Flapping belt ends can be annoying. Often times, the end belt loop breaks or is not in the right place to keep the end of the belt close to the waist. Frustrated by this problem and fed up with worrying about broken loops or flapping belts, Reagan Huang and Robert Wong decided to take matters into their own hands. Their solution was R8ted Belt Clips, a new business in Burlingame.

 The R8ted belt clip was designed with the idea that no one should sacrifice fashion for function. The belt clip is a transferable device that can be easily attached to one's belt, replacing the traditional belt loop.

The concept for the product originated at a New Year's Eve party when Huang noticed his belt loop had broken, and he was left with a flapping belt. In 2008, he decided that he could create a fashionable accessory that also served an important function, solving this problem. His career in real estate was slowly going downhill, and there were signs of a serious depression ahead.

"At some point, I realized what was happening with the market and it just stopped being something I wanted to be a part of," Huang said. "I lost my passion for it."

He came up with the idea of a belt clip and ran the idea past friends, family and his future business partner, Wong.

Huang had been searching for manufacturers in China on his own, but found it difficult. He decided to approached his long-time friend Wong.

Wong had many connections in the Chinese manufacturing industry, and it was soon decided that he would manage the manufacturing side of the business. Wong began flying back and forth to China with drawings of the belt clip. He soon realized that finding a manufacturer willing to take on the project while maintaining its specifications was going to be a lengthy process.

"Nobody wants to commit to anything because they're scared of failure, but I had to commit to see what would come of this," Huang said. 

The R8ted company name came from Huang's childhood nickname, Rated R. He initially wanted to keep his full nickname for the company, but friends and family convinced him to change it up a bit.

The R8ted logo also ties into his partner's first name, as well as their love for the game of pool. Although he loves his current crest designs, such as an eagle, skull, golf ball, dice and ying yang, Huang understands that in order to keep his belt clips in stores all over the country he may need to change his designs with the times.

Huang and Wong started their company in a small office in Burlingame two years ago. They chose the location mainly for financial reasons.

"It's important to watch how you spend your money, especially as a new business," Huang said. "I have a friend who runs a real estate magazine and had some space available on his floor. It's been perfect for this beginning process, but hopefully we'll grow out of that space and move onto something bigger."

Even though Huang picked Burlingame for his business out of convenience, he has come to love the city and all it has to offer.

"I love this community a lot. I have many friends who also call Burlingame home," Huang said. "We spend a lot of time downtown, in the restaurants."

He loves the ramen restaurants in Burlingame, and has spent many work-day lunches at the Ramen Club located on California Drive and Oak Grove.

Huang and Wong said the would love to have a high-selling product, but their top priority is the quality of these belt clips, promising they will outlast any belt.  The R8ted belt clip is made with top quality, lambskin leather and a high polished zinc die casting alloy. Look for the R8ted Belt Clip to hit stores this holiday season.