Garmont USA has hired Joshua Gibbs as footwear sales  manager, where he will oversee the outdoor divisions of Garmont footwear and Bridgedale socks beginning Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010.

“Josh brings an unquestionable passion for the outdoors and a strong industry background to the Garmont team,” said Gord Bailey, president of Garmont USA. “His personal background and professional talents are unique in the marketplace, and are exceptionally suited to our highly technical specialty brands.”

Gibbs is a veteran of the outdoor industry, having worked in specialty retail for 14 years. Prior to joining Garmont, Gibbs was the lead buyer at Mast General Store, a nine-store group based in the southeastern United States. Gibbs’ specialties included product evaluation and development of purchasing strategies for both footwear and socks. Gibbs also managed the store’s private label program.

Gibbs’ footwear industry experience includes technical representation for Phil Oren Fit Clinics – a legendary training seminar for specialty footwear retailers.

A former outdoor educator at the University of Arkansas, Gibbs is an avid ultralight backpacker, ultra-marathoner, bicycle commuter, and Leave-No-Trace advocate. In 2007, along with his wife Sara, Gibbs successfully thru-hiked all 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 160 continuous days.