Patagonia has a new CEO. His name is Ryan Gellert and he was the former business director of Patagonia’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa divisions. Jenna Johnson will now lead Patagonia, Inc (which is the clothing side of the business) We’re have no idea what this means for the company, or for us. But Gellert is obviously happy about his promotion.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity and keenly aware of the responsibility to lead this company in this critical time,” stated Gellert. “No one’s expectations of Patagonia are higher than our own. Everything we do needs to ladder back to our mission of being in business to save our home planet, and we need to do that in a way that is just, equitable and inclusive of all people. Ambitions don’t get much bigger than that. And while there will be more tough days ahead as we challenge norms, I am excited to do the work alongside Patagonia’s talented and passionate professionals. And, I am certain we will also have some fun along the way.”
There were some other changes at the company as well. For all those details, please follow the jump.
Airblaster is welcoming Ricky Hower to the snowboarder-owned and operated brand as Marketing Manager. Hower worked for Timberline Lodge and Ski Resort of the last 20 years, most recently as marketing manager. Ricky will oversee all aspects of marketing, including team management, and will report to Co-Founder/Brand Director/Designer, Jesse Grandkoski.
“It feels kinda like Charlie getting the keys to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, except nobody had to be turned into a giant blueberry or almost drown in liquid chocolate. My wife has described it as Cinderella finding her glass slipper. I think both of those sentiments hit pretty close to home for me. Airblaster has had a special place in my heart for well over a decade; the products, the people, and the message are things I back heavily. I am thankful for the opportunity, excited for the future, and stoked to share how fun snowboarding is with the world,” said Hower.
For all the official details, please follow the jump.
Good morning. Welcome to the new week, in the new-new, of the new now, with our same old list of stories. It may seems like each day is the same as the last, but this list of stories will prove that is not the case. Things are happening in the world outside. Some of them are good, many bad, but all of them peaked at least a small slice of our interest. Maybe your’s as well. Follow the jump for all the headlines.
We drove past the VansWorld HQ in Costa Mesa, California last week on another of our NorCal-to-SoCal journeys. We saw empty parking lots, a large construction project in their backyard, and thought to ourselves–we should check in with Doug Palladini to see how Vans is handling the current situation. Few in action sports are dealing with more of the new now than the global president of Vans.
As many would point out, that would require us to do a little more work than we’re used to doing. Luckily, GroupY (which is turning 14 this year) got the old CrossRocket band back together and interviewed Doug for us– on video. Please, sit back and enjoy this interview conducted by former TransWorld Media Publisher, Snowboarder Magazine Editor, Swell.com Editor, content programming strategist, and media executive Rob Campbell.
They lasted longer in Oregon than most anyone thought, but the COVID crisis is forcing everyone to make the hard decisions. Dakine is no different. They are reportedly closing their Hood River offices, laying off 39 people and leaving their roots behind, according to a story in the Bellingham Herald.
“The current health crisis, and the corresponding Oregon stay at home order were unforeseen business circumstances, and have made it financially unfeasible for the company to continue operating,” Dakine human resources director Raeanne Norberg wrote in a letter to state workforce officials.
Dakine says they are moving a couple people to their SoCal offices. Sad news for sure.
A long list of stories for our time this week. Some don’t even mention COVID-19. We can say that when everyone is locked up in their own homes they just don’t generate as much news. Duh! So here you go.
Vans Global Brand President Doug Palladini sent a letter to Vans employee world wide outlining the work that Vans is currently doing to support those in need. He included the Vans ‘Foot The Bill’ initiative, product donations and partnership with Hedley & Bennett to use Vans’ shoe canvas to make and donate more than 250,000 reusable facial masks.
As a brand engrained in the belief that we aren’t a shoe and apparel company but a people company that makes shoes and apparel, looking after our people has always been and will remain our top priority. This commitment rang true in March as we made the decision to shift corporate offices to remote working and temporarily closed our stores in the U.S. and Canada to prioritize the safety and health of you and all of our store associates. I am especially humbled by the fact that in partnership with VF Corp., we’ve been able to ensure that our store associates have continued to receive full pay and benefits during closures. Additionally, I want to express my personal appreciation for our distribution center associates who continue to facilitate consumer purchases from Vans.com. Their dedication to our brand is truly inspiring and together with VF Corp., we continue to implement proactive steps to uphold the well-being of our associates.
During these rough times it’s great to see good people (and brands) rising to the challenge in such positive ways. So stoked that Vans is able to do the right thing for their employees and for people around the world. For the entire letter, please follow the jump.
Vans is doing their part to help small businesses around the world with their new Foot The Bill custom shoe designs initiative.
To support our extended Vans Family, Vans has committed to helping 80 small, independent businesses including skate and specialty shops, restaurants, music venues and community- driven spaces by offering their custom-made designs available for purchase on Vans Customs with net proceeds going directly to these vital partners. . . “My father Paul Van Doren always said that we were a people company that made shoes. Now, more than ever, it’s important to support the people that provide spaces for communities around the world to be creative and come together,” said Steve Van Doren, son of Vans’ founder and Vans’ Vice President of Events and Promotions. “We were once a small business and wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of these partners. We hope to rally together with our consumers to lend a helping hand to those that are in need.”
The program will expand to include additional independent skate shops, surf shops, restaurants, music venues and community driven spaces over the next month and will be available on Vans.com in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, United States and United Kingdom. For all the details, including a list of retailers please follow the jump.
Patagonia has a new CEO. His name is Ryan Gellert and he was the former business director of Patagonia’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa divisions. Jenna Johnson will now lead Patagonia, Inc (which is the clothing side of the business) We’re have no idea what this means for the company, or for us. But Gellert is obviously happy about his promotion.
Airblaster is welcoming Ricky Hower to the snowboarder-owned and operated brand as Marketing Manager. Hower worked for Timberline Lodge and Ski Resort of the last 20 years, most recently as marketing manager. Ricky will oversee all aspects of marketing, including team management, and will report to Co-Founder/Brand Director/Designer, Jesse Grandkoski.
They lasted longer in Oregon than most anyone thought, but the COVID crisis is forcing everyone to make the hard decisions. Dakine is no different. They are reportedly closing their Hood River offices, laying off 39 people and leaving their roots behind, according to a story in the 
Vans Global Brand President Doug Palladini sent a letter to Vans employee world wide outlining the work that Vans is currently doing to support those in need. He included the Vans ‘Foot The Bill’ initiative, product donations and partnership with Hedley & Bennett to use Vans’ shoe canvas to make and donate more than 250,000 reusable facial masks.
Vans is doing their part to help small businesses around the world with their new Foot The Bill custom shoe designs initiative.
