Paul Gagner Named President of Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction

Louisville, COLO. – 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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