Author: Eugene Buchanan

Alpacka Raft, a pioneer of the packraft category, is celebrating its 20th anniversary based in Mancos, CO. With the lightweight float craft category booming, the company has launched new models as it continues to define the category while opening up backcountry waterways for exploration. SGB Executive spoke with its president, Thor Tingey, for his view […]

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” That quote, by Charles Dickens, could sum up the topsy-turvey paddlesports industry this season as boat manufacturers scurry on the supply side to keep up with demand.

Smaller specialty retailers and manufacturers picked up a few pointers on leveling the playing field against e-commerce and other giants in a mid-May webinar on the State of Retail 2021 presented by Snowsports Industries America.

Life Time, which owns and operates the Unbound Gravel, Leadville Race Series and the Bentonville Big Sugar NWA gravel events, is riding high with the news of another event, recently announcing the hosting of its first Rad Dirt Fest. SGB Executive caught up with marketing director Michelle Duffy for her spin on the new event.

In April, several thousand pickleball players descended upon Naples, FL, to compete in the emerging sport’s pinnacle event, the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. SGB Executive caught up with Franklin Sports President Adam Franklin, who was on hand at the event.

While snowpack levels are below average across much of the Western U.S., rafting outfitters are anticipating a solid season coming up as COVID-19 restrictions slowly ease and customers are craving a chance to get outside.

SGB Executive caught up with its vice president of marketing, TJ McMeniman, on the brand’s partnerships geared toward preservation, ongoing conservation initiatives and new styles of shades hitting retailers’ shelves.

SGB Executive caught up with GM Jonathan McFarland for his take on Mountainsmith’s longevity, momentum and more.

Brevard, NC’s SylvanSport, a manufacturer of camping trailers and affiliated gear, helped pioneer the “RVing meets adventure camping” category, a niche that has boomed during the pandemic. SGB Executive spoke with its CEO and founder, Tom Dempsey for his thoughts behind the RV sales boom and what lies ahead for the brand.

Active Brands’ recent hiring of former Nike executive Christophe Merkel ushers in a new era for the Norwegian, multi-brand, outdoor company. SGB Executive caught up with Merkel for his take on the company’s future plans, making the jump from Nike, Active Brands sustainability initiatives, and upcoming product initiatives.

SGB Executive spoke with G-form CEO Glen “Gava” Giovanucci for more on its foray from outdoor sports into the armed forces.

SGB Executive sat down with CEO David Mellon, a former Simms executive and head of product for Black Diamond, for the reason behind the brand’s footwear launch, the fishing industry and the brand’s sustainability efforts.

Led by ex-Costa VP Al Perkinson, a new team has launched Bajío Sunglasses, a line of shades aimed to fill the void as the only independent premium eyewear brand in the market. SGB executive spoke with Perkinson for his take on the industry, new brand, launching a company amidst the pandemic, and more.

Swedish companies POC and Mips are entering a new phase of their decade-long partnership. SGB Executive caught up with POC CEO Jonas Sjögren to glimpse what the future holds for the headwear brand.

SGB Executive caught up with VP of Innovation Rob Falken to dive into its latest foot-betterment technology.