A Bead of Profitability

A spring break family trip to Florida turned into a second-generation business for Jeff Cousin. It has also led to a relationship with the world's largest retailer that has turned out far more beneficial than most people would like to think.

Now serving as president of Cousin Corp. of America, Cousin oversees the entire operation from its Largo offices and warehouse at 12333 Enterprise Blvd. The company distributes decorative beads and crystals to chains such as Walmart, Michaels and Jo-Ann, offering 10,000 different products.

Numerous adjustments have been made over the last 40 years since Cousin's parents, George and Rita Cousin, opened Bead World in the old Sunshine Mall in Clearwater. Years later the business incorporated into Cousin Corp. after becoming a mail-order service for out-of-town customers shopping for beads and other craft materials they couldn't find back home.