Business news : Salomon Hires Hochwender to Head U.S. Footwear Sales

SportsOneSource Media     Posted: 6/12/2012

Salomon USA has hired Dennis “Denny” Hochwender as its  footwear national sales manager.  Hochwender, who has already begun his new position, is primarily responsible for managing Salomon’s specialty footwear sales and sales groups across the United States. Additionally, he will provide input from the market, sales representatives, and end users to improve future sales and marketing programs and product lines.

Hochwender has been an active part of the outdoor industry for more than 30 years, with top leadership roles in specialty retail management, sales force management and product management. Most recently he served as VP of sales and outdoor product director for Hi-Tec USA. Jeff Larsen, Salomon USA vice president and commercial director of footwear says strong growth from new products, in-store execution and improved supply chain coupled with new talent, including Hochwender, will continue to propel the brand.

“Denny is an industry expert and we are looking forward to working with him as he applies his strengths at Salomon USA,” says Jeff Larsen. “From his skills in a retail environment, to steering the ship at a top sales agency, to excelling in product development, Dennis provides the necessary perspective and execution we need to continually improve our footwear category.”
Hochwender says he initially started in the outdoor industry to get his “fix” for his love of climbing and backpacking.

“I’ve expanded my hobbies to include, cross country skiing, canyoneering, hiking and mountain biking,” says Dennis Hochwender. “Each of these sports has been an opportunity to make new friends in the out-of-doors. While I use these hobbies to clear my head and keep a smile on my face, my focus for the last 30 years has been sales. Whether it is training new sales people, expanding the horizons of veterans or just discovering new ways to grow the business, I find it all exciting.”

Before, during and after participating in athletic outdoor activities, Hochwender enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years and their two children. He will continue to work from his base in Longmont, Colo.