Crafted Locally: Misty Mountain Threadworks Production
Nestled in the hills of Western North Carolina, Misty Mountain stands as a beacon of the outdoor industry, showcasing smaller companies that strive for excellence. The company's headquarters, a large, moss-covered building surrounded by a forest, is not easily accessible but requires intentional travel, adding to its allure.
Founded by Woody Keen at the tender age of 17, Misty Mountain has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving operation. In 1989, Keen moved production into a 7,000-square-foot building, a move that marked the beginning of the company's significant growth. Co-founder Goose, a childhood friend of Woody's, joined the operation around the same time. Rick Beato, the other co-founder of Misty Mountain Threadworks, also joined the team in 1989.
Misty Mountain is renowned for its quality lineup of soft goods, particularly harnesses. The company prides itself on producing harnesses for all body sizes and adaptive designs for wheelchair athletes. This commitment to inclusivity and quality has led to a 6% increase in harness sales over the last several years.
The factory employs a unique mix of climbers and locals, young and old, and educated and not. This diverse workforce contributes to the company's ethos of promoting from within, currently employing 17 people. Goose's wife and son work part-time and full-time respectively at Misty Mountain, further strengthening the family-oriented atmosphere.
Bryan Miller of Fixed Line Media captured the essence of Misty Mountain for the "Homegrown" series, highlighting the company's commitment to American craftsmanship. All aspects of Misty Mountain's operation, from sourcing to production, take place in the United States. Even the production process remains traditional, with old Singer sewing machines being used for production.
The climbing in North Carolina, where Misty Mountain calls home, is stout and features granite domes with long runouts and a ground-up ethic. This challenging terrain mirrors the company's dedication to producing comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and well-made products.
Goose, co-founder of Misty Mountain, expresses no desire to be like Black Diamond or any other large outdoor gear company. Instead, Misty Mountain remains true to its roots, focusing on producing high-quality gear for climbers of all backgrounds. This commitment to authenticity and quality makes Misty Mountain a standout in the outdoor industry.
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