LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BRAIN) — Tony Karklins, the founder of Orbea USA, will transition out of the company over the coming months. Orbea USA, which acted as a U.S. distributor for Spain-based Orbea, was acquired by the Spanish company, Orbea Sdad, last October and is now a 100 percent owned subsidiary.
"I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over this last decade and honored to have been a part of globalizing the Orbea brand," said Karklins. Prior to founding Orbea USA in 2001, Karklins owned the Little Rock retail store Chainwheel.
Gonzalo Garcia de Salazar, most recently the manager of Trek Spain, will join Orbea USA as general manager; Karklins said he would assist in the transition.
"With preseason time around the corner, we have a lot of work to do and some great new products to introduce," said Karklins.
Karklins said he will announce his future plans later this month.
"I am very excited about my new opportunity. It will allow for me to maximize my 19 years as an IBD and 13 years on the
wholesale and branding side of the industry," he said. Until that time, he can be reached at tonykarklins@gmail.com and tkarklins@orbea.com.
