Hand creme maker moves to Sisters

Tara and Michael Broadbent with their product.

Pharmacist Tara Broadbent developed her healing skin crème in 1994, while living in Bend.

"My father was a rancher near Klamath Falls," said Tara. "Being of Irish descent, his skin was more suited for a climate where it rained every day. He wasn't cut out for the heat. Over the years, Dad developed cracks and splits in his hands and feet--some which didn't heal for thirty years."

Broadbent's father, Bill O'Keeffe, tried a variety of creams and salves, but was unable to find relief.

"He started razzing me, telling me, 'You should fix this!'" she laughed. Using her microwave and food processor, Broadbent turned her kitchen into a laboratory as she conducted her 'experiments.'1

"Tara had enough chemistry background to understand the principles of what would help," said Tara's husband, Michael.

Broadbent finally concocted a formula that healed many of her father's skin problems.

"Most creams are made of an oil and water emulsion--kind of like mayonnaise," explained Broadbent. "The oil actually makes a barrier... Skin is 80% water and needs hydration. You can't hydrate skin if there's an oil barrier. The oil makes the skin feel better, but doesn't help it heal."

Water and glycerin are the main ingredients in Working Hands Crème.

"Our product has more glycerin than any other on the market," said Broadbent. "Glycerin is a humectant, which means it draws water to itself. It keeps the skin hydrated. And hydrated cells are healthy cells."

"We decided that if it worked for Bill, it would fix anyone," Michael said.

With Bill O'Keeffe's seal of approval, O'Keeffe's Working Hands Crème, Inc. was born. In 1996, the Broadbent family moved to Joseph, Oregon and established the growing company's production unit there. In August, Broadbent's company was named Oregon's woman-owned family business of the year by the Oregon Family Business Awards.

The hand crème has also been featured on the back cover of the "Outsmart Diabetes Cookbook."

The Broadbent family has recently relocated in Sisters. While the production unit will remain in Joseph, marketing and distribution will operate out of Sisters.

"Schools were primarily the reason for our move," said Michael. "The more rural schools are dying, and canceling programs. Joseph was pretty remote--it's time to get back to civilization."

The Broadbent's three teenage children, Aaron, Mollie and Maureen, are a vital part of the company.

"The kids all work for us," said Broadbent. "That's one of the benefits of a family owned business.

"I've built houses forever," said Michael, "but became a full-time hand crème guy as the demand grew. Last year we sold 300,000 containers. And last month, our product was in 3,820 Walgreens across the country--which is a huge thing for us."

The Broadbents have rented office space in the old Weitech building and will be hiring in the near future.