Dire Design Haus, a Montana-based company specializing in adventure gear and design consulting, has received the 2025 Better Business Bureau Spark Award. The award recognizes emerging businesses and young entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical practices and community engagement. Founder Brittany Riner's focus on sustainability and innovative product development stood out to the judges.
Key Takeaways
- Dire Design Haus won the 2025 Better Business Bureau Spark Award.
- The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ethical business.
- Founder Brittany Riner developed the Drikon waterproof material from recycled plastics.
- The Drikon backpack diverts over 20 plastic bottles from oceans and landfills per unit.
- Dire Design Haus also consults with other businesses on sustainable practices.
Recognized for Ethical Entrepreneurship
The Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers find trusted businesses, highlighted Dire Design Haus for its dedication to sustainability. This recognition underscores the growing importance of environmentally conscious business models in today's market. The Spark Awards specifically celebrate businesses and entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact early in their journey.
Award Snapshot
- Award: 2025 Better Business Bureau Spark Award
- Recipient: Dire Design Haus
- Category: Entrepreneurship in Montana
- Key Recognition: Commitment to sustainability
Brittany Riner, the founder of Dire Design Haus, expressed her vision for the company. She stated,
“There’s a certain standard that businesses are at when they’re part of the [Bureau], like they’re doing some sort of philanthropic thing. I wanted to do that. Even at my smallest scale I have big brand intentions."This statement reflects her ambition to integrate social responsibility into her business from the outset, regardless of its size.
Cameron Nakashima, the Better Business Bureau's media engagement and digital campaigns manager, emphasized the organization's mission. He noted,
“[The bureau] is all about, really at the end of the day, empowerment and giving the consumer, the shopper, the knowledge that they’re making the right decision.”This aligns with Dire Design Haus's transparent approach to sustainable product development.
From Passion to Sustainable Innovation
Riner's journey began with a deep passion for snow sports, cultivated during her childhood in Reno, Nevada. This early connection to the outdoors shaped her career aspirations. After exploring various jobs, she consistently returned to design, specifically outdoor apparel.
She pursued formal education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, graduating in 2013 with an associate degree. Her academic focus was always on gear design, leading her to work with several companies creating men's winter outerwear and motorbiking gear. Four years ago, Riner moved to the Flathead Valley for a job in the gear industry, which eventually led her to launch Dire Design Haus.
Background on Brittany Riner
Brittany Riner's professional path reflects a blend of personal passion and professional expertise. Her early experiences with snow sports fueled an interest in outdoor apparel design. This led to specialized education and diverse roles within the gear industry before she founded her own company, driven by a commitment to sustainability.
Dire Design Haus operates as both a design consulting studio and an adventure gear company. Riner helps action sports brands and local businesses incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. This includes developing a strong brand presence. The services offered range from website and logo design to tangible gear development and coaching.
Introducing the Drikon Waterproof Backpack
A significant project for Riner has been the creation of her own sustainably made waterproof material. After three years of dedicated research, development, and sourcing, Dire Design Haus released its flagship product: the Drikon backpack. This product embodies Riner's vision for durable, functional, and environmentally responsible gear.
The Drikon backpack is a 30-liter drybag, completely waterproof and grey in color. It features various pockets and straps for versatility. The core of its innovation lies in the Drikon material itself, which Riner trademarked this year. This material is made from recycled plastic collected from waterways globally. Each backpack produced helps divert over 20 plastic bottles from oceans and landfills.
Drikon Backpack Features
- Capacity: 30 liters
- Material: 100% waterproof Drikon
- Sustainability Impact: Diverts over 20 plastic bottles per pack
- Additional Benefit: One tree planted per bag through the National Forest Foundation
Beyond the recycled content, Dire Design Haus also partners with the National Forest Foundation's Sapling Program. For every Drikon backpack sold, a tree is planted. This initiative further solidifies the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Riner designed the Drikon backpack for everyday use across various activities.
“My heart is really with technical, robust products,” Riner explained. “I was asking myself what could I create that I could use every day?”Her answer was a product equally effective for hiking, kayaking, or snowboarding. The backpack's laminated and reinforced construction ensures durability, while removable internal pockets aid organization. External adjustable shock cord webbing provides a convenient place to store wet items.
Beyond Products: A Focus on Sustainable Consulting
Riner's work extends beyond creating innovative gear. She is also committed to helping other businesses and individuals integrate sustainability into their operations and daily lives. This involves encouraging waste reduction, improving product-market fit, and developing goods that offer lasting value.
This broader business strategy particularly impressed the Better Business Bureau. Cameron Nakashima commented on this aspect, stating,
“We also noticed and really appreciated how part of the business’ model is to consult with other young businesses that are sustainably minded, learning how to navigate. Businesses don’t know what they don’t know, so we appreciated that this is a business that’s learning as they go and using their knowledge to help others in their community.”This highlights the collaborative and educational role Dire Design Haus plays in the business community.
Currently, Riner is focused on selling the initial launch of her Drikon backpacks. However, she has ambitious plans for the future. She hopes to expand her product line to include more consumer apparel using the Drikon material.
“I think creating more everyday stuff would be cool,” Riner said. “I think what we want to encourage the most is an active lifestyle. I just can’t stop dreaming.”Her vision aims to inspire an active lifestyle through sustainable and reliable products.