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 Dohm Icebox Knitting
Since creating a business out of his hobby in 1994, Josh McGlothlin has grown his ski cap knitting business
into a full-time design and manufacturing enterprise.
Josh started out with a used $2,000 knitting machine, a
desire to create unique cap designs, and ten years of experience ... as
a snowboarder. The machines have been upgraded, the designs keep
changing and they have grown from 1 employee to 12. Josh now has a
business partner, Scott Baker, and over 14 years experience as a
business owner.
The wool products are handcrafted on antique knitting and
sewing machines that have been turning out wool products for over 40
years. Running through these machines are highly prized merino
wool and wool mohair blend yarns that create a superior
product. In 2006, Dohm-Icebox introduced
Xob (pronounced zob)
-- a hat and accessories "upcycled"
collection comprised of gently used wool garments. Each one is as
unique as the next and showcases their commitment to
sustainability. Dohm-Icebox customers
include boutiques, as well as sporting goods and apparel giant
REI. Caps are also exported to Japan.
Colorado Enterprise Fund’s initial loan in the early days
of the company helped Josh purchase raw material inventory as the
business grew from a personal hobby to a supplier for name brand
retailers. The most recent loan from CEF assisted Dohm-Icebox with gap-financing in the purchase of
their building in Longmont, Colorado. This is a much
larger facility than their previous location and provides more office,
production, design and inventory space. The SBA 504 loan for the real
estate purchase was provided by our community partner, Colorado Lending
Source along with Guaranty Bank & Trust.
Over the years, Josh has also received technical
assistance from CEF which helped in planning the growth of his company.
Josh said, "The loans I have received have been key
to my small business growth. CEF has given me confidence to know
that there are people out there willing to help. I have learned a
lot through the classes and counseling CEF has provided. I would
encourage other entrepreneurs to seek financing from CEF because they
are great people willing to help and to teach.” When asked what it
means to own and operate his own business, Josh replied, “ I'm the boss. I like that."
To learn more about Dohm-Icebox Knitting and
view their wool products visit www.dohmhats.com.
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