Merlin's Hide Out celebrates

Merlin's Hide Out celebrated its 10-Year Anniversary at its current location. Merlin and Barb Heinze have gone through quite a journey in creating their business of custom-made buffalo hides and fur coats. 

When Merlin was asked how he developed his interest in sewing fur and leather, Merlin said, "When I was a teenager, I was in Junior Leadership 4-H, and our leader Louise Odde taught us how to work with leather. She was a great leader and not only taught me how to sew, but encouraged me to keep going. Her positive influence in my life is one of the reasons I am where I am today."

In 1999, their "dream was born". Merlin's first project took place in a spare bedroom when he decided, in the middle of a Wyoming winter, to tan a couple of beaver hides to make a new pair of gators for himself. It was the first of many products to come.

When the number of projects grew and took over the entire room, Merlin was banished from the spare bedroom. He built the first iteration of Merlin's Hide Out, a modest log cabin where he could tan hides and tailor garments.

Eventually, Merlin outgrew his original Hide Out. To create more production space, as well as storage, the Blue Shop was built. This second iteration of Merlin's Hide Out served as the foundation for an ever-growing business.

In 2005, they faced a big decision. Word spread about the artistry and craftsmanship of Merlin's products. With the ability to handcraft each product, it made Merlin's products unique and one of a kind. As demand for their premium buffalo hides, buffalo fur coats, and unique fur home decor and accessories grew, they made the decision in 2005 to make this a full-time business and have never looked back.

When Barb and Merlin reflect on their journey of the past ten years, Barb said, "it has been an amazing journey. There have been ups and downs. We are very grateful and blessed for the amazing support of our family, friends, and community. We have customers from all over the world. When you create handcrafted items per the customer's request, suddenly that customer becomes more like a friend than a customer."

Regarding what inspires them, Barb said, "Our biggest inspiration is our customers. They have put their trust in us to create a one-of-a-kind and many times a once-in-a-lifetime product for them. This is something we take very seriously and to heart. Whatever that product may be, we always create it with them in mind. From choosing the fur to the finished product."

When it comes to their ten-year anniversary at their location and this milestone, Barb said, "we remember like it was yesterday, meeting with Reese and Kerry Jackman to design this building. They were able to take our vision and make it a reality. When we first opened this location, it was crazy and hectic. And I remember saying, 'you know, in a month or two it'll get back to normal.' Normal has never happened since. A couple of milestones over the past 10 years are: handling over 4,200 bison hides, handcrafted over 150 buffalo fur coats, supplied product for 6 movie/TV productions and have had over 15,000 visitors to our showroom."

Regarding Merlin and Barb's vision for the next ten years, Barb said, "Merlin's Hide Out has been committed to handcrafted tradition since 1999 and the very first pair of fur gaiters Merlin made. We love what we do, and how many people can honestly say that? We're going to keep doing it as long as we can."