Northbrook Business Highlight: Joe & Bella Named Top 10 Most Disruptive Small Businesses in America

Northbrook-based clothing brand Joe & Bella has been named one of the 10 "Most Disruptive Small Businesses" in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The company, which designs adaptive clothing for older adults and people with disabilities, was recognized as part of the Chamber’s annual CO—100 list. Joe & Bella’s apparel replaces traditional zippers and buttons with hidden magnets and other modifications designed to make dressing easier without looking clinical.

For CEO and co-founder Jimmy Zollo, a Northbrook resident, the brand's mission is deeply personal. He built the company after witnessing the difficulties his grandmother and other residents at Northbrook Inn experienced with getting dressed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Working closely with Northbrook Inn staff to test and refine the garments, Zollo developed the innovative apparel line the company offers today.

“Adaptive fashion has been overlooked for far too long,” Zollo said in a statement. “We're working to move the category forward and prove that clothing designed for older adults and people with disabilities can be every bit as stylish, thoughtful, and innovative as anything else in the apparel industry.”

The Chamber of Commerce recognition follows the company's recent win at the CoCreate 2025 competition, where Joe & Bella was selected from more than 20,000 applicants by Shark Tank judges Daymond John and Lori Greiner.