Press Forward

Based in Middlebury, Vermont, Press Forward has worked since 2013 with outdoor, active lifestyle and sports-adjacent brands, ranging from footwear and apparel companies to ski, cycling and gear manufacturers. Its client roster includes European and North American names such as NNormal, Fischer Sports, Julbo, Bivo, Velocio Apparel, Vermont Glove and Bag Balm, spanning categories like trail running, alpine and nordic skiing, cycling, mountaineering and heritage goods. The agency positions itself around generating media validation and cultural relevance for brands rather than pure advertising, working with both endemic outdoor press and non-endemic outlets such as the New York Times, Forbes and Wirecutter. Services described include media and public relations placement, performance PR built on data-driven pitching, and digital communications strategy meant to move brands beyond product-focused messaging. Press Forward also runs affiliate marketing programs that connect press coverage, influencers and athletes to monetize placements and track measurable results, as illustrated by affiliate links woven into product reviews. Custom content work covers ideation, interviews and writing intended to support SEO and storytelling goals, while athlete and ambassador activation focuses on building brand communities that generate press coverage, conversions and visibility. Client relationships described range from pre-launch strategic partnerships, as with Bivo, to long-term collaborations spanning brand strategy, PR, content and affiliate work through growth stages and acquisition, as with Velocio Apparel.