Industry Press Releases
Panoptx Eyewear Launches Speed Series
For Immediate Release
Katy Gaenicke, CGPR
781-934-2427
Pleasanton, Calif., January 13th, 2004 —
PANOPTX LAUNCHES "SPEED SERIES," BRINGING PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY
TO WIDE RANGE OF PRICE POINTS
Dart, Dash, Sprint and Zip provide retailers with more
options for customers demanding performance without the "bells
and whistles"
PLEASANTON, Calif. (January 13, 2004) – In order
to bring its state-of-the-art eyegear technology to a broader scope
of customers, Panoptx Eyewear today unveiled its Speed Series, a new
product line that brings wind-resistant performance to a wide range
of price points. Featuring a partial foam seal around the eye and a
lightweight frame, the Speed Series is "Speed Rated" at 40
M.P.H., meaning the eyegear will operate at peak performance up to 40
M.P.H. The Panoptx Speed Series will be available at ski and sport shops,
optical stores and authorized Harley Davidson dealers in February 2004.
The Speed Series features a modified version of the
traditional Panoptx vision system, featuring a fleece-covered foam interior
that protects eyes from wind, snow and debris. The partial seal is an
alternative for consumers who want eye protection, but may not need
the sophisticated technology in Panoptx's high-speed performance eyegear
that are speed rated at 80 m.p.h.
"The Speed Series is a smart business opportunity
for retailers," said Bob Hall president of Panoptx. "Retailers
now have an attractive option for customers who want performance eyegear,
but may not want, or need, state-of-the-art technology typically used
by hard-core enthusiasts. In addition, our consumers have been asking
for this option as they grow more knowledgeable about technology features
and benefits. Retailers can build their businesses while consumers have
a wider product choice."
As part of the patented Panoptx Vision System, the
company offers three choices of lenses, all of which are designed to
protect the eyes from snow, sunlight glare and wind. The BaseLine lenses
are made of a polycarbonate material and are available in grey or clear.
ColorTec™ lenses, also made of polycarbonate, include a silver
or grey color option, as well as a version that is ideal for snow conditions.
PureTec™ lenses represent the highest quality in the sunglass
lens industry. These lenses are lightweight, shatter resistant and change
hue based on the amount of sunlight, so that wearers can wear them during
the brightest part of the day, and into the evening.
Dart – Dart is the only frame made of aluminum
in the 2004 Panoptx line, using dual hinges for maximum comfort. This
frame is based on the Cyclone, the most popular Velocity Series frame
and has insulated nose pads and tips. The Dart is available in a clear
satin finish and retails for $60 with a BaseLine lens, $95 with a ColorTec
lens, and $125 with a PureTec lens.
Dash – Designed Especially for Snowsports, the
Dash is patterned after the Gust from Panoptx's Velocity Series. It
is a partial rimless frame where the bottom of the lens does not have
a foam seal. This feature gives the wearer maximum peripheral view in
the lower quadrant of the lens, making it ideal for activities such
as skiing and boarding. The Dash is available in metallic black, tortoise,
and chrome, and retails for $50 with a BaseLine lens, $85 with a ColorTec
lens, and $115 with a PureTec lens.
Sprint – has a unique oval shape with a wide
temple design and a strong, medium-sized frame with insulated nose pads
and tips. The Sprint is available in metallic black, tortoise, and crystal
smoke, and retails for $50 with a BaseLine lens, $85 with a ColorTec
lens, and $115 with a PureTec lens.
Zip – features a sculpted and contoured frame
providing an esthetically pleasing style. The lenses are rectangular,
much like the Chinook from the Velocity Series, and fits a medium-sized
face. The Zip is available in metallic black, tortoise, chrome, and
white pearl, and retails for $50 with a BaseLine lens, $85 with a ColorTec
lens, and $115 with a PureTec lens.
Established in 1997 by Dr. Rudolph Kopfer, Panoptx
developed the technology that combines the protection and performance
benefits of goggles with the style of sunglasses. Today, the company
designs and manufactures superior eyegear designed to offer the highest
level of protection and comfort, especially during outdoor and high-speed
activities. Complete with filtered vents and anti-fog lenses, Panoptx
products are perfect for snow sports, motorcycle cruising, and water
sports. Panoptx's full line of proprietary lenses provide 100% UV protection
and most are available in prescription. Panoptx are sold through sunglass
stores, ski and sport shops, and authorized Harley Davidson dealers.
For more information, go to the Panoptx Web site at http://www.panoptx.com
Years of Eyewear Industry Experience
Robert E. Hall, CEO
Hall has been in the outdoor industry for 26 years and has been CEO
of four different companies over the past 18 years. He is known both
for corporate turnaround and sales growth results.
Hall served as president and CEO of Ride, Inc., engineering
a turnaround and preparing the company for eventual sale to K2 (NYSE:
"KTO"). Ride is a leading manufacturer of snowboard equipment,
wakeboards and apparel. The company employed over 350 individuals and
was publicly traded (NASDAQ:"RIDE"). Preceding Ride, Hall
owned and managed Smiley Hats, a manufacturer of quality headwear and
accessories. Smiley was acquired by Ride in 1997. Before Smiley, Hall
served as president and CEO of Allegra, the Vuarnet-France distributor
of premier sunglasses. During his five-year tenure, Hall created the
Vuarnet apparel extension and the Ziari and X-Isle brands, growing sales
from $19 million to $57 million. Preceding Allegra, Hall worked at Salomon
North America, where he worked his way up over the course of 13 years
from sales representative to president and CEO in 1981. During his five
years as CEO, sales tripled from $22 million to $64 million, an IPO
was accomplished and the Taylor Made Golf company was acquired.
Hall earned his B.A. from the University of Colorado
and completed Seminars for Young Presidents at Harvard Business School.
Hall also served as chairman of the board of Snowsports Industries of
America from 1987-1989, chairman of the American Ski Federation in 1989
and executive director of Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America (ORCA)
for one year. In addition, Hall has served on the boards of several
sports industry companies including Smith Sport Optics, Rapidtron, Athletic
Training Equipment Supply, Sportif, and Spelcor. Non-profit boards include
the Pacific Crest Trail Alliance and ORCA.
Aaron Markovitz, Vice President, New Product Development
Markovitz has more than 20 years of experience in the global eyewear
industry with a primary focus on product design, development and marketing.
He has held vice president positions in product management and development
at both Baush & Lombe and Bolle, Inc. Markovitz earned a B.F.A.
in Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and has
won several eyewear design awards.
Carolee Wilson, VP of Finance
Wilson has been a senior level manager for the last 14 years. She has
10 years experience working in a range of complex manufacturing industries,
including start-ups and large businesses. Wilson's experience establishing
internal controls as well as streamlined systems and procedures in all
areas has been invaluable in high-growth situations. She has negotiated
a range of financial lending packages and services and has managed audits
and the internal preparation of audit work-papers, all with favorable
review by Big Five firms. Wilson earned her B.S. from California State
University of Hayward.
Joel Olney, Co - Founder
Olney brings to Panoptx 23 years of domestic and international experience
in the sales and marketing of eyewear. He pioneered the market for Panoptx,
opening half of the current account base by developing and executing
innovative sales and marketing programs.
During a 16-year career with Ski Optiks, Olney managed
all sales and marketing after working his way from independent sales
rep to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Most recently, Olney was
Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Cable Car and Dr. Dean Edell
Eyewear. Leading the entire sales force, he managed sales growth to
$15 million while overseeing the marketing and development of six new
product lines. His knowledge of the eyewear business and sales management
skills contributed to strong growth of both eyewear companies and the
quick launch of Panoptx. Olney has been an integral part of the success
at Panoptx and as one of three founders, he is responsible for managing
all sales communications efforts for the company. Olney graduated with
a degree in Behavioral Science from Humboldt State, Calif. and attended
graduate school at the University of Utah.
Dr. Rudolph Kopfer, Founder
Dr. Kopfer is the inventor and designer of Panoptx eyewear. A graduate
of the University of California, he practiced Oral and Maxillofacial
surgery for thirty-two years. During his career, he was on the medical
staff of four California hospitals, President of the Institute of Correction
of Dentofacial Deformities, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University
of Pacific, and a consultant to Kaiser Permanente Hospitals. Dr. Kopfer
has been involved in numerous business ventures and product innovations
in both the medical and consumer products industries. Dr. Kopfer began
development of his performance eyewear concept in the early 1980s, and
upon retirement from his Oral Surgery practice in 1989 he dedicated
himself full-time to Panoptx. He currently manages research and development
for the company, focusing on delivering a continual stream of innovation
to ensure Panoptx achieves and sustains its leadership position in the
market.
At Panoptx, we have a mission: to provide outdoor enthusiasts with the
highest performance eyewear they can buy. To accomplish this, we've
put together a management team with more than a century of combined
experience in the eyewear industry, and spent years finding out exactly
what outdoor athletes want in a sunglass. Drawing from that background
and input, the Panoptx team has since homed in on a superior product
that offers complete protection against wind and other elements, fits
securely and comfortably, and dramatically improves vision during outdoor
activity.
Judging by the feedback we've received, we believe
Panoptx has achieved its goals. The word is spreading fast among motorcyclists,
snow sports pros, cyclists and others: Panoptx offers the ultimate eyewear
solution for the active lifestyle..
In Sun Valley, Idaho on one of those mixed snow and sunshine mornings,
wondering whether to wear a goggle or a sunglass for his first run.
As he watched skiers fumbling with their bulky goggles and uncomfortable
straps, he had an idea, “why can’t someone invent a goggle
that’s as comfortable and good looking as a sunglass… maybe
a goggle-in-a-sunglass?"
Dr. Kopfer, an Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgeon decided
to take on the challenge. Measuring the exact structure of the facial
bones on hundreds of skulls, he averaged the numbers and came up with
the exact fit curves. He worked for years to miniaturize these fit curves
and the other features of a goggle and to fit them behind a sunglass
frame.
After 8 years of prototypes and extensive R&D with
Harley riders, skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, sailors and other outdoor
athletes, Dr. Kopfer patented the invention that offered the benefits
of a goggle, without the bulky look and feel. He started a company and
assembled a top-notch management team to build and distribute it. Together,
Kopfer's Dream Team offers more than a century of combined experience
in the sunglass industry. Panoptx was founded in 1997, and today produces
superior eyewear designed to offer the highest level of protection and
comfort, especially during high-speed outdoor activities.
With the help of his team, Kopfer has created an entirely
new sunglass category, called "Windless Eyewear™”.
He is founder and head of research and development for Panoptx.
"Panoptx will forever change the performance you
expect from a sunglass",
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