Who We Are
Great People Making Great Products
POL is not only passionate about the products that we make, we are also passionate about our people-first culture.
Our team-centric approach is a key factor of our success, and we believe that it is crucial for the growth of our brands. Similarly, we are interested in investing in other outdoor living companies that put their people first.
We always strive to deliver exceptional products and world-class service. We are manufacturers, and we design quality and value into everything that we make. We’re proud to stand behind our products.
Our Founding Principles
Do the Right Thing
In every action, do what is right for the business, the customer, and the community.
Do It Safely
Everyone goes home in the same good shape that they came to work.
Be Accountable
Don’t wait for others to step up; take responsibility and take action.
Work as a Team
Offer help to others and ask for help when you need it. On a team, we are all equals.
Be Positive and Flexible
Be open to new ideas and approaches; challenge the status quo.
Value the Customer
The customer is at the forefront of every decision. We only make products that we’d be proud to own.
Meet the POL Team
Chief Revenue Officer
Chris Robinson (Chief Revenue Officer)
Chris has over 25 years of experience in retail, sales and both traditional and digital marketing all within the consumer goods space. He joined the POL team as Chief Revenue Officer in May of 2023 and will focus his efforts on the D2C and e-commerce segments of the business while providing holistic sales and marketing leadership across the organization.
Education:
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B.A. In Economics from The University of Pittsburgh
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M.B.A. from The University of Akron
Chris resides in Pittsburgh and has 3 “all grown up” children who live in Ohio. His interests include family, sports and travel.
Chief Operating Officer
Danielle Hess (Chief Operating Officer)
Danielle is the ‘Geisha of Gemba’. Her career included working in Audit for KPMG, then several years as Plant Financial Manager for Dial (Henkel Brands). Moving into Operations while at Dial, she managed the Laundry Care Business unit (which catapulted her into success as Laundry Care Manager in the Hess household). Joining Highwood in 2007 as the Operations Manager, she was promoted to Plant Manager, and then to COO. Responsibilities for POL include ensuring Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, and Operations support our current business and are working towards supporting future business.
Education and Licenses:
BS in Accounting from King’s College
CPA license
Danielle’s family includes husband, Steve, and three children, Brendan, Kaden, and Abby (all available to adopt at the right price). Most of her free time is spent with my family, but she enjoys sports, working out, travelling, and wine (mainly because most of her free time is spent with her family).
Chief Financial Officer
Ed Meyer (Chief Financial Officer)
Ed has over 20 years’ experience in accounting and corporate finance with time in both public accounting and financial leadership roles for private equity backed manufacturing companies. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Hartford, Connecticut. In 2006, Mr. Meyer left public accounting and joined the Barnes Group. He left the Barnes Group via an M&A transaction in 2008.
Ed spent the last 13 years in financial leadership roles of increasing responsibility. He spent six years as the CFO of the Spectrum Plastics Group and NPI Medical (after being carved out from the Spectrum Plastics Group.) He spent the last two years as the Corporate Controller for Westfall Technik Inc. Ed joined Premier Outdoor Living in July of 2021. Ed has extensive experience in creating and growing mature finance organizations to meet the needs of private equity portfolio companies.
Education:
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BS in Accounting from the University of Connecticut
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CPA License
Ed enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Katie, and three kids, Brianna, Dylan, and Riley. In his spare time, he is active in coaching Little League from Spring through the Fall and is an avid golfer.
Chief Strategy Officer
Justin Buchholz (Chief Strategy Officer)
Justin spent most of his career doing both buy and sell-side M&A consulting; first at CBIZ and then at The Siegfried Group. He joined POL in 2022 as Director of Corporate Development and is responsible for leading the company’s mergers & acquisitions efforts, financial planning & analysis, and the implementation of key strategic initiatives.
Education:
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BS in Accounting and MBA from Philadelphia University
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CPA License
Justin’s family includes his wife, Gabrielle, and daughters, Gianna and Olivia. His interests include football, travelling, boating and wine (especially any combination of those with his family).
Chief Information Officer
Scott Geschel (Chief Information Officer)
Scott brings over 20 years of IT experience to the POL organization. Scott is focused on developing the IT strategy by enabling the business through partnership, data governance and available IT Services. Scott’s experience comes from large retail commerce, manufacturing, and sustainability businesses. Scott’s lives by the mantra of “Do what you love, love what you do.”
Education:
B.S. in Information Technology from Columbia Southern University