Editor’s note: Eric Carlson worked at Smith Optics in key roles for more than two decades. Read our previous interview with Eric when he departed the brand here.
The Leisure Collective Expands Team for Future Growth
Eric Carlson Joins Company to Help Unlock Brand’s Potential across Americas
CARLSBAD, CA (JANUARY 25, 2021) – The Leisure Collective, Inc. (“TLC”), distributor of globally recognized brands ‘Creatures of Leisure’ and ‘OTIS Eyewear’ is excited to announce the appointment of Eric Carlson to the position of President, Americas.
“We are really pleased to have an executive of Eric Carlson’s caliber join our team to lead us in the Americas Region.” said Stephen Gerard, Principal, TLC. “Eric brings 25 years of eyewear and action sport accomplishments to the team, after leading many aspects of Smith’s business for years. Eric will move into the newly created President role to lead our growth across each brand throughout the Americas.”
With a long track record of success at Smith, Carlson led brand, product, design, creative, social, and ecom teams on a global level where he helped to elevate Smith from a mountain town icon to a globally recognized market leader, which he hopes to replicate with the TLC team.
“As an admitted product geek, I’m really excited about joining The Leisure Collective and its dynamic team. Coming from the eyewear industry, I’ve always been incredibly impressed by the beauty of OTIS and as a part-time Oregon surfer I really appreciate the innovative spirit at Creatures of Leisure. The product, team riders, and raw perspective of Western Australia is showcased in everything they do and with the DNA of the brands fully rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and durability, I’m eager to support the amazing growth potential already at their fingertips. I look forward to joining the team, living up to the independent values each brand represents, and grow this small but mighty giant in and across our markets.”
Carlson officially joins the team on February 1 and looks forward to building the brands coast to coast.
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About The Leisure Collective, Inc.:
The Leisure Collective Inc. is a privately held Company, based in Carlsbad California, and is the exclusive distributor in North, Central, South America and Caribbean Islands of ‘Creatures of Leisure’ and ‘OTIS Eyewear’ specializing in premium surfing hardware accessories & high-quality eyewear. TLC Inc operates in the surf and action sports category with passion to share our products inspired by the surf-rich coast of Western Australia. Learn more or contact us at creatures-usa.com and us.otiseyewear.com.
