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The factory had to adapt during challenging times, becoming a manufacturer of baseball gloves during the Great Depression when Rob's grandfather, known as Big Bob Story, pivoted to keep the business afloat. Remarkably, this strategic decision, aided by contracts during World War II to supply gloves to soldiers, allowed the company to stabilize and thrive.
Resilience Through Adversity
Throughout its near-century-long journey, Nokona has weathered numerous challenges, including fires and the overwhelming competition that arose in the 1960s and 70s as major glove manufacturers relocated their production overseas. Rather than following suit, Big Bob Story made a bold choice to keep manufacturing local, stating he would rather shut down than compromise on quality and community.