LBI Family Legacy Farias Turned 50 Years Old

SHIP BOTTOM, NJ — Farias Surf and Sport continues to grow with numerous locations throughout Long Beach Island. Vince and Michele Farias, both school teachers in Edgewater Park, spent their summers on Long Beach Island. Vince saw that rental houses did not provide the necessary amenities for renters and saw vast potential.

In 1969, Farias Sales & Rentals was established in a one-car, dirt floor garage. Apparel was introduced to the store and in 1993, surfboard were being sold.

While the Surf City location is the original store, the Ship Bottom store serves as the flagship location. Siblings Brian and Stacey Farias Jordan took over the business from their parents in the fall of 2012. Superstorm Sandy dealt a heavy blow to the Farias locations and according to Farias Jordan, the Ship Bottom store took on about four to five feet of water. It was the community that rallied around them to rebuild and come back stronger, Farias Jordan said.

Brian Farias attributes the uniqueness of Long Beach Island to generations of family-run businesses that keeps the community strong. Farias has also been working alongside Waves of Impact for five years. Waves of Impact sets up surfing camps and supports families with children who have special needs.

To expand the Farias legacy, Farias Jordan's daughter, Sarah, opened her own women's boutique in 2016 over Memorial Day weekend called Five 0 Six. The boutique focuses on the best trends in swim and casual wear.

"I always knew I wanted to work in the retail industry and when I was in college, I wanted to work for a local company," Jordan said. "I became more involved in the family business and wanted to take my ambitions further."

"LBI is a special place," Farias Jordan said. "The people who come here are special."