5 Surprising Facts About Jordan Childs, The Richmond VA Entrepreneur Who Left LEGO To Build A Barware Empire
Jordan Childs is a name synonymous with the thriving creative and entrepreneurial scene in Richmond, Virginia, a city he has deeply influenced through design and innovation. As of late December 2025, Childs remains a notable figure, best known as the founder of the premium barware brand Shine Craft Vessel Co. and the design studio Eastern Land Collective. His journey, which includes a surprising career pivot from a major global toy company, offers a fascinating case study in building a successful local brand with a national footprint.
This comprehensive profile dives deep into the life and professional trajectory of the Richmond resident, exploring his educational background, the genesis of his flagship companies, and his lasting impact on the local economy and design community. We reveal the key milestones that shaped his path from a designer in Connecticut to a creative leader in the heart of Virginia.
The Entrepreneurial Journey of Jordan Childs: A Full Biography and Profile
Jordan Childs is not just a business owner; he is a designer and a creative force whose roots are firmly planted in the Richmond, VA, area. His professional story is a testament to leveraging a strong design background to fill a niche in the craft beverage market. Below is a detailed look at his life and professional profile.
- Full Name: Jordan Childs
- Primary Location: Richmond, Virginia (also associated with Henrico, VA)
- Birth Year: March 1982 (approximately 43 years old as of late 2025)
- Current Occupation: Entrepreneur, Designer, Founder/Owner
- Key Companies Founded: Shine Craft Vessel Co. (Premium Barware/Growlers) and Eastern Land Collective Design Studio
- Education: VCU Brandcenter (Virginia Commonwealth University), where he met his wife, Kim, around 2007.
- Previous Career: Worked for the global toy company LEGO in Connecticut before returning to Richmond to start his own venture.
- Spouse: Kim Childs, a native of Richmond, VA.
- Areas of Expertise: Product Design, Branding, Entrepreneurship, Barware/Vessel Manufacturing, and Local Business Development.
From LEGO Designer to Richmond's Craft Vessel Visionary
The pivotal moment in Jordan Childs’ career was his decision to leave a secure, high-profile job at LEGO to pursue his entrepreneurial vision in Richmond, VA. This move, which happened less than a year before his new company began competing for capital, marked the birth of Shine Craft Vessel Co.
The Genesis of Shine Craft Vessel Co.
Shine Craft Vessel Co. was founded on the idea of creating a superior, aesthetically pleasing, and highly functional growler for the burgeoning craft beer and beverage market. Childs recognized that the standard glass growlers were prone to breaking and did not keep beverages cold for extended periods. His solution was a line of premium, stainless steel, insulated vessels.
The company quickly became a local success story, deeply integrated into the Richmond craft brewery scene. Childs leveraged his local network, noting that several great breweries in the area were instrumental in supporting his startup. This local support was crucial for the initial growth of his barware brand.
The manufacturing process itself is a testament to his commitment to quality and local business partnerships. While the core vessels may be sourced, the final customization—including powder coating, passivation, and printing—is handled by three separate local Virginia companies. This strategy ensures a high-quality product while supporting the local economy in Richmond and the surrounding areas.
The product line, which includes the iconic metal growlers, has expanded to include a variety of premium barware and insulated containers, appealing to design lovers and professionals alike. The success of Shine Craft Vessel Co. established Jordan Childs as a key figure in the Richmond business landscape, proving that a strong design focus can disrupt even a seemingly simple product category.
Eastern Land Collective and His Design Philosophy
Beyond his work with premium craft vessels, Jordan Childs continues to express his creative and design expertise through his other venture, Eastern Land Collective Design Studio. This studio represents the broader scope of his design philosophy, moving beyond physical products into consulting and creative services.
A Focus on Collaborative and Local Design
Eastern Land Collective Design Studio positions Childs as a creative consultant and designer, often engaging with other businesses and organizations. His participation in events like the MBA Dinner Series at the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business highlights his role as a thought leader and mentor in the entrepreneurial community.
His philosophy centers on the marriage of function and form. Having worked in a complex, design-centric industry like LEGO, Childs brings a meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of branding to his projects. His work consistently demonstrates a commitment to creating products and brands that are not only beautiful but also solve real-world problems.
The influence of his time at the VCU Brandcenter, a highly respected graduate program, is evident in his holistic approach to brand identity. He and his wife, Kim Childs, who is also a creative professional, have been noted as part of a "new class of creative leaders" in Richmond, shaping the city's modern identity. They are often profiled in local news for their contributions to the East End of Richmond, Virginia, and their community involvement.
This dual focus—on a tangible product line with Shine Craft Vessel Co. and a creative consulting service with Eastern Land Collective—solidifies Jordan Childs' reputation as a versatile and impactful Richmond, VA entrepreneur. His ventures are frequently cited as examples of successful local startups that have achieved national recognition in the barware and design industries.
The Lasting Impact on the Richmond Craft and Entrepreneurial Scene
Jordan Childs’ story is intrinsically linked to the resurgence of Richmond, VA, as a hub for craft beverages and innovative design. His decision to base his operations in the city, and his commitment to using local Virginia companies for his manufacturing processes, has had a ripple effect on the regional economy.
The success of his premium growlers has elevated the standard for craft beverage packaging, influencing breweries, cideries, and distilleries across the country. Entities like Belle Isle Moonshine and various local breweries have benefited from the elevated aesthetic and functional quality of the vessels he helped popularize.
For aspiring entrepreneurs in the Richmond area, Childs serves as a powerful example of a successful career transition. Leaving a corporate giant like LEGO to compete for capital with a local startup was a significant risk, but one that paid off, inspiring others to pursue their own design-driven entrepreneurial ambitions. His continued involvement in educational and business forums ensures that his expertise remains accessible to the next generation of Richmond innovators.
In conclusion, Jordan Childs is far more than just the owner of a barware company. He is a Richmond, VA creative leader, a VCU Brandcenter alumnus, and a successful entrepreneur whose work with Shine Craft Vessel Co. and Eastern Land Collective has significantly contributed to the city's reputation as a center for high-quality craft and design. His profile is essential reading for anyone interested in the dynamic intersection of design, entrepreneurship, and local economic growth in Virginia.
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