The Washington Business Journal's 40 Under 40, which "recognizes the Washington region's brightest young business leaders based on demonstrated business success over the past 12 to 18 months," was just announced.  I'm honored to be one of this year's honorees.

As part of the program, they had us fill out a questionnaire, take part in a video conversation, and pose for pictures.  You can check out my responses and more info on the award here: Micha Weinblatt's 40 Under 40 Award.

As you can tell, i'm wearing our Tans and hot tubs T-shirt, but what you can't see is the shirt i'm swinging over my shoulder.  That shirt is an original favorite of mine, our Rachel's Bat Mitzvah t-shirt.

Anyways, thanks for the support and for making Crooked Monkey what it is.

Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino is all about the t-shirt, the t-shirt before the t-shirt, the t-shirt during the t-shirt, and the t-shit after sending a girl home because he just hooked up with her and wants his twin bed back.  He just came out with a book (video below), in which he proclaims his love of the shirt, and gives some good advice on how to pick out the right under cloth for you.

Well here's some t-shirts we think The situation might enjoy:

Leave the Grenades at home t-shirt - This one's an easy one for the situation.  He gets blindsided by grenades all the time, and this tee could could be his sidekick--when Pauly D's not around of course.

I'm not a Gardener I just like Hoes t-shirt  - At the situation's pace, he might actually be a closet gardener.

Panda Shades T-shirt - Like the Panda, the Situation never leaves home without his sunglasses.

Keep the Ratio Strong t-shirt -  2 girls for every guy.

Coke Healthier than Crack T-shirt - He could wrap it up and give it as a gift to Ronnie.

Fat Chicks Fun Til Your Friends Find Out T-shirt - We all remember the swinging hippo from season 1.

Pop Star T-shirt - I don't wanna know how many cherries he's stolen.

My roommate is gay- This should've been the Situation's go-to "shirt before the shirt."

Crooked Monkey moved offices about three years ago. And by "offices" I mean basements--we moved from my former business partners basement... to my mom's basement.

Just last week, my former partner's mom was reorganizing, and called me to pick up some Crooked Monkey boxes. It took me about a week to find time to head over there, but when I did it was like going back in time.

Heading down the staircase brought memories of a nascent company looking to find its voice amongst the throng of t-shirt companies. Swinging open the doors to the basement door, I flashbacked to the dog days of cold calls and 2 PM happy hours. Of long road trips to Chicago and of Crooked Monkey Hotties.  Of "Fuck Duke" and Cease and Desist Letters.  Of "Party with the Monkey" and of brainstorming sessions into the wee hours of the morning. Of being a budding Entrepreneur, living in my parents house and sleeping on friends couches, with wide eyes and the naivete to push forward--against the odds.

I haven't looked through all the boxes yet, but I'm excited to. It's like a time capsule--a window into the beginnings of the Crooked Monkey brand.