How To Retain Employees: By Seirus Innovation

February 25, 2026

Almost half of the team has more than 10 years with the company

SAN DIEGO, CA (February, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – If there is magic in retaining employees longer, it seems Seirus might have a few tricks up its sleeve.

The advantages of longer-tenured employees are numerous: A veteran work force helps leverage training costs, maintains institutional knowledge, increases productivity, creates culture and stability, builds and maintains customer relationships, fosters innovation, and creates a stronger leadership pipeline while also encouraging the company to evolve and grow.

Over 40% of the Seirus internal team has been with the brand for over 10 years, and almost 30% have been there for over 20 (TWENTY!!) years. The stats are even higher for the independent rep team, with 50% at 10+ years.

But how, you ask? Community and innovation are key.

Since the beginning in 1984, the founders of Seirus, Mike and Wendy Carey, have understood the value of their people and building community. In interview after interview, the answer to the question of why people stay at Seirus for so long is: Mike and Wendy Carey and the family atmosphere they’ve built.

“As long as Mike and Wendy are working, I’m working,” said Ross Welke, independent sales rep covering the Southwest with 39 years of working with Seirus.

The keys to keeping people happy vary widely from person to person, but the broad consensus is that a family-owned-and-run business that treats everyone like family is a big part of it. Private ownership is another advantage, giving the company flexibility in the benefits it offers and enabling it to be more nimble in addressing employee and customer needs.

Of course, financial well-being is important to employees as well. Seirus offers competitive salaries, medical and dental coverage, SEP IRA matching opportunities, paid vacation, company outings, but most of all, “support that comes when the chips are down, personally,” said Doug Smith, Sr. Manager, Warehouse Operations, who started at Seirus in 1999.

According to Rob Robinson, of Robb Sport Sales, who has been working with Seirus for over 35 years, “it’s more than just numbers, it’s support when needed and autonomy when needed.”

Innovation plays a big role in Seirus’s appeal. For reps, the continual innovation, with several patented products and components, means they have something new to offer dealers. A variety of products is also an advantage, with something new for every dealer, every winter. “In addition to growing our own businesses, we’ve had the opportunity to help some of our retailers grow their business just by carrying Seirus, which feeds the soul,” added Welke.

For Seirus’ internal staff, innovation means new challenges and learning opportunities every season. “It’s always interesting, and the days go by fast,” said Terri Swender, Customer Service Manager and 29-year veteran at Seirus.

Every person interviewed said part of what they love about working for Seirus is that it feels like working with and for family.

“Thanks to the groundwork Mike and Wendy laid over the years to make Seirus a cool, fun place to work, we couldn’t care more,” said Smith. “We work hard and play hard, and when we make mistakes, we take it to heart. Mike and Wendy are very forgiving. They ask what we’ve learned from the mistake and how we avoid doing it again,” Smith continued. “Everyone is empowered here. Every person and every department. It is like a literal family. We’ve all lived through bad jobs, and then you get to Seirus, and suddenly you feel included and important.”

Additional reasons cited were work-from-home flexibility, the product’s high seasonality, which enables focus and consistent relevance in the industry, and the brand’s sincere appreciation for the end user and its focus on building products that best suit their needs.

Long Term Seirus tenure stats 2025:

Internal Team:

28% 20 yrs+

15% 10-19 yrs

43% 10 years or more 

Reps (Snowsports & Hunting/Workwear/Safety):

30% 20 yrs+

20% 10-19 yrs

50% 10 years or more

NOTE: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational data: Workers in management, professional, and related occupations — many of which are typical office/white-collar jobs — had a median tenure of about ~4.8 years in 2024.

SEIRUS INNOVATIONS
100% Solar Powered California HQ + Warehouse

Redefining comfort and warmth for four decades, Seirus is committed to making gear that instills inclusivity and enjoyment in outdoor recreation. With over 20 patents earned since 1978, we are a team of co-creators crafting outdoor solutions through hands-on research and development. Our unwavering commitment extends to our entire community – from passionate employees to valued partners and customers – ensuring the meaningful experiences provided by our products are second to none. Whether worn on mountain peaks or city streets, innovation and collaboration are woven into every piece of Seirus gear.

MEDIA CONTACT

Matt Crawford

TerraPR

matt.crawford.vt@gmail.com