SK: What do you do at Stormy Kromer?
PB: I’m the work-lead for the outerwear line. That means I do a little of everything when it comes to our vests, the Town Coat, the Mackinaw Coat and the Airman’s Jacket. I make sure the orders get done in order; I make sure the shelves are stocked; and I sew right alongside my girls.
SK: That’s all?
PB: Almost. I’m a supervisor, so there’s management duties, too. I help employees with personal stuff, if they need it. We’re pretty close around here.
SK: So what’s Bob (Jacquart, owner) like as a person?
PB: He knows what he’s doing. He’s got a good background. He’s a nice guy, easy to talk to. Bob’s got a good company to work for—they put employees first. And taking care of your kids is very important to him, so if your kid’s sick or something, he’s very supportive.
SK: What’s the best day you’ve ever had on the job?
PB: I’ve been here so long, I don’t know if I can remember it! Seriously, it’s just great to work here.
SK: How long?
PB: Twelve years with Bob at Jacquart Fabric Products and two years now at Stormy Kromer.
SK: What do you do when you’re not making great outdoor gear?
PB: Well, my husband is an avid fisherman, and I’m not. So I sit in the boat with my historical romance novels.
SK: What’s your single favorite Kromer item?
PB: Petal Pusher, hands down. My husband, Rick, wears the original and always has. But they put that flower on there, and it’s adorable!
SK: We talk about being “True. Since 1903.” What does that mean to you?
PB: We’re true to the American way of doing things. True to the legend and what we believe a legend should be. True to the craft and to old-fashioned standards. We’re authentic in everything we do.
SK: Anything else you want to tell Stormy Kromer fans?
PB: We’re a happy little family here, and we all work together to make sure Stormy Kromer gear is an exceptional value. We take an extreme amount of pride in our work.
Reader interactions
2 Replies to “Handmade by Her: Patti Budgick, an outerwear legend.”
I am a welder by trade and I work for sukup manufacturing In Sheffield iowa. We manufacture grain handling equipment and are also one of the largest family owned companies in the state. The atmosphere at work is certainly a good one,very close knit. It refreshingly seems that the same can be said for stormy kromer. I am also an avid fisherman and trapper etc etc. I own seven of your caps and I must say they are second to none. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks Joshua! Sounds like you work for a great company. Glad you enjoy your caps!