Neskowin Outdoor Inc., the North American brand management and distribution firm for Montane, a leading U.K.- based technical apparel brand, announced the expansion of the brand’s North America sales presence.
Effective immediately Jake Linford of Gear Sling, LLC will serve the Pacific Northwest and Central to Northern California, while Canice Harte of Grit Group will take on the Rocky Mountains. Nick and Amanda Robinson with Core Goods will manage Montane’s presence in the North East, Mid Atlantic and Southeast territories.
The first brand to bring Featherlite apparel and equipment to the outdoors 25 years ago, Montane continues to grow its North American specialty retail presence. The brand has over 10 years in the U.S. market and is known for its lightweight, breathable apparel and equipment.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Montane’s North American growth,” said Walt Crate, principal with Neskowin Outdoor. “We’ve built a specialty, retail-focused team to serve our growing partner network in the U.S. and Canada, while continuing to invest in the retail community. We’re thrilled to have strong sales agencies servicing a broader geographical base of the very best outdoor and trail running retailers in North America.”
Based in Portland, OR, Jake Linford and Andrew Stone of Gear Sling will cover AK, WA, OR, NOCAL, ID, and MT, bringing years of experience in the outdoor and active fitness markets. “Having spent a lot of time in the U.K. with British family heritage, I’m proud to be working with an iconic, premium British brand like Montane,” said Jake Lindford, principal of Gear Sling LLC. “I only put the best brands in my van!”
Grit Group, a firm headed by industry veteran, avid adventure racer and runner Canice Harte, will cover the Rocky Mountain region, including CO, UT, NM, and WY. Harte discovered the brand while participating in the Montane Spine endurance race. “The brand’s Further, Faster ethos speak to me, and the lightweight without compromise performance apparel and packs are a perfect fit for Rocky Mountain retailers looking to attract the youthful-minded, high intensity mountain consumer,” said Canice Harte, president of Grit Group.
According to Nick Robinson, principal of Coregoods, a multi-label, brand building agency: “I am excited to work with Montane North America, and expand our territory with an authentic outdoor brand that understands our customers and their challenges in today’s omni-channel landscape. Montane delivers globally awarded outdoor apparel and gear to some of the best independent retailers in New England and our team is excited to expand growth in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast as well.”
Montane athletes test products to the limit at Montane sponsored events such as the Tor des Geants, Spine Race, Lakeland 100 and Yukon Arctic Ultra.
