Interview with Zach Branson of Mountain Source
Q&A on Smartwool, Chaco, and their positive environmental impact in and outside of Fort Collins
Zach Branson is the Principal of Sales at Mountain Source which is an Independent Manufactures Sales agency that represents brands such as Smartwool, Chaco, Merrell, and Fjall Raven. Mountain Source supplies retailers in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico. Brands such as Smartwool and Chaco are supplied at retailers such as Jax within Fort Collins. Smartwool and Chaco are both environmentally friendly brands which support positive environmental efforts. When sales professionals such as Zach Branson with Mountain Source supply smaller retailers in Fort Collins, these environmentally friendly brands are introduced and support the environment, retailers, and Fort Collins.
What is Smartwool?
Smartwool is a company that manufacturers sustainable apparel and socks that are made of the finest Merino Wool available.
What is Chaco?
Chaco is a company that manufactures premium river sandals and shoes.
What does Smartwool do for the environment?
Smartwool works closely with all aspects of its supply chain to make sure it is a green as possible. From how the wool is grown, processed and manufactured.
What does Chaco do for the environment?
Chaco makes a product that helps the environment by not prematurely wearing out. When you have worn out the straps or the outsole you can have both replaced vs. adding them to a landfill and having to buy another.
Who are some of your retailers in Fort Collins?
Jax, Christy Sports, and Brown Shoe Fit.
What do these retailers such as Jax do for the environment when they buy these products?
By buying these brands they are showing their support the brands environmental efforts.
Do these retailers promote positive environmental strategies of these products?
Yes, their success with the brands allow the brands to continue with the efforts.
Do you feel that it is important to sell to independent retailers such as Jax in Fort Collins?
Yes! Independent retailers are the backbone of the outdoor business. They know better than any national chain or online dealer what the Ft. Collins customer needs and buy their assortment around these needs.
Does Smartwool and/or Chaco have any specific programs for helping the environment? In Fort Collins that you know of?
Smartwool had a recycling program for used socks that were re-purposed into dog beds. Chaco continues to re-sole and re-web sandals to keep sandals from ending up in the landfill.
