The Challenge Outdoor Team is Growing

Introducing Josh Kornish

Challenge Sailcloth is excited to announce that Josh Kornish has joined its team as outdoor product developer and manager of marketing communications. Kornish is the founder and owner of TUFA Climbing in Kalispell, Montana, and has built a worldwide reputation for innovative pack design and construction. A Media Arts major at the University of Montana, he apprenticed as a soft-goods designer/maker prior to starting his own brand.    
 
Hale Walcoff, founder of Challenge Outdoor is enthusiastic about Kornish’s appointment. “He brings a diverse skill set to Challenge,” Walcoff said.  “While our president, Ben Bainbridge, and I are avid sailors, hikers and bikers, Josh has the unique perspective of a true athlete. His experience will help us communicate better with our customers and develop new materials that meet their specific needs. With Josh’s input, we already have in process UltraGrid: the world’s first recycled Grid fabric; UltraStretch for pockets/pouches; and several eco-friendly laminated fabrics.”
 
Kornish sees his position at Challenge as the perfect opportunity to combine two great loves. “It’s an honor to join the team at Challenge Sailcloth,” he said. “Growing up in the gear shops of Missoula, Montana, I’ve always been an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fabrics and gear.  For the last 10 years I’ve been chasing my dream of making world-class equipment for climbing.” 
 
Kornish adds that being able to align his commitment to protecting the environment with the team at Challenge was a compelling reason for his move. “I am excited to be in a position where I can help the outdoor industry transition to clean and eco-friendly manufacturing practices and products. I look forward to working with designers and craftsmen—from garage-grown to established brands and help chart our course into a greener future.”
 
With a focused professional path, Kornish is well-prepared to help grow the product line at Challenge Outdoor and he is quick to credit his past mentors for his success. “I’m grateful for the opportunities at Mystery Ranch, D4 Big Wall, Everest Design, Thielsen, and 5 Cord Manufacturing,” he said. “I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned to the Challenge development team and our customers.”