Lincoln, NH - the heart of the White Mountains: Three Years ago today, I signed a lease at the Village Shops, hired our first employee (Justin Walsh), and Burgeon Outdoor became a reality - -at least in name.
We had our first team meeting on the shores of Lonesome Lake (featured above) and started to outline our task lists. With the benefit of hindsight, it is amazing we are here today to celebrate the start of Year 4.
Burgeon studio June 2019
We had no production staff, a space that needed a fair amount of work, and a business plan, that in hindsight, was woefully inadequate. We did, however, have a firm belief that outdoor apparel should be made in the places that inspire its use – not just because it is a great phrase that rolls off the tongue, but because we knew it would create a positive impact in the White Mountains community.
We believed then and still hold firm that making our apparel in Lincoln, NH makes a positive impact in the White Mountains; economically, environmentally, and socially. We have seen this impact grow over the past three years and Year Four is going to be our largest impact year yet!
Burgeon studio, same vantage point June, 2022
Economically, we have created six full time jobs (not including yours truly) - five in production and one in retail/management, as well as three part time jobs.
Environmentally, we maintain the Old Bridle Path (more to come, stay tuned!). We continue to expand the use of natural fibers (such as wool, tencel, and lyocell) and expand our use of recycled polyester. We also offer repairs – which allows you to extend the life of the most sustainable gear in the world - -the gear you already have.
We continue to bring our community together. We have hosted events and/or fundraisers for New England Disabled Sports, Friends of Linwood Recreation, Loon Mountain Ministry, NH Builders Association, Loon Freestyle Team and others.
We sponsored the Tuckerman Inferno, the premiere racing event in the White Mountains region. Burgeon staff have served in leadership roles in the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce and the Granite Outdoor Alliance.
What is on tap for Year 4?
- Expanding our trail maintenance - stay tuned for news coming soon!
- Adding to our staff - both in management and production
- Increasing the use of natural materials and recycled products
- A larger presence at community event
- Women’s leggings
- Women’s Hiking Tank Top
- And yes, fingers crossed, some waterproof layers!
Year 4 Starts NOW and we aim for it to be our best year yet! We hope you’ll come see us soon. There is always something new happening at the Burgeon studio and we are committed to getting better every day - so no matter when you visit, you’ll see us at our best!
We having a Midsommer Hiking Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 18th and hope you will join us for food, fun, beverages, prizes, contests, gear specials and more! Register here.
Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
Comments
Really inspiring to watch Burgeon grow and make such a positive impact on the community. It doesn’t hurt that your gear is top notch stuff. Keep it up please!
Congratulations on a great job, and best wishes for a productive future.
I love the before and after pictures.