Member Spotlight with Green Buffalow: Revolutionizing Wildfire Uniforms with Smart Design
WIC sits down with the minds behind Green Buffalow, an innovative company focusing on ergonomic, professional attire for wildland firefighters, to shed light on their journey. Originating from a genuine desire to serve the community and a firsthand insight into the limitations of firefighter uniforms, this apparel design duo is on a mission. Drawing inspiration from a unique Lewis & Clark anecdote of protection using a green buffalo hide, Green Buffalow are not only addressing fit and function but are also resonating with a deeper narrative of safety and pride. Dive into their story, their challenges, and their vision for the future as they strive to ensure that every firefighter feels confident and comfortable in their attire.
WIC: How did the idea for Green Buffalow come about, and what was the inspiration behind the name?
Green Buffalow: The idea for Green Buffalow originated from a sincere desire to give back to the community. As two moms with backgrounds in apparel design and merchandising, we felt our professional capacities weren't truly serving the community. However, it was Korena’s husband, a firefighter for over 20 years, who pointed out the inadequacies of his uniforms. That comment sparked an idea.
When discussing this concept with my colleague, Summer, we felt an immediate connection to the project. Although we began our journey somewhat naively, thinking it would be straightforward, it turned out to be much more challenging. Through the process, we met wonderful individuals who guided us and received heartwarming feedback from those we helped. Some misunderstood our mission, thinking we aimed to merely enhance the aesthetics of uniforms. However, our objective has always been to design ergonomic, professional attire that aligns with the stature of a federal agency. It's about ensuring that those who wear our uniforms feel comfortable and confident, representing their organization with pride.
Both of us shared a drive to utilize our skills for a larger purpose. For instance, we were shocked to learn that many women were wearing men's uniforms. Our ambition was to change this, leveraging our expertise in apparel.
As for our name, after considering many options, we stumbled upon an 1804 journal entry from Lewis and Clark. The entry described a mother saving her son from a wildfire by covering him with a green buffalo hide. Post-fire, the area underneath the hide remained untouched, symbolizing protection. The journal spelled "Buffalo" with a 'w' at the end. We chose to retain this unique spelling, not only for historical accuracy but also to pique curiosity about our brand's story.
WIC: What drove Green Buffalow to specialize in the development of PPE and Nomex uniforms for wildfire situations?
Green Buffalow: Our decision to specialize in PPE and Nomex uniforms for wildfires stemmed from our educational backgrounds, industry knowledge, and personal connections. While we have diverse expertise, Korena’s husband's long-standing involvement in wildfire highlighted a clear need within the community. Over the years, we had occasionally heard of challenges faced by those in the field, but these conversations were often brief and without deep exploration. However, when Korena’s husband pointed out these issues, it resonated deeply with us. Leveraging our industry connections allowed us to gather invaluable feedback from those who would be wearing the uniforms, making our endeavor both personal and informed.
WIC: How has the focus on PPE and Nomex uniforms shaped Green Buffalow's mission over the years?
Green Buffalow: From the outset, we knew that our emphasis would be on PPE and Nomex uniforms. As we delved deeper into the industry, the urgent need for such products became even clearer. Despite encountering skepticism from others — many of whom remarked about the challenges of entering this industry — we remained steadfast. A common perception was that while many express interest in contributing to the sector, few follow through due to the stringent rules and regulations, making it seemingly insurmountable to introduce innovative solutions.
Our passion was fueled by the belief that the market needed what we had to offer. With our combined experience in apparel and technical design, we were confident in our ability. When attending NFPA meetings, it was evident that many participants lacked the expertise we brought to the table. In our discussions with peers, we often stressed that the solution wasn't rocket science; it boiled down to fundamental apparel design principles. By focusing on fit and function — areas in which we've honed our skills — we felt equipped to make a significant impact. Our conviction only grew stronger as we further recognized the magnitude of the demand and the potential difference we could make.
WIC: Can you provide an overview of the PPE and Nomex uniform products that Green Buffalow offers to those combating wildfires?
Green Buffalow: We currently offer a single style of pants and shirt. As a small business, our approach has been to streamline our product range. The extensive time invested in research, development, and policy shaped our decision to integrate multiple features into a singular product initially. Our design, infused with various elements, considers the diverse needs of our clientele. For instance, while some users might find a particular pocket unnecessary, others deem it essential. The objective was not to create a singular definitive product but to ensure that our first offering was comprehensive and of high caliber.
Both our men's and women's uniforms echo the same design, especially concerning pocket placements, with variations primarily in sizing.
We have aspirations to enhance our product line. Ideally, we'd introduce a comprehensive kit, inclusive of safe undergarments and base layers. Currently, many professionals rely on materials like cotton or spandex beneath their uniforms, which might not offer optimal protection. Our vision is to provide a complete and protective ensemble for those on the front lines.
WIC: Can you describe a pivotal moment or project for Green Buffalow that impacted its growth or direction?
Green Buffalow: Certainly. One moment that stands out was during the COVID-19 outbreak when we decided to launch our women's line. Amid the challenges of that launch, we noticed a pressing demand for face masks. We remember overhearing a conversation, where it was mentioned the dire need for masks, and we realized that we had both the materials and expertise to help. While the market didn't specifically demand Nomex-made masks, our capabilities, and resources enabled us to pivot and produce them. Before launching any apparel, we had already distributed a significant number of these masks, with totals exceeding a thousand.
Producing masks became an unexpected avenue for our brand's introduction to the market. Many individuals, even those outside our primary audience, expressed interest in supporting us by purchasing these masks. This venture was less about a commercial opportunity and more about addressing an immediate need. This initiative underscored our brand's adaptability and commitment to community support. While we wouldn't label it as the definitive "pivotal moment" for Green Buffalow, it was an essential step in our journey. We remain passionate about responding to needs and giving back to our community.
WIC: Are there emerging trends or needs in the wildfire community that are influencing Green Buffalow's approach to PPE and Nomex uniforms?
Green Buffalow: While we can't delve into specifics at the moment, we're certainly aware of evolving trends within the wildfire community and are proactive in aligning our products accordingly. Our goal is to ensure that we provide solutions tailored to the diverse needs of various roles within the field. We highlighted the importance of understanding these distinct requirements. However, as a small business, our product range expansion must be measured to maintain sustainable growth. What sets us apart though is our ability to integrate innovative techniques and solutions, enhancing the utility and effectiveness of our offerings in the wildfire context.
WIC: Navigating the PPE and uniform industry must come with its set of challenges. Could you share some of the obstacles Green Buffalow has faced and how they've been addressed?
Green Buffalow: Certainly. Initially, our challenge was connecting with the right people. We had to independently find contacts, often encountering wrong leads. Yet, given the close-knit nature of this community, many pointed us to the right individuals who assisted in understanding the system. A significant hurdle was informing firefighters about the proper channels to voice their concerns about uniform fitting, as it often stopped at the crew boss level without further escalation.
Engaging with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was another complex matter. Many weren’t aware that the NFPA had specific dictates regarding sizing. Our focus groups not only raised product awareness but also educated on the intricacies of NFPA guidelines. This regulatory body operates on a dated system, necessitating exact verbiage when raising issues. We were fortunate to connect with mentors who provided precise guidance.
We appreciated the candid communication with US Forest Service representatives. Though our initial contact was skeptical, given his past experiences, he remained open to dialogue. This relationship was instrumental in steering our approach. Meeting Deputy Chief Jaeltih Hall-Rivera at the WIC event in Park City further elevated our perspective. We recognized our earlier conversations were limited to middle management. The realization that senior leaders were indeed seeking change was uplifting.
WIC: Has Green Buffalow received any recognition or awards for its innovative approaches or contributions?
Green Buffalow: We've garnered attention from external organizations. For instance, we reached the semifinals in the "social good" category of a competition organized by "I Fund Women," a platform supporting female entrepreneurs. Participating allowed us to engage with a plethora of innovative entrepreneurs. Often, the broader public misunderstands the nuances of the fire industry, mostly getting their impressions from media coverage of large fires. Whenever we introduce them to the intricacies of our industry, they're usually taken aback by the dedication and challenges our professionals face.
The experience provided invaluable exposure for organizational and business needs. Through the same platform, we received a grant from Johnny Walker's initiative, which supports female entrepreneurs innovating in their respective fields.
Separately, we advanced through two interview rounds with "Shark Tank." Although we didn't make the final cut, the experience was a testament to our business potential. This recognition, despite being spontaneous, was immensely encouraging.
Moreover, our collaboration with the Canadian equivalent of the National Interagency Fire Center involved assisting them in creating female and non-binary size charts. The feedback we've received from professionals thankful for well-fitting uniforms feels as rewarding as any formal accolade.
In addition to the other recognitions, our association with North Carolina State and Florida State University as wildfire specialists for a grant they received will enable us to contribute even more to our field.
WIC: What does the future hold for Green Buffalow in terms of advancements or expansions in the PPE and Nomex uniform sector?
Green Buffalow: While we can't disclose specific details at this moment, we can share that we are actively working on innovations that many female firefighters have approached us about. These developments aim to address certain challenges and further solidify our commitment to solving industry-specific problems. Our focus this winter is to remain transparent as a growing company, fostering strong partnerships, especially with our manufacturers, to expedite our processes. It's worth noting that even though we are moving past the COVID era, its ripple effects, coupled with inflation, still pose challenges for us. But our dedication to finding solutions remains unwavering.
WIC: Wrapping up, are there any insights or additional information you'd like to convey about Green Buffalow's PPE and Nomex uniforms? How can those interested reach out or collaborate with Green Buffalow?
Green Buffalow: For those interested in Green Buffalow or are seeking collaboration, please feel free to contact us. You can visit our website at www.greenbuffalow.com (note the 'W' at the end) or email us directly at hello@greenbuffalow.com. One unique service we proudly offer is our fit specialist service, unparalleled in the industry. If you're uncertain about sizing, you can send us your measurements, and we'll guide you in finding the perfect fit for your body type.
