As winter arrives so does the announcement of the opening of ice rinks across Michigan. Brianne Timpe knew she had to come up with a better option for an on ice face covering to get her son, and the team she manages back on to the ice comfortably. She decided to design a face covering that attaches to the cage of a hockey helmet, allowing for a better experience for the athletes. The idea was to make a few masks and sell them within her organization to help out local kids in Portage, Michigan. She has since shipped these masks all across the country, and this idea turned into a business called “Bar Down Creations.” 

As Brianne embarked on this endeavor, she realized that the demand far exceeded the supply. She also noticed that she needed to find a way to quickly register her business as a LLC and become tax compliant along with needing assistance when it came to shipping. 

Brianne connected with the Michigan SBDC and business consultant Lincoln Crocker to set up her LLC, develop a functional website for customers to purchase masks, and for assistance on her financial projections model.

“When we were told we were able to start our season this year but we would have to wear masks on the ice we knew right then we had to come up with an option that was breathable and kept the kids safe,” said Brianne. “There was an immediate need to be filled and we started work on coming up with a solution. Our initial thought was to help our team, and others in our association get on the ice comfortably, little did we know we were about to help kids all over the US get back on the ice as well. This has been a lot of hard work and late nights, but the most rewarding thing knowing we are helping just a little during this crazy time."

Since getting everything set up, Bar Down Creations LLC has provided face coverings for numerous hockey and football players spanning 17 states to date. They have also outfitted Western Michigan University with coverings for their football and hockey teams, and also University of Michigan Hockey. Now that the word is out, other collegiate sports teams have reached out to get their needs filled as well. 

Learn more by visiting www.bardowncreations.com.