Company C would do all it could to make up for the delay. Chris and Walter proved that superior customer service and hard work could compensate for almost anything - even a shipwreck.

Company C has grown from a tiny, bootstrap operation into an industry leader with over 1,000 dealers worldwide. Company C now prides itself on being an innovative design studio, socially responsible corporation and creator of exceptional home furnishings. Not only does Company C offer rugs, textiles and accessories, but its own line of furniture as well. Chris and Walter, along with their talented team, work diligently every day to deliver the most colorful and alluring products while continuing the tradition of excellent customer service.

Company C today is the realization of mutual passion and years of hard work.

Not bad for a guy, a girl and a dream.