Today’s Basecamp is brought to you by two woman-owned businesses. And we’d like to introduce you to our first one, DMOS Collective.
The Rebelle is all about self sufficiency and skills. It’s about having the right tools, and knowing how to use them. But as we know, sometimes people can go overboard. That’s why we keep it simple. A reliable tire compressor, tools we know how to use (don’t forget duct tape zip ties, and hose clamps), a set of MAXTRAX, a power pack for jumpstarting when a second vehicle is no where to be found, and of course – a collapsible shove.
We couldn’t be more excited to find a shovel company that is purpose built, innovative, and woman – owned. Not only does DMOS founder Susan Pieper pose a never-give-up, positive spirit just like a Rebelle, she is a Rebelle: Team #178 – Teton Drift: The Fast and Luxurious. DMOS is not just another simple SKU in a big company’s catalog. They are all about creating, and are product-specialists who live and breathe design and delivering great products for those who need it. We caught up with Susan to find out the brilliance behind DMOS:
DMOS Collective – what’s in a name?
My Company DMOS is all about empowering big experiences in extreme conditions. If you’ve ever been out there and gotten stuck, you know how bad it is not to have a shovel. Existing shovels are either too small and are short-shafted making digging unpleasant or they are too dumb, heavy, and awkward to stow so that they are not something you want to own. DMOS has turned shovels into your essential gear that you want to own and carry with you that allows you to “Do My Own Stuff.” We are all about empowering you by giving you the right tool.
You’re a young company (est. 2015) that has morphed quite a bit in a short amount of time. What have you learned in the transition from now being so much more than just a shovel?
I’ve learned that a small idea which resonates with people can grow into a big idea quickly! And, that that takes tremendous perseverance, persistence, and will power to see through. We had one product in 2015, launched our second in 2016, moved production from China onshore to the United States in 2017, have currently 6 different shovel models on the market today and are in the process of making vehicle mounts, kits, and storage cases. Our dream is to allow you to explore more by having the right tools and storage for your car, truck, RV, camper, snowmobile, ATV, etc.
Why is a DMOS shovel such a vital tool to empower big adventures in the outdoors?
Have you ever been stuck? Because, if you have, you’ll know that a shovel is your first, most basic tool to getting unstuck. Even without traction pads, if you can dig around your tires, you can always find rocks or sticks to use for traction and get unstuck saving you untold hours, expense, and just a delay in having the adventure you seek. We aim to keep you moving, in style. Our shovel is also perfect for grooming your tent site and tending your campfire as well as making sure it is out. You never need to buy another shovel… you’ve got one that is for all season, all terrain types – how cool is that?
You have so many events to consider, why did you choose to support the Rebelle?
We wanted to support the Rebelle because we believe in getting out and after it and the Rebelle is 1200 kilometers of adventure for sure! We also love the idea that the Rebelle empowers women to be extremely competent offroad drivers and navigators and the empowerment piece of Rebelle fits us a brand. Plus the Rebelles do a lot of digging in sand and we know that they will appreciate having a great shovel tool (in awesome colors!) which is what we’re about.
You shifted from being made overseas to made in the USA (Portland) What drove this decision?
We wanted to make the most quality tool you could own “buy once, buy the best” and we also wanted to shorten lead times to be able to bring products to market faster. We accomplished both of these things by vertically aligning with Lit Workshop in Portland, Oregon, a Deming-inspired factory that manufactures all of our products. It was a bet the company change in 2017 but having just come from the factory last week, it was totally worth it. Our Safety Red shovel looks like a Ferrari and our Silver Streak is like a Porsche. The tolerances are perfect and we know that people will enjoy the ownership experience of these fine tools which really is the goal. We can’t wait to get your feedback!
Can you go into more details about DMOS Collective’s sensible design approach?
I’ve always been a fan of minimalism in design. I admire the work of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. DMOS’s shovels are built to be super functional, extremely durable (daresay unbreakable but someone can construct an way to break one, I’m sure), and compact. We do not use the extra weld in the corners because it’s unnecessary and allows a strap to be inserted in the wings so that you can secure the shovel to any pack or rack. We made the entire family of Alpha shovels and Stealth Pro all on the same platform as the Stealth as the Stealth is already perfect. Now that we’re in development on our new Delta shovel, it’s really challenging us to evolve the minimalistic design into a new product family that still is DMOS. Stay tuned!
Lastly, any words of wisdom for entrepreneurial, adventurous women?
GO FOR IT! I can honestly say that the journey of building DMOS is one that is making me into a better version of myself: more compassionate, faithful, persistent, and resilient. No, it’s not easy, but neither is the Rebelle! Yet both are about recognizing we only get one life so live your dreams and don’t hold back.
And this week only, Rebelle fans following the rally can order at 20% off using REBELLESDIG20 at dmoscollective.com – and just in time for Christmas!
