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When Ron Miskin and his family moved to Texas in the mid-1980s, they had no idea their story would intertwine with the American bison in such a profound way. Today, The Buffalo Wool Co. is a thriving business, transforming bison fibre into some of the warmest, most durable garments on the market. But the path from a small Texas ranch to an internationally recognised brand wasn’t straightforward—it was paved with curiosity, perseverance, and a deep respect for nature.
The Humble Beginnings
Like many who move to Texas, the Miskin family purchased a ranch. After a series of adventures with various animals, including miniature horses and quail, the family bought two bison from the Fort Worth Nature Center. Little did they know, this decision would ignite a decades-long journey into the world of bison fibre.
As the bison shed their winter coats each spring, the Miskins began collecting the soft 'buffalo fluff' scattered across their pasture. It wasn’t long before they realised the potential of this unusual resource. A seemingly ordinary eBay listing of a box of raw bison fibre sparked a bidding war, selling for over $400. This was the catalyst that transformed the Miskins from ranchers to entrepreneurs.
From Fluff to Fibre
Initially, the family sold raw bison fluff to handspinners, but their journey didn’t stop there. Ron and his wife dove into the world of wool, learning how to spin, knit, weave, and dye the fibre themselves. This hands-on approach gave them invaluable insights into the quality and versatility of bison fibre, which is not only softer than cashmere but also incredibly durable and insulating.
Over time, their product range expanded organically. The Buffalo Wool Co. started with yarns and evolved into creating high-performance garments like socks, gloves, and hats—items that thrive in extreme conditions. Whether it's the icy landscapes of Alaska or the harsh terrains tackled by Ice Road Truckers, The Buffalo Wool Co.’s products are built for endurance.
Embracing E-Commerce
The shift to e-commerce proved pivotal. After a rocky start with a previous platform, The Buffalo Wool Co. transitioned to Shopify on Black Friday in 2012. This move was a game-changer, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the business off the road and into a purely digital model. With Ron's engaging newsletter, sharing stories from the bison community and personal ranch experiences, the brand built a dedicated following. What started with a modest 5,000 subscribers quickly grew to nearly 100,000.
Building a Community, Not Just a Business
Unlike many brands, The Buffalo Wool Co. doesn't rely on aggressive sales tactics. Instead, Ron focuses on storytelling and authenticity. His newsletters are filled with tales of conservation efforts, ranching adventures, and insights into the bison industry. This approach not only strengthened their community but also doubled their sales during a challenging economic period.
What’s Next for The Buffalo Wool Co?
Looking ahead, The Buffalo Wool Co. is exploring new product opportunities, including partnerships with a larger weaving mill to produce blankets and possibly clothing like ponchos and vests. Despite the expansion, Ron remains committed to keeping the business grounded. The Miskin family still answers customer calls personally, ensuring that every interaction reflects their passion and integrity.
Final Thoughts
Ron Miskin’s story is a testament to the power of passion-driven entrepreneurship. From picking up fluff in the pasture to outfitting adventurers on Kilimanjaro and Antartica, The Buffalo Wool Co. has shown that success is not just about products—it's about purpose, storytelling, and building genuine connections. As the business continues to grow, the heart of The Buffalo Wool Co. remains firmly rooted in the Texas soil, surrounded by bison and the promise of new adventures ahead.
Check out the full podcast episode here.
This episode was brought to you by Nick Trueman, Director of PPC & SEO Agency, Spec Digital.