CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Triathlon apparel brand Zoot Sport has new ownership. Industry veterans and former Zoot Sports employees Shawn O'Shea and Dan Weatherford have purchased the brand back from Newell Brands and have moved the brand back to Carlsbad. Zoot Sports is now under the umbrella of Zoot Squad, Inc.
Zoot began on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1983 and has gone through several ownership changes over the years. The brand has expanded into footwear and other categories but O'Shea said the relaunched brand will keep its focus on athletes — triathletes especially.
"Next year we will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of Zoot and none of that would be possible without the support of triathletes all over the world. We want to honor that in everything we do," said O'Shea. "We own and control every aspect of the business now. Being able to manage the process from conceptualization to production to shipping allows us to best serve the athletes. We are able to really listen to what our customers are saying and can respond to needs; turning around products faster than ever."
O'Shea has worked at Under Armour and Pearl Izumi. He has a master's degree in design and an athletic resume that boasts three Ironman finishes and 13 marathons. O'Shea said Zoot will focus on best in class seasonal and custom triathlon apparel for training and race day. "Too many brands see triathlon only as a springboard or stepping stone. We see triathlon as our family," said O'Shea. "Instead of looking for the next great thing, we are committed to our singular goal of being the best triathlon brand in the world."
The brand will also expand its Team Zoot program, which currently includes more than 300 athletes.
"The brand was born in Kona and the idea of family, or Ohana, is woven into our DNA," said O'Shea. "While we have a lot of top age groupers on Team Zoot, you don't have to podium to be on the team. You just have to be passionate, love the sport and support your fellow athletes."
