# Chris White

> Chris White is the co-founder and CEO of Shinesty, the Colorado apparel business launched in 2014 with Jens Nicolaysen. His background includes commission sales, custom apparel, business development and a JD/MBA at the University of Colorado Boulder. Shinesty evolved from vintage party clothing into its own designs and an underwear business, while keeping an irreverent approach to products and advertising.

- **Role:** Co-Founder & CEO at Shinesty
- **Organizations:** Shinesty, University Tees, SendGrid, Deming Center Venture Fund
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Religious Studies, DePauw University, JD/MBA, University of Colorado Boulder
- **Known for:** Co-founded Shinesty in 2014 and led its evolution from vintage resale to original apparel., Shinesty was a 2022 Inc. 5000 honoree, ranked No. 1,360., Chris White/Shinesty received the Boulder Chamber’s 2022 Startup of the Year recognition.

## Career timeline

- **2008-2011** — Sold Cutco while attending college.
- **2011** — Moved to Colorado for graduate studies in law and business.
- **2014** — Launched Shinesty with Jens Nicolaysen; participated in Catalyze CU.
- **2015** — Completed his JD/MBA according to CU’s 2019 podcast biography; Shinesty began producing its own merchandise.
- **2017** — Shinesty became the subject of a six-episode MTV2 docu-comedy series.
- **2022** — Shinesty ranked No. 1,360 on the Inc. 5000; the Boulder Chamber recognized Chris White/Shinesty as Startup of the Year.
- **2026** — Appeared with Nicolaysen on Operators in August; the episode reported 14 million pairs of underwear sold.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Shinesty in 2014 and led its evolution from vintage resale to original apparel.
- Shinesty was a 2022 Inc. 5000 honoree, ranked No. 1,360.
- Chris White/Shinesty received the Boulder Chamber’s 2022 Startup of the Year recognition.
- Helped build a business reported to have sold 14 million pairs of underwear by its August 2026 Operators appearance.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — White and Nicolaysen appeared on Operators to discuss Shinesty’s origins, underwear business, advertising and leadership.
- **2026-05** — Engage Colorado listed White among consumer and lifestyle leaders in its innovation coalition update.
- **2025-12** — Inside Tailgating covered Tellum + Chop, a separate collegiate clothing brand; White explained its more family-friendly approach to humor.
- **2025-09** — Realtree covered Shinesty’s camo underwear collaboration; White said he had worn Realtree patterns since childhood.

## Links

- Website: https://www.shinesty.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-white-4b4488a

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/chris-white
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-12