CERRITOS, CA (BRAIN)—Michael Gamstetter has been hired as marketing manager of VSI Products.
VSI Products is the parent company of Intense BMX, Sinz, The, Vigor, Its, Eye and Ave. The company is based in Southern California.
He will be responsible for the creation of ad campaigns, ad placement, web content, management of all sales and marketing collateral as well as sponsorship and
event management, according to a press release.
"Michael has a long history in BMX and more than 20 years experience in the bicycle industry and with that he brings a wealth of knowledge to VSI," said Chris Smith, VSI's chief operating officer. "He's going to be a great addition to the team."
An avid cyclist with a broad range of interests and abilities, Gamstetter began riding bikes at the age of 3 years old and never stopped. Since discovering BMX racing
in the late-1970s he has continuously been involved in cycling in one way or another—as a racer, mechanic, retailer, advocate and journalist.
While living in Japan, Gamstetter realized his dream of working in the bicycle industry when he took a job with Japan Cycle Press magazine as a translator, editor and art
director. He later joined the editorial staff at Bicycle Retailer and Industry News where he worked for 11 years.
After leaving the magazine, Gamstetter managed a retail bicycle shop, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Design, worked as an industrial designer for Nova Lighting and launched a graphic design and retro number plate company called Forty Four 16 Design.
"Our brands have huge growth potential and Michael's industry experience as a reporter and editor combined with his interests in cycling, bikes and design fit
perfectly with VSI and our long-term goals for the company," said Toby Henderson, VSI's vice president.
Besides a degree in industrial design, Gamstetter has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree; rides and occasionally races road, cross country, BMX and cyclocross and collects vintage BMX bikes.
