Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Kaufenberg.
Hi Jill, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2020, Chopper Mill was founded when my son refused to go outside because he lost his favorite mittens. I researched everywhere to see if anyone had mittens where I could just purchase a single, or if they would ensure my mittens if my son lost them. Well, I couldn’t find one single company that would do that.
Chopper Mill was born out of frustration with current design and service from mitten company as a stay-at-home mom of three kids in Minnesota. I knew I could make a better mitten than anyone with thoughtful attributes such as longer cuffs wtih the perfect angle to go over your coat, a velcro patch for kids so they wouldn’t lost them with their name as well as premium materials throughout the mitten. But, the most important aspect is that our mitten company is sustainably minded. We would rather have you get your free replacment of a single, or just buy one when you need it which is less wasteful. Every pair of children’s and adult mittens gets a free single, no questions asked. If they lose another, they can just purchase one.
My kids tested our mittens in the snow banks of an outdoor elementary school. For an entire winter, we tested every aspect of our mittens from the view and experience of children. My children were testing them outside all day long, and it was an amazing way to get realtime feedback while designing our product. Kids are outdoor experts, and we are extremely proud of the product we created from their experience in Minnesota.
Chopper Mill has sold our mittens all over the world in addition to every state in the United States. We are proud to be a mitten company with purpose. We donate mittens to nonprofits in need who serve families through our Mittens For All program.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any start-up business, we have had our handful of challenges. Our first year, we found out our shipment was delayed because of all the shipping issues in 2021, and we would not have product in time for our first Winter. The silver lining was that it gave me time to think about other products that kids would love. So, I decided to write, “The Mitten Thief” and became a published author.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chopper Mill, Inc.?
Chopper Mill is the first outdoor clothing company to guarantee a mitten if you lose one and replace it for free our program called the re/PAIR plan. Additionally, we are the first that I know of that sells mittens by the single, right or left. During my first year, I had two different Mom’s call me and they were crying because they were so happy we sold singles. They explained that their children had limb differences and that their children would be sad when they would always have a pair, but it either would fit, or they only need to buy one.
After that season, I researched to find where there was a center of excellence for children with limb differences and turns out in my very own backyard, Gillette Children’s is one of these exceptional hospitals. So, we now have a program for all children who come to their clinic, they get a free single mitten, or a pair if they choose so that when they are getting fitted for their prothesis they have something that can brighten their day. This Chopper Mill Mittens For All program at Gillette is a very proud accomplishment during my time at Chopper Mill.
Our company specializes in making the best kids mittens on the market. In 2024, we won “Best Kids Mitten” category in The Boston Globe. Our mittens use premium materials, thoughtful design and are unisex so that families can hand them down. We also have adult mittens as well as hats, and other accessories. We pride ourselves in being an amazing mitten company, and hope families will spend more time making memories in the snow because of the products we have designed and tested in Minnesota.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson along my journey has been to pivot quickly when there is an obstacle. There’s no time to dwell on things like your product not arriving in time, and there will always be some version of that.
Pricing:
- $89/pair of mittens
- $15/pair of mitten leashes
- $30/beanie
- $15/leather conditioning balm
- Your first mitten is free when you lose one! And…you can always purchase another single anytime if you lose one again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.choppermill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choppermillinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choppermill/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chopper-mill-inc/
- Twitter: https://x.com/choppermill
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChopperMill
