QBP presented the third annual Vendor of the Year Award to L.H. Thomson at Frostbike 2012 in Bloomington, MN. The Macon, Georgia-based company manufactures seatposts and stems for road and mountain bikes.
Steve Flagg, president of QBP commented, “Thomson has always modeled an IBD friendly approach and consistently been able to maintain the best quality components over the years. They meet our high standards for partnership while continually innovating products that excite dealers and their customers.”
Thompson demonstrates a commitment to community and advocacy by supporting national and regional cycling organizations such as IMBA, SORBA, CAMBR Goneriding, Epic Rides and MORC. They lower environmental impact by using low-impact packaging, small master cartons and domestic shipping. Committed to supporting American job creation, Thompson manufactures all its products in the USA.
Nominees for the Vendor of the Year Award were chosen for their ability to work adaptively, flexibly and cooperatively with QBP. Other criteria include sustainable profitability, innovative product development, effective branding and marketing, and outstanding dealer and consumer support. They also must demonstrate a commitment to independent bike dealers, environmental initiatives and community activism.
Since 1997 the Thomson Company has grown to be our number one vendor for mid to high-end seat posts and stems. Their patented line uses aerospace quality and design has set the benchmark for high quality product. In house testing is second to none in the bicycle industry and all products pass both European and US standards. Thomson is in high demand and their customers are extremely loyal lifelong Thompson riders. While new products are few and far between that is really a testament to the quality, form and function of their existing product line.
QBP is a leading distributor to the cycling and outdoor industries. Dedicated to high performance and outstanding results, the company is committed to being in the top 1% of all distributors. Carrying more than 36,000 products from 450 vendors, the company offers domestic and international retailers a wide array of products and services including a 1,700-page catalog; an online ordering system; a renowned custom-wheel service; a specialty bike-building program and more. The company owns five bike brands including All-City, Civia, Foundry, Salsa Cycles, and Surly. QBP is also the exclusive U.S. distributor of Ridley, a Belgian manufacturer of road, mountain and cyclocross bikes, and Lazer Helmets.
Additionally, QBP owns 45 North, Whisky Parts Co., Dimension, and Problem Solvers. Through its Q-Outdoor division, QBP distributes products to independent ski, run and outdoor retailers. A strong proponent of environmental business practices, QBP operates a LEED-certified, Gold-level distribution center and office complex in Bloomington, MN and has applied for LEED-certified, Platinum-level
certification for its complex in Ogden, UT. A third warehouse in Middletown, PA completes the distribution triangle, allowing QBP to reach 95% of its customers by ground shipping in one to two
days.
