Cool Gear, Cooler Roots: How Chilly Moose Built a Brand Canadians Love
Manage episode 479559731 series 2974571
In this episode of Guide to Awesomeness, host Sarah sits down with Kristi Greco, founder and creative force behind Chilly Moose, the proudly Canadian outdoor brand that’s redefining cool. Kristi shares how a family background in refrigeration—road trips to Florida—inspired a product line built for Canadian adventures. She opens up about launching during the pandemic, embracing every obstacle as an opportunity, and why patience (and patriotism) are key to product design. You’ll hear the unexpected origin of the name “Chilly Moose,” the family-first values driving the brand, and what’s ahead for this fast-growing, feel-good company.
Whether you’re a business owner, outdoor enthusiast, or proud Canadian, this episode will leave you inspired to pursue your boldest ideas—no matter how chilly the journey.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Guide to Awesomeness
01:00 – Meet Kristi Greco, founder of Chilly Moose
02:00 – The surprising origin: refrigeration meets family road trip
03:15 – Spotting a gap in the Canadian market for premium outdoor gear
04:00 – Naming the brand: why “Chilly Moose” stuck
05:00 – Launching just before the pandemic—and thriving through it
06:00 – First product launch and instant validation
06:30 – Kristi’s personal favorite: custom engraved Daisy Tumbler
07:30 – Designing for Canadian lifestyles and reducing disposable plastics
08:00 – Behind the scenes: a workplace built on family, fun, and hidden mugs
09:00 – The biggest lesson: patience in product development
10:00 – What it really takes to launch a new product
11:30 – Dream collaborations (Justin Bieber + Canadian artists)
12:00 – What’s next: new warehouse, new products, new colors!
13:00 – Lightning round: local favorites and final thoughts
14:30 – Where to find Chilly Moose online
Notable Quotes:
“Everything we bring in, we test as a family. We want you to enjoy the outdoors, not stress over gear.” – Kristi Greco
“Keep it cool, keep it Canadian, and keep it in a Chilly Moose.”
– Sarah, closing the show
Resources & Links:
- Chilly Moose Website: chillymoose.ca
- Instagram: @chillymoose
- Facebook: Chilly Moose
· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chilly.moose
· Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfz8yWOZ38QkQcckvuQvdBg
75 episodes