DIAMONDBRAND.COM | 3 | FALL 2010

Employee Spotlight: Mackey Leitch

WHO I AM: I have been with Diamond Brand for two years as the Gear and Equipment Manager.

WHERE I PLAY: Living in Asheville, I have so many natural playgrounds nearby. The DuPont State Forest is my favorite with miles of hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and great views. The changing fall colors on top of Big Rock in DuPont are superb.

WHY I DO IT: I can completely unplug from the everyday world when I get into the woods, and working at Diamond Brand allows me to help our customers do the same.

FIRST OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES: Fall weekend trips to Camp Grier in Old Fort instilled a love for the outdoors and set the way for the 10-plus years of working at summer camps.

MOST MEMORABLE OUTDOOR EXCURSION: I started in scouts at the age of six as a Tiger Cub, and by the time I was awarded my Eagle Scout in high school, I had been on countless weekend adventures and to several summer camps. Spending 11 days hiking through Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM, with my father has been a highlight of all my experiences.

FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR: My Mantra 25, part of Osprey’s new Hydraulic line, has become my sidekick on just about all of my adventures. With plenty of space for gear, a built-in rain cover, and three liters of water, I am always ready for a full day of fun.

POST-TRAIL HANGOUT: Heading out on the Blue Ridge Parkway to relax in my ENO hammock and star gaze has always been the perfect way to bring my day to an end.

Mackey Leitch, Gear & Equipment Manager, at DuPont State Forest.