Behind the Stoves: A Look at Who We Do Business With (Part 2)

Posted by Kent M. Hering, CEO Littlbug Enterprises, Inc. on Oct 2nd 2018

Making the Choice

Like our competitors, we had to make a choice. Should we outsource our manufacturing to China and be able to sell our products for less or do we keep it local? The competitive pressures to follow the China road are great but there is more to making that decision than just our bottom line.

We had to answer questions like, "How can a company that promotes outdoor recreation and responsible use of the earth's resources justify the environmental cost of shipping products from China to America - a journey in excess of 7,000 miles?" That type of question coupled with our desire to find ways to support businesses close to home made the choice clear. All Littlbug products are made in the United States of America and the Junior and Senior stove pouches for your wood burning backpacking camp stoves are made right here in Bemidji, MN.

Meet Laurie Pommerening of LP Stitchery

As you can see, Laurie isn't in the business of making pouches. She is a talented designer and seamstress, sought after for her beautiful wedding dress creations. I figured that if she can sew something like that, she's certainly qualified to make our pouches! That was in 2011 and we've been doing business together ever since.

There's more than one way to hem!

Your pouch won't unravel either!

Some of Laurie's customers

Laurie's list of satisfied customers includes the iconic American lumberjack, Paul Bunyan. So even if you're not in the market for a wedding dress, Laurie will make it best.

Thank you, Laurie!