BlackRapid® Announces Marc Gottula as National Sales Director

BlackRapid® Announces Marc Gottula as National Sales Director

SEATTLE, WA – February 11, 2016 – Seattle-based camera accessory company BlackRapid®, makers of the revolutionary R-Strap camera sling, announced Marc Gottula as the company’s new National and International Director of Sales.

Over the last 2 years, BlackRapid has expanded their distribution from a strong and in-demand photography niche, to growing specialty sport – outdoor, ski, and, bike – as well as travel and multi-tier international consumer electronic channels. As these new distribution channels opened, it became clear that bringing Gottula, a one-time member of BlackRapid’s leadership team with vast expertise and in-depth sales development knowledge, back into the BlackRapid fold was critical to continue the brand’s growth. Ron Henry, CEO for BlackRapid, approved the move, stating “Gottula knows the brand inside out and is the best person to take BlackRapid to the next level.”

“Since nearly BlackRapid’s beginning in 2008 I’ve been working alongside Ron Henry to expand BlackRapid into the domestic and distribution photo and outdoor channels. This year is shaping up to be a very exciting one for BlackRapid as we are going through a complete metamorphosis, both as a company and in our products,” says Marc Gottula. 

Gottula has been working in the photo industry for thirty-five years, during which he has worn an array of hats – everything from managing the pro departments in some of Southern California’s best professional photo stores to being a manufacturer representative. Gottula has been the US distributor for two major German photo product manufacturers; while at the same time working as a consultant to several new photo businesses seeking to get their products into the photo industry market. Eventually, his growing photography and business expertise led him to guiding a small Seattle-based camera strap company (BlackRapid) from working trade shows to worldwide distribution. Describing his ‘career’ path, Gottula equates it to, “think of a Great Dane seeing a squirrel. It’s been a hell of a ride!”

Gottula currently divides his time between his business and numerous creative endeavors, including being a husband, parent, avid photographer, illustrator and writer of short stories. He’s more than happy to add his new BlackRapid responsibilities to that list. There is clearly no such thing as a dull moment for Gottula.

BlackRapid® has been expanding its technology and applications to the active outdoor market segment. By continuing to revolutionize outdoor photography accessories, adding photography and athlete ambassadors, and increasing its social media presence, BlackRapid is making a growing impact across all markets.

BlackRapid revolutionized the way photographers carry cameras. The company’s innovative sling system carries the camera upside down by the camera’s tripod mount and a specially designed sliding mechanism allows the camera to easily slide up the strap into position for shooting the perfect photo. The unique BlackRapid sling goes across the chest and the camera sits securely at one side and upside down. BlackRapid makes a broad line of camera slings for casual and professional outdoor, sports, family and wedding photographers.

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About BlackRapid

BlackRapid is a company that revolutionized the camera strap with its patented sling design. Ron Henry a professional photographer from Seattle was looking for a better way to carry his camera than the traditional neck strap. He found that connecting the camera to the tripod hole and hanging the camera upside-down was the solution. With a trip to Seattle’s REI to buy some climbing straps, mixed with simple hardware, he came up with the first working prototype. This was the start of something new and exciting that photographers all over the world would begin to use. BlackRapid is now in over 50 countries and was part of the INC 500 for one of the fastest growing companies in 2012. BlackRapid is a premier camera accessory brand offering products designed to improve the speed, comfort and efficiency of consumer and professional photographers. www.blackrapid.com

For more information, please contact: Beth Cochran o: 406.579.7909, bethcochran@whatsuppr.com