Does Brian Frankle not own ULA anymore?
I just called to ask about the circuit sizing, and about the boy scout discount, and who i was talking to (I didn;t get the name) mentioned to me that they were the new owner. Did he sell it? Maybe this is why it opened a moth earlier?

Thanks guys!

-Jace

At least according to the website Brian still owns ULA. It's possible you talked with Casey who is the CS manager.

Yikes! I had to call ULA and find out. I just talked to Chris, who is indeed The New Owner. He's known Brian since before Brian began the business, and Brian is still there (still hobbling on his formerly busted leg, but much better). I have to go somewhere quiet and digest this.

Interesting. I guess Brian is taking on a strict designer/tester/tweaker role.

Strange - I have mixed feelings about this.....not sure why exactly, but I do.

Maybe because I have been lucky enough to meet Brian at his shop.

Hmm....it'll be interesting to see what the future holds.

Who knows, could be a good thing? This may give him more time to develop new gear while somebody else handles the more mundane elements of the brand.

Well, I hope it works. Seems to be working at Gossamer Gear.

"Well, I hope it works."

Me, too, but I tend to be a bit wary that Brian will lose control of design/quality. I'm a big believer in the golden rule: Them what's got the gold make the rules. :(

Sounds like Gossamer Gear.

Many entrepreneurs are great at developement and execution of their core products or services, but not so good at (or really don't like to be bothered with) the day to day business side of their company. that's when the smart ones make a change; they either hire or sell to someone who is.

I just hope that quality stays that same in all aspects. I also hope they dont sell out to some big company (i guess an extension of the first). I will be ordering tommorow, just in case!

-Jace

I'm feel a little queasy. My favorite pack manufacturer being sold? I too worry that they will become just another corporate entity that is all about making money and not caring about quality or workmanship. It is amazing that with ULA, you still have an American product at a fair price made with great detail to quality. Please stay that way.

Thumbs up to selling to a friend and not some corporate mothership like most outdoor companies. It'll be neat to learn a little about the new owner.

Maybe we can get someone to interview him/ have him post here? I think it might be nice to learn more about him and his plans. From what I talked to him, he seemed nice, and promised to get back to me with a question he didn't know the answer to.

-Jace

I would be willing to do it. So if you have questions go ahead and post them here, and I will send an email, or call him with the questions.

-Jace

"I would be willing to do it. So if you have questions go ahead and post them here, and I will send an email, or call him with the questions.

-Jace"

So...
1. What changes do you plan?
2. What do expect to continue?
3. What will you do to build on and sustain ULA's excellent reputation?
4. Why did you buy the business?
5. What "message(s)" do you want to convey to the lightweight backpacking community?

I was also thinking

any new changes to the product line?

any changes the the manufacturing process?

How did Brian approach you with the offer?

And i really like the "Any thing you would like everybody to know" question

-Jace

I would like to know how Brian is going to be involved in the business. Will he continue to design products, sew, etc, or is he going to just hang around long enough to hand over the business and leave it altogether? Finally, is the location of manufacture changing as it happens on his property?

Maybe Brian himself will chime in?

I just sent out an email explaining how we would like to do a mini-interview with the new owner. I left it up to him as to weather it is email or phone. I am hoping to be able to get answers by friday, and be able to post them up. I will post all of the questions and answers in a new thread so be on the lookout for that. Keep posting questions, as I will pick out as many as possible (but 20 at the most). Keep sending in questions!

-Jace

I wonder if I should be jumping in and grabbing my next replacement pack now??