Rusty Apparel appointed Scott “Pod” Banuelos, most recently Surf
Marketing Manager for Smith Optics, as Director of Marketing. The La
Jolla Group, Inc, holds the license for Rusty North America.
Charlie Setzler, President of Rusty North America said, “This is all
coming together so fast, my goal was to add all stars at Rusty and Pod
definitely brings that to the program. We couldn't be more stoked.”
Pod, from Huntington Beach, Ca, competed as a professional surfer in
the 80s and early 90s, worked retail for Robert August, then
transitioned to team and marketing for XCEL Wetsuits, Counter Culture,
Rip Curl, and most recently was Surf Marketing Manager for Smith Optics.
“The opportunity to represent Rusty means a lot to me because of
the history and validity of the brand,” said Pod, ” it's about elite
athletes and amazing surfboards, and when you add Charlie's extensive
product knowledge, and The La Jolla Group's ability to build and
deliver that product, I couldn't be more excited.
La Jolla Group Inc, based in Irvine, Ca., was formed in
1992 with the acquisition of the North American O'Neill Clothing
license from Jack O'Neill and family in Santa Cruz, CA. La Jolla Group has
expanded its portfolio by acquiring the licenses for Lost Clothing,
Metal Mulisha Clothing, and Rusty Clothing.
Rusty got its start in surfboards
in the mid-1980s and has remained an industry leader since. Founded by
Rusty Preisendorfer, Rusty Apparel is sold by leading youth sportswear retailers and quality
core surf shops worldwide.
