Gratitude & Giving Back: Reflections on 2020
For the last several years, we've made it a tradition to spend the month of December reflecting back on the year that was. In addition to our successes and the challenges we faced, we dedicate...
2020 at LONE CONE, Our Year In Review
That's a wrap, folks! 2020 was one for the history books in more ways than one. While there were plenty of challenges, we're grateful to have persevered and want to share some of the silver linings that were scattered among the clouds. Have a glance at LONE CONE’s highlights from the past twelve months and stay tuned to learn more about what’s ahead in 2021!
We gained a lot of fans over the course of the year and our social media audience grew by 25%!
5 NEW PATTERNS
EXPANDING OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL LINE
This year, we grew our collection of classroom essentials. In addition to our popular 15" Little Learner backpacks, which are just the right size for preschool and kindergarten, we introduced a 17" Elementary Essentials backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and extra organization pockets for kids who need to carry a computer or tablet. We also offered back-to-school kits for the first time, which include a 15" backpack, standard-size lunch box, and a bonus pencil case in matching patterns. Even though school looked different for most families this year, our FUNctional backpacks and lunchboxes helped provide thousands of children with a bit of normalcy during uncertain times.
This year, we grew our collection of classroom essentials. In addition to our popular 15" Little Learner backpacks, which are just the right size for preschool and kindergarten, we introduced a 17" Elementary Essentials backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and extra organization pockets for kids who need to carry a computer or tablet. We also offered back-to-school kits for the first time, which include a 15" backpack, standard-size lunch box, and a bonus pencil case in matching patterns. Even though school looked different for most families this year, our FUNctional backpacks and lunchboxes helped provide thousands of children with a bit of normalcy during uncertain times.
BUILDING A BETTER FACE MASK
Who knew face masks would be the essential accessory of 2020?! In an effort to stop the spread, LONE CONE launched a line of ultra-soft reusable face masks so comfortable kids actually want to wear them. Available in some of our most popular patterns and bright, cheery solids, our 5-packs of cotton jersey masks with "ouch-less" ear straps have helped families to stay safe and active during the pandemic. Plus, 5% of profits from every purchase supports Boise Learning Lab, a literacy education center for adults and families with children.BUILDING A BETTER FACE MASK
Who knew face masks would be the essential accessory of 2020?! In an effort to stop the spread, LONE CONE launched a line of ultra-soft reusable face masks so comfortable kids actually want to wear them. Available in some of our most popular patterns and bright, cheery solids, our 5-packs of cotton jersey masks with "ouch-less" ear straps have helped families to stay safe and active during the pandemic. Plus, 5% of profits from every purchase supports Boise Learning Lab, a literacy education center for adults and families with children.
Who knew face masks would be the essential accessory of 2020?! In an effort to stop the spread, LONE CONE launched a line of ultra-soft reusable face masks so comfortable kids actually want to wear them. Available in some of our most popular patterns and bright, cheery solids, our 5-packs of cotton jersey masks with "ouch-less" ear straps have helped families to stay safe and active during the pandemic. Plus, 5% of profits from every purchase supports Boise Learning Lab, a literacy education center for adults and families with children.BUILDING A BETTER FACE MASK
Who knew face masks would be the essential accessory of 2020?! In an effort to stop the spread, LONE CONE launched a line of ultra-soft reusable face masks so comfortable kids actually want to wear them. Available in some of our most popular patterns and bright, cheery solids, our 5-packs of cotton jersey masks with "ouch-less" ear straps have helped families to stay safe and active during the pandemic. Plus, 5% of profits from every purchase supports Boise Learning Lab, a literacy education center for adults and families with children.
MOMS’ ADVISORY PANEL
In 2018, we launched our Mom’s Advisory Panel, a team of real-life moms of children ages 3-6 that help ensure LONE CONE delivers on its promise to build the best outdoor products for kids and toddlers. In 2020, our panel hit a major milestone by growing to 50 members!
"IN" THE OFFICE
We brought on tons of new talent to help us achieve bigger and better things!
From top left: Sarah Schmid - Graphic Designer, Casey Richelieu - Warehouse Manager, Daniela Araujo - Executive Assistant, Chris Ennis - Account Manager, Misty Fowler - Product Design Manager. Not Shown: Abby Davidson - Catalog Specialist
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
LONE CONE reserves time every season to close the office for fun team-building activities. Normally, that means skiing and boating and trips to the brewery, but 2020 forced us to think outside the box. We're so glad we managed to stay connected while apart!
Before COVID-19, we hit the slopes for one last team ski day:
Zoom happy hours & matching hoodies kept spirits bright:
Our 3rd Annual Amazing Race, LONE CONE style, moved online in 2020:
We welcomed new members of the LONE CONE family, from fiancés to fur babies, and from kids to grandkids:
Giving back is a core value here at LONE CONE and in 2020, we did our best to give more than ever. We made over $15,000 in product and cash donations to charitable organizations working to support important causes in and around our community, including:
While volunteering in person was more challenging this year, we still managed to help out the Boise River Enhancement Network. We donned masks and gloves and spent a sweaty-yet-satisfying August morning restoring habitat at the site of the future Middleton River Park. Home to 92 species of birds and many other kinds of wildlife, our team removed trash, barbed wire, and invasive weeds from the banks of the Boise River. We also wrapped native trees in chicken wire to protect them from damage from some particularly busy beavers.
In 2020, our founder Annalisa was elected to Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation's Board. She donates time year-round to further BBSEF's mission to provide access to competitive mountain sports programs for Treasure Valley youth. These programs encourage athletes to achieve their academic and athletic goals while learning sportsmanship, building self-esteem, developing a strong work ethic, and creating a lifelong love of an active lifestyle.
IN THE NEWS
LONE CONE made a splash with the media. Here are highlights from LONE CONE’s headlines in 2020:
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Named one of the Fastest Growing Companies by INC Magazine for the 5th year in a row and recognized as one of the Best Workplaces of 2020.
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Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Idaho for the 3rd time in a row.
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Recognized by Outside Magazine as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in the US for the 2nd time in row.
Our products were featured in more publications than ever, including:
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CNN Underscored - Backpacks for school: 25 picks for kids at every age
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TODAY.com - 15 kids' lunch boxes to make mealtime at home or in the classroom easier
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PARADE.com - Top 100 Amazon Bestsellers—From Presents to Stocking Stuffers
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Reader's Digest - The 60 Most Popular Holiday Gifts Ordered on Amazon
