Outdoor Retailer - March 2021 - 15

THOUGHT LEADER

Family Affair
Allied Feather and Down's president wants to help
the outdoor industry become more sustainable.
By Doug Schnitzspahn
Name: Daniel Uretsky
Company: Allied Feather and Down
Founded: 1987
Title: President
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Downlow: Daniel Uretsky was born into the business. " My parent's license

plates were Feather1 and Feather2, " he says. Founded by his father,
Steven, who had worked in the down industry for years, Allied Feather
and Down launched 34 years ago with the mission of bringing highperforming down to the outdoor industry. That included an awareness
of where down comes from and how to harvest and supply the material
in ways that are ethical and sustainable. " From a very young age, I have
been aware of where down and feathers come from and how we obtain
them as a byproduct of the food industry, " says Uretsky. After working
as an attorney for several years, Uretsky returned to the family business in 2010. Allied Feather and Down has emerged as a leading voice in
the outdoor industry in sustainability, creating traceable down so that
consumers can be confident in product claims and streamlining supply
chains when the pandemic hit. All along, Uretsky has kept the family
vibe, building a brand that helps uplift the entire outdoor community-
and he tells us he has become a better skier along the way.

Courtesy Allied Feather and Down

It's much more comfortable to work in jeans and sneakers than a
business suit.

Daniel Uretsky

I've been a part of various traceability and sustainability industry
groups over the years. Being in this position allows for both a big-picture view and also an understanding of the detailed challenges and actionable things that we can all do as a community to support change.
Blame and negativity are never productive-it's always best to look
for solutions and learn from every situation.
I am religious, and I totally shut off from Friday night until Saturday
night, no matter what. I think that has helped more than anything
keep myself centered, allowed me to soak in the good, and enjoy my family and life. Things can feel like you're on a nonstop treadmill and, unless
you use the shut-off button, no one will do it for you.
There is comfort in the knowledge that, as a collective, we are all
working toward the same goals, and we are all facing challenges
from this situation.

COVID-19 was the best reminder that, no matter what you plan
for, you can't plan for everything, and staying flexible and trying to be
positive and thinking long term is really the best game plan.

Obviously there is no perfect formula, but patience, understanding, and true collaboration on all sides have shown to be the best way
forward. Everything has been challenged-recently with the shortages
in cargo vessels and delays in shipping. Knowing we are all in the same
boat and in it together has been crucial.

It's extremely rewarding to see people in the cold wearing jackets
made by our customers that contain our down and knowing in some
small way we are helping people everywhere stay warm and be outside.

The more we can spread the message that outdoor activity is a very
cost-effective way to find relaxation and enjoyment for everyone, the
more the industry and its supporting businesses will continue to thrive.

Deal with the challenges in front of you and keep an eye on the big
picture of what you want to do and how you want to get there as a company. Consistently doing the right thing and trying to do it in the right
way will always steer you in the best direction and set you up for longterm success.

I am fortunate to be the second generation in a family business,
and, when I'm ready, I want to hand over the reins to the next generation knowing that I put my stamp on this, kicked some ass, had
some fun, and that the company and industry are better than when I
started. O.R.

March 2021 / OUTDOOR RETAILER 15

https://alliedfeather.com/

Outdoor Retailer - March 2021

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