Kokatat, the 39-year old independent leading paddlewear and accessories company, today announced sales and marketing director Michael Duffy’s resignation.
Duffy has held the position since 2000 and helped champion the company’s environmental efforts over the years. In, 2010 Kokatat was awarded the Green Business of the Year award from the Arcata Chamber of Commerce. Duffy’s efforts have resulted in Kokatat becoming the second most top-selling technical apparel brand in a March 2010 SNEWS retailer survey. Duffy was also instrumental in helping Kokatat attain an ISO 9001:2008 certification, the world’s premier quality and standards benchmark.
Duffy announced his decision to step down and will continue his career in marketing while focusing on his young family in Arcata.
“I wanted to be able to stay in a fantastic place like Arcata,” Duffy said. “Spending more time with my wife and daughter has become a priority for me in the last couple of years. Ill miss being part of the Kokatat family, as I love the product, the brand and the people that make it all happen.”
Duffy’s career in the outdoor industry began at age 14, as a bicycle shop employee. After working in outdoor sports retail during college, Duffy accepted a job with the formerly Arcata-based Yakima racks brand. Duffy assumed a sales position at Yakima for two years before moving to Kokatat.
“Michael has been a true asset to Kokatat during his tenure,” said Kokatat founder Steve OMeara. “His accomplishments at the company include building global sales and developing the supply chain while elevating the company’s position as a genuine leader in the outdoor industry.”
