1995: the first Horny Toad store opens in downtown Telluride, expanding the line to include fleece vests and jackets. While things are heating up in Telluride, we move our headquarters to Chicago where three Toads operate the business out of the living room.

One of our proudest moments comes in 1997 when we partner with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a logistics warehouse that provides career opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

We kick things off with the Camping Pillow Program: Toad provides fleece scraps from production and Search clients sew the scraps into camping pillowcases to be shipped to outdoor stores across the country. All proceeds from the pillowcases go back to PAC to offer more career development opportunities and send crew members on much deserved vacations to the great outdoors.

The first decade of the 2000’s goes by in a flash as we open storefronts in Freeport, ME and the Lizard Lounge in Portland, OR; partner with visionary organizations like Telluride Mountainfilm Festival, the Conservation Alliance and the Outdoor Industry Association; move our headquarters to Southern California; and launch (arguably) the softest material of all time, Cashmoore®.

In 2010, Toad is named one of Outside Magazine’s best places to work. With an office full of environmental evangelists and unashamed dog lovers, the Toads continue to practice what we preach: We participate in cleaning up public lands, volunteer with local disability awareness groups, and host our annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown in our backyard (now in its 5th year of cheesy, delicious competition). As a company, we become proud 1% for the Planet members, and purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for all of our Toad&Co locations. RECs offset our energy use by supporting the development of emission-free renewable energy and carbon reduction projects.