Rick Hemmerling
Vice President Business Development – Buzz Off Insect Shield LLC (Jan, 2007 – current)
President/Co-founder – ExOfficio Outdoor and Travel Clothing Company (1987-2006) 

In 1987, Rick Hemmerling co-founded ExOfficio with the idea of developing a new generation of performance apparel.  Rick’s creative vision quickly established ExOfficio as an innovator in a highly competitive market.  His creations such as the Baja, Air Strip and Amphi collections continue to lead the travel and adventure wear industry in design and functionality. Rick also pioneered numerous cutting edge fabric and garment technologies such as odorless and invisible anti-microbial, ultraviolet protective and insect repellent apparel to enhance the protection and comfort of active travelers. It is no surprise that his innovative products have been featured by media outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Time, US News & World Report, Business Week and the TODAY Show – to name just a few.  

During his 20 years as President, Rick led ExOfficio to be recognized three years in a row on the Inc. 500 fastest growing private companies.  ExOfficio.com was also chosen as one of the best small business web sites by Inc. Technology Magazine. Rick’s leadership evolved the ExOfficio brand into an industry leadership position and paved the way for ExOfficio to become a subsidiary of K2 Inc. in May 2004.   

In January 2007 Rick joined Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC as VP of Business Development to help spearhead their strategic business initiatives. Under Rick’s direction, the Seattle brand and marketing group will support existing partners (such as ExOfficio, Orvis, LL Bean), develop private label products, open an overseas facility, and support Buzz Off’s philanthropic efforts.  

Rick helped launch the Buzz Off technology via the ExOfficio product line in 2004, resulting in the first-ever EPA registered insect repellent apparel to hit the market. Ever since, he regards Buzz Off insect repellent apparel as one of the most important garment technology breakthrough’s of the last 25 years. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the Buzz Off technology for Rick is the development of world health initiatives to help in the fight against diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease and West Nile virus.  

In addition to his work with Buzz Off, Rick also serves on the Adventure Travel Trade Association and World Concern Advisory boards. Rick’s free time is spent helping his wife with their 5 children (3 of which are adopted from a Siberian orphanage), yet has still found the time to travel to 26 countries in the world.