Former Reebok Executive Purchases Vancouver's Dayton Boots Inc.
To Expand Distribution in North America, Europe and Asia </pre> <p><location>VANCOUVER</location>, <chron>Oct. 5</chron> /CNW/ -- Calling legendary <location>Dayton</location> Boot brand "one of the most authentic footwear brands to come out of <location>North America</location> this past century -- a Canadian-born original with a proud history, a bright future and a loyal customer base," Stephen Encarnacao announced today that he has purchased controlling interest in <location>Dayton</location> Boots Enterprises, Inc.</p> <pre> (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091005/NE85519 ) </pre> <p>Encarnacao, Dayton's CEO since 2008, recognized the potential to bring <location>Dayton</location> to a wider audience in <location>Canada</location>, the U.S., <location>Europe</location> and Asia. He expects revenues to double in FY 2010.</p> <p/> <p>"I'm excited about the 2010 <location>Vancouver</location> Winter Olympic Games as a wonderful opportunity to showcase the quality and durability of Canadian hand-crafted footwear to the world," he said.</p> <p/> <p>"I feel very fortunate to have discovered <location>Dayton</location> and its storied history. For more than two decades, I have been searching for a footwear company that could match the excitement I experienced as the chief marketing executive for a little known brand back in the 80's called Reebok."</p> <p/> <p>"I'm certain that <location>Dayton</location> represents a similar opportunity. Both brands started simply: Reebok created the first track spike in England in 1895 and <location>Dayton</location> started building durable, handcrafted work boots for the lumberjacks of British Columbia in 1946. Charlie Wohlford's dedication led eventually to cult status for <location>Dayton</location> as manufacturer of the world's finest motorcycle boots.</p> <p/> <p>"The art and craft of shoemaking was extremely important to both founders, and continues to be of paramount importance today at the <location>Dayton</location> heritage factory in East <location>Vancouver</location>.</p> <p/> <p>"Shoemaking has changed significantly in the intervening 63 years, but Dayton's passion for making the highest quality hand-crafted boots and footwear in the world right here in <location>Vancouver</location> has not. We'll continue to bring that passion, attention to detail and craftsmanship to our planned product line expansion," he said.</p> <p/> <p>While Encarnacao has purchased controlling interest, "the revised corporate structure reserves a significant portion of the Company's equity so existing <location>Dayton</location> shareholders, future equity partners, and employees benefit from our anticipated success," he added</p> <p/> <p><location>Dayton</location> will continue to operate its wholesale business and retail showroom out of its offices and factory on East Hastings Street in <location>Vancouver</location>. <location>Dayton</location> currently employs 18 people.</p> <pre>
For further information: For further information: Stephen Encarnacao, +1-604-253-6671, [email protected]
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