Boot Barn Holdings Removes “Interim” from John Hazen’s CEO Title
Hazen has served as the company’s interim CEO since November 2024. In October 2024, Boot Barn reported that then-CEO James Conroy was leaving the retailer to become CEO of Ross Stores.
Nike, Inc. Names Amy Montagne Nike Brand President as Heidi O’Neill Retires
Amy Montagne was named president, Nike Brand; Phil McCartney appointed EVP and chief innovation, design & product officer; Nicole Graham appointed EVP and CMO; and Tom Clarke named chief growth initiatives officer.
Pickleball Kingdom Franchise Opening in Manchester, CT
Spanning 30,681 square feet and featuring 10 professional-grade indoor courts, led by franchise group Pickleball X Equity, the member-based club will open in late 2025
Cascade Designs Taps Mindful Sales for New England Region
Founded in 2022 by Patrick Manzer, headquartered in Kennebunk, ME, Mindful Outdoor Sales assumes responsibility for the six-state region of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, succeeding longtime rep Chris Lathrop, who is retiring after a three-decade-long career in the outdoor industry.
Rab Names New Sales Agency for North Central U.S.
End2End founded in 2017 by outdoor sales rep Connor Larsen in Austin, TX, will represent the company in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
OrderMyGear Promotes Drew Simon to VP of Engineering
In his new role, Simon will evolve the technical platform to support advanced functionality and to unify OMG’s solution portfolio. Simon will also oversee platform stability and ongoing improvements across OMG’s services.
Gold’s Gym Closes Last Two Locations in El Paso
Gold’s Gym’s El Paso Instagram account states, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to close our Gold’s Gym locations in El Paso.”
Kona Bicycles Taps Charles Russell to Lead Sales & Marketing
Russell reportedly lived and worked in Europe, Canada and the U.S. for a range of global bike brands, including Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Yeti Cycles and Cannondale, “giving him a unique perspective on building global brand recognition and demand.”
NSSF: Adjusted NICS Background Checks Decline Again in April 2025
The 3.4 percent decline for the month continues a downward trend since October 2024, with the exception of a small bump in January 2025.
Amped Fitness To Enter Houston Market with Two New Clubs
Amped Fitness, the Florida-based HVLP chain, is making its debut this summer in Houston, TX, with the opening of two new clubs, Amped Fitness Willowbrook and Amped Fitness Gessner
Hydro Flask and Osprey Parent Helen of Troy Sees CEO Exit; CFO Takes Reins
Helen of Troy Limited, the parent of Hydro Flask, and Osprey, said Noel Geoffroy has resigned as CEO and has departed, effective immediately. Brian Grass, chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
Escalade’s Q1 Sales Slide 3 Percent
Escalade, Inc. reported improved earnings climbed 44.4 percent with a boost from improved gross margins. Sales were down 3.2 percent, although growth was achieved in archery, outdoor games, darting, and safety categories.
Lowa Names New U.S. General Manager as Peter Sachs Plans Retirement
Peter Sachs is stepping down as the brand’s USA general manager, with Lance Taylor, an outdoor industry veteran, assuming the role. Taylor worked at Salomon for 17 years, most recently as head of its Outdoor National Business Unit.
Nite Ize Expands Portfolio; Acquires Orange Screw
An alternative to tent stakes and anchoring devices, Orange Screw products come in two sizes, 12.25- and 9.5-inch, and are used for various outdoor applications, including securing tents, canopies and landscape elements.
SGB Media Relaunches SGB Sports & Fitness Update Newsletter
The publishing company, which has focused on the active lifestyle market since 2003, is now delivering a weekly SGB Sports & Fitness Update email newsletter each Friday afternoon, except for holidays, to provide a focused view and weekly wrap of the top stories of the week for sports and fitness industry professionals heading into the weekend.
