July 5, 2011

Cool Job: Snowshoe strategist Chris Parkhurst

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Chris Parkhurst (second from right) and a team from Cascade Designs test MSR Lightning Snowshoes in the Gold Creek area of Snoqualmie Pass.

What do you do? I’m the division director for winter products at Cascade Designs (a Seattle outdoor-equipment manufacturer). You’ll recognize our gear under the MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine and Hummingbird brands. … I create the overall strategy for the winter product line, such as MSR snowshoes and poles, working with a team on product development and marketing strategies. It all boils down to creating innovative, long-lasting and meaningful solutions for winter outdoor enthusiasts.

Best part of the job? There are three things about being in the outdoor industry, and working at Cascade Designs specifically, that I love:

1. We manufacture our own products, right here in Seattle, and in Ireland for the European market.
2. We have an incredibly talented, dedicated and passionate workforce, with a common purpose and focus.
3. I get to work and play in the mountains.

Where have your job travels taken you? I do get to travel quite often to Europe, where we have a strong presence and a factory. Since I’m winter-focused, I go to Switzerland quite often, along with other neighboring countries that border the Alps.

What would surprise people about your job? That we manufacture in Seattle. It’s pretty fun to see an individual’s reaction when they hear we make the majority of our products on First Avenue South. Manufacturing in the USA is possible, but it takes commitment, ingenuity and a fierce competitive fire.

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1 Comments

Barbara Inklebarger on July 12, 2011 4:37 PM | Reply

Way to go Chris. Aren't you glad you hung in there looking for the perfect job. I'm so proud of you. You are the greatest dad and husband too. I'm impressed.
Love, Mom Barbara

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