Nora Stowell and Matthew Decker, GORE-TEX

Episode Highlights:

• W.L. Gore’s Global Sales and Marketing Leader for the Fabrics Division, Nora Stowell, and Global Technical Leader for the Consumer Fabrics, Matthew Decker, join Kristin Carpenter on this week's episode of Channel Mastery.  
• Nora and Matthew have been instrumental in launching GORE-TEX’s latest iteration of advanced micro-porous polyethylene, the ePe system, over a decade in development in partnership with brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Adidas, Solomon, and Dakine. 
• Hear how GORE-TEX elevates the value equation of ingredient branding with sustainable materials. As the consumer evolves, so does sustainability in products and the environmental imprint on our businesses - to last longer, lower carbon footprint, light/thinner, and be PFC free.
• We are delighted to share the stage with Matt and Nora as they detail the production process, strategic partnerships, the Bob Gore’s Shower Test, and the future of the GORE-TEX brand. 

 Description:

In this episode of the Channel Mastery Podcast, I sit down with Nora Stowell and Matthew Decker of GORE-TEX to discuss the next iteration for their ingredient brand in their upcoming fall 2022 collection of expanded polyethylene (EPE). In addition to performance, the new line adds responsibility for their materials - which resonates with the current market demand from retailers to the end-consumer. Join us and listen to how a decade of work has come to fruition

Nora

• Nora Stowell grew up in the mountains of Maine and has been an outdoor enthusiast ever since. As Global Sales and Marketing Leader for the Fabrics Division, she leads a global team in various markets to support GORE-TEX in their consumer and technical footwear, garments, gloves, and accessories products. When she’s not at Gore, Nora is the Chairman of the Board for Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), serves as a mentor and board member for Camber Outdoors, and is also on the advisory board of Backcountry.com’s Women’s Leadership Coalition. 

Matt 

• Matthew Decker is the Global Technical Leader for the Consumer Fabrics business. He has worked for Gore for 15 years as an engineer, scientist, and technical leader in the Central Research and Fabrics Divisions. He has led technology and product development across various markets and applications, including structural firefighting, consumer and military protective clothing, and architectural fabrics. Before his current role, he provided technical leadership to the Footwear, Gloves, and Accessories business and the Comfort Research Group.

Topics covered:

• bringing EPE ( expanded polyethylene) to market, Bob Gore, product testing, uniqueness of the outdoor industry, partner brands, product testing process, brand trust, brand trust in the outdoor industry, PFC-free, low carbon footprint, environmental footprint, Higg MSI goals, OEKO-TEX's Bluesign, product development, Bob Gore Shower Test, sustainability, consumer buying habits, fitness for end-use, partnership with brand partners, responsible performance, ePTFE,