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Every time a brand even loosely affiliated with snowboarding hires a new intern we get a press release stating that an ‘industry veteran’ is joining the team. And while that term is subjective, the three dudes ZEAL just hired have all put in their time in the action sports world — eyewear specifically for Erwin and Barone  — and we’re excited not only to see their effect on the brand, but also to have them fifteen minutes down the road from us.

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From ZEAL:

ZEAL Optics ramps up its sales and events team with the addition of industry veterans Danny Barone, Mike Erwin and Joe Rizzo. With nearly 50 years of combined experience, ZEAL’s new crew will work to seamlessly grow the brand across the U.S., while continuing to own its Rocky Mountain backyard.

After 13 years leading the Rockies sales division at Smith Optics, Barone joins ZEAL Optics as the new North American Sales Director. Barone plans to organically grow the ZEAL brand, while setting up mutually beneficial partnerships along the way.

“I am thrilled to be working with a tight nucleus of talented, brand enthusiasts,” says Barone. “We have a great group of well respected individuals who eager to give ZEAL a fresh start.”

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Erwin, who’s joining ZEAL as their Rockies Account Executive, was awarded Rep of the Year in 2014 for his work with Dragon Alliance.  He has helped accelerate the growth of action sports brands including DC, Ride Snowboards and K2.  Erwin will be managing accounts in CO, WY and NM. His experience in the field will make him an essential asset to the team.

“When presented with the opportunity, I was immediately drawn towards ZEAL’s strong foundation and commitment to the outdoors,” says Erwin. “While ‘bubble gum brands’ attempt to latch onto the latest trends, they lose their authenticity in the process. ZEAL speaks to a certain realm and has developed a core brand identity.”

After working as the Intermountain Account Executive for ZEAL Optics covering MT, ID, WY and UT on the heels of repping Burton in the same region, Rizzo has transitioned to the Events Specialist role within the company. He will be traveling the U.S., Canada and the world hosting sponsored events, tradeshows, on-snow demos, clinics, as well as supporting brand representatives, athletes and creating content for the marketing team.

“ZEAL is a brand that I can fully believe in,” says Rizzo. “It is a smaller company that attracts similar-minded employees and ambassadors through its environmentally conscious products, developed and tested in the elements of the Rocky Mountains.”

 

About ZEAL Optics

Proudly the most sustainable sunglass and goggle company in the world, ZEAL designs and crafts every sunglass from renewable plant-based materials. ZEAL is also known for revolutionizing the goggle market with the HD Camera Goggle and the original GPS goggle. Based in Boulder, Colo., USA, ZEAL is a boutique brand focusing on handcrafted quality eyewear build for life outdoors. For more info visit zealoptics.com and follow @zealoptics on Instagram and Facebook.

For more information please visit www.zealoptics.com.