LH Products continues strong, despite challenges
In just four years of existence, which includes going through a pandemic, school-based company LH Products remains strong in sales and development. The business was started at Lake Holcombe School in 2017, with a Forward Together Grant from WEA Trust.
Since that time, the student-run/owned company has become self-funded, with $21,000 in sales. The business ships custom wood products to not only local vendors, but also globally, including places like Washington state, and London, England.
Helping that along, an Etsy shop was set up last year, by a student, which proved to be a saving grace as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“I think that with the onset of the pandemic and people doing more ordering online, our Etsy shop really blew up,” said Thea Hempel, business education teacher.
Prior to the pandemic, the Etsy shop sold only a few items, but with the last holiday season sales, the online platform garnered $1,200.
Even with their increased success, the goal of the business is a simple one.
“Obviously, to expand our product and to use it in other areas of the curriculum,” said Andy Lorenzen, tech education teacher.
To help with that goal, a new 24x18-inch bed size Epilog Helix 50-watt laser printer was purchased to be used alongside the current printer, as well as a 4x8-foot FOREST SCIENTIFIC CNC router. As part of a $25,000 Fab Lab Grant that was recently received, the use of the machines had to be open to the public.
“Anybody can come in and use this,” said Lorenzen.
The school was required to match the grant, which was helped along by a $5,000 donation from the Lake Holcombe PRIDE Committee, who provides funds for school needs.
Included in the products the student business creates, are wood fish fillet boards, deer skull mount boards, cheese boards, cutting boards, tree ornaments, key chains, coasters and bucket toppers. Custom orders are also accepted.
Not only does the company provide experience in a business setting for students to grow and learn, but also helps give back to the district, with $2,500 given in scholarships.
“I think we’ve put almost $5,000 toward equipment at the school,” said Hempel.
To view what products the company offers, visit lhproductswi.com, or etsy.com/ shop/LHProductsWisconsin.
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Included in the line of wood products offered, are fish fillet boards, deer skull mount boards, cheese boards, cutting boards, tree ornaments, key chains, coasters and bucket toppers. Custom orders are also accepted, with a business website and an Etsy store. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Thea Hempel, business education teacher (front), shows students who are part of LH Products, what options are available for a cribbage board in the works. Students chose the size and shape of what the new product will look like, as well as what size pegs are needed. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
