Smartwool Announces 2017 Agency And Rep Awards

Smartwool, the outdoor industry’s leading Merino brand, awarded High Plains Outdoor Group as the 2017 Agency of the Year, Patrick Manzer as 2017 Rep of the Year and Lynsey Cole as Key Account Rep of the Year.

 “The High Plans Group is a progressive and innovative agency; always looking for ways to improve their business and drive revenue,” said Jody Carlson, Smartwool director of U.S. Wholesale Sales. “They are exemplary shepherds of the brand in that they truly embody the lifestyle that they sell.”

High Plains Outdoor Group (HPOG) is one of the preeminent outdoor agencies in the south central region of the U.S.  As the source and essential link between major brands and retailers, HPOG sales professionals build relationships through first-rate customized service.  In less than a year, this agency has undergone significant transitions in nearly every facet of its organization, which has resulted in the largest one-year revenue growth of all Smartwool agencies.  

Named as Smartwool Rep of the Year, Patrick Manzer handles all specialty and independent accounts throughout the northeast region.  Working for Hawk & Associates, Patrick has been advocating Smartwool for the past three years. Despite the continuous changes within the retail landscape, Patrick has demonstrated command of his region by growing sales and driving larger assortment buys with more consistent reorders.

“Patrick excels in all facets of the criteria: service excellence, business acumen, sales leadership, goal achievement and professional growth,” said Carlson. “His dedication to Smartwool and relentless work ethic has gained him tremendous respect from customers and colleagues alike. It is this type of dedication to success that we recognize.”

Lynsey Cole, named as Smartwool Key Account Rep of the Year, has proven she is a force to be reckoned with.  She has taken hold of one of the brand’s most high-profile accounts and drove a double digit YOY topline revenue increase while also improving profitability by double digits.  As a valued member of the Waypoint Point Outdoor sales group, Lynsey is as much respected for her innovative partnerships as she is for her constant strive for excellence and her ability to bring out the best in those around her.

“Lynsey embodies important characteristics of what it takes to be not only be a successful rep, but a progressive one,” explained Carlson. “She has a clear strategy and goal with every interaction she has with a buyer.  She is strategic, detailed and a great ally for the Smartwool brand. She is exactly the type of rep we want to promote while leveraging her innovative spirit.”  

Awarded annually at the Smartwool fall sales meeting in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the Agency and Rep of the Year Awards provide an opportunity for Smartwool to recognize and thank an agency and individual reps that deliver outstanding results along with superior customer service.