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Louisville, COLO.
(April 12, 2006) - Sierra Designs, a technical leader of innovative
outdoor clothing and gear and Ultimate Direction, a manufacturer of
high-performance hydration systems today announced that Paul Gagner has
been named its new President, effective April 24, 2006. Gagner
previously served as vice president of sales and marketing at Gregory
Mountain Products and currently serves on the board of directors for
the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), USA Climbing and Donate-A-Pack
Foundation.
"Paul is instinctively a great fit for Sierra Designs and Ultimate
Direction," said George Grabner, President of American Recreation
Products (ARP), the parent company of Sierra Designs and Ultimate
Direction. His experience and passion for the outdoors as well as his
proven track record for sales and knowledge of great product design, is
the exact formula our brands need. We are ecstatic to have Paul join
our team and help us continue to push our brands legacy's and products
as well as take them to the next level."
Gagner comes to Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction after serving
in various positions at Gregory for the past ten years. In 1996, the
company hired Gagner as a sales manager and he quickly moved to vice
president of sales, marketing and customer service. During his time at
Gregory, he helped the company triple its sales and build brand
awareness. Prior to his employment at Gregory, Gagner owned a sales
representative agency in Boulder, Colo, worked as a retail store
manager for The North Face in Calif. and was a climbing ranger in the
Grand Tetons. A passionate outdoor industry advocate for over 25 years
and an active climber for almost 30 years, Gagner has a unique
background that combines a successful business career with a very
active outdoor lifestyle.
"I am honored to take on the position of President of Sierra
Designs and Ultimate Direction as the companies have a solid,
passionate team in place, and it is an amazing opportunity, challenge
and logical next step for my career," said Gagner. "In the coming year,
I plan to focus on core, authentic and technical products that meet or
exceed the needs of the specialty retailer and outdoor enthusiast.
Additionally, I am committed to identifying and delivering new,
meaningful technologies and innovations while building the brands sales
and profitability."
Gagner's last day at Gregory will be April 21, 2006 when he will
then relocate with his wife Victoria, 16-month old daughter Katherine,
dog and cat to Colorado.
About Sierra Designs
Established in 1965, Sierra Designs is a leading manufacturer of
high performance products, including tents, sleeping bags and technical
and casual outdoor clothing. The company is dedicated to producing
technically superior, innovative products that offer function as well
as style.
About Ultimate Direction
Ultimate Direction manufactures a complete line of bottle and
reservoir hydration systems to meet the needs of any specific athletic
competition or sport. Ultimate Direction began the hydration pack
revolution over 25 years ago and continues to lead the way with
exceptional hydration systems and technical packs for active athletes.
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