Capital Distribution, Azita on the Same Team

On the showroom floor below, the Ezekiel booth was buzzing about a licensing agreement struck Friday between parent company Capital Distribution and Azita Manufacturing Inc. in Irvine.

Capital Distribution, launched from a garage a few years ago, is one of the industry’s latest success stories, with sales mushrooming by 200% over the last two years to more than $9 million.

Its hottest line is skate and surf clothing maker Ezekiel, but the San Clemente-based company also makes Kastel Shoes and Blond Outerwear.

Hoping to boost itself to the next level, Capital Distribution has licensed its labels to Azita, which will handle production while Capital Distribution owners Vincent De La Pena, Shaine LaVoie and Royce Cansler will continue to control product development.

Capital Distribution will move its operations to Azita’s factory in Irvine.

“We have hit the ceiling of what we can do with our own resources,” founder De La Pena said in a statement. “Getting involved with Azita will allow us to focus on the product and relieve the operational and production aspects of our growing business.”

Industry insiders blessed the marriage, calling it a smart blend of Capital Distribution’s creative knack and Azita’s ability to produce.

“It’s a winning combination for everybody,” Overin said. “Let people do what they’re good at.”