Cascade Designs' Kelly Stone Plans a Year Off

Seattle--Kelly Stone, Cascade Designs' director of sales, is resigning to take a year off to enjoy the outdoors. With her departure, the company is creating a new executive position.

"It's a wonderful thing to have options and to go enjoy what we work so hard for," said Stone, who will officially say goodbye on July 1.

Stone, 44, said she will spend much of her year off whitewater paddling, camping and traveling. She plans to take in the Southwest this fall and said a trip to Europe may be in the picture.

Stone said she has been planning her departure for some time.

"It's really about lifestyle," she said. "I started simplifying my life in terms of spending and finances quite a while ago, realizing that I didn't want to be caught up in the 'work hard-spend more' trap."

Stone's career at Cascade Designs began in 1996, when she was hired as a product manger. She was later promoted to regional sales manager before becoming director of sales in March 2000.

Before joining the company, Stone was the sales manager for MSR, which Cascade Designs purchased last year. She also served as a sales rep for Cascade Designs and MSR in the 1980s.

Stone's goal is to complete her work on the Spring 2003 product launch before she leaves.

"To say that Kelly will be missed in an understatement," Cascade Design President Lee Fromson said. "She is a model of professionalism and has been instrumental in the growth and success of this company since she joined us 1996. I can think of no better testament to her efforts than Cascade Designs recently being named REI's 2001 Vendor of the Year."

Fromson said the company would create a new position, vice president of the outdoor group, to oversee sales, marketing and product development.

Cascade Designs has hired the Forest Group, a Bay Area executive search firm, to handle recruitment.