WeatherMaster has been an innovator in outdoor furnishings since the company introduced the first - and only - patented drainable cushion in 1989.
Coincidently, I began working at Laneventure the same year and as much as it would be nice to lay claim to having a part in the very first introduction of the Four Seasons collection, I didn't. However, with 2009 marking the 20th anniversary of WeatherMaster, there have been a lot of things I've seen change and progress.
Many key people who founded the different components of WeatherMaster, such as the five-step acrylic finishing system, the exclusive drain-through cushion technology and the fabric assortment are still part of the Laneventure team. The most notable of the founding members is our President, Gary McCray.
INDUSTRY FIRST - 1989 - WeatherMaster introduced a weatherproof line of natural wicker furniture. Protected by a five-step acrylic finishing system and topped with the Exclusive Drain-Through Cushion, the Four Seasons collection became a perennial best-seller.
In 1989, Gary led the team responsible for developing and introducing new product to the marketplace. A large part of a job like this is to believe in the product and gain the support of the sales team so they'll feel comfortable selling it to retailers across the country. The first WeatherMaster collection, appropriately named 'Four Seasons' was set to be introduced at a national sales meeting. What better way to showcase the true power of this newest and best technology of outdoor-able furniture than to have it staged outside in the elements. After all, it's not only beautiful outdoor wicker, it has also been tested and can withstand sunlight, moisture and even rain.
Keep in mind, the audience - the selling team - was only familiar with casual indoor wicker and rattan. That's it. We were invited outside to a courtyard outfitted with the Four Seasons wicker collection. To demonstrate its strength, water would be a plus, right? As if on cue and a true comrade, Mother Nature decided to give us a nice spring shower: a perfect way to show off the attributes of this brand.
My first impression of Gary McCray goes back to that spring shower in 1989. As he was poised to launch what has become our cornerstone of product, the clouds opened up and were applauding our efforts with rain drops. Wearing a yellow rain slicker, as if he had stepped out of central casting, Gary smiled and said, "Let it Rain."
A very powerful impression, indeed, and one that convinced us all that we had something magical.
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary in Chicago, September 2009, now as the leader of our organization, Gary proudly unveiled a 50 foot timeline that showcased Laneventure's history as innovators and leaders in the outdoor industry...wearing his yellow rain slicker.
POSTED BY: Teresa Buelin
