April 10th, 2025 | by Robby Ringer
Yesterday, I had the chance to speak at the Vermont State House in front of the House Commerce and Senate Economic Development Committees.
It was important to me to show up not just for Bivo, but for the many small businesses like ours that are feeling the impact of tariffs and an uncertain future.
The world feels absolutely chaotic right now, and over the past few weeks, a lot of you have reached out asking how the recent tariffs are affecting us. First off—thank you. It means a lot to know people are paying attention and care.
We’ve always tried to be open and transparent, and this is no different. I hope this gives a little clarity on what’s going on and why it matters—not just for us, but for so many small businesses navigating these unpredictable times.
We’re linking to the video of my remarks below, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch. It’s a chance to learn more about what’s happening and why it matters.
The outpouring of support we've received—from former colleagues, organizations like Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance who helped get me to the state house, and all of you, our loyal customers—has been incredible. There are SO many good people out there, and we feel all of you.
Thank you. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below or reach out to our team at thirsty@drinkbivo.com or directly to me, robby@drinkbivo.com.
Yesterday, I had the chance to speak at the Vermont State House in front of the House Commerce and Senate Economic Development Committees.
It was important to me to show up not just for Bivo, but for the many small businesses like ours that are feeling the impact of tariffs and an uncertain future.
The world feels absolutely chaotic right now, and over the past few weeks, a lot of you have reached out asking how the recent tariffs are affecting us. First off—thank you. It means a lot to know people are paying attention and care.
We’ve always tried to be open and transparent, and this is no different. I hope this gives a little clarity on what’s going on and why it matters—not just for us, but for so many small businesses navigating these unpredictable times.
We’re linking to the video of my remarks below, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch. It’s a chance to learn more about what’s happening and why it matters.
The outpouring of support we've received—from former colleagues, organizations like Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance who helped get me to the state house, and all of you, our loyal customers—has been incredible. There are SO many good people out there, and we feel all of you.
Thank you. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below or reach out to our team at thirsty@drinkbivo.com or directly to me, robby@drinkbivo.com.
Allan Smith
April 12, 2025
Well done Robby. Your comments were very impactful and informative. Our legislators and consumers need to better understand the impact of tariffs on the manufacturing community. They make us all less competitive and force companies to absorb what they can and pass on the rest of these unnecessary taxes to the consumer. Your comments help to educate and inform. Many thanks for making the time and having the courage to speak up.
Tim Eliassen
April 12, 2025
Yes, well said indeed.
Even though I live in NH I am sending this to our reps and senators. There is very little in the news that deals with both issues: the anger of overseas buyers towards the USA that is having a deleterious affect on sales, tariffs or no, and then the issue of the tariffs themselves and their effect on our cost of goods with zero US alternatives (long or short term, I would argue). And both of these effects are existential for small businesses.
Samantha Peck
April 10, 2025
Very well said Robby. Thank you for helping educate people on what is happening right now to small businesses around the country. It is so important for people to understand how these tariffs will affect us all. Like I mentioned on IG, would love to find a way we can all work together to help stay in the know even if it’s just a smaller group of us who are in the outdoor industry. Also any leads on Bonded Warehouses, please let me know. This sounds like a viable stepping stone.
-Samantha, DryFoxCo
Tyler Benner
April 10, 2025
Great interview, Robby! Bonded warehouses are an interesting idea in all this… I’m experiencing some of those cashflow challenges exactly like you described because these extra tariffs, all due when the goods clear customs, has to be planned for well in advance and factored into pricing in the first place. Coming up with 50-100% extra cash required on short notice is a daunting / impossible challenge for small businesses. What a wild time to be sourcing products from China. Hang tough!!
Peggy Shinn
April 10, 2025
Well said, Robby!
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RobLangstaff
April 18, 2025
Great job Robby. Poised, articulate and thorough. You came off concerned but not angry; solution seeking as opposed to not blame placing. ( although there is a lot of blame to be placed). I hope others can follow suit and build solutions together.