Five Ten has hired Seattle, WA-based Alta Group Inc. as its Northwestern sales repping force. The group is led by Dave Haavik, an outdoor industry veteran since '83, when he started working at the Swallows Nest in Seattle. The Alta Group, which includes Haavik, Dave Allan and Chip Miller is one of the most highly acclaimed outdoor sports repping agencies in the country, and in addition to Five Ten, also services Petzl America, Atomic Nordic and Telemark skis, Indigo Equipment, Sea to Summit, and Ambler Mountain Works. Alta Group will be replacing Egan and Associates for the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Montana.
Says John Connelly, Five Ten International Sales Manager, “I'm very happy and excited to have the Alta Group on board to represent 5.10 in the northwest. They have the experience, the energy and the manpower to provide us with excellent representation and our dealers with a high level of professional service. I also want to thank Dave Egan and his associates, Jeff Busic and Jackton Downard for all their hard work and professionalism over the years to help make 5.10 the leading climbing shoe brand in the territory. I wish the best for them in the future.”
According to Charles Cole, founder and president of Five Ten, while the company is was sorry to say goodbye to Egan and his associates having the Alta Group on board is an exciting prospect. “In addition to the overwhelming buyer response to the idea that we team up with the Alta Group,” say Cole, “I always like to hire reps who understand the full spectrum of sales. Dave, Dave and Chip not only are experienced outdoorsmen, with some solid climbing experience, but they also have backgrounds in retail and buying, which gives them more insight into our customers needs.”
Alta Group Inc. is also excited about the new partnership. Says president, Dave Haavic, “From a pure business standpoint, it is a terrific opportunity to pick up a well-established line. And it is a terrific fit as our strengths are in hard goods and accessories. Before we made the decision, we spoke with a lot of our customers, and what really impressed us was the across-the-board enthusiasm and support for the Five Ten line and brand.”
Both Connelly and Haavik expect the transition to be nearly seamless. Not only is the territory in excellent shape due to Egan and Associates' highly professional efforts, the Alta Group has an impeccable record of retailer service. Explains Haavic, “In our mission statement, our job of being good sales reps is all about service. We meet with customers at shows, write preseasons, do clinics and demos, and return phone calls within 24 hours. And the excitement our customers have about partnering with Five Ten is a real bonus.”
