ROARK PARTNERS WITH LA JOLLA GROUP TO EXPAND LINE

Roark Revival and La Jolla Group have entered into a new partnership, providing Roark with the tools, staffing, financial management and structure to scale its business seamlessly.  Roark, an emerging lifestyle brand known for its bold adventurism, will remain its own entity with complete control of the brand. La Jolla Group will earn equity in Roark, but remain a minority and non-controlling shareholder.

Under the joint venture, La Jolla Group will provide back-end operational support and expertise, including finance, accounting, logistics, technology, HR, planning and sourcing.  Roark will continue to lead sales, production and marketing with the support of La Jolla Group’s infrastructure.

“This partnership allows us to thrive operationally, while remaining in control of our own destiny and brand,” said Roark founder and president, Ryan Hitzel. “It’s a turbo boost for one of the most challenging pillars of a small business.”

“The partnership is a result of observations, from both Ryan and myself, of a highly dynamic retail climate thirsty for small brands to help bring diversity on the floor, but still expecting the sophisticated execution of larger brands,” added La Jolla Group CEO, Daniel Neukomm.

La Jolla Group has a similar partnership with the activewear brand Spiritual Gangster, and is the apparel licensee for O’Neill clothing.