Pingora

Product Shot of the Month ?? “Pingora is a brand that aims to share a love of the outdoors through its technical bags. When Pingora co-founders Mike May and CJ Whittaker proposed a backcountry ski shoot, I eagerly accepted, despite my winter hiatus at sea level. An early morning — plus keeping up with Mike, CJ and our two very athletic models — was quite a challenge, but I never once felt left behind. The team was extremely supportive and encouraged me to keep going. The entire shoot embodied Pingora: early mornings, big objectives, good company, lots of jokes and all the snacks. This shot is a product of spontaneity, shared moments and a good sun flare. It captures the essence of Pingora.” — Lauren C. Pandolfi, Photographer

In July, Utah Business partnered with Maschoff Brennan to host a roundtable featuring Utah’s outdoor industry leaders. Moderated by Tara McKee, deputy director of the Division of Outdoor Recreation at the Utah Department of Natural Resources, participants discussed increasing outdoor participation, designing with inclusivity in mind, Utah’s field testing advantage and more. Read a recap of the roundtable: https://lnkd.in/gxpGB8Wz ??: Mekenna Malan

This is Mike, we've been friends since 1994, skiing and enjoying life ever since. Here's Mike skiing with me in Hokkaido while planning Pingora a few years ago. We launched Pingora's first season this March. We've had some great successes since (including selling into Beams Japan season 1!!!!) and the most recent success being our second investment check! This is our first time fundraising and we are so grateful for everyone who believes in us. This includes our investors, family and friends, and our supply chain family. More to come!!! PS: Mike is one of the best skiers I know, a damn good friend, founder, and great business partner.

Last week we hosted a Founders N' Funders Consumer Products Ski Day. I met so many awesome people I had not met before! Two of the individuals I met: CJ Whittaker (Co-Founder of Cotopaxi) and Mike May (brilliant entrepreneur) have built a new technical backpack and outdoor gear brand based called Pingora. ??? ?? Super cool packs and gear --- Check it out at Pingora-gear.com! They were kind enough to raffle off two of their high-end packs at the event and provided a special discount code for everyone at the event to use on their site. I had a chance to ski with Mike and CJ (both amazing skiers by the way -- and wearing Pingora packs, which was pretty cool!). ?? They also told me they were Forecastr clients --- I had no idea!!! ?? Mike mentioned that they have been working with one of our Forecastr analysts, Jordan Pope-Studstill, MBA, MSSF and he has been incredibly helpful for their business! This absolutely made my day, as I know Jordan and he is amazing! They were telling me how Jordan helped them build out their financial model and has been instrumental in helping them make strategic decisions for their company. He raved about how smart Jordan is, and also how great he is to work with. He said Jordan even purchased one of their packs as a gift for his mom and then later told them how much she loved it. "Best pack ever!!!" It was cool to see Randy Covington, Founder of Katanga Arms LLC, at the event as well, who is another Forecastr customer who gave us a good shoutout as well. After hearing these unsolicited shoutouts, I had a few other founders ask me for more info about Forecastr as well. Gotta love the power of creating raving fans!!! ?? #ravingfans #skiing #foundersnfunders

Ok .... This event just keeps getting better every single day!!! ?? We just had the guys at Pingora, a super cool outdoors gear brand, register for the Founders N' Funders Consumer Products Ski With a VC event and they are going to raffle off a Pingora Ski Pack and a Travel Duffle at lunch on Friday! So, now we have a free demo day for Cardiff Snowcraft's high-end snowboards and skis, RAH Energy drinks bringing the caffeine, and Hand Out Gloves and Pingora doing raffles for their products! Anyone else want in? You have one more day to register ..... See y'all on Friday!!!! #skiing #skiwithavc #foundersnfunders