How did UA get
started?
The company’s
founder, Kevin Plank, started out trying to build a superior T-shirt. While playing college football, Kevin
noticed that the standard cotton T-shirt absorbed sweat and weighed down the players. He wanted to make
something that would wick moisture away better for football players.
What makes UA
different from its competitors in the sports apparel business?
It starts with
superior products. We are targeting those who want better performance. Even the smallest edge means something
to those who compete professionally or for their own personal goals.
What new sports
has UA gone into?
Golf apparel has
really grown for us. Once again, this is a performance story. Before we came along, golf shirts had never
really been innovated. We built a golf shirt that had UPF-blocking to protect against sun rays and anti-odour
technology. Our story is to improve performance wherever we can.
What are UA’s
plans for Canada?
We started in
Canada with the Toronto Maple Leafs and have had a great response from players. Our equipment is designed to
provide protection in places where the standard hockey pads do not, such as the wrist area. Mouth guard
technology is another area. You often see our logo on the mouth guards in hockey
games.
What is the most
recent development from UA?
In 2011, we are
really excited about the Micro G technology for footwear. It is 30 per cent lighter and lower to the ground
than most shoes. This technology started in the basketball shoes line and is now in all
segments.
How does UA stay
ahead of the competition?
We are committed
to innovation and therefore invest heavily in science. We have a VP of innovation, Kevin Haley, who runs a
laboratory that keeps us on the cutting edge. Our company relies on being the one that creates the game-
changing products. That is how we stay ahead, not through flashy marketing campaigns and celebrity
endorsements. •
Photo Courtesy: Under
Armour
