MONTANE Expands U.S. Sales Force in Key Markets

Neskowin Outdoor, the North American brand management and distribution firm for UK- based technical apparel brand MONTANE, announced the expansion of the brand’s North America sales presence. 

Effective immediately Jake Linford of Gear Sling, LLC will serve the Pacific Northwest and Central to Northern California, while Canice Harte of Grit Group will take on the Rocky Mountains. Nick and Amanda Robinson with Core Goods will manage Montane’s presence in the North East, Mid Atlantic and Southeast territories.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Montane’s North American growth,” says Walt Crate, principal with Neskowin Outdoor. “We’ve built a specialty retail-focused team to serve our growing partner network in the US and Canada, while continuing to invest in the retail community. We’re thrilled to have strong sales agencies servicing a broader geographical base of the very best outdoor and trail running retailers in North America.”

Based in Portland, Ore., Jake Linford and Andrew Stone of Gear Sling will cover AK, WA, OR, NOCAL, ID, and MT, bringing years of experience in the outdoor and active fitness markets. “Having spent a lot of time in the UK with British family heritage, I’m proud to be working with an iconic, premium British brand like Montane,” says Jake Lindford, principal of Gear Sling, LLC. “I only put the best brands in my van!”

Grit Group, a firm headed by industry veteran, avid adventure racer and runner Canice Harte, will cover the Rocky Mountain region, including CO, UT, NM, and WY. Harte discovered the brand while participating in the Montane Spine endurance race. “The brand’s Further, Faster ethos speaks to me, and the lightweight without compromise performance apparel and packs are a perfect fit for Rocky Mountain retailers looking to attract the youthful minded, high intensity mountain consumer,” says Canice Harte, President of Grit Group.

According to Nick Robinson, principal of Coregoods, a multi-label, brand building agency: “I am excited to work with Montane North America, and expand our territory with an authentic outdoor brand that understands our customers and their challenges in today’s omni-channel landscape. Montane delivers globally awarded outdoor apparel and gear to some of the best independent retailers in New England and our team is excited to expand growth in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast as well.”

Photo courtesy of Alex Buisse & Montane.