Jobs

Retail Store & Hat Production Manager

Location: Crested Butte, Colorado | Full-Time, Salary | $70k | 4-6 Weeks Off | Manager

About Björkstam Hat Co:

In June of 2021, Björkstam opened its doors on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte. Since then, the brand has expanded thoughtfully, growing both in-person and online while staying true to its foundations in small-batch production and hands-on craftsmanship. Today, Björkstam operates between its flagship storefront in Crested Butte, a dedicated workshop in Hood River, Oregon, and two shows annually in Round Top, Texas.

At its core, Björkstam celebrates a life lived boldly — whether carving lines down a mountain, exploring new landscapes, or making a statement through style. Every hat is shaped by hand, one at a time. No shortcuts. No mass production. Just honest craftsmanship and thoughtful design meant to be worn for years with real materials— and eventually, passed down.

The Role:

This is not a corporate retail manager job. 

The store manager is someone who will lead our Crested Butte retail store and manage our in-store hat production. Yes, they will learn the craft of hand-shaping premium western hats. They will also lead the daily store operations, ensure exceptional customer and community experiences, while driving store revenue through genuine interactions. Additionally, they will coach and develop additional team members for hat production and retail support by creating a collaborative environment to provide personal customer experiences. 

They will become an integral part of the brand and continue to create one of the most unique retail experiences in Colorado. 

Don’t know how to make hats? That’s okay. We will teach you. What we can't teach is curiosity, responsibility, genuine hospitality, and the desire to build something bigger than yourself.

This is a genuine chance for someone to help grow an incredible grass-roots brand, and build a career around craftsmanship, community, and mountain life.

Responsibilities:

-Retail Store

  • Lead day-to-day store operations, such as opening/closing and cleanliness

  • Provide genuine customer service and experiences for our customers

  • Guide Customers through the custom hat design process

  • Assist in the creation of content for social media at the store

  • Manage and merchandise store inventory

  • Forecast, set, report and achieve store sales goals

  • Hire, coach, and lead a small team of 1-3 employees including scheduling

  • Delegate tasks appropriately and fairly to the retail store team members for each shift

  • Ensure cash handling and register procedures are maintained and executed   

  • Support weddings, special events, trunk shows, and trade shows as needed

  • Become a trusted resource for both locals and visitors

  • Identify new opportunities to grow the business and customer experience

-Hat Production

  • Master the skills of hand-shaping western hats

  • Create a weekly/bi-weekly production schedule for store inventory

  • Maintain machines and hat-making equipment

  • Ensure the retail team/hat makers are following the production schedule

  • Track and order materials for production to ensure there are no delays in the production schedule

Who You Are

  • Genuinely enjoys talking with people and creating memorable experiences

  • Has a natural ability to sell without feeling "salesy"

  • Loves learning new skills and isn't intimidated by doing something you've never done before

  • Enjoys working with your hands and appreciates craftsmanship

  • Thrives when given ownership and accountability

  • Is organized, dependable, and follows through

  • Wants more than "just a job"

  • Enjoys wearing a lot of hats (pun intended)

  • Loves mountain towns, outdoor recreation, and small business culture

What We're Looking For

Absolute Must-Haves

  • Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills

  • Proven ability to sell premium products and create outstanding customer experiences

  • Previous retail sales experience with leadership or management responsibilities

  • Willingness to learn custom hat making from the ground up

  • Highly responsible with strong attention to detail

  • Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership

  • Comfortable managing inventory, operations, and store performance

  • Ability to lead and develop a small team

  • Willing to relocate to Crested Butte, Colorado (if you don't already live here)

  • Willing to work in-store five days per week

  • Occasional travel for events, weddings, and trade shows

Bonus Points If You Have

  • Experience making custom hats

  • Experience working with luxury or premium clientele

  • Visual merchandising experience

  • Small business experience

  • A passion for skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, or simply living in the mountains

What We Provide

This role offers a rare opportunity to learn a craft that very few people know while helping

build an exciting business.

  • Hands-on training in custom hat making

  • Direct mentorship from the owner as her right-hand partner

  • Meaningful leadership experience running an independent retail business

  • The opportunity to shape the future growth of the company

  • Ownership over the store and business results

  • Exposure to weddings, events, partnerships, and business development

  • Ski pass

  • Competitive base salary of $70,000

  • Performance bonus opportunity

  • The chance to build skills that will serve you for the rest of your career

  • 4-6 six weeks off (seasonally split between spring and fall)

Let’s Be Honest

This opportunity isn't for everyone.

Living in Crested Butte is incredible. It's also different.

It's one of the coolest mountain towns in America, but it's a small community. If you're

looking for big-city nightlife or endless shopping, this probably isn't your place.

 

Retail also isn't always glamorous. During busy winter and summer seasons, the days can

be long, weekends are part of the job, and you'll work hard.

 

This role also requires commitment.

We're investing significant time teaching someone a specialized craft, so we're looking for someone who plans to be here for at least 2-3 years, ideally longer.

In return, you'll gain a unique set of skills, meaningful responsibility, close

mentorship, and the opportunity to help shape a growing business.

The growth of this role is largely what you make of it.


If you're someone who consistently raises your hand, drives results, identifies

opportunities, and helps grow the business, your responsibilities, influence, and earning

potential can grow alongside it.

 

If This Sounds Like You...

You probably weren't looking for another retail management job.

You were looking for something different.


If you're excited about building relationships, learning an uncommon craft, leading a

business, living in an incredible mountain town, and creating products people will

treasure for years, we'd love to meet you.


To Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to info@bjorkstamhatco.com. We are looking to hire with a potential start date of December 1st, 2026.