Astral, a footwear and paddle sport safety gear company based in Asheville, NC, brought on sales representation for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas (TOLA), Midwest and Mid-Atlantic territories.
Effective immediately, Kevin Bakke will handle Astral sales representation for TOLA. Based in Dallas, Kevin is positioned to serve the growing dealer base in the surrounding areas. Astral joined Bakke’s portfolio consisting of Hydroflask, Fits Socks and Oofos Footwear.
Astral Sales Manager Bryan Owen said Bakke’s addition will move the brand toward a strong 2017 season. “We’ve seen quite a bit of momentum in ‘TOLA’ over the past 12 months,” said Owen. “Our product is right for the climate, our brand is getting some good attention, and we’ve been fortunate to find solid placement with some of the best specialty retailers in the region. Now that we have Kevin in the field, we have all of our bases covered, and are planning for considerable growth in this key territory over the coming years.”
The Midwest territory gained Sales Rep Scott Hamstra, who is based in Madison, WI. Hamstra has been in the industry for 19 years, working as a salesperson, manager and buyer at Rutabaga Paddlesports. He will join Midwest Sales Rep Dave Larson in representing Astral, Native Watercraft, Hurricane Kayaks and Pelican.
Erik Steinour will join Kelly Fischer and the Astral team on a sub rep basis in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Steinour worked as a sales rep for the Morrison Sales Agency, representing outdoor and ski brands including Head Skis, Obermeyer, Giro, Fox River, Rafters and Bogs Footwear. With Steinour’s account list and familiarity with Astral Footwear through whitewater kayaking, Astral hopes this partnership will open doors for the company.
