Archives: Press Releases

Guidesly, the first platform connecting a network of trusted guides to the world’s angler, recently closed its seed round of funding, raising $4 million from nearly 20 investors. This investment, highlighted by Graycroft Partners and Elysian Park Ventures, will help Guidesly further scale in vertical SaaS and continue to grow their reach in the outdoor recreation community.

 

“Guidesly has done a phenomenal job of creating a delightful user experience for both small business owners and their customers. They are making payments disappear on both sides of a complex, multi-step transaction, and they are bringing innovative technology to the SMB ecosystem,” says Will Szczerbiak, Graycroft Partners.

 

Continuing to invest in vertical sAAs has been a priority for Guidesly. The second half of 2021 saw a 300% increase in SaaS guides using the Guidesly platform. Vertical SaaS will continue to be at the forefront of the Guidesly business as new offerings will be rolled in the early parts of 2022.

 

“Vertical SaaS solutions continue to accelerate, focusing on providing impactful real-world solutions for the outdoor recreation marketplace,” said David Lord, CEO, Guidesly. “Companies offering unique vertical SaaS solutions save costs, increase revenue, and offer small business owners the ability to deliver leading customer experiences. Guidesly focuses on providing the technology to enable our clients to leverage the platform and deliver world-class guided experiences.”

 

The key to Guidesly’s business has been, and always will be, the guides on the platform. Part of this investment will be dedicated to growing the guide roster, which is quickly expanding. With a 100% increase in guides during Q3 and Q4, Guidesly is confident they will be able to provide high-quality fishing experiences in all major markets.

 

“Our firm is committed to backing companies helping to shape the future of sports, and Guidesly is a great example,” said Pete Vlastelica, Elysian. “The Outdoor Recreation business, as we know it, needs a better technology platform to become more guest-centric, responsive and deliver lower cost, higher revenue solutions. We are excited by what Guidesly is building and look forward to helping them realize their vision.”

 

Guidesly has grown quickly, nearly doubling in size since June of 2021. This momentum was evident through its high-profile roster of investors and will continue into 2022 with new product releases and offerings to both guides and consumers.

Guidesly connects anglers and guides to create memorable fishing experiences. By vetting potential guides, Guidesly ensures quality experiences with up-to-date guide schedules, fishing reports, and an integrated billing process. Anglers can find the type of trip and guide that fits their desires all in one place.

Learn more at guidesly.com.

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About Guidesly
Guidesly, Inc. is a technology company building a marketplace for the outdoor recreational industry. Guidesly connects outdoor enthusiasts with trusted guides through leading-edge consumer experiences and guide tools that improve the guest experience. By starting in fishing, Guidesly is connecting fishing guides and charter captains with anglers seeking fishing trips with a seamless experience between the web site and mobile applications. Guidesly targets the 51 million Americans who are searching for guided fishing experiences. From their local river to far-flung bucket list trips, Guidesly provides a journey for all anglers. Headquartered in Boston, Mass, Guidesly is run by a team that includes veterans of mission-driven consumer tech companies, award-winning designers, and proven experts in building cloud-based software platforms and businesses. For more information, visit guidesly.com.

Guidesly, the first platform connecting a network of trusted guides to the world’s angler, recently closed its seed round of funding, raising $4 million from nearly 20 investors. This investment, highlighted by Graycroft Partners and Elysian Park Ventures, will help Guidesly further scale in vertical SaaS and continue to grow their reach in the outdoor recreation community.

 

“Guidesly has done a phenomenal job of creating a delightful user experience for both small business owners and their customers. They are making payments disappear on both sides of a complex, multi-step transaction, and they are bringing innovative technology to the SMB ecosystem,” says Will Szczerbiak, Graycroft Partners.

 

Continuing to invest in vertical sAAs has been a priority for Guidesly. The second half of 2021 saw a 300% increase in SaaS guides using the Guidesly platform. Vertical SaaS will continue to be at the forefront of the Guidesly business as new offerings will be rolled in the early parts of 2022.

 

“Vertical SaaS solutions continue to accelerate, focusing on providing impactful real-world solutions for the outdoor recreation marketplace,” said David Lord, CEO, Guidesly. “Companies offering unique vertical SaaS solutions save costs, increase revenue, and offer small business owners the ability to deliver leading customer experiences. Guidesly focuses on providing the technology to enable our clients to leverage the platform and deliver world-class guided experiences.”

 

The key to Guidesly’s business has been, and always will be, the guides on the platform. Part of this investment will be dedicated to growing the guide roster, which is quickly expanding. With a 100% increase in guides during Q3 and Q4, Guidesly is confident they will be able to provide high-quality fishing experiences in all major markets.

 

“Our firm is committed to backing companies helping to shape the future of sports, and Guidesly is a great example,” said Pete Vlastelica, Elysian. “The Outdoor Recreation business, as we know it, needs a better technology platform to become more guest-centric, responsive and deliver lower cost, higher revenue solutions. We are excited by what Guidesly is building and look forward to helping them realize their vision.”

 

Guidesly has grown quickly, nearly doubling in size since June of 2021. This momentum was evident through its high-profile roster of investors and will continue into 2022 with new product releases and offerings to both guides and consumers.

Guidesly connects anglers and guides to create memorable fishing experiences. By vetting potential guides, Guidesly ensures quality experiences with up-to-date guide schedules, fishing reports, and an integrated billing process. Anglers can find the type of trip and guide that fits their desires all in one place.

Learn more at guidesly.com.

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About Guidesly
Guidesly, Inc. is a technology company building a marketplace for the outdoor recreational industry. Guidesly connects outdoor enthusiasts with trusted guides through leading-edge consumer experiences and guide tools that improve the guest experience. By starting in fishing, Guidesly is connecting fishing guides and charter captains with anglers seeking fishing trips with a seamless experience between the web site and mobile applications. Guidesly targets the 51 million Americans who are searching for guided fishing experiences. From their local river to far-flung bucket list trips, Guidesly provides a journey for all anglers. Headquartered in Boston, Mass, Guidesly is run by a team that includes veterans of mission-driven consumer tech companies, award-winning designers, and proven experts in building cloud-based software platforms and businesses. For more information, visit guidesly.com.

Guidesly, the first platform connecting a network of trusted guides to the world’s angler, recently closed its seed round of funding, raising $4 million from nearly 20 investors. This investment, highlighted by Graycroft Partners and Elysian Park Ventures, will help Guidesly further scale in vertical SaaS and continue to grow their reach in the outdoor recreation community.

 

“Guidesly has done a phenomenal job of creating a delightful user experience for both small business owners and their customers. They are making payments disappear on both sides of a complex, multi-step transaction, and they are bringing innovative technology to the SMB ecosystem,” says Will Szczerbiak, Graycroft Partners.

 

Continuing to invest in vertical sAAs has been a priority for Guidesly. The second half of 2021 saw a 300% increase in SaaS guides using the Guidesly platform. Vertical SaaS will continue to be at the forefront of the Guidesly business as new offerings will be rolled in the early parts of 2022.

 

“Vertical SaaS solutions continue to accelerate, focusing on providing impactful real-world solutions for the outdoor recreation marketplace,” said David Lord, CEO, Guidesly. “Companies offering unique vertical SaaS solutions save costs, increase revenue, and offer small business owners the ability to deliver leading customer experiences. Guidesly focuses on providing the technology to enable our clients to leverage the platform and deliver world-class guided experiences.”

 

The key to Guidesly’s business has been, and always will be, the guides on the platform. Part of this investment will be dedicated to growing the guide roster, which is quickly expanding. With a 100% increase in guides during Q3 and Q4, Guidesly is confident they will be able to provide high-quality fishing experiences in all major markets.

 

“Our firm is committed to backing companies helping to shape the future of sports, and Guidesly is a great example,” said Pete Vlastelica, Elysian. “The Outdoor Recreation business, as we know it, needs a better technology platform to become more guest-centric, responsive and deliver lower cost, higher revenue solutions. We are excited by what Guidesly is building and look forward to helping them realize their vision.”

 

Guidesly has grown quickly, nearly doubling in size since June of 2021. This momentum was evident through its high-profile roster of investors and will continue into 2022 with new product releases and offerings to both guides and consumers.

Guidesly connects anglers and guides to create memorable fishing experiences. By vetting potential guides, Guidesly ensures quality experiences with up-to-date guide schedules, fishing reports, and an integrated billing process. Anglers can find the type of trip and guide that fits their desires all in one place.

Learn more at guidesly.com.

###

About Guidesly
Guidesly, Inc. is a technology company building a marketplace for the outdoor recreational industry. Guidesly connects outdoor enthusiasts with trusted guides through leading-edge consumer experiences and guide tools that improve the guest experience. By starting in fishing, Guidesly is connecting fishing guides and charter captains with anglers seeking fishing trips with a seamless experience between the web site and mobile applications. Guidesly targets the 51 million Americans who are searching for guided fishing experiences. From their local river to far-flung bucket list trips, Guidesly provides a journey for all anglers. Headquartered in Boston, Mass, Guidesly is run by a team that includes veterans of mission-driven consumer tech companies, award-winning designers, and proven experts in building cloud-based software platforms and businesses. For more information, visit guidesly.com.

Outdoor blanket brand hires Kris Fry as creative director and promotes internal team members

Rumpl, the category leader in premium outdoor blankets, announces the hiring of Kris Fry as Creative Director and internally promotes three team members, elevating AshLee Anderson to Director of Marketing, Michael Archer to Director of Global Operations and Emily Darby to Director of Supply Chain Planning. This new phase of hiring and director-level promotions marks a strategic period of growth for Rumpl, highlighting a robust team dedicated to introducing the world to better blankets.

 

Kris Fry joins the Rumpl team effective immediately, bringing over a decade of creative driven strategy from the agency and brand side to help push Rumpl to its next phase of creativity and purpose-led branding. Fry recently served as Global Creative Director at Smartwool, where he led the creative strategy and design for over five years. Before Smartwool, Fry worked at agencies like Factory Design Labs, where he led the creative department for brands like Oakley, The North Face, SCOTT Sports, Coors and Eddie Bauer.

 

“Wylie and the entire Rumpl team have built a unique brand and I am thrilled for the opportunity to be the next Creative Director. Throughout our conversations, I was continually inspired by the team, the vision, and the bright future for Rumpl. I share the same passions for purpose-led brand building and innovative product designs and emotional storytelling — all of which will be used to fuel an incredible ride,” says Kris Fry, Creative Director at Rumpl.

 

In addition to Fry, Rumpl invests in its current team by promoting talent from within across key departments, including:

• AshLee Anderson, Director of Marketing
• Michael Archer, Director of Global Operations
• Emily Darby, Director of Supply Chain Planning

 

“Working in operations at Rumpl through a period of rapid growth has been the most challenging and rewarding experience in my career to date. In turn, I’ve also learned more than ever with the help of great mentorship and leadership. I look forward to helping forge the path ahead for the operations team as the brand continues to be a category leader. The sky’s the limit for the talented group Rumpl has assembled,” says Michael Archer, Director of Global Operations.

 

For more information on Rumpl, please contact Senior Account Manager Maria Brickman at maria.brickman@rygr.us.

 

About Rumpl: Based in Portland, Oregon, Rumpl makes Blankets for Everywhere. Utilizing material technologies commonly found in activewear and outdoor gear, Rumpl aims to modernize the everyday blanket. Rumpl’s high-quality, versatile blankets keep you comfortable no matter where you are. The materials have been tested and proven in harsh environments, yet specifically selected for comfort and durability. Rumpl believes the blanket you use every day deserves the same attention to detail as a sleeping bag you might use ten times a year. The end result is a premium and multi-purpose blanket that can be used anywhere you go … or when you don’t go anywhere. www.rumpl.com.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS. (Jan. 20, 2022) – ROKA, the prescription eyewear, performance sunglasses, and technical apparel brand, has teamed up with Backbone Media as its public relations and affiliate agency of record. The Colorado-based active lifestyle agency will focus on increasing national brand awareness around the burgeoning performance sunglass and prescription eyewear sector of the business.

Founded in 2013 as a two-man operation, ROKA launched with the mission to redefine the standard of performance design. Today, the company is a global household name within triathlon, run, and bike spaces and has won international accolades such as the ISPO and Red Dot product design awards. The brand’s expansion is due to its team’s ability to fill in the blind spots of the eyewear industry through tech and design innovation, consumer feedback, and product development. ROKA’s growth mindset keeps the brand rising to the top of every category they lean into.

“In recent years, we’ve expanded our offerings beyond endurance sports to encompass a more multi-functional purpose. We believe this shift fills the overlapping space between the performance-driven consumer and the everyday active lifestyle consumer,” said Rob Canales, Co-founder and CEO of ROKA.  “Backbone’s 25 years of experience in the active lifestyle industry makes them the right partner for us as we ignite the evolution of our brand to reach the needs of a broader audience.”

The company’s mission to own the process of developing their products, increase accessibility to tools that will elevate performance, and enhance their products through first-hand testing from world-renowned athletes sets them apart from other key players in the market.

“ROKA is already a household name for triathletes, runners, and cyclists, and we’re excited to introduce the brand’s combination of style and performance to a broader market,” said Ian Anderson, partner and vice president of public relations at Backbone Media. For more information regarding ROKA, please direct inquiries to Max Krapff at max.krapff@backbone.media.com.

 

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About ROKA

ROKA is on a mission to unlock human potential. Founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, ROKA’s award-winning performance eyewear, wetsuits, and performance gear have led athletes to dozens of world titles, including three Olympic gold medals, more than 30 World Championship titles, multiple Tour de France stage wins, and hundreds of other podium finishes. ROKA works with the world’s leading scientists, athletes and organizations to push the boundaries of performance design, bringing those innovations to all who move. ROKA products are available worldwide at roka.com and through select retailers. Follow ROKA on Facebook and Instagram.

 

About Backbone Media 

Backbone Media targets, engages and inspires the active lifestyle market through public relations, media planning and buying, and social media. For more than 20 years, Backbone has worked with leading outdoor gear, apparel, technology, food and beverage brands, as well as tourism destinations around the world. Backbone has offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado, and has consistently been named one of Outside magazine’s “Best Places to Work.” For more about Backbone Media, visit www.backbonemedia.net.

Let Me Run, the nonprofit physical and social-emotional wellness program for boys, has retained Asheville, NC-based Darby Communications as its PR and digital marketing agency of record. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will work with the Let Me Run team to elevate the program’s national presence through a mix of messaging strategy, content writing, and social media marketing.

Let Me Run is building a new generation of men by teaching boys to be their best selves through a character development program powered by running. This unique, research-backed curriculum combines running, games, and activities designed to amplify boys’ confidence, self-expression, and respect for others. An independent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro showed Let Me Run significantly improves boys’ attitudes and behaviors associated with healthy masculinity, increases physical activity, improves social competence, and reduces screen time.

“As avid runners, hikers, and cyclists, our team is well-versed in the power of physical activity to instill meaningful values, build healthy habits, and change lives,” says Darby Communications President Angie Robinson. “We’re thrilled to be working with an organization like Let Me Run that uses exercise to impart lessons on compassion, empathy, and integrity to elementary and middle school-aged boys.”

Darby Communications, which has a proven track record of success among the outdoor, fitness, and active lifestyle industries, is aptly positioned to amplify the growing organization’s national reach. Through its fresh, team-based approach to PR and digital marketing, Darby Communications has previously elevated the presence of nonprofits across the country, including the American Alpine Club, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Friends of the Smokies, and Grand Staircase Escalante Partners.

“Darby Communications checks all the boxes that we were looking for in a long-term partner: demonstrated success in the nonprofit space, familiarity with the active lifestyle industry, and an unwavering commitment to client success,” says Let Me Run Executive Director Emily Battle. “We’re delighted to be partnering with an agency that shares so many of our core values.”

To learn more about Let Me Run, please visit www.letmerun.org. For media inquiries, please contact ashleigh@darbycommunications.com.

 

About Let Me Run

Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional, and social health, in addition to their physical health. Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games, and activities. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys’ personal growth.

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is a boutique PR & digital marketing agency serving the outdoor, active lifestyle, fishing, and craft food and beverage industries through impactful content creation, media placement, email marketing, and social media management. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, with a coast-to-coast portfolio, Darby Communications takes a team approach to everything it does for clients and has worked with many respected companies. Their current client roster includes Appalachian Gear Company, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Around the Crown 10K, Astral, Blue Ridge Chair Works, BRANWYN, Devil’s Foot Beverage Company, Farm to Feet, Green River Preserve, Ignik, Johnson Outdoors, Knog, Let Me Run, LifeSaver, Nine Mile, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, PubCorps, The RailYard, Sierra Designs, SylvanSport, Ultimate Direction, and Wildwater. Learn more at www.darbycommunications.com or follow on social @darbycomm.

Shimano North America Fishing, a legendary innovator in the fishing tackle industry, is proud to announce new additions to its deep lineup of quality reels. These three new offerings will provide extensive value to a wide spectrum of anglers from saltwater bottom fishermen, tournament-savvy bass enthusiasts, and devoted swimbait experts. 

Speedmaster II 8 & 10: The popular SpeedMaster II series of lever-drag reels expands with two new models for 2023. The addition of 8 and 10 sizes gives anglers new options ideal for nearshore and bottom-fishing applications. Like all SpeedMaster reels, these small but mighty additions boast high maximum drag output coupled with a smooth and versatile range of drag adjustability. Additionally, the rigid HAGANE body ensures high performance under the toughest of battles. 

Calcutta Conquest MD: Designed for the seasoned trophy angler, the Calcutta Conquest MD 300 and 400 are feature-packed options. Debuting the revolutionary SVS MD Tune Braking technology, anglers can have the confidence to throw heavy glide baits and swimbaits with enhanced casting control and performance. Truly built for big fish, the long handle design and Infinity Drive technology allow anglers maximum winding power under heavy loads. For those anglers venturing into the salt, X-Protect technology gives added confidence and durability in tough, nearshore environments 

SLX A Series: Built for the weekend warrior and seasoned tournament angler alike, the SLX A series of low-profile reels now feature performance-boosting SilentTune technology and come standard with a durable HAGANE Body for enhanced rigidity and durability. Available in three gear ratios and right – and left – handed models, the SLX A series sets the standard for versatility and performance, and is the perfect pairing for the recently-introduced SLX A series of rods. Offered at an affordable price point, anglers will be able to upgrade their quiver without sacrificing quality and performance. 

To find a retailer near you, visit Shimano’s dealer locator. For more information on Shimano North America Fishing and the latest product releases, please contact Kade Gewanter at Kade@darbycommunications.com.

About Shimano North America Fishing

Since 1970, Shimano has been a global manufacturer of industry-leading fishing tackle systems built for anglers compelled by experiences on the water. Shimano designs, manufactures, and markets a deep lineup of angling-specific products focused on promoting health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. The company proudly maintains a portfolio of four consumer-preferred brands: Shimano, G.Loomis, Jackall, and PowerPro. You can learn more at https://fish.shimano.com/en-US or follow on social @fish_shimano_north_america/, @fishgloomis, @jackall_usa, and @fishpowerpro.

Hundreds of public leaders, trail advocates and professionals join forces in new TrailNation™ Collaborative to leverage once-in-a-generation opportunity to fund and connect active transportation networks nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 19, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation’s largest trails and active-transportation advocacy organization, today launched the TrailNation™ Collaborative, a new community where public leaders, advocates and professionals will come together to advance the development of trail and active-transportation networks across the country. According to RTC, this collaborative is filling an unmet need for peer learning and collective action—leveraging the unprecedented demand for safe places to walk, bike and be active outside alongside a once-in-a-generation opportunity for public funding to create connected systems of trails, sidewalks and protected bike lanes in every community in America.

“This momentum is a result of decades of advocacy, the determination of the trail-building community, and the ingenuity it takes to envision a future where trail networks are embraced as fundamental to the quality of the places where we live, work and play,” said Liz Thorstensen, RTC’s vice president of trail development and the thought leader behind the TrailNation program.

“RTC began our TrailNation work to prove what is possible when trail networks are central to community design. Over the past decade, our aspirations have grown. Now, we want to ensure that trail networks—and all they deliver—are at the forefront of how communities prioritize resources. How places are designed, and whether they are safe and convenient for everyone to walk, bike and be active outside, can make all the difference,” said Thorstensen.

The recent influx of federal dollars and growing demand for trails are the catalysts for the TrailNation Collaborative’s vision to ensure that trail and active transportation networks are prioritized in the nation’s infrastructure plans.

Trail use increased 9.5% nationwide in 2022, nearly on par with 2020 levels, which was the most significant year on record, according to recent RTC analyses. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that passed in 2021, more than doubling funding for trails, walking and biking, emphasized the important role of trails and active transportation as climate and equity tools. In addition, the bill established a new program that provides dedicated funding for the planning and construction of safe and connected trail and active-transportation networks and long-distance spine trails, the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). Since then, trail and active transportation networks have proven competitive in the majority of federal transportation programs for which they’re eligible—including in the multimodal RAISE program, where the majority of projects have accounted for the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians, and most recently, the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, where 29 states secured earmarks for trails, walking and biking.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity moment for trail networks,” said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. “We’ve known for years that the demand for connected trails has been growing at rates that outpace the supply across the country. There’s now more funding than ever before to meet this growing need and accelerate trail network development across counties, states and the country. Together, the TrailNation Collaborative and its hundreds of change agents will lead a paradigm shift to incorporate trail networks as equitable and essential infrastructure in America.”

The TrailNation projects and RTC’s extensive network of partners will serve as the foundation for the TrailNation Collaborative. The collaborative provides proven tools, methods and resources, combined with RTC’s expertise and network of partners across the country, to accelerate the development of connected trail systems.

“TrailNation Collaborative will help the doers, planners and advocates working to connect trails in their neighborhoods and across regions to more quickly unlock the benefits that trail networks uniquely deliver,” said Mary Ellen Koontz, RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative lead. “Together, we’re going to tackle what it takes to create trail networks at the pace we need to meet growing demand and take advantage of the funding opportunities available. Anyone interested in creating trail networks in their community can benefit from the ideas, expertise and resources we will crowdsource together.”

RTC’s TrailNation initiative, along with the work of hundreds of on-the-ground partners nationwide, is redefining what it means to build trail networks and the impact these equitable systems can have on people and places. To learn more about TrailNation and sign up for the no-cost collaborative, visit: railstotrails.org/trailnation.

 

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.