Grivel North America has hired Mark Wilford as the sales representative for the Midwest territory. As a climbing and outdoor industry veteran, Wilford has a proven sales record in the Midwest, with a territory encompassing 14 states outside of his native Colorado. Wilford also joins the roster of Grivel North America’s ambassadors, a team of alpine climbers who choose Grivel tools and embody the GNA “Style Matters” ethic.

Wilford’s climbing ideals and traditional ethics reflect those of Grivel North America’s principal Mark Twight, who welcomed Wilford back into the Grivel fold. “Finally, we have a powerhouse rep in the Midwest territory, and the very same one who is responsible for developing brand loyalty in the region through his work with Grivel in the past” said Twight. “As a GNA ambassador, Mark is a perfect fit. His words and ideals are respected throughout the climbing community, and he’s widely regarded as an icon of staunch traditionalism and alpine style”.

Wilford’s climbing resume includes the first American solo ascent of the Eiger North Face, a winter solo of The Diamond on Colorado’s Long Peak, an extensive history of alpine solos and rock, ice, and high bouldering ascents, first ascents in Alaska’s St. Elias range and Himalayan expeditions.