People for Urban Progress

What People for Urban Progress does

People for Urban Progress (PUP) is an Indianapolis-based 501c3 non-profit social enterprise founded in 2008 by Michael Bricker and Maryanne O'Malley following the demolition of the RCA/Hoosier Dome. The organization salvages civic and event materials — 13 acres of Teflon-coated fiberglass from the RCA Dome, nearly 9,000 Bush Stadium seats, Acela Express leather covers, and approximately 49 pallets of Super Bowl XLVI fabric — and transforms them through handcrafted manufacturing processes combining laser cutting and industrial sewing into durable bags, accessories, and community design installations. Core technology is physical craft applied to one-of-a-kind salvaged inputs; the resulting product catalog spans 46+ SKUs priced from $15 (card holders) to $435 (Conductor Weekender), organized into collections such as Amtrak, RCA Dome, Indy 500, Indiana Fever, NBA All-Star, and U.S. Olympic Swim Trials.

PUP operates a hybrid revenue model combining product sales with philanthropic funding. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via a Shopify storefront with multi-currency international checkout, at the PUP HQ retail location at 160 Steeples Blvd in Indianapolis, and through a regional stockist network spanning Indiana (Carmel, Columbus, Indianapolis) and Minnesota (Grand Marais, Minneapolis). Complementary funding flows from foundation grants (Central Indiana Community Foundation), corporate sponsorships (Amtrak, NFL, NBA), and individual donations supporting community design initiatives including PUPstops (50+ bus stop installations serving roughly 220,000 riders annually), the Highland Vicinity Canopy, and the English Foundation Trailstop on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

The organization serves three primary customer segments: environmentally-conscious consumers seeking distinctive handcrafted goods, transit and sports enthusiasts purchasing commemorative items, and civic/urban development organizations partnering on salvage and reuse projects. Strategic enterprise partnerships — Amtrak (national reach via co-branded leather goods), NFL, NBA, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Butler University, the U.S. Olympic Committee, IndyGo, and the City of Indianapolis — primarily supply unique salvaged material inputs rather than constitute a revenue customer base, which keeps revenue exposure to individual consumers. PUP maintains 1-10 employees, was honored with Fast Company's 2019 Innovation by Design Award, and was recognized for 10+ years of operations in 2019.

Name

People for Urban Progress

Legal name

People for Urban Progress

Website

https://peopleup.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

People for Urban Progress is an Indianapolis-based 501c3 non-profit social enterprise that transforms salvaged civic materials (RCA Dome fabric, Amtrak Acela leather, stadium seats, event banners) into handcrafted bags, accessories, and community design installations, serving sustainability-minded consumers and civic partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: PUP generates revenue through the direct sale of handcrafted bags, accessories, and lifestyle products made from salvaged materials. Products are sold via e-commerce, HQ retail, and stockists. All proceeds benefit PUP's ongoing community design initiatives.
2. Project Funding & Philanthropy: As a 501c3 non-profit, PUP receives funding through foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations to support urban design projects and community programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

People for Urban Progress (PUP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise that designs, fabricates, and sells handcrafted bags, totes, backpacks, and accessories made from salvaged civic materials (RCA Dome roof fabric, Amtrak Acela leather seats, stadium seats, event banners). Products are hand or laser cut and sewn on industrial machines in Indianapolis, then sold direct-to-consumer online and at HQ retail, with proceeds supporting community urban design and salvage projects.

Product overview

People for Urban Progress (PUP) is an Indianapolis-based 501c3 non-profit social enterprise that advances good design and civic sustainability through products and projects in connectivity, responsible reuse, and making. The company offers a portfolio of handcrafted accessories and bags made from salvaged and repurposed materials, organized primarily into themed collections: the Amtrak Collection (bags made from repurposed Amtrak Acela Express leather seats, 10 products priced $15–$435), the RCA Dome Collection (bags made from salvaged RCA Dome roof fabric), and event-specific collections for the Indy 500, Indiana Fever, NBA Allstar Games, U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, FFA, and others. Core individual products include the Conductor Weekender ($435), Switchman Messenger ($415), Agent Backpack ($385), Passenger Tote ($185), Clerk Crossbody ($155), and smaller accessories (card holders, wristlets, sunglass cases). Beyond products, PUP operates community design projects including PUPstops (bus stop seat installations), the RCA Dome Salvage initiative, Bush Stadium Seat Salvage, Hinkle Fieldhouse Seat Salvage, the Highland Vicinity Canopy, English Foundation Trailstop, Old City Hall transformation, Super Bowl XLVI Banner Salvage, and the Outpost pop-up space. PUP also produces the DAYLIGHT Podcast series on design and civic innovation. All products are hand-built by local makers in Indianapolis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PUP x Amtrak Collection: A collection of handcrafted bags and accessories made from repurposed Amtrak Acela Express leather seat coverings.
• OUTPOST
• DAYLIGHT

Products and services

• Amtrak Collection Handcrafted bags, totes, backpacks, crossbodies, dopp kits, wristlets, sunglass cases, and card holders made from repurposed Amtrak Acela Express leather seat covers. Targeted at travelers, transit enthusiasts, and consumers seeking durable, sustainably sourced leather goods. Collection includes 10 products priced from $15 to $435.
• RCA Dome Collection Bags and accessories made from salvaged RCA Dome roof fabric (Teflon-coated fiberglass) combined with reclaimed seatbelts and other upcycled inputs. Targeted at consumers and sports/urban-history enthusiasts.
• Indy INReview Collection Product collection featuring repurposed materials sold under the Indy INReview sub-brand, marketed through the peopleup.org storefront.
• The Ranger Collection Product collection sold under The Ranger sub-brand via peopleup.org.
• Indy 500 Collection Commemorative product collection tied to the Indianapolis 500 event, made from salvaged and event-sourced materials.
• Indiana Fever Collection Commemorative product collection created in collaboration with the Indiana Fever basketball team, using salvaged event materials.
• 2024 NBA Allstar Game Collection Commemorative product collection made from salvaged materials associated with the 2024 NBA Allstar Game event.
• 2024 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials Collection Commemorative product collection tied to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, made from repurposed event materials.
• Conductor Weekender Handcrafted weekender travel bag made from repurposed Amtrak First Class leather seats, upcycled fabrics, and reclaimed seatbelts; retails at $435.
• Switchman Messenger Sidekick messenger bag for everyday commutes and long-distance travel, made from repurposed Amtrak First Class leather seats; retails at $415.
• Agent Backpack Versatile pack for daily commute and cross-country excursions, made from repurposed Amtrak Business Class leather seats; retails at $385.
• Passenger Tote Everyday tote bag made from repurposed Amtrak Business Class leather seats; retails at $185.
• Clerk Crossbody Crossbody bag from the Amtrak Collection made from repurposed Amtrak leather seats; retails at $155.
• Dispatcher Dopp Kit Toiletry and travel kit from the Amtrak Collection made from repurposed Amtrak leather seats; retails at $75.
• Surveyor Wristlet Compact wristlet accessory from the Amtrak Collection; retails at $55.
• Inspector Sunglass Case Sunglass case from the Amtrak Collection; retails at $22.
• Controller Card Holder Card holder wallet from the Amtrak Collection; retails at $20.
• Amtrak Foremen Card Holder Card holder from the Amtrak Collection; retails at $15.
• FFA Page Crossbody Bag Crossbody bag made from FFA event materials; retails at $120.
• Flagship Collection Flagship core product collection from PUP; retails at $120.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Race Flag Lifeguard Everyday tote made from RCA Dome fabric, IMS race flags, and reclaimed seatbelts; retails at $70.
• NBA Allstar Referee Drawstring bag made from RCA Dome fabric, NBA Allstar mesh event banners, reclaimed seatbelts, and nylon cording; retails at $56.
• DAYLIGHT Podcast Podcast series produced by PUP featuring conversations about design, urbanism, community, and civic innovation, with multiple seasons covering topics such as Equity, Dignity, Justice, and Inclusion.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 PUPstops installed serving roughly 220,000 bus riders annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AmtrakcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2018Material partnership where Amtrak provides retired Acela Express leather seat covers for upcycling into bags and accessories. PUP creates approximately 2,500 bags from the materials over 10-12 months. Products retail from $75 to $435 and help PUP reach a national audience.
• RecycleForcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Collaboration for safe removal, transport, dismantling, and storage of Bush Stadium seats. RecycleForce helped divert nearly 9,000 seats from Indianapolis landfill.
• EcolaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitial collaborator on Bush Stadium Seat Salvage project, connecting PUP with salvage opportunity and helping envision refurbished seats for public spaces.
• IndyGocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic transit partner for PUPstops program, installing refurbished Bush Stadium seats at Indianapolis bus stops. Before the program, only 42 of nearly 4,000 bus stops had benches.
• Sabre DemolitioncoreOthersDemolition contractor for RCA Dome salvage project. Partnered to divert 13 acres of Teflon-coated fiberglass from landfill during dome demolition.
• Indianapolis FabricationscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPrimary fabrication partner for multiple projects including Bush Stadium seat installations, Highland Vicinity Canopy, and English Foundation Trailstop. Builds structural elements and installations.
• Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunded English Foundation Trailstop project along Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Also provides ongoing funding support for PUP initiatives.
• City of IndianapolisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Old City Hall temporary office redesign and other urban design projects. Provides financial support through various departments.
• Butler UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for Hinkle Fieldhouse seat salvage. Several hundred seats salvaged during renovation, with proceeds funding public seat installations.
• Keep Indianapolis BeautifulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Highland Vicinity Canopy project, assembling team of funders and designers for community park shade structure using RCA Dome fabric.
• NFLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided approximately 49 pallets (5 miles) of Super Bowl XLVI event banners and fabrics for PUP to transform into products.
• The Building AuthorityminorOthersPartner on Old City Hall temporary office redesign project.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Baggu: Sustainable bag and accessory brand known for reusable designs. Comparable to PUP on the sustainability angle and DTC bag category, though with a less handcraft-driven production approach.
• Rothy's: Bags and shoes made primarily from recycled plastic bottles. Comparable to PUP as a sustainability-driven consumer brand transforming waste materials into premium lifestyle products via DTC channels.

Direct peers

• Elvis & Kresse: UK-based social enterprise that upcycles decommissioned materials (fire hoses, leather, printing blankets) into luxury bags and accessories. Closest comparable to PUP given the shared model of transforming industrial waste into premium handcrafted leather goods with a strong sustainability and provenance narrative.
• MATT & NAT: Vegan leather bags and accessories brand built around sustainable materials. Comparable to PUP as a handcrafted bag/accessory maker using alternative, sustainability-focused materials in the same price-point bracket.
• Parker Clay: Direct-to-consumer leather bag brand with a social mission (operating in Ethiopia, funding community programs). Comparable to PUP in combining premium leather craftsmanship with a philanthropic, mission-driven brand identity.
• Sseko Designs: Social enterprise producing handcrafted bags and accessories in Uganda with a mission-driven employment model. Comparable to PUP in combining handcraft manufacturing, social mission, and direct-to-consumer distribution of bags and accessories.
• Portland Leather Goods: Direct-to-consumer leather handbag and accessory brand. Comparable to PUP on product category (leather bags/accessories), price point positioning, and DTC-led distribution strategy.
• Cuyana: Sustainable leather bag and accessory brand targeting conscious consumers. Comparable to PUP on premium leather goods positioning, sustainability messaging, and DTC-led sales approach.

Broad incumbents

• Patagonia (Worn Wear): Patagonia's resale and repair program for used apparel and gear. Comparable to PUP as a broader industry example of a brand built around reuse, repair, and the extension of product lifecycle, even though Patagonia's core apparel focus is broader than PUP's bag/accessory niche.
• Coach (Coachtopia): Luxury leather goods house with Coachtopia, an upcycled leather sub-line. Comparable to PUP as a leather goods maker incorporating upcycled/repurposed materials, though Coach operates at a vastly larger scale and as part of a wider luxury portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PUP_indy
• Facebookfacebook.com/peopleforurbanprogress
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/people-for-urban-progress

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about People for Urban Progress