Behind every great product is a team of people who know it inside and out—and few know QuikrStuff quite like Eric. Over the years, he’s worn just about every hat imaginable, earning the nickname “Mr. Everything” along the way. From customer service to the assembly line to marketing, his journey reflects the hands-on, all-in spirit that defines QuikrStuff.
Q: You’ve been part of the QuikrStuff team for many years and have worn more than a few hats — at one point earning the nickname “Mr. Everything.” Can you walk us through the different roles you’ve taken on and how your responsibilities have evolved over time?
Let’s see how well my memory serves me! I started out with QuikrStuff in 2022 as an independent contractor, focusing on media content for social channels and website use. I knew the rack was a home run product from the first time I saw it. As my relationship with the owners developed, and some of my other client work was ending, I pitched a hybrid position for myself. I stayed on media creation, and would also take on the primary Customer Service role. To be able to perform the CS job at a high level, I knew it was critical that I understand the rack in its entirety. This led to me taking shifts on the assembly line as well. That was the start of the “Mr. Everything” days, as I had an imprint on many aspects of the business. After doing that for a couple years, I’m pleased to be fully transitioned into head of Marketing, which was always my long term goal. Now I’m focusing on marketing strategy, content creation, and attending industry events.
Q: What’s the story behind your journey to QuikrStuff? How did you first break into the outdoor recreation industry, and what drew you to this space?
My first outdoor industry job was with REI. It started as my college job, where I worked in Albuquerque as a Sales Associate. Seven years later, I relocated to Grand Junction and became an Assistant Store Manager, specifically overseeing the Action Sports department (bikes, skis, the shop, all the fun stuff!). That period of my career let me develop my leadership skills and gave me valuable insights into being a part of a successful national company. But I wanted to work for a smaller company. I was sick of being store 70 of 281, and not feeling like my voice was heard. When I eventually left REI, I landed with Seek Outside, a Grand Junction-based tent and backpack manufacturer. This was my first taste of working in a production environment, not just a retail selling space. I loved it and the fact that when I had issues, I could go directly to the owners to get things resolved. This really set the stage for my transition over to QuikrStuff.
Q: On a more personal note, how did your own love for outdoor recreation begin? And how do you put the Quik Rack Mach2 bike rack to use in your everyday adventures?
I was fortunate to be raised in a household that valued getting outside over sitting around the tv. I went through the Boy Scouts when I was growing up, which continued to solidify my enjoyment for outdoor spaces. Throughout my adult life, just about every new hobby I acquire finds me outside. Whether it is mountain biking, landscape photography, camping, fly fishing, or even split-boarding, it all revolves around the outdoors. Part of being so involved in all of these activities has taught me to “buy once, cry once”. Once I get the feeling that I’ll be into an activity for the long haul, I like to invest in quality gear. Whether that is a fly rod, a rain jacket, or my camera equipment. My Mach2 rack fits right into this equation. It has lots of features that make it significantly more enjoyable to use than my previous bike racks (remember, I worked at REI; I owned a lot of other brands). Being able to run a single bike tray and add on others as I need, as well as remove the rack entirely off my car in a few seconds, are some of my favorite highlights.
