Archives: Press Releases

SAN FRANCISCO (May 20, 2024) – Outdoor adventure apparel brand Royal Robbins
announces the addition of three new sales agencies in response to rapid growth—further
building sales, increasing visibility, and bolstering brand awareness in critical territories across the United States. Venture West Sales, Round Lake Sales, and Kevin Brew Sales will lead sales efforts on the West Coast, the Western Great Lakes, and across the mid-Atlantic, respectively.

“We can’t imagine a finer group of professionals to help support the growth of our brand and maximize our relationships with our retail partners than Venture West, Round Lake Sales and Kevin Brew Sales,” said Todd Gordon, Head of Sales for Royal Robbins. “These new sales agencies ensure our ability to continue our expansion and growth strategies across nearly two dozen states in the U.S. as we look to serve our fans and retailers.”

With more than 50 years of combined experience in the outdoor industry, the Venture West Sales team comprises Lindsay Bell (Principal), Mike Morley, Lesly Carroll, and Peter Aguilar-Madrid. From years of working as retailers to establishing themselves as skilled brand ambassadors, salespeople and trusted advisors to their retail partners, this team possesses the relationships and expertise to further the Royal Robbins brand on the west coast.

Ben Kiffmeyer and Allie Ng of Round Lakes Sales will be servicing the western Great Lakes region covering the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. With more than 30 years of combined experience in the industry, the Round Lakes team has represented many prominent outdoor brands in their territory and have established themselves as skilled brand ambassadors and trusted advisors to their retail partners.

Led by principal Kevin Brew, Kevin Brew Sales is headquartered in Ithaca, N.Y. with its sales team spread out across the Mid-Atlantic territory. The KBS team – Kevin Brew (Principal), Vicki Brew, Jamie Watson, Jarrett Apple, Ryszard Szumski and Julie Langenbacher – has more than 60- years of combined experience in the outdoor and winter sports industries. They pride themselves on the details that make a difference in the business as well as their partnerships with their retailers and their brands.

“These are exciting times for Royal Robbins,” said Erik Burbank, brand president for Royal Robbins. “We’re seeing increased demand from our fans and retail partners, and the expansion of the Sales Team will help us meet those demands as we continue to grow.”

For more information about Royal Robbins, its adventure apparel and brand initiatives, please visit royalrobbins.com.

 

About Royal Robbins®

Founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins, Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul! To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.

 

 

[Bishop, CA, May 20, 2024] – Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps (ESCC), a developmental leadership organization committed to building a stronger and more inclusive outdoor community, is proud to announce the commencement of its 2024 season with an unprecedented surge in size and impact. Following a remarkable year of achievements in 2023, ESCC is gearing up with its largest crew network ever, poised to make an even greater difference in conservation efforts across California’s wild spaces.

Since its inception in 2016, ESCC has been at the forefront of trail work, breaking down barriers and leaving lasting impacts on both the California wilderness and the individuals involved. With 170 alumni, 25 of whom have transitioned into leadership positions within the National Park Service, and a remarkable 40% returning to outdoor resource protection work, ESCC has established itself as a beacon of transformative conservation efforts.

“What sets ESCC apart is its commitment to inclusivity and community-building, says ESCC Executive Director, Agnes Vianzon. “From exponentially elevating all-women and all-queer trail crews to fostering a sense of belonging for individuals from historically marginalized communities, ESCC is dedicated to creating a diverse and supportive environment for all participants.”

The 2024 season marks a significant milestone for ESCC as they welcome a growing team of administrative staff and expand their operations. With four crews venturing into the wilderness to undertake vital restoration projects in California’s forests, including three Range crews focusing on maintenance and conservation projects, and a specialized Technical Wildland Crew tackling diverse activities across forested areas, ESCC is primed for its most ambitious season yet.

As a developmental leadership organization, ESCC is committed to empowering leaders from all backgrounds to effect positive change in their communities. By providing tools for upliftment and actively recruiting participants and staff from priority populations, including Black, Indigenous, AAPI, People of the Global Majority, Women, Women of Color, and LGBTQ2SIA+, ESCC aims to break cycles of social injustice and foster a more inclusive outdoor community.

Those looking to get involved with ESCC can visit here for information on how to join the organization. Upcoming events include the highly anticipated Pattiegonia Queer Trips, offering immersive backpacking excursions aimed at developing skills and knowledge for exploring and stewarding public lands. Stay tuned on @Pattiegonia’s Instagram for updates on program applications.

“For those interested in joining ESCC, the organization offers a transformative experience filled with hard work, challenges, and unparalleled rewards,” says Vianzon. “Participants gain not only practical skills in conservation and wilderness survival but also a sense of community, self-acceptance, empowerment, and the satisfaction of contributing to the preservation of California’s breathtaking natural landscapes.”

To learn more about ESCC and how to get involved, visit https://www.easternsierracc.org/.

To Donate to ESCC, visit https://www.easternsierracc.org/donate

About Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps (ESCC):

Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps is a developmental leadership organization committed to building a stronger, more inclusive outdoor community. Since 2016, ESCC has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the field of trail work, pioneering inclusivity and community-building initiatives while undertaking vital conservation projects across California’s wild spaces. ESCC actively recruits and empowers leaders from historically marginalized communities, striving to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

 

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (May 20, 2024) — The Rural is Rad (RiR) movement has officially launched to support rural brands and founders in the outdoor industry by helping consumers and specialty, independent retailers discover new brands. Their mission is to empower consumers to shop locally while fostering brand awareness for the amazing products, jobs and communities that are being developed in more remote places. While it is currently Colorado-based, the movement has a vision for the community they are creating to become a formula that rural brands nationwide can replicate in the years to come.

Rural is Rad was dreamed up by the founders of Town Hall Outdoor Co (Robin Hall), Buttnski (Kelly Mazanti) and Stray Wild (TJ Smith). The movement was formed through a shared objective to build awareness for rural brands and founders who experience shared challenges working in remote places with limited resources.

“Rural is Rad aims to bring awareness and connection to rural businesses and founders in the outdoor recreation industry,” said Hall. “Our goal is to build a comprehensive directory, marketplace and community of outdoor-oriented brands for people to discover, shop and support year-round, while providing a resource for rural founders to collaborate and, potentially, build something bigger. This movement will start right here in Colorado and expand nationwide in future years, with the help of key partners.”

Rural is Rad hosts micro gatherings and promotions throughout the year, with one main event happening during Small Business Saturday. “Rural is Rad Week” will kick off on Small Business Saturday November 30 this year, and last for the following week. Last year was the inaugural year for Rural is Rad Week. Holiday shopping and Black Friday deals are in full swing, RiR aims to provide consumers with an alternative to shopping big business through the feel-good purchasing power of shopping rural as well as connecting with local communities. The goal is to showcase purposeful purchasing opportunities, encourage collaboration and diversify economic growth.

Throughout this week, RiR businesses will offer discounts, deals or special connection points through online and in-store sales and customers will, in turn, get a unique product, made with love and become part of the community. The goal of the week is to drive revenue for rural businesses, provide an alternative to shopping ‘big’ and build a year-round community between the businesses, the customers and each other.

Rural is Rad showcases the grit and determination of rural outdoor brands and founders in the outdoor industry, helping them get discovered because in rural communities it is harder to gain awareness. Ultimately, the movement hopes to draw in the consumer who is mindful about what they are purchasing and seeks to connect with brands that are centered around purpose and values—those who are likely to care for the outdoors and treat the outdoors with respect.

“We believe that rural communities are not only the heart of the outdoor experience, but also the engine driving connections and sustainability in our industry,” said Mazanti, Co-Founder of Rural is Rad and Founder of Buttnski. “Through our movement, we aim to shine a bright light on hard-working and passionate rural businesses, create deep bonds between brands and build a loyal following with consumers.”

“As founders in rural communities in Colorado, we know how important it is to collaborate and support each other due to working with more constraints and limited resources that are available in urban environments, said Smith, Co-Founder of Rural is Rad and Founder of Stray Wild. “We are excited to help retailers and consumers find and fall in love with passionate, hard-working companies that provide great gear and services.”

As part of its commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration, Rural is Rad will host a series of events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to empower rural entrepreneurs, connect industry leaders, and inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the movement has launched an online platform, serving as a hub for rural-based brands to showcase their products, share stories, and connect with a global audience. For a calendar of events, visit the RiR website.

All rural outdoor brands are encouraged, at no cost, to join the Rural is Rad movement and become a part of a transformative journey towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant outdoor industry. For more information and to get involved, join the directory at https://www.ruralisrad.org/join. You can also follow and connect with RiR on Instagram @ruralisrad .

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About Rural is Rad

Rural founders in the outdoor industry have a unique connection to nature that often serves as the driving force behind their entrepreneurial endeavors. This connection stems from their deep-rooted relationship with the natural environment, which is an intrinsic part of rural living.

This connection manifests in inspiration and creativity, access to natural resources, walking the talk in the outdoor lifestyle, environmental stewardship, community and connection. The connection between rural founders in the outdoor industry and nature is profound and multifaceted. The Rural is Rad family believes it’s not just about doing business; it’s about preserving and celebrating the beauty and abundance of the natural world that rural communities call home. Learn more and become a member at https://www.ruralisrad.org/join.

 

SEATTLE (May 15, 2024) — Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based maker of high-end outdoor apparel and gear, signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 edition of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival, aligning with the release of the Freewheel Collection, OR’s first dedicated mountain bike product line. The Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival takes place June 8-9 in North Bend, Wash., just outside Seattle at the Raging River State Forest trail network.

The event is the largest and longest-running mountain bike festival in Washington and is organized by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. The festival will have two full days of mountain bike demos, clinics, skill zones, an adaptive riding guide, live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks and 40-plus brand vendors.

“We are excited and grateful for Outdoor Research to support our work in Washington State’s mountain bike community, and having them as the presenting sponsor of our largest annual event shows their commitment to growing the sport in the Pacific Northwest,” said Vivika Stamolis, Marketing and Communications Manager at EMBA. “This is an especially big year for the festival at our new venue Raging River and the grand opening of our Phase 3 trails, so it’s a big win to have Outdoor Research partner with us as a local brand established just 25 miles down the road.”

The Outdoor Research booth will be located adjacent to EMBA’s registration tent at the event. Planned activations include product giveaways, bike mechanic demonstrations, an MTB “skinny” challenge, and more.

“The Evergreen MTB Festival is all about community, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to step up and support EMBA’s flagship event in conjunction with our larger partnership while officially announcing our presence in the mountain bike category,”  said Dan Mayers, Brand Communications Manager at Outdoor Research . “We’re looking forward to an amazing weekend of riding, laughing, and making new friends, and we can’t wait to see our new Freewheel MTB Collection in action on our local trails.”

Outdoor Research’s new eight-piece Freewheel mountain bike collection brings the technical design expertise and materials innovation leadership that has defined Outdoor Research products for more than 40 years to a category that is a core activity for a large segment of its existing customer base. For many years, cyclists have adopted versatile OR products like the Helium Rain Jacket, the Ferrosi Overshort and the Echo tops. Freewheel represents OR’s first foray into cycling-specific products.

Watch the Freewheel collection brand video here.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners and employees. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | or@verdepr.com

[Red Wing, MN, May 14, 2024] – Vasque Footwear, with 60 years of experience delivering functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts, is excited to announce significant advancements in its sales team partnerships with Waypoint Outdoor and Outdoor Sports Marketing (OSM). These strategic initiatives mark a milestone in Vasque’s commitment to enhancing representation and service across North America.

The decision to intensify collaboration with Waypoint Outdoor and OSM stems from a strategic vision outlined by the Vasque leadership team. Recognizing the need for focused support and strengthened relationships with key sales agencies, Vasque aims to streamline operations, improve continuity of service, and maximize market coverage.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Waypoint Outdoor and OSM,” said Bryce Wernsman, president at Vasque Footwear. “Their commitment to Vasque’s success and their proven track record make them invaluable assets in our journey to strengthen our presence across North America.”

Waypoint Outdoor and OSM, both esteemed partners of Vasque, have demonstrated unwavering dedication and investment in the brand over the years. Building upon their existing territories, Vasque has expanded Waypoint Outdoor’s coverage to the Southwest and South Central regions, while OSM now extends its reach to the Mid-Atlantic.

“We’re honored to strengthen our bond with Vasque through expanded coverage in the Southwest and South Central regions,” remarked Bob Holding, partner at Waypoint Outdoor. “This partnership reaffirms our dedication to supporting Vasque’s growth and providing unparalleled service to retailers.”

Similarly, Rion Smith, cofounder of OSM, shared his excitement about the opportunity to enhance Vasque’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic, stating, “Expanding into the Mid-Atlantic allows us to deepen our collaboration with Vasque and better serve retailers in this dynamic region. We’re excited to continue our journey together, delivering exceptional support and driving success for Vasque.”

With Waypoint Outdoor and OSM now covering six of Vasque’s nine representative territories in the USA, Vasque is well-positioned to drive growth and deliver outstanding service to its valued retail partners.

For more information, visit Vasque.com or your nearest authorized retailer.

About Vasque:

Vasque Footwear has delivered functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. We believe that you don’t have to go far to change your perspective. By simply stepping outside we can change how we feel on the inside. When we disconnect, we reconnect. Vasque Footwear – Trail Footwear Since 1964. Visit us at Vasque.com