Gramicci hired several outdoor and apparel industry veterans in sales and customer service.

In addition, “Never the Norm”, a new tagline, will be introduced with the Spring 07 line, reflecting Gramicci’s climbing and outdoor legacy while progressing into new, visually evocative colors and unexpected, cross-functional designs that perpetuate the comfort and durability for which the brand is known.

“The new blood at Gramicci is a strong reflection of this brand’s deep roots-made up of people who live for the ultimate outdoor experience,” said Marty Weening, president of Gramicci. “Our team members not only have the track records proving that they understand our business, but also, the skills to be thoughtful caretakers of the brand. Our colleagues are surfers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, triathletes and runners. The passion they bring to all parts of their lives makes them successful. They embody the spirit behind Never the Norm.”

Michael Donovan, the new western regional sales director, previously worked as a sales director and buyer in the apparel and outdoor industries. He will oversee Gramicci’s western region, which encompasses states west of the Mississippi River. He is a dedicated surfer, mountain biker and rider.

The western sales region has also been strengthened with the hiring of independent rep agency Treeline Sales, based in Yakima, Washington and Ketchum, Idaho. Run by Tim Andis and Dana Sterling, who bring decades of combined sales experience in outdoor sales, Treeline Sales will report to Donovan and will represent Gramicci in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Rob Brown, with 15 years of retail and sales experience, has been hired to represent Gramicci’s mountain and mid-south territory, which includes Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. He is based in Denver, Colorado. Geo Montoya also joins Gramicci as in-house rep in the western territory with responsibility for Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. Both will report to Donovan.

Mark Andrew Robinson, Gramicci’s new eastern regional sales director, is an avid surfer and rider. Before joining Gramicci, Robinson ran his own rep agency, representing outdoor brands such as Anon, Ben Sherman, Burton, Gravis, and Split. His territory is east of the Mississippi River.

Jeff Kelley, based in Hampton, New Hampshire, joins the eastern division sales team and will report to Robinson. Kelley has 15 years experience in sales, brand building and product development. He will focus on the northeast region, covering Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and upstate New York.

Gramicci also appointed Cindy Georghiou as director of key accounts and customer relations. Georghiou previously served as a buyer at Galyan’s. Georghiou will work in tandem with both western and eastern regional sales directors in servicing key accounts while also managing customer service.