Hello Friends & Welcome!
Another year is in the books. Did this year fly by for anyone else?
Let's dive into a recap of 2024...
To start the year we had some great conversations with two new groups.
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks - this nonprofit maintains, cares for and expands parks and park projects on the west side of Michigan. We worked on some awesome hatchets for the top donors at their annual fundraiser.
MSU Outdoor Club - having graduated from MSU, I was excited to work with a group of students who were passionate about the outdoors. We donated a hatchet for their Fall Harvest silent auction and hope to continue working with them in the future.
In February , we rolled out our first knife in over a year. And have since put out 10 different style knives in small batches. We want to see what style, size and color schemes appeal to you - the customer! Our goal is to release one knife per month in 2025.
As spring came into bloom, we dabble in painted baseball bats. This is a side project we may add to in the new year - first we need to source more vintage bats!
In May, we collaborate with Eastern Market Brewing Company and released a refreshing craft beer. The Hazy Hatchet is a crisp New England-style IPA and should be back come spring '25. It was a big hit with fans in the local craft community! EMBC was kind enough to provide a keg for my wedding as well. A great experience, partnership and memory!
I got married and cut my wedding cake with an axe which was a fun experience! And yes, my wife was on board!
I introduced and released The Wilderness flagship design. While it got off to a slow start, it's popularity skyrocketed during the holiday season. By the end of the year it was a clear second just behind the Up North.
In a surprise turn of events, it turns out we crafted and customized 27 axes for a pretty famous musician! It would be awesome to see his Detroit show this upcoming year.
We welcomed a few new stores where our hatchets and axes are now available:
December saw the release of a new product - Motor City Axe Wax. We have big plans for this in 2025 as we are going to explore bundle and gift options.
While the year was slower than the previous two - I look at the economic climate - I wouldn't have preferred it be any other year as I was able to still make some great connections, expand the reach of Motor City Axe and take time off to enjoy my wedding and honeymoon! Cheers to a great year.
And there are big things coming in 2025 (for real - they are already in the works so stay tuned in - literally!).
Thanks to everyone!
-The MCA Team-
Comments