Wayfound Inc

In 2012, Elise and Matt Holmes were working on a jigsaw puzzle after a day of skiing. Suddenly, Elise had an idea that would change our lives: to make jigsaw puzzles with ski resort trail maps on them. There was something about this simple product idea tht lit a fire for Elise and Matt. Despite having no business experience, they got to work and had their first production of 2000 jigsaw puzzles delivered to their home in Avon, CO.

The next four years they spent learning some hard truths about business. While trying to sell those 2000 puzzles, it became clear that a good product alone isn't enough for a buisness to succeed. Wanting to create a more purposeful company that would promote adventurous lifestyles, Elise and Matt rebrand and reorganize their business into two brands – Vela Apparel and Mtns CO – in 2016. They also form Wayfound, as the parent company to both brands.

With it's new purpose to create adventurous lifestyles, Wayfound begins growing quickly. In 2017, Wayfound participates in the Creative Strartups accelerator. In 2018, Vela Apparel opens it's storefront in Avon, CO. During the next three years, Wayfound doubles it's revenue every year. Even during the pandemic, Wayfound is able to rely on it's puzzles to maintain high revenue when all other channels shut down, selling a record 8,000 jigsaw puzzles over the coure of 6 months. Following this long period of growth, Wayfound hires three full time employees between 2020-21, and has a crew of part-time employees and contractors that are keeping the ship on course. Wayfound is very proud about how far we've come over the past five years, and excited about everything that's on our horizon.