Students from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business and John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences gained firsthand insight into the world-renowned Vineyard Vines brand directly from its co-founders.
For undergraduate students, visiting the Vineyard Vines headquarters and meeting founders Shep and Ian Murray was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. From discussions on public relations, social media, and brand strategy, to insights shared by company executives into the collaborative work of cross-functional teams, students left the experience feeling both inspired and informed.
“I was really interested in learning more about what it's like to work for a brand I admire,” said marketing and international business student Kathryn Wittenhauer ’27.
Among the moments that stood out to Wittenhauer during the site visit was a discussion on the extensive business operations behind the Vineyard Vines team’s role in planning and participating in large-scale events such as the Kentucky Derby.
She and other students shared a key takeaway: how genuinely the company's employees embrace the brand’s motto, “Every day should feel this good (EDSFTG).”
“As a marketing major," said Wittenhauer, "I found it especially interesting to see how this unified approach helps maintain a strong, cohesive identity across all areas of the brand,”
Marketing student Sarah Congagh '27 was also impressed with how the 'EDSFTG' motto is reflected in Vineyard Vines workplace culture. A presentation on public relations helped clarify her own career aspirations. “I value and aspire to be in a role that balances creativity and strategy through diverse campaigns," she said, "both in-person and digital, to drive visibility and brand value.”
The students had a unique opportunity to meet the visionary brothers behind the Vineyard Vines brand. “I’ll never forget how the founders, Shep and Ian, came to answer our questions and listen to our feedback, truly reflecting the unique and people-centered culture," said Congagh.
The Stamford site visit was organized by the Dolan Career Development Center.
