InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2022 14 In early January, employees at Kitsbow announced that they had purchased the company with the assistance of a group of local North Carolina investors. Effective immediately, employees will own a majority of the shares in Kitsbow Apparel, PBC, which is organized as a Delaware public benefit corporation. A public benefit corporation (PBC) empowers leadership of the organization to embrace “social and public good” of both customers and employees, while operating in a responsible and sustainable manner, and place the interests of shareholders on equal footing. In contrast, traditional corporations are required to put shareholder return above all other priorities. In addition, Kitsbow has started the process to become a certified B Corp from the nonprofit B Lab. “When the opportunity to buy the brand and all of its assets became available, the employee leadership was unanimous in doing so as a public benefit corporation, and immediately starting the process for certification as a B Corp as well,” explained David Billstrom, CEO of Kitsbow, who will maintain the same role with the new entity. “We have been embracing social and public good since we landed in North Carolina to make clothes, so it was a natural step to make.” “We are beginning the new year with a bang, not only with employee ownership but also with a pledge to sell apparel only made in the United States,” added Jessie Inglis, director of production for Kitsbow and one of the senior leaders of the company. “We sold the last of our offshore-made apparel at the end of last year, and from now on, other than gloves and socks, all of our apparel will be made in the U.S. It is truly a very new year.” Established in California 10 years ago, Kitsbow relocated to Old Fort, N.C. in late 2019. Since that time, the company has embraced numerous initiatives such as training a workforce with no prior experience making premium apparel, helping build trails in Old Fort, making PPE for first responders and medical professionals, making apparel in a sustainable way, building and operating a unique retail service with healthy food made locally, hosting the first bike shop in Old Fort in decades, using only compostable materials in all shipping and packaging, and creating generous employee benefits such as health insurance paid 100 percent by the company. All of the Kitsbow employees in Old Fort, N.C. have been offered their same jobs, and all hourly employees received a significant raise to reflect the increased cost of living in Old Fort. Kitsbow will no longer have employees or an office in California, completing the transition announced in August 2019. Terms of the sale, price and the identity of the new local investors are not being disclosed at this time. Kitsbow Apparel, PBC will continue to do business under the brand name Kitsbow Cycling Apparel. Company founder Zander Nosler will continue as an advisor with Kitsbow in its new form. “Our apparel revenue doubled in 2021, compared to 2020, and we plan a similar rate of growth for this year,” explained Dustin Donovan, director of operations, and another senior leader of the new company. “This means we are still hiring, so if you know anyone who wants to join an amazing team of people from diverse backgrounds, please visit our website and apply.” Not only does Kitsbow manufacture in the U.S., but it’s “Made to Order, Less Waste” method helps ensure a more sustainable approach to the apparel industry. Kitsbow doesn’t scrap unsold clothes because the company only makes clothes that are ordered — in precisely the right color, size and fit for each customer. Kitsbow also offers repair services to help futher avoid sending clothes and material to the landfill. Made in Americas Employees Purchase Kitsbow, Reboot as Public Benefit Corp. ‘Made in America’ Trade Show Set for October Product and equipment buyers can experience the latest innovations from American manufacturers at the nation’s only trade show devoted exclusively to showcasing American-made products and manufacturing capabilities. The MadeInAmerica.com show is set to take place October 1 to 3, 2022, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky. “The pandemic proved that relying on foreign supply chains creates chaos. Then, the Suez Canal crisis made the problem even clearer. Now, domesticating supply chains is a top priority for wholesalers and retailers,” said MadeInAmerica.com CEO Don Buckner. “We’re happy to connect those purchasing agents with manufacturers based right here in their own country.” The event is expected to bring together an audience of celebrities, consumers, businesses, media and government agencies, including hundreds of manufacturers showcasing high-quality, U.S.-made machines and products. There also will be highlevel speeches and panel discussions featuring manufacturing professionals. According to Buckner, event organizers carefully vet every seller to ensure they meet stringent Made in America guidelines. Learn more at MadeInAmerica.com.
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