SEATTLE (March 27, 2024) — Astral, the industry-leading designer of high-performance wilderness equipment and apparel, announces the addition of a new sales agency, Bluewater Trading, to handle growing sales efforts in the Midwest, one of Astral’s largest geographic territories.
Headquartered in Minneapolis and led by president Chris Bindert, Bluewater Trading has more than two decades of experience working in the Midwest region with highly reputable brands in the outdoor space, including: Bending Branches / Aquabound, Gregory Mountain Products, SCARPA, High Sierra, and Nikwax. Bluewater Trading has also worked with notable watersports brands, which will be beneficial for Astral’s growing personal flotation device (PFD) and footwear business in the Midwest. Bluewater Trading covers the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
“We’ve spent a great deal of time getting to know the team at Bluewater Trading and were so impressed with how directly they reflected the core values that we hold at Astral,” said Bryan Owen, sales manager for Astral. “We are very deliberate in pursuing sales reps with personal interest and passion for the paddlesports and outdoor industries. Bluewater’s team–Chris, Rob and Tyler–have dedicated their lives to being a part of our industry, and going above and beyond to engage with the paddlesports community on personal and professional levels.”
The team at Bluewater Trading comprises industry professionals with an ever-present passion for the outdoors. Chris Bindert will be responsible for most of the key account business in addition to running the agency. Bindert took his first Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) canoe trip as a teenager and is an avid paddler, fisherman and boater. Rob Bossen has over a decade of experience in the outdoor agency with a focus on specialty retailers. Bossen serves on the board of the newly founded Paddlesports Trade Coalition and is a lifelong paddler who is extremely passionate about the watersports industry. Tyler Henk is Bluewater’s road representative responsible for servicing dealers and retailers.
“Astral is one of the most respected brands in the outdoor space, with a strong focus on serving their customers with high quality products and excellent service. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with them in the Midwest,” said Chris Bindert, president of Bluewater Trading.
For more information about Astral, its products and initiatives, please visit Astraldesigns.com.
About Astral
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest-impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.
