Hilco Vision acquired Croakies Inc., a Wyoming-based producer of eyewear retainers and associated outdoor lifestyle accessories.
“Hilco Vision strives to lead the industry in the optical accessories category through product innovation and brand authenticity. Croakies is synonymous with eyewear retention and has built an incredibly loyal customer base through its focus on comfort, design, and functionality over the past 40 years,” explained Ross Brownlee, chief executive officer of Hilco Vision. “We are very enthusiastic to build on this tradition of innovation and invest in the continued global growth of the Croakies brand.”
“Croakies has its origins on the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and has at its core the desire to meet the needs of the everyday adventurer,” stated John Krisik, president, Croakies Inc. “We were attracted to Hilco Vision due to their focus on quality, innovation, service, and sustainable development, all things important to Croakies’ bright future.”
Hilco Vision, based in Plainville, MA, said it is committed to ensuring Croakies maintains its strong footprint within the mountains of the American West through the company’s Bozeman, MT-based manufacturing facility. Croakies’ lifelong president and owner, John Krisik, will be retiring at the end of the month.
Hilsinger, the parent of Hilco, supplies more than 20,000 products to a large and diverse group of customers. The company trades under five primary brands: Hilco – professional products; Leader – consumer eyewear accessories, sports eyewear, sunwear, and swim products; Quality Accessories – premium, personalized lens care products; OnGuard Safety – industrial safety eyewear; and Wilson Ophthalmic – eye care supplies and accessories. Hilsinger customers are serviced through company-operated facilities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and France.
Photo courtesy Croakies
