User:ENO Hammocks/sandbox

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is a privately held company based in Asheville, NC that features parachute nylon hammocks and other outdoor and camping accessories that are targeted at outdoors men and women. The brand is found in over 750 retailers nationwide including REI, Dick's Sporting Goods and Amazon.com.

History
The company was formed in 1999 by Peter and Paul Pinholster, brothers from Key West, FL. Inspired by a trip to Central America and discovering a Costa Rican and New Zealand model, the brothers were determined to develop a product that spoke to customers "weary souls," challenging the pair creatively while also allowing them to pursue a laid-back lifestyle. In the Summer of 1999, they had engineered their first prototype and set out on the road, hitting festivals and arts-and-crafts-shows on the East Coast and selling their hammocks out the back of their van. Garnering reasonable success, the duo made their first attempt at establishing headquarters in Virginia, before a fire destroyed their home, office and hammock inventory in 2003. However, rather than accepting defeat, they took a friend's advice and re-grouped in Asheville, NC, a city they have not left since.

Since moving to North Carolina, business has boomed for the Pinholsters, and in 2010 the company acquired new headquarters in the heart of downtown Asheville. What was once a 2-man, 1-van operation, is now a 17,500 square foot building with 15 full-time exployees, selling in major outdoor retailers and earning record-breaking sales month after month. In addition, their product range has expanded from just hammocks, creating a range of hammock and outdoor accessories, such as the SlapStrap, aimed at inspiring people to go outdoors and relax. The SlapStrap is part of ENO's Hammock Suspension line, and is a tree-friendly component allowing one to hang their hammock without damaging tree bark or using complicated knots. ENO hammocks and accessories have also branched out from the original festival-based crowd, appearing on campus quads as well.

Hammocks and Products
The company currently sells six types of hammocks and three types of suspension systems, with a range of other hammock and outdoor accessories in the categories of OneLink Sleep Systems, Flys and Tarps, Bags and Cases, Hammock Accessories, Hammock Insulation, Lifestyle Gear and ENO Merch. The hammocks are made from Breathable Quick Drying Nylon, have a 400lb capacity, use Aluminum Wiregate Carabiners and have an attached compression stuff sack.

Programs and Initiatives
In January 2012, ENO launched their Brand Ambassador Program after a successful beta test with Syracuse University. The program, created by the brand's Director of Vendor Relations, Adam Cohen, is designed as a grassroots marketing initiative to foster brand recognition on college campuses and strengthen collegiate market relationships.

The program was first tested at Syracuse University and allowed ENO to gain exposure in a territory they were not as readily recognized. It is available for students who supprt ENO to showcase products, provide discounts to fellow students for local retailers and work alongside reps for events. It was planned to expand from the Southeast in the Fall of 2012.

In 2013, ENO launched the Hangout Project, a side-product of their original Brand Ambassador Program. The Hangout Prject is a one-of-a-kind, grassroots marketing initiative that allow schools to build customized, sponsored hammock lounges on campus. It completed a successful beta development test with Pennsylvania State University’s Digital Design and Fabrication Department in 2012 but is currently in its infancy.

Awards and Accolades
In June 2011 ENO was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Month by Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.