Our Story – Origins of the Oxx

The History of Red Oxx Manufacturing – Established 1986.

A stitch in time. 

The story of Red Oxx Manufacturing started in 1986 when Captain Retired Jim Markel Senior, a Vietnam War veteran, decided to retire in Billings, Montana, after 20 years of military service. His wealth of experience as a Marine Corps Gunny and a Special Forces Green Beret Officer contributed to the birth of Red Oxx. The journey began humbly, with Jim Senior crafting fitness accessories in his home basement.

 

The Birth of the Oxx - From Military Surplus to Handcrafted Fitness Gear: The first Red Oxx products were crafted from military surplus webbing slated for decommissioning. Jim Senior's expertise as a Jump Master and Parachute Rigger in Vietnam laid the foundation for creating lifting straps and weight belts. Each product was meticulously handmade in the basement, setting the stage for what Red Oxx would become.

Enter Jim Markel Junior - Expanding the Vision: With demand outpacing production, Jim Markel Junior, a Marine Corps Recon veteran, joined his father to take Red Oxx to new heights. Together, they assembled industrial sewing machines and moved from the basement to a real factory location, marking the beginning of a legacy. The company grew, securing contracts with notable names in the fitness industry.

 

Jim Markel CEO and Perry Jones President

Evolution with Perry Jones and Diversification: Navy veteran Perry Jones, a former Parachute Rigger, joined as the company President. The product line expanded to include rifle cases and hunting accessories for the local Montana sportsman market. The first factory and retail store combination was established, emphasizing central location and low overhead.

Red Oxx Factory and Store #2

Made in Montana, a Commitment Upheld: Despite challenges in the manufacturing landscape, Red Oxx stayed true to its "made in Montana" philosophy. The business was strategically located in a blighted area, proving to be a sound financial strategy. Over the years, the manufacturing facility evolved, staying connected to the local economy and expanding beyond the confines of Montana.

Early Red Oxx Factory

Embracing the Digital Age – Direct-to-Consumer Model: In the mid-'90s, Red Oxx established its website, redoxx.com, embracing a direct-to-consumer model. Faced with global economic changes, the company recognized the power of the internet to reach customers worldwide. The decision to move away from Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) products was pivotal.

Betting on the Web - A New Era Begins: Choosing e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, Red Oxx flourished in the online space. The fitness product line, although a hard-earned and respected name, was phased out, and the company boldly embraced the changing times. The online model thrived, fostering personal connections with customers.

Crafting Culture, Building Quality: Today, Red Oxx continues to craft the world's finest nylon luggage and sporting gear, meticulously handmade by dedicated craftsmen and craftswomen in America. The business philosophy revolves around a direct connection with customers, leading to the credo, "Not sold at a store near you." The legacy of Red Oxx is one of rugged reliability, quality, and a commitment to adventure.

Jim Overlanding with Red Oxx Bags

B2C BUSINESS MODEL ADDS TRANSPARENCY

We like to keep in contact with our customers on a personal level. Our "brick and mortar" retail store is located here in Billings, Montana. It’s only a couple blocks from our factory.

The online business model began to flourish. It was time to make the most difficult business decision to date. Ending the fitness product line that started the company was not something we took lightly. Red Oxx had become a well-known, hard-earned, and respected name in the fitness industry. Leaving that security behind for the unknown World Wide Web was a bit daunting. The time had come to bet it all and move boldly forward with the changing times.


Early Red Oxx History

The Red Oxx story continues with the world’s finest nylon luggage and sporting gear. It’s all meticulously hand crafted right here in America. Red Oxx has forged to build a culture of true quality. We highly value customers to the point there isn’t any middle-man to come between us. This business philosophy has led to our credo "Not sold at a store near you."