Tom Bihn

When 10-year-old Tom Bihn asked his parents for money to buy the equipment he wanted for his nascent outdoor adventures, they suggested two options: get an after-school job and earn the money, or “just figure out how to make it yourself.” Up for the challenge, Tom chose the second option. His grandmother had an old Singer home sewing machine which his brother Dan helped get running; Tom’s mom taught him how to sew and his dad provided the foundations of the necessary engineering. More than 40 years later, Tom’s still at it — designing and making the best backpacks, briefcases, and travel bags.