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Interview with Peter Netzel

Peter Netzel
Peter Netzel
Co-founder
Kelvin Techstyles
Kelvin Techstyles

Any cold zone is our market
Roseville, Minnesota-based Kelvin Techstyles is a heated clothing company that designs and manufactures technically-innovative city apparel. The company strives for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor comfort and believes in reinventing outdoor clothing. Company co-founder Peter Netzel talks to Ruby Roy about evolving the lifestyle brand.

What are the features of your technical city clothing?

We try to design keeping versatility in mind for an urban experience; for example, bringing in things like a phone charger into the battery or using lightweight wind and water resistant fabrics.  We like to say that our assortment is ready for you to take on the day. What are the features of your technical city clothing?
 

Kelvin Techstyles has been producing fashion-engineered outerwear and accessories for a worldwide clientele since 2016. How has the journey been so far?

As for any start-up, it has been a lot of learning, hard work and errors. Last year was just dipping our toes in the water.  In winter 2017, we will be diving into the pool.  There is still a lot of work for us, but we are putting all the pieces in place to keep this machine moving forward.

Tell us about the new technology-based fashion assortment.

We are excited to add batteries that have more power.  We realise the day is long and like a boy scout, we want to be prepared. They are sleeker, slimmer, and even better than ever. Tell us about the new technology-based fashion assortment.

Which are the major markets for luxury heated outerwear?

Our market is huge. We are looking to take this technology across the world.  Whether it is a young professional who wants to be warm while commuting to work, or the mom and dad who want to be comfortable and cozy watching a soccer match, there are many lifestyles that would love our technology.

How do you overcome the challenges faced during development, designing and marketing of your products?

We have come to realise that it takes hard work and strategic planning to overcome challenges. We're resourceful and creative and this drives our evolving lifestyle brand.

How are you integrating fashion and technology into everyday life?

We walk the fine line between fashion and technology and try to design products that are stylish and functional. We are bringing heated clothing to every household possible. We did not pioneer this technology, but we will be known for bringing it to the world. We try to keep everyday challenges in mind and want to make the lives of Kelvin users better.

Tell us about the improvements you want to make in the designs, styling and other such aspects.

We are always looking to get better by keeping our pulse on ways to make the assortment better. We are always in the lab cooking up the next great style, improvement or new addition.  We love to keep our next big thing a secret as our customers love surprises. Tell us about the improvements you want to make in the designs, styling and other such aspects.

Who are your competitors in the international market?

There are many mass manufacturers who don't understand the fashion technology market. There are also companies like Milwaukee Tool, which are mainly focused on the construction business market, but our line combines functionality, tech, and fashion, not just one lifestyle.

What percentage of your sales is through brick & mortar?

We are cent per cent based on e-commerce right now.

What role has innovation played in keeping the product line of your company fresh and competitive?

Being a technology-intensive company that cares for its customers, we recognise the need to continually make a better, well-oiled machine.  This machine can only run being customer centric; hence, understanding our customers comes first.

What is your R&D team like? How much do you spend on R&D on a yearly basis?

The hardest working team on the planet, and we do this extremely efficiently.  We have spent more than a dollar and less than $100 million

Which geographies perform the best for the company? Which new markets are you exploring?

Anywhere people get cold. Cold is a relative term; so anywhere you find yourself needing a bit more warmth or style in your coat is our market.

When do you expect to break even?

In about 3 months; turns out people like what we have to offer.

What are your growth expectations from the company for the next two fiscals?

We have high hopes for this business. We are expecting to double or triple our revenue in the next two fiscals.

What new is in the pipeline?

We have three new models coming out this year, including a premium parka that we know people can't wait to see!  We are also introducing some fun colours in our future collections. (RR)
Published on: 08/12/2017

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.

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