Bamboo Buddy's Mission
"Our purpose is to design and deliver sustainable bamboo products. We passionately
provide earth-friendly products at competitive prices while living responsibly
within the environment. We build value through the strength of our
customers' satisfaction by providing excellent products and superior service."
The concept of BambooBuddy LLC was formulated in the heart of Mark Gregson upon his many visits around the world; predominantly in Asia where bamboo grows in abundance. Having owned one of the largest residential solar panel systems in Southern California, helping the environment has always been a major passion. It wasn’t until 2006 that the grass became greener!
Mark’s son Wyatt was looking for a fencing alternative to the wrought iron fence in his new tropical-themed Oceanside backyard. With a local supplier, he was able to purchase a series of 6’x6’ rolls of fence and easily secure them over the old rusty fence in a matter of minutes; bringing a whole new zen feel to the yard. Knowing the environmental benefits and having just witnessed the practicality of bamboo, they knew they were on to something big.
They first had to directly source the bamboo themselves, which Mark had great experience with and deep relationships in Asia. Also, they had to drive the current price of $120/roll down to make it affordable in the mass market. The year was 2006 and Wyatt decided to quit his full-time job and operate from his home. He pursued this wholeheartedly, not knowing what the future held but knowing this was the right thing to do for the environment. After a year of redesigning, testing, selling it out of a small storage facility and delivering it with his own truck, he tirelessly started shopping the product to a variety of major retail outlets.
In 2008, Geoff Koboldt was offered an ownership stake in the company and assigned the role of Chief Operations Officer. He quickly implemented numerous lean operation principles to the business, drove the vision and diversified the catalog of bamboo products.
That same year, Lowe’s had the foresight to pioneer the bamboo fencing while other retailers sat on the fence; unsure of the practicality of a sustainable product against their conventional pine, plastic, chain link and wrought iron fences. In 2009, the 6’x6’ rolls in mahogany and natural bamboo were launched, predominantly in the Western states. We are forever grateful for Lowes support of the environment and recognizing that a superior, easy-to-install, eco-friendly product would be accepted by their customers. Fencing sales continued to double in 2010, which led to more bamboo products being accepted into a myriad of departments within Lowes. By 2011, we are introducing bamboo tiki bars and stools, 4’x8’ collapsible lattice bamboo sheets and much more.
BambooBuddy LLC feels privileged to bring eco-friendly bamboo products to the mass market with bamboo grown from managed forests in fair trade regions of the world. Despite a topsy-turvy economy, we have created American jobs, as well as jobs around the world that continue to help lift people from poverty. We are proud to continuously donate items and money to charities such as the National Wildlife Fund, Tony Hawk Standup for Skateparks, Musicares MAP fund, American Cancer Society, Keep a breast, Doctors without Borders and many more. Our employees continue to inspire future generations by taking the train, riding their bikes or skateboards, recycling, etc. We thank all of you for choosing sustainable products that do make a difference to the world.