Interview with Casey Lorenzen, co-owner and brand manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: After college, it really came down to the fact that we wanted to work for ourselves. We also wanted to be involved in something that allowed us to get outside and an area in which we could continually develop innovative products that help get others outside as well. This birthed our outdoor pack brand, MHM. After much success, we saw a need in the market to incorporate smart technology into backpacks. We always knew we wanted to develop urban packs as well, and since it didn’t fit into the outdoor products we were making, we started our second company, Co.alition. Marrying urban-focused pack designs with mobile technology, Co.alition is a brand that we see a lot of potential in and we are excited to be one of the first to offer such a product.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: As for MHM, what really separates us is the fact that we are not a huge corporation pumping out the same product year after year, focusing solely on the bottom line. We are a couple of guys putting out product that is truly innovative and is created out of needs that we see in the market that are not being addressed. When it comes to Co.alition, the category is so new, there really are only a few companies incorporating technology into packs. Co.alition was the first pack maker that truly integrated the technology into the pack. We have partnered with the best companies in the tech world, which allows us to be on top of changes in technology.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The best part is the freedom to create whatever we want and having the room for growth in many different aspects of our business. Developing new, better packs is what drives us, but it’s always fun to take on new ventures, as with our flagship store we recently opened on Tennyson Street.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: So far, our biggest challenge is maintaining enough capital to continue at the rate of growth that we would like. Sometimes we are limited in what we can do because we are owner-operated, and at times, are constrained. When making technical product, we have found that it is very cyclical. Having to wait to launch product with ideas we’ve had brewing for years can be frustrating.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: On any given workday, there may not be a single person available from our office. One of the perks of owning a pack company, is “having” to test product regularly. This entails company-wide outings, may it be on the trail or on the slopes. We take pride in knowing the ins and outs of our product and that starts with beating the hell out of our packs.
Profile
Business: MHM & Co.alition
Address: 4405 W. 43rd Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-750-6100, , , ,
Employees: 3
