In the 13th Edition of “A Commitment to Excellence,” we look at a sixth-generation run family business best known for its wool blankets. Pendleton Woolen Mills was founded in 1909 (the roots of the company date back to 1863) in Oregon by Thomas Kay and his family. Over the next 115+ years, the company was passed down through the family and the family still operates and owns the company. Many of the items are still manufactured in factories first used in the early 1900s.
I have admired Pendleton’s products for a long time and am excited to share this company with you. However, until recently I was unaware of the family history and deep connections to the Pacific Northwest. Any business that can survive six generations without being bought by a conglomerate is impressive. I appreciate the commitment to making products in original factories, a commitment to excellence in standing behind their products and supporting local businesses that produce the wool used in manufacturing. So often, you find companies that look great on the outside, but when you dig deeper, you find the products are not made with the same love and attention as marketed.
The company’s most famous product is woolen blankets, which come in various patterns and colors. They have a very cool line of blankets honoring US National Parks. The blankets are a work of art, and even as we enter summer, I still want to crawl under one on the couch with a movie and a little bucket of chili con queso (okay, maybe just popcorn). Their second most recognized products are the plaid shirts, which can take a beating outside and still look great around a dinner table. Additionally, they make men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and home goods.
A little advice, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are around the corner. Check out Pendleton for a gift for that special person who raised you. Give them something they will actually use this year.
For all of you music fans, a small band was formed in 1960 named the Pendleton after the company. Later the same band rose to fame under a different name, The Beach Boys
Check out all the Pendleton gear at www.pendleton-usa.com.
Thank you for reading A Commitment to Excellence. This article was written without using AI.
Comments