Golden, CO-based backcountry gear brand Mountainsmith has made two appointments to the leadership team—Josh Kerns was named national sales manager and Jeff Popp was named product line manager.
Kerns comes to Mountainsmith directly from his previous role as sales operations manager at Scarpa North America, where he helped to manage key accounts and provide critical sales data and strategy to internal teams, reps and retailers. In addition, he also managed Scarpa’s customer service and warranty departments.
As Mountainsmith’s sales manager, Kerns will manage the brand’s independent sales reps across North America, seek out new business development opportunities for the brand and oversee the company’s sales strategy.
In 2009 at age 22, Popp founded backpack brands Mile High Mountaineering & CO.ALITION. He continued to build his brands for more than eight years until he sold them in 2017. He has also been on the television show Shark Tank.
As the brand’s product line manager, Popp will plan, manage and lead the development of Mountainsmith’s new and existing product lines, collaborating with the design team on projects and product ideation.
Assisting Josh and Jeff in their new roles will be Brendan Armesy, Mountainsmith’s new sales and experience coordinator.
“Mountainsmith has gained three incredibly valuable professionals with the addition of Josh, Jeff and Brendan,” said Jonathan McFarland, GM at Mountainsmith. “All of them bring a significant amount of experience from the outdoor industry, a wealth of knowledge specific to their new roles, and most importantly, a passion for Mountainsmith that will undoubtedly move the brand in a positive direction. All of us at Mountainsmith are excited to begin 2019 with such an amazing team as we head into our 40th anniversary year.”
