Summer 2019 – Inside Outdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | SUMMER 2019 R E P N E W S & N O T E S www.insideoutdoor.com www.insideoutdoor.com R E P N E W S & N O T E S www.insideoutdoor.com Eagle Creek recently announced its selection of Clear Creek Reps as its 2018 Rep Agency of the Year. The Clear Creek Group team includes principal Owen Dennehy and associ- ate Scott Duer. The group directs sales in the Rocky Mountain region, where it also represents outdoor brands Garmont, Topo athletic, EcoVessel, GoLite, Pri- mus/Brunton, Aloe Gator Sunscreen, Kate’s Real Food and Un- sinkable Polarized. “This agency exempli- fies hard work and team spirit,” said Jeff Sermak, Eagle Creek sales man- ager, North America. “My grandfather taught me a few important lessons: Work hard, pick up the phone, and don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. It’s better to do too much than too little, because it’s easier to tone it down than turn it up. Clear Creek Reps does all of this and more. These tough, hardwork- ing folk went above and beyond, being proactive and doing more than we asked them to. Owen and Scott continue to stay relevant, adapting to changing times, and making that extra effort to stay on top of their accounts, helping them keep Eagle Creek’s in-store and online presence looking great.”  All aspects of brand building were considered for the award, including but not limited to: in-store presenta- tion, staff training, assortment plan- ning, relationship building, sales growth, online presence management and developing new business oppor- tunities. Clear Creek was selected for their double-digit revenue growth,  account and channel expansion, busi- ness acumen, pre-booking success, planning/forecasting, and help servic- ing national accounts. Always inspired by travel, the annual Eagle Creek Rep of the Year award includes a trip for two to a dream destination. Dakota Grizzly has brought on Za- halka Sports Marketing Group to rep the Upper Midwest region. Operated by wife and husband team Joan and Rick Za- halka, the agency is now handling Wis- consin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois for the brand. “We are excited about introducing the authenticity of a Midwest brand to Midwest retailers. We love the family history and culture at Dakota Griz- zly,” stated Joan Zahalka. Farm to Feet Honors JCA Sales Farm to Feet recently named JCA Sales as its Agency of the Year. The award was presented to agency principal Jeff Church at Farm to Feet’s sales meeting in May. The Farm to Feet Agency of the Year award is presented to the rep or agency that delivers outstanding results along with su- perior customer service, said the company. JCA was selected for their double-digit revenue growth, account expansion, pre-booking success and outstanding cus- tomer service. Along with a com- memorative plaque, JCA will have their travel expenses covered for the next sales meeting. “Jeff’s enthusiasm and the team’s tireless efforts over the past year resulted in huge gains in New England for us,” said Chris Nitzsche, Farm to Feet vice presi- dent of sales. JCA Sales services the New England territory where Church is supported by his wife Diane Ciaacio, vice president of op- erations; sales associate Tim Boyle and his assistant Suzanne Spaulding; and sales associ- ate Chris Childs. Along with Farm to Feet, JCA Sales represents a number of complementary out- door brands including Acorn slip- pers, Rafters sandals, Bogs foot- wear, Garmont, Native Eyewear, Tasc Performance, Croakies, OS1st and Welly Bottles.  “This award not only recog- nizes our hard work, but it also shows that the brand is tak- ing hold in our territory,” said Church. “When we took on the brand several years ago we knew it could be something big, and thanks to great products and support from the team in Mt. Airy, we are beginning to see what the future truly holds for this amazing brand.” Eagle Creek Names Clear Creek 2018 Rep of the Year Dakota Grizzly Adds Muscle to Midwest 12 Left to Right: EC’s Sermak; Clear Creek’s Dennehy, Duer and Tim McGuire