Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW), Central Oregon’s outdoor industry accelerator, announced the companies selected to participate in the organization’s third session – Snoplanks, a handcrafted bamboo snowboard and ski manufacturer, Magic Cycle Werks, a high-end custom bicycle company and Waggletops, custom removable dog bed covers.
Focusing on local companies as well as businesses in the outdoor industry who would like to move to Central Oregon, BOW offers mentorships, infrastructure, related resources and industry connections to help outdoor companies become more sustainable and successful. Alumni of session one and session two include Homeschool Technical Apparel, a technical outdoor apparel company, Cairn, a monthly subscription box service for outdoor enthusiasts, Free Range Backpacks, technical, light-weight backpacks for backcountry/multi-sport athletes, Slackline Technology, a manufacturer of longline and highline rigging, and the Robert Axle Project, an axle adapter for bike trailers and trainers. These companies continue to be a part of the BOW family.
The Fall cohort made up of SnoPlanks, Magic Cycle Werks, and Waggletops will receive mentorship from BOW’s industry founders in areas where developing companies may be lacking. Through a process of discovery meetings, analyzation and curriculum building, BOW will determine the company needs and provide guidance from the founders and extended mentor group. The incubator will then support these companies by aligning them with additional resources needed to succeed, including legal assistance, financial planning, marketing, logistics, sales, marketing, and product development.
More about the third session companies:
SnoPlanks Powder
Founded by James Nicol and Ryan Holmes, SnoPlanks is a manufacturer of bamboo snowboards and skis specifically geared toward powder and big mountain riding. Each plank is made 100% by hand in Bend, Oregon.
To learn more about the business, visit snoplanks.com
Magic Cycle Werks
Established by Greg White, an avid cyclist for over 30 years who raced in Europe for an Italian team, Magic Cycle Werksbuilds handcrafted custom bicycles the old school way…one at a time. Magic Cycle Werks, which relocated from Los Angeles to Central Oregon this year, builds classic steel frames for Road, Cyclocross, and Mountain bikes to the individual rider’s specifications. To learn more about the business, visit magiccyclewerks.com
Waggle Tops
WaggleTops was created in 2011 by dog-owner Beth Larson who believes deeply in the power of the human-pet bond. Looking for a simple way to keep her outdoor companion’s dog bed clean, Larson designed a custom dog bed cover that works like a fitted sheet for any size and shape dog bed. Sewn and manufacturer in Bend, Waggletops, removable dog bed covers make it hassle free to wash and come in a multitude of fabric colors and designs. To learn more about the business, visit waggletops.com
ABOUT BOW
After assessing common needs from outdoor industry businesses, Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW) was initially conceived in 2013 by Gary Bracelin, a long-time Bend resident and outdoor industry expert. BOW was officially launched in April 2014, when additional industry experts Eric Meade, Justin Rae, and Will Blount joined Bracelin. The founders represent various skill sets and a multitude of experience with successful organizations. In August of 2015, outdoor professional Miki Keller joined the group. BOW also has a deep pool of extended mentors that lend their expertise periodically, including White Summers Law, GB2 Agency, and Harrigan Price Fronk& Co, LLP. For additional information on BOW, contact Gary Bracelin, gbracelin@gmail.com.
