Well, we are already a few months into 2008, and things are as busy as normal! Good to see that even after ~4 months off, we can get back to work and get inquiries answered and products shipped. So far we have done a stellar job at fulfilling the build up of backorders that accrued during my absence, as well as keeping pace with the flood of early winter orders. In addition, pre-season orders from our retailers (Mountain Crossings, Bluff Mountain Outfitters, and Mt Rogers Outfitters) have already been sewn, boxed and shipped. I'll tell you what...business is A LOT more fun when you can delivery on time!

So...how have we made the transition from being reliably unreliable to prompt with regard to delivery? Before I left in August '07, I made a few design changes throughout the product line and pre-cut loads of packs and accessories. From that point the dedicated ladies of ULA, set to work creating as much inventory as possible in the 2 weeks before we shut down. That gave us the step up we needed heading into the DEC '07. Now...we just need to stay ahead of demand for the next 8 months. I am optimistic we can make this happen as long as I keep a clear head, stay organized, and avoid any production snafu's. Other than improving production, I also need to be more consistent with regard to answering e-mails and returning phone calls in 2008. Baby steps, baby steps...I'll get this all to work out smoothly one of these days!

The packs got a slight refreshing with a few tweeks here and there. Nothing major, but simply a continued refinement of shape and fit. I am happy with the changes and am looking forward to feedback from customers. Of course I have had a few things in the works for some time and feel like *maybe* I'll be in the position to offer them later this year if we can stay on top of our exisitng work load. No sense in whetting appetites for more equipment if we cannot deliver, but be assured they will be competitive within the market place.

The 'customer gallery' contines to expand, so if you have an image you'd like to share, e-mail a jpeg to me and I'll get it posted.

Anyway, 2008 looks to be an exciting and less-stress oriented thus far. Wherever you find yourself hiking this year, I hope you have a smile on your face and a spring in your step...

-Brian

 

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