CONCORD, Mass. (January 15, 2018) – Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high-performance soles and the creator of the Vibram FiveFingers® articulated toe shoe, today announced the opening of its new office in Portland, Oregon. In doing so, Vibram announced several new positions including a dedicated sales, design and development team to support existing clients based in the Northwest and to serve new business opportunities throughout the West.
“We are proud to make Portland our newest Vibram home,” states Mike Gionfriddo, CEO of Vibram Corporation. “Portland’s proximity to some of our largest partners and ecosystem of mountain and action sports companies makes it an ideal location and primary market of opportunity for Vibram.”
Vibram’s Portland office will be led by industry veteran Joel Enderle. Enderle brings over three decades of branded footwear product development and manufacturing experience. In his role as Vibram’s regional manager, Enderle will oversee project management and product innovation. In addition to Enderle, Max Moody will manage West Coast sales and soling designer Robert Lee will lead Vibram’s design efforts in Portland.
Already making its presence felt in the community, Vibram Portland is currently supplying 2D drawings and rapid prototype parts, new outsole molds, and a Vibram outsole wall library to PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy. With its “learning by doing” curriculum, the academy teaches students the entire footwear design process, including inspiration, concept-development, design process, problem solving, materials, prototyping, marketing, business, networking and branding.
“Beyond just supporting our footwear partners or hunting for new business in the West, Vibram intends to play an active role in the Portland business community,” states Enderle. “We plan to devote significant resources to further develop Vibram’s presence here and in the West. These new positions along with our new Portland office space will help drive this effort.”
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ABOUT VIBRAM
Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world’s greatest climbers and athletes. Vibram soles have gone on to conquer Mt. Everest, K2 and a host of the world’s tallest peaks. Today, the company works with premium brands including Merrrell, Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Red Wing, Sperry, Scarpa, The North Face, and many more. Vibram’s Five Finger shoe line is on the cutting-edge of the minimalist footwear trend. Please visit us at www.vibram.com or follow us and our innovative products and services on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram &Pinterest.
