Benchmark Outdoor Outfitter, which operates a store in Cincinnati, OH, announced that Sally Grimes has been named the new vice-president of retail operations and marketing.
Grimes brings 18 years of outdoor industry and small business management experience focused on marketing, operations, fundraising, and program development.
“With the recent explosion of interest in outdoor activities in the tri-state region as well as the booming adventure travel business, it’s an exciting time to be a part of such a well-respected local outfitter,” Grimes said.
As the former executive director of Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition and Winter Wildlands Alliance, Grimes built two organizations from the ground up, leading substantial economic and social growth, increasing customer bases by nearly seven times, strengthening bonds between businesses and local non-profits, and quadrupling annual budgets and business incomes.
Before joining the Benchmark team, Grimes was responsible for the development and implementation of volunteer, event and education programs at the recently established REI in Cincinnati. Utilizing her expertise in community outreach and social media, Grimes established a network of solid relationships with outdoor-related nonprofits to fuel these highly successful programs.
Based in Blue Ash, Grimes will lead Benchmark’s retail operations and marketing sector, focusing on examining Benchmark’s customers’ needs and expectations and developing programs, events and a retail environment designed to deliver a high-quality and unique customer experience.
Benchmark CEO Burke Herron remarked, “We are very pleased and excited to join forces with such a well-respected, experienced and influential industry veteran as Sally. She has a real gift for inspiring people to get outdoors, growing the ‘Support Local’ movement; we look forward to seeing what she is capable of achieving!”
A native of Indianapolis, IN and graduate of Indiana University, Grimes is married to Chris Chesak and they have two daughters, Lillian and Sylvia.
