Stormy Stories, Vol. 1

Welcome to the first installment in a new blog series: Stormy Stories. In this series we’ll celebrate the unique, rugged, down-to-earth and genuine people we’re proud to call our customers.

Today it’s our pleasure to introduce Keith Collick. A native of Negaunee in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Keith may look the slightest bit familiar to you. Why? Because we’re proud to call him a Stormy Kromer model. You see, when we’re getting ready for a photo shoot, we start searching for real-life, honest-to-goodness people we can photograph. Two years ago, we found Keith through Facebook.

Keith, who now lives just outside Minneapolis with his two kids, has modeled for us three times. He’s the Stormy type through and through — with interests ranging from cross country skiing and ice hockey to playing the guitar and banjo. Recently we sat down with him to ask a few questions about his connection to Stormy Kromer:

SK: What was your first introduction to Stormy Kromer?

KC: A few winters ago I bought an Original Stormy, and never looked back. I found Stormy Kromer after doing some internet searches about the U.P. I knew I wanted one as soon as I saw them. They just reminded me of everything back home and of growing up. I remember all the “old timers” wearing them (my great grandfather included) and knew I needed that piece of my history on my head.

SK: What made you respond to our request for models?
KC: I did it mostly because it was a chance to do something new. I normally make faces at cameras when they’re pointed in my direction. I was also excited by the prospect of doing something with a U.P. company like Stormy that’s been around for so long.

SK: You’ve done three photo shoots for us now. What’s your most memorable moment?
KC: I guess I’d have to say the first photo shoot was the most memorable. Everything about it, from meeting the SK staff and other models to actually posing it front of a camera, on purpose.

SK: How many Stormy Kromer items do you own?
KC: I currently have two bags, one shirt, and three hats from Stormy.

SK: So, what’s your favorite?
KC: It’s probably a toss up between my Original Cap and my Sidekick Bag. My cap is on my head pretty much all day, every day during the winter and my Sidekick goes with me on a lot of walks through the woods with the kids.

SK: How do you bring a little bit of the U.P. to Minneapolis?
KC: A few ways. Besides running around constantly in my Stormy Kromer gear, I also make pasties and cudighi pretty regularly. And have the occasional bit of Trenary Toast sent over.

SK: We recently launched a new tagline, “Made Like You.” What does that mean to you?
KC: To me it means, ready for life and what it throws at you.