Cascade Designs, Inc. announced that company founder and chairman of the board John Burroughs, will be leaving his post after 46 years of company leadership. John, 82, an accomplished mountaineer and world traveler, founded Cascade Designs in 1972 and has led the company to include a collection of award-winning brands including Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Platypus, SealLine and PackTowl.
“I am proud of our accomplishments over the years and that our products have been an integral part of the outdoor experience for so many people around the world,” said John. “The future success and growth of Cascade Designs is assured by its continuation of what we set out to do nearly 50 years ago: create innovative, quality solutions to real-world needs by listening to our customers.”
John’s decision to step down from his role after nearly 50 years comes as a natural transition for the private, family-owned company as it continues its leadership in the industry and dedication to its customers, suppliers and employees. The company will continue its commitment to manufacturing in market to ensure supreme quality control and to bolster the in-market workforce.
John, who will remain on the board of directors, plans to enjoy more time with his wife and family. Current company president, David Burroughs, will take on his father’s position as the new chairman of the board as part of the planned transition for the family business. David has been with Cascade Designs for 14 years where he worked as VP, strategic business development, before becoming president in 2016. David has been an active member of the board of directors since 2004, but his involvement with the company started long ago when he helped to package Therm-a-Rest products in his youth.
“I started in this business a long time ago, packaging Therm-a-Rest accessories in my bedroom as a kid,” said David. “After learning the business and industry from my father in an official capacity for nearly 14 years, I’m looking forward to building upon the company’s engineering and manufacturing heritage and continuing the tradition of making award-winning products.”
