Hyperwear, the company behind SandBell, SteelBell, Hyper Vest weighted vests and Hyper Rope, appointed Chad Price, co-founder and former CEO of Kettlebell Kings, as VP of sales and strategic growth.
His appointment comes as Hyperwear continues a period of sustained growth and investment. The company was recently recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for the second time and is expanding its team, facilities, product portfolio and commercial capabilities.
“Chad understands this industry from the perspective of an entrepreneur, product developer and customer, and that combination is incredibly valuable,” said Dirk Buikema, founder and CEO of Hyperwear. “He knows what it takes to build a differentiated fitness brand and, just as importantly, understands the needs of gyms, coaches, athletes, dealers and retailers. We are excited to have him help lead the next stage of Hyperwear’s growth.”
Price co-founded Kettlebell Kings, helping build the company into a recognized specialty strength and fitness equipment brand before its acquisition in 2021. His experience spans sales, e-commerce, product development, sourcing, brand building and the commercial fitness market.
At Hyperwear, Price will focus on developing strategic relationships with health clubs and gym operators, fitness equipment dealers and distributors, specialty retailers, professional and collegiate sports organizations, universities, and private sports performance facilities.
“Hyperwear has built an impressive portfolio of products that solve real training problems in distinctive ways,” said Price. “There is a significant opportunity to introduce those products to more facilities, coaches, athletes and consumers while also listening closely to customers and identifying where Hyperwear should innovate next. I’m excited to join the team and help build that next phase.”
Hyperwear also recently added Kristen M. Beavers, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., a professor and researcher at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, as a science advisor. Beavers’ research includes the effects of weight loss and exercise on body composition, physical function and metabolic health in older adults. The appointment comes as Hyperwear is increasing its emphasis on the science behind resistance training, metabolic health, healthy aging and long-term physical performance
“We believe the future of fitness is about much more than simply exercising harder,” Buikema said. “Strength, metabolic health and maintaining physical capacity throughout life are increasingly connected. We want science to help inform the products we develop, the training applications we support and how we communicate their benefits.”
Images courtesy Hyperwear
