Official Lip Balm and Sunscreen, U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding
For a small company specializing in the niche market of high-performance, anti-frostbite sunscreen and lip balm, sponsoring winter sports is a no-brainer.
That's why Dermatone, based in Windsor Locks, Conn., worked out a three-year deal with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association to become the "official lip balm and sunscreen" of the two teams.
Dermatone donates anti-frostbite packs to the athletes and supports the team with a monetary donation, in return for bragging rights and a presence in their "vendor villages."
Since Dermatone added the Olympic logos to its products, which are typically sold in sports retail shops like REI and Eastern Mountain Sports, sales have almost doubled, says marketing director Carin Yates.
January's monthly sales were the highest in the company's 29-year history, and nearly wiped out their inventory, she says. Dermatone is already looking forward to re-upping its sponsorship in 2012.
NEXT: New Wave Enviro
Bricks that grow from microorganisms, household garbage turned into art, three-wheeled bike-cars -- these startups are redefining urban living. More
These five entrepreneurs took their blue collar experience and used it to launch innovative businesses. More
Whether curating the perfect gift or finding a pet-sitter, these startups offer time-saving services that might just seem like holiday magic. More
