Cascade Designs Inc. announceD that outdoor industry veteran Jerry Heinlen will be the company’s new CEO.
Heinlen brings more than 30 years of experience to the position, with a focus on driving growth, business improvement, and organizational excellence for brands in the outdoor and sporting goods industries. The company’s brands include: Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Platypus, SealLine, and PackTowl.
“We’re excited to welcome Jerry to Cascade Designs,” said David Burroughs, Cascade Designs chairman of the board. “His lean manufacturing and outdoor industry experience align extremely well with Cascade’s 46-year dedication to providing superior service, innovation, and quality to our customers.”
A Seattle native and seasoned leader in the outdoor industry, Heinlen brings decades of experience in best-in-class branding and marketing, lean manufacturing, supply chain operations, and building strong, lasting relationships with customers and employees. Heinlen will support the company’s continued business growth, product innovation, and leadership in the industry.
Prior to joining Cascade Designs, Heinlen served as CEO at SOG Knives & Tools, CEO at Yakima Products, Inc., and as president and COO at Waterloo Industries, Inc. He currently serves on the board of SylvanSport, LLC and Frontier Packaging, Inc.
As CEO, Heinlen will oversee all day-to-day operations of Cascade Designs, leading and working with the leadership team to continue to implement successful growth strategies for the company. With his direction, the company will follow a path of lean manufacturing, supply chain best practices, and commitment to core values and brand vision. Heinlen will report to the Cascade Designs Board of Directors, led by former president, David Burroughs, who has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board.
“I am excited and honored to lead Cascade Designs,” said Heinlen. “The company’s stable of iconic brands, award-winning innovation, USA manufacturing, and excellent people offer a powerful and valuable combination for success. I look forward to working with my new teammates and our industry partners as we pursue what I believe will be a very bright future.”
