GREENSBORO, North Carolina (December 24, 2024) – It is with great sadness that we share the news that John Yates, the founder of Yates Gear passed away on December 14th, 2024 from complications from a brain bleed he suffered a few weeks back. John was an avid climber, hiker and rafter who enjoyed all things outdoors. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
“Earlier this year, during our acquisition of Yates Gear, I developed immense respect for John and his dedication to his company. He poured his heart and soul into building something truly remarkable. Knowing how much he was looking forward to his well-earned retirement, I am deeply heartbroken that his journey was cut short.”, shared Jeff Morris, CEO of Vertical Supply Group.
John’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to crafting the highest quality gear and customizing the right solutions for his customers. As the current stewards of Yates Gear, we are deeply grateful for the trust John placed in us to carry forward his life’s work. We remain committed to upholding the values and standards he established, ensuring that his legacy continues to thrive through the brand.
VSG has made a donation in John’s name to the Outdoor Alliance, a non-profit coalition whose mission is to advocate for outdoor recreation and public land conservation.