American Provenance

American Provenance is a manufacturer of natural personal care products, founded in 2015 by Kyle LaFond. The company's genesis stems from LaFond's previous career as a middle school science teacher, where he grew concerned about the chemical-laden body sprays his students used. This led him to initiate a class project where students would analyze the ingredients in commercial products and then create their own natural alternatives. For five years, LaFond and his students formulated various products, with a strong focus on developing an effective natural deodorant.

Seeing the potential in these handcrafted items, LaFond launched American Provenance from a renovated machine shed on his family's fourth-generation farm in Wisconsin. His background as a wildlife biologist and his degrees in Natural Resources and Broadfield Science Education informed the company's commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability. The business initially focused on a brick-and-mortar growth strategy, securing placement in local grocery stores and pharmacies before expanding its online presence. Today, the company operates from a 7,000-square-foot facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and its products are available in over 5,000 stores nationwide, including major retailers like Whole Foods and Hy-Vee, as well as on various online platforms like Amazon and Walmart.com.

American Provenance's business model is direct-to-consumer via its own website and third-party e-commerce sites, supplemented by a strong retail presence. The company also engages in contract manufacturing for other small brands, a segment that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic and helps cover fixed costs. Revenue is generated through the sale of its product line, which includes deodorants, body washes, beard balms, pomades, and lip balms. The products are positioned as being made with minimal, high-quality ingredients, free from aluminum, parabens, artificial fragrances, and other harsh chemicals. All items are handcrafted in small batches in their Wisconsin facility to ensure quality and consistency. A key differentiator is the company's manufacturing independence, which allows for full control over the production process, unlike many competitors who outsource.

Keywords: natural personal care, men's grooming, natural deodorant, handcrafted skincare, made in USA, Kyle LaFond, Wisconsin business, chemical-free products, small batch production, sustainable personal care, direct-to-consumer, retail personal care, contract manufacturing, aluminum-free deodorant, paraben-free skincare, beard balm, natural pomade, body wash, transparent ingredients, eco-friendly packaging