We got together with New England Dragon Alliance sales rep Chris Piatek to learn about his background, what he does, and his insights into the 2014 Dragon Goggles collection.
Tell us a little about yourself & where you are from:
Chris Piatek, New England sales for Dragon, along with the RomeSDS, 686, Matix, DVS, Spacecraft, Leatherman & Pukka Authentics. Right Empire www.rightempire.com is my sales agency covering the territory. I started in retail as a 15 year old developing a snowboard department for a Alpine Ski Works in western CT where I grew up. This business gave me my first real direction into a career path, from a rider, to a buyer, manager & then a rep. I attended Champlain College in Burlington, VT and got a associate degree in marketing, fell in love with Vermont and have called it home ever since. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive family and network of accounts I work with, if I won the lottery tomorrow I would still be doing this.
Are you a skier, rider or both? Where can we find you on the hill?
Rider, never been skiing, I only cross country to train for split-boarding, I usually ride Sugarbush, Stowe & occasionaly Jay Peak when it gets good dumps! My work also gets me out to some other areas in New England like Mt Snow, Killington, Loon & Waterville Valley.
How did you become a Dragon Alliance sales rep?
The sales director Mike Montemurro found out I was re-setting the brands I was working with in the fall of 2010. I had over a decade of work experience with a couple of other brands and it was a great fit for both of us.
When you’re not on the road selling Dragon, where can we find you?
Running my kids around Waterbury/Stowe, doing yardwork, or fly fishing on one of northern Vermont rivers & surfing all over the New England coastline when I can.
What is involved with being a sales rep for Dragon Alliance?
Service visits to accounts, checking in on their inventory & assisting with the management of their business with Dragon products. Showing the lines at regional/national trade shows & on-snow demos. Order entry & continually analyzing target accounts. Also making sure I have some up and coming riders on my regional team.
What do you enjoy most about working with Dragon Alliance?
The product and marketing mix is the most balanced in our industry for the category (eyewear/goggles/apparel). I am very proud to represent and work with what I see as a best in class brand.
How long has Dragon been in the goggle business? give us a little history on the brand:
Dragon just turned 20 years old! I have always been impressed with how Will Howard started the brand in a garage and evolved it into a market leader with innovative products. Many of the original team riders for surf & snow are still supporters of the brand including surfers Shane Dorian, Rob Machado & snowboard legend Jamie Lynn.
What makes 2014 Dragon goggles stand out from other brands, what makes Dragon unique & original?
Being one of (if not the first) to look at building goggle frames based on face size, the DX/DXS family has been out in the market for almost 18 years! Starting the product design process with customer use/functionality in mind first & price being secondary. The super anti-fog coating used between the lenses throughout the entire line.
Why should someone buy Dragon goggles?
Honestly when I explain how Dragon offers the best “bang for your buck” from the technology, innovative designs and broad range (frame choices & lens options) the product line offers a product that should fit every rider or skier out there.
The Dragon APX & APXs Goggle collection is going into its 3rd season, tell us a little about this series and why someone should consider this product:
It has been amazing how many other brands have had to step up their game in design & functionality of product after the release of the APX collection. With Dragon owning patents on the frameless designs and how the lenses are mounted/change out there is a lot of other stuff coming out to market with gimmicks & unproven functionality.
Tell us how the Dragon APX x Nike collaboration project came about, why and how did Dragon get together with one of the biggest and most influential sports brands on the APX products?
Dragons parent company (Marchon) is the licensee that builds and distributes the sport line of Nike eyewear, having some shared team riders like Gigi Ruff it was a great fit. The colorways/graphics are a perfect match to some outerwear designs Nike has in their winter collections for this season.
Is there specific features on 2014 Dragon goggles you are most excited about?
How we offer a fit for every rider/skier, also our great range of helmet fit compatibility.
What is the most versatile frame for the price in the collection?
The one that fits your face the best, offering different sizes in models. We have also really expanded our price range for this season, so its great to have a piece for every rider’s budget.
Tell us about Infinity Lens Technology in the APX & APXs collection, how does this benefit the user?
Less is more with Infinity Lens Technology, by completely eliminating the frame profile, peripheral vision and ease of lens interchangeability has never been better. The patent pending design integrates both bracket and gasket to our existing dual lens system ensuring a sealed thermal boundary between both lenses and allowing male post connectors to securely attach the lens to frame. Combined with our proprietary Super Anti-Fog formula, the vision is endless and fog free. Also the armored venting in the APX family is a better system then foam as it provides proper airflow without the risk of tearing foam when ice & snow is removed.
Thanks for linking up with us Chris, and final words or shout outs?
Thanks Action Sport Optics for this opportunity to answer some questions about Dragon & what I do. I would not be as successful in this industry without the support of my family, accounts & brands. It’s also rewarding to get into any lift line or pull up to any surf break & see customers wearing Dragon product, I always try to have stickers in my pocket or in my truck & try to thank those that support the brand.
Visit Action Sport Optics for Dragon Alliance products, ASO is your #1 online source for action sport related optics. We pride ourselves in great products from the leading brands, superior customer service & fast shipping. Eyewear is our vision!
