Glenn Willard has decided to step back from Quickfeat USA at the end of the year and hand over the reins to Darrell Kirk, a long-time icon in the outdoor industry. At that time, Darrell will become Quickfeat’s new Managing Director of North America. Until then, Darrell and Glenn will work closely to ensure a seamless transition. Customers can expect Quickfeat’s stellar service, communications, and quality of work to continue.
Darrell has worked in the apparel industry since 1992 when he helped start a small apparel manufacturing company called Kitzbuhel Apparel Manufacturing in Seattle. Polartec Fleece was on fire at that time and he was able to quickly secure production from Lands’ End, Orvis, Eddie Bauer, and several Japanese brands. He met a host of important suppliers, including Glenn who was working for Burlington Active Fabrics. Since then Darrell and Glenn have known each other for almost three decades.
Darrell says, “It is an honor and a pleasure to have Glenn’s trust as I transition into his position as Quickfeat’s Managing Director of North America. Having worked extensively in Asia since 1983 as a Marine Corps photographer in Japan, and various Hong Kong companies, I am excited to join the Quickfeat family and its extensive portfolio of manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and India!”
With the economic turmoil surrounding global sourcing, Darrell plans to build on all of the relationships Quickfeat has made over the decades. “With our expertise in high make and high quality sewing, in addition to growth in the direct-to-consumer industry, the future is bright for Quickfeat and I look forward to the challenges and successes as we start this new chapter,” said Darrell.
Darrell leaves Tamoda Apparel, Inc., after 20 years as Manager of World Sales and Marketing of what he calls a “world class technical outdoor apparel manufacturer,” located in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. “It was an incredible gift to have served Tamoda for two and a half decades and I have a lifetime of memories with the owner and staff. We manufactured and designed technical outerwear for virtually every outdoor company in the United States and Canada.”
He continues, “From the first day I entered the outdoor apparel manufacturing industry, I have been blessed with friends and colleagues who are finding new and innovative ways to support our industry. This new chapter in my career with Quickfeat gives me an even greater reach and ability to offer world class manufacturing and superior communication between the brands we partner with. It’s a cliché to say that we all love the outdoor industry and the people in it, but it’s true.”
In his free time, Darrell is dedicated to public service and is acting President of Washington Water Trails, a non-profit located in Seattle. In addition, he is a member of Ballard Rotary and a leader in the Kairos Prison Ministry. He is very active in the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). In between factory inspections and customer visits, he can be seen paddling waterways around the world. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and 11-year old son, including being an assistant Scout Master in a Boy Scout Troop.