Success Story _ Ellis Canvas Tents

Ellis Canvas Tents | Durango, CO

In the world of handcrafted outdoor gear, Ellis Canvas Tents is a name that stands for quality, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. For over 30 years, founder Dave Ellis has been designing and building durable, field-tested canvas tents and bedrolls for cowboys, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts across the American West.

Dave’s three proprietary tent designs—the Prairie, Shackleton, and Split-Torrent—were developed through years of real-world feedback. Known for their breathable, lightweight canvas and robust construction, Ellis tents are designed to withstand unpredictable weather and heavy use, from the Rockies to the desert.

In 2022, the business reached a turning point. Dave, still passionate about his craft, was struggling to keep operations running and was thinking about shutting down. That’s when Allie Medeiros and Denis Dowling stepped in. The couple had teamed up with Dave the previous year on a project in Valley of the Gods, Utah, where they camped in one of his tents and instantly fell in love—with both the product and the man behind it.

Their backgrounds made the transition a natural fit. Allie and Denis had spent over a decade working professionally on sailboats, sailing everywhere from the Caribbean to the Aegean. Denis, who holds an MCA Ocean Master license, has crossed the Atlantic eight times and logged over 150,000 nautical miles. Before joining Ellis Canvas, the pair ran a chartering business and an outdoor photography company. While manufacturing was new territory, their entrepreneurial mindset and love of the outdoors gave them a strong foundation. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling to learn so much and apply our experiences in a new way,” says Allie.

With Dave staying on to lead production, Allie and Denis took over business operations. But keeping a small U.S. manufacturing company afloat wasn’t easy. From cash flow challenges to supply chain issues, they needed support—and they found it through the Colorado SBDC in the Southwest region.

The Colorado SBDC quickly became a vital support. Through free one-on-one mentoring, the team gained access to knowledgeable advisors who helped them address key challenges like cash flow management, marketing, and strategic planning. They also participated in the Small Business Accelerated Growth program, which provided structured tools for sustainable growth. Additionally, two grants from the Colorado SBDC provided essential breathing room to invest in systems and stability. “The (Colorado) SBDC helped us feel like we weren’t alone,” they shared. “They gave us confidence and a real sense of direction during a time that could’ve easily gone the other way.”

Today, Ellis Canvas Tents continues to thrive—creating heirloom-quality products that are built to last and supported by a team that genuinely cares. With the Colorado SBDC as a trusted partner, Ellis Canvas Tents carries forward its legacy with heart, grit, and a passion for the outdoors.
 

For more information, visit Ellis Canvas Tents.