I’m Nick, founder of Tuenne.
Trained in industrial design at Rhode Island School of Design and shaped by years spent climbing, riding, and surfing, I design gear with function as the starting point—and restraint as the rule.
Tuenne began with climbing- and bike-inspired equipment and has evolved naturally over time, shaped by life near the water and a focus on materials that perform in real conditions.
Everything we make is built to be used, not overthought.
In 2007, while I was in design school, I adopted Nigel—my English Bulldog—and he became the starting point for what would eventually become our signature modular dog leash. Though he’s no longer with us, his influence lives on at Tuenne; even the name is a nod to both of us—Nick and Nigel, two N’s, one legacy. Coming from a background rooted in outdoor gear, I began designing pet equipment to the same standard, experimenting with retired climbing ropes and hardware built to handle real pull. Those early ideas evolved into a patented system and, ultimately, the brand we continue building today.
Nigel may have passed, but his legacy lives on. Now, North, my Beagle-Corgi mix, runs the show around here. So the N&N legacy continues with Nick and North. North’s got energy for days, loves to bark at pretty much anything, and—of course—he’s the best dog ever (but aren’t they all?). He’s at the shop with me every day, mostly lounging around and supervising our leash-making process in his own unique way. Every now and then, he’ll offer a paw of approval to let us know we’re on the right track.
