Joe, who was previously president of Goal Zero, will be replacing our founder Robert Workman. Robert will now be serving as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors and as Chief Creative Officer of Product Development.

“Joe has been a vital force within Goal Zero since joining the company full time in 2009,” said Robert. “The time has come for me to focus my efforts where my passion and strengths will best serve Goal Zero going forward, and I couldn’t be more excited to be able to spend more time with our highly creative product development team. I don’t believe there is anyone better suited to take over the role of CEO than Joe. As President, he led the team with extraordinary vision, strategy and passion. I am confident the company is in capable hands under Joe’s leadership.”

Before Joe came to Goal Zero, he was a senior manager at Sorenson Capital, a private equity firm in Lehi, Utah. It was at Sorenson Capital where he was first introduced to Goal Zero. Joe is an experienced entrepreneur and has started four businesses. He has also served as president, CFO and VP of Marketing for several businesses. He received an MBA from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

“I am extremely appreciative of Robert’s endorsement of me and the team,” said Joe. “He is a visionary and a great mentor. It’s not often that one gets the chance to work with a person like Robert, who truly believes in empowering people to reach their potential. I’ve been able to witness first-hand how a focus on building the team has translated into individual growth and collective success that is nearly unprecedented in today’s market. I look forward to continuing to empower our employees, shareholders and customers.”

Before Robert founded Goal Zero, he was the owner of Provo Craft and Novelty Inc. for 30 years. He expanded the company from a single store in Provo, Utah to become a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of craft and hobby products. In 2007, Robert established TIFIE Humanitarian (Teaching Individuals and Families Independence though Enterprise), a nonprofit organization that assists communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Western Samoa, helping them create a better life. It was through his efforts with TIFIE that Robert realized the need for portable power and light, creating the inspiration for Goal Zero. We continue to work closely with our sister company, TIFIE Humanitarian and donate a portion of the proceeds from all Goal Zero purchases.

If you would like to share this infographic to save your friends from their monster-in-law, grab the code below!

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Get your Yeti on here: http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/138/Yeti-1250-Solar-Generator-Kit/6:1/

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Part of the celebration of Earth Day is about education, and there are countless ways to get involved. In our celebration of Earth Day, we’re sending our rock star Goal Zero representatives to educate and inform people about solar powered solutions and energy efficient alternatives. If you happen to live in Utah, you can check out our complimentary presentations at the:

• Discovery Gateway children’s museum in Salt Lake City on April 20th at 1 p.m.
• Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy on April 22nd at 12 p.m.

Because we’re all things outdoors and adventure, we love a good cause that promotes a happy, healthy environment. We’re anxious to be part of something bigger and better, and we want to offer valuable information that helps people be a little more conscious of their carbon footprint.

Friendly followers and interested individuals who want to check out what we have up our ‘Earth Day sleeve’ can expect a few things. Learn the basics of solar energy, discover how solar power works, and come to understand the significance of how and why utilizing power from the sun is possible and preferential.

Spoiler alert: you can expect to see first-hand some of our best products that help protect the environment in their own way. Our professionals are coming prepared to each presentation equipped with a number of solid energy conserving products like our Nomad 7, Escape 150 Power Pack, and the Escape 30 Solar Panel to show you the different ways you can minimize your environmental impact.

In the end, Earth Day provides a chance for people to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life and consider the small steps they can take to live greener and healthier. Our team at Goal Zero stands confidently behind the cause and this weekend is packed with good times. Let’s celebrate!

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A few years later in 2011 Dominic traveled to Egypt. Still in the midst of a revolution, the people of Egypt have attracted global attention by triggering what has come to be known as the Arab Spring. With all eyes on this ancient and changing country, I took my ‘no doors, no windows’ concept of ‘Take A Seat’ to the heart of the revolution, Tahrir Square. A 4000km journey, temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius in the desert, and a spare back seat on a tandem bicycle in a country famous for the Pharaohs, the Promised Land and the Nile. But today, what best represents Egypt’s identity? With a small camera crew, Dominic plans to find out with the help of 7 different Egyptian companions leading him through the tourist hotspots, the back of beyond, and everything in-between (Take A Seat Egypt Trailer: https://vimeo.com/30600903 )

GOAL ZERO’s ROLE IN TAKE A SEAT EGYPT from Dominic Gill on Vimeo.

It was particularly in the ‘back of beyond’ spots where my Goal Zero Sherpa 50 power pack and solar panels came in handy. Even our small HDSLR cameras get through batteries fairly quickly, but whether it be in the middle of the desert or on a boat on the Nile, one thing that’s a constant in an Egyptian summer is a painfully hot sun. Thanks to their rugged design and light weight, I could take the panels and power pack on the tandem for the entire journey, which emant, even when we were a long way from the camera unit and their vehicle, we could keep on shooting.

To find out more about Dominic’s adventure films and the ‘Take A Seat’ trilogy, visit www.dominicgill.me or www.encompassfilms.com

New Sherpa 50 and YETI 1250 Revealed at CES 2012 to Revolutionize On-the-Go and Back-Up Power

LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2012 – GOAL ZERO, an innovator of portable solar power systems, today introduced two landmark products to the portable power industry. The launch of the new Sherpa 50 Portable Recharger and the YETI 1250 Solar Generator at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas mark a major milestone for consumers looking to improve their experience while working or playing off the grid, as well as those seeking to secure the latest technology in emergency preparedness solutions.

Lightweight, Direct-to-Laptop Charging
• The new Sherpa 50 portable recharger, which was recently recognized by the CEA as CES Innovation Honoree for Portable Power, will change how consumers power vital devices like phones and laptops. Weighing only 14 oz. (0.9 lbs.), this latest, award-winning addition to the mid-size Sherpa line is less than half the load of its predecessor, yet it harnesses the same 50 watt hour power capacity. The most compact of the Sherpa line, the new Sherpa 50 truly represents on-the-go power, as it measures less than 5 inches on each side and is only 1 ½ inches thick, allowing it to easily fit in any bag or briefcase.

• It features a unique “Power Port” that will enable users to charge laptops directly from the recharger, thus eliminating the need for an AC inverter as well as the computer’s AC power cable. Instead, users will be able to plug their device directly into the Sherpa 50 using one of its included connector cables.

• In addition to the “Power Port,” the Sherpa 50 offers DC and AC (with inverter) outputs, as well as upgraded USB ports that now output 1A of power – enough to provide two extra hours of entertainment on an iPad or tablet device.

• The Sherpa 50 charges fully via solar panel in 5-10 hours or within 2-3 hours via wall outlet and can, in turn, power a smart phone for 10 hours; deliver 25 hours of jams on an iPod; and afford users a valuable, extra hour of life on a dying laptop when a traditional wall outlet is nowhere in sight.

Silent, Safe, Sustainable Trade-up Generator
• The Yeti 1250 Solar Generator is Goal Zero’s highest capacity portable recharger to date and is the most easy to use, affordable, dependable and complete solution available for those looking to “trade-up” from their conventional gas-powered back-ups. The Yeti 1250 is a generating beast, standing 16 inches tall, 11.6 inches wide and 14.5 inches deep and weighing 103 lbs., and much like its namesake, the Yeti 1250 is extremely powerful, but rarely seen or heard.

• The Yeti 1250 not only features multiple ports so you can charge several devices at once, but it offers a variety of output types, including AC, 1.5 amp USB, 33amp 12V DC, 6.6 amp 12V DC, which are compatible with a wide array of electronics from GPS units to refrigerators. All the ports are easily activated with a flick of the master switch, but can also be micro-managed by power group to individually protect circuits.

• The Yeti 1250 charges fully in 20-22 hours via sun or in 16-20 hours via a wall outlet and in turn will power a laptop for 30+ hours; support a printer through 18,000+ pages of printing; keep a full sized refrigerator cold for two to four days straight and maintain subzero temperatures in a chest freezer for eight days! Furthermore, unlike traditional gas-fueled generators, the Yeti 1250 never produces more power than is being drawn from it, so users needn’t worry about wasting power or unnecessary maintenance.

“At Goal Zero, it’s not just about making an amazing product; it’s about the application of our products in consumers’ daily lives. We consistently strive to take out the complicated guess work of utilizing a solar unit and build simplicity in, so that we can deliver the most dependable and useful solutions to our customers,” said Joe Atkin, President of Goal Zero. “I think consumers will be eager to see the strides we have made with the new Sherpa 50 and Yeti 1250 as they are both not only some of our most advanced products to date, but they each address a major consumer need.”

The Sherpa 50 Portable Recharger will be available in June 2012 as a part of a number of full system kits or separately for $249.99. The Yeti 1250 Solar Generator will be available in May 2012, both as a single unit ($1499.99) and as part of Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit ($1999.99) which also includes two Boulder 30 solar panels and a carrying cart for the kit.

People of various lifestyles from outdoorsmen to photographers to soccer moms can continue to look forward to additional product releases from Goal Zero in 2012, such as their smallest and most affordable portable recharger yet – the Switch. Consisting of a small, but powerful 5 inch, cylindrical, lithium battery, the Switch will pump out 1.5 amps of power – enough to charge up an iPhone or kick-start an iPad – without a cord directly into users’ devices.

For further information about Goal Zero and its products, please visit www.goalzero.com or call us at 888-794-6250.

*Visit us at booth #70403 in the Sustainable Planet section of the Venetian Ballroom or at our outdoor space (#CP12) in the Central Plaza of the LVCC.
# # #

ABOUT GOAL ZERO

GOAL ZERO is an innovator of portable solar power systems that power a variety of devices – from cell phones to laptops and even refrigerators – anywhere and at any time. Providing a perfect blend of portability and power, Goal Zero products feature full solar energy systems –solar panels, portable rechargers and accessories – each designed to work in concert with each other. Goal Zero was founded by entrepreneur Robert Workman, who realized the need for portable power and light through his work with the non-profit organization TIFIE in the remote regions of the Republic of Congo. Goal Zero donates a portion of proceeds from all Goal Zero purchases to TIFIE (www.tifie.org), which is dedicated to empower people by establishing sustainable business enterprises that produce goods and services and create lasting jobs. For more information, please visit www.goalzero.com

Media Contact:
Ashley Aberbach, Finn Partners for GOAL ZERO
ashley@finnpartners.com / 212-715-1524

As a photojournalist, I get most excited about the opportunity to travel and capture some of the exotic and the surreal experiences that await travelers in destinations around the world.

Remote locales, such as a recent assignment in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, pose significant logistical challenges. During this first visit to one of the natural wonders of the world, I was filled with enthusiasm, excitement and, of course, slight apprehension on how to sustain battery power for my camera gear and computer.

Floating the Colorado River in October means plenty of beautiful sunshine and ever-present scattered showers.

The assignment itself was to capture the spirit and soul of the Grand Canyon on a dory, a small, shallow-draft boat, about 5 to 7 meters (6.4 to 23 feet) long that are maneuvered by an expert oarsman. It is lightweight and versatile boat with high sides, a flat bottom and sharp bows. For centuries, dories have been used as traditional fishing boats.

In a span of 12 days, I hiked the famed nine-mile Bright Angel Trail from the South Rim to the bottom of the canyon and headed straight into some of the wildest rapids in the Grand Canyon. In this exhilarating137-mile journey we passed through Shinumo Creek, Bass Camp, Elves Chasm, Blacktail Canyon, Stone Creek, Thunder River, Deer Creek, Kanab Creek, Havasu Canyon, National Canyon, Fern Glen Canyon, and Pumpkin Springs. The famous rapids on this part of the Colorado River included Horn Creek, Granite, Hermit, Crystal, Bedrock, Dubendorf and the mighty Lava Falls.

In a place as awe-inspiring as the Grand Canyon, one has to be prepared for capturing the beauty and the majesty in all its splendor. Surprises and extraordinary scenery are an understatement in the iconic Grand Canyon. In preparation for the journey, I researched several product lines, including mobile solar power units, ultimately selecting the Goal Zero-Sherpa Solar Kit.

First criteria for deciding on Sherpa Kit were its compactness and easy mobility. There was a serious baggage restriction and very little leeway for any heavy gear. Secondly, I looked at the retaining power of the solar pack and the convenient means to charging my laptop and the camera charger. My third consideration was the type of solar panels available and the ease in packing them into the back-country.

The Sherpa Solar Kit featured a Nomad 27-watt solar panel, Sherpa 120 battery, and Sherpa universal inverter (UI) adaptable for 110- and 220-volt, a 12-volt cigarette plug-in adapter, three aluminum support rods for the solar array and a built-in extender cord.

In the course of my journey, we would typically float the river through the day and camp on the sandy bank of the river at night. Within the towering canyon walls, the sunshine was restricted to about seven hours before the shadows crept in. I judiciously charged the Sherpa battery, keeping it safe from water splashes in storage. At camp in the night, I could then transfer my images onto my hard drive and charge all types of batteries.

Throughout the journey, the weather remained gorgeous and we had bright sunshine and blue sky. The landscape was incredibly beautiful. But, the nature of river travel by dory meant guarding against ever-present splashes, generated by even the smallest rapids. The design of the dory allowed for a small space between the oarsmen and the passengers, where I would assemble my solar panels to charge the storage device.

There were days when we would camp out at a particular location and go for side hikes such as Cardenas, 91-Mile Creek, Crystal, Ross Wheeler, and Havasu. We were constantly amazed at the majestic hues and rock formations that surrounded us.

Before departing on our hikes, I would open the panels and spread them on the dory and connect the battery pack, allowing a full charge in five to six hours. I protected both with a waterproof sheet whenever we approached rapids. At other times, the waters were extremely calm, providing a smooth ride and less concern about equipment.

While camping for a full day, we experienced brilliant sunshine and the battery would be totally charged by the time I returned to camp. In the evenings, I would have full power to charge my gadgets, as well as those of my fellow travelers. My Nikon batteries would take about 2 hours to completely power up, and I had five batteries to charge, as well as my Macbook Pro. While connected to the laptop, the draining of the stored battery was substantial.

Laurent Pavard, a French national who was traveling with us on the dory, also packed a solar panel, which was never functional. He would come back to me every other day and ask to charge his batteries.

In the course of 12 days, I had an opportunity to charge the storage device four times and was never worried about the battery power for any of my gadgets.

The Houffmans, who spend most of their time sailing and have a sailboat on the East Coast, were so impressed with the device, they said, “We have tried several solar options, but this one seems to be one of the best.”

Two other boat-mates, Todd Cecil and Phil Starr of Houston, examined the Goal Zero’s functionality and adaptability in my tent and said they were so impressed they were considering purchasing the package for their frequent camping trips.

In hindsight, I never had to worry about power for my batteries. The storage device and the UI converter were easy to carry and the charge cables were so well concealed that they never got in the way. The trip was memorable on many counts and Goal Zero took away all the apprehensions I had about using battery-operated devices and mobile power in remote terrain, such as the incomparable Grand Canyon.

Learn more of Bhaskar Krishnamurthy journeys

“Dwarfed by our overstuffed packs, we slogged into the vast Patagonian landscape. Our packs—heavy with camera gear, personal equipment, tents, cooking supplies, fuel, three days of food, climbing ropes and hardwear—were loaded down to prepare us for the unfamiliar terrain ahead. Had we underestimated this venture? A self supported athlete-filmed project with complete control of concept and film direction… what could go wrong?

Just four days prior, our crew—Jason Thompson, Drew Stoecklien, Chuck Mumford and I—had landed at the small rural airport of Balamaceda, roughly 600 desolate miles from the bustling metropolis of Santiago. From here our journey would be dictated by the winds and whims of the Chilean winter. With a little luck and fortune from mother nature our expedition would be a success. We were only beginning to wrap our eager minds around the size and scope of these mountains. Severe and inspiring, the craggy spires, granite walls, deep river valleys and snow-capped volcanoes draw mountaineers, climbers and adventurers alike.

The biggest obstacle we soon learned once at base camp was because we were so far south the sun would only get so high in the sky and with the consent threat of a new storm on the horizon we weren’t going to get a ton sunlight. Unable to charge the batteries off the solar panel would spell an end to our project and the months of work getting to this point would have been for nothing. We were equipped with GOAL ZEROs Sherpa 120 kit, it soon became our lifeline between success and failure.

Over the next 15 days we would witness the harsh and unrelenting power of Patagonia. Most mornings we wake to the sounds of the hollowing wind with a few sun rays poking through the clouds. Racing to make sure the solar panel was angled right getting the most from the sun and to charge our batteries was an everyday occurrence. But as morning turned to afternoon new storms would blow in, with new rain and snow raging down on our little camp.

Even though we only had a few hours a day of sun each morning, we were able to collect enough solar energy to keep four DSLR cameras rolling non stop capturing the climbing & skiing over the next 15 days. During an expedition like this having reliable power is a must, and in the harsh Patagonia, the Sherpa 120 did everything we needed to keep going.

Finally the barometer rose and leveled out with four days left on the trip, signifying the arrival of our weather window. For three days we climbed and skied beneath the blissful afternoon sun. We skied coveted lines and earned each turn with the patience and perseverance we learned there. On the evening of the third day, our window had passed and the wind had returned. As we skied back to camp, we hoped for just one more day of sun. Our selfish prayers were not heard. Instead, lenticular clouds engulfed the mountaintops and 36 hours of hard rain followed. Our camp was melting and it was time to pull the plug and get the ‘hell out of dodge’, as they say.

The following morning we wake to the alternatively sweet, however brief, sound of snow on the tent walls. It’s better then packing up in the rain. Once again we face our backbreaking dilemma of hauling gear. With packs that took two of us to get on, it turned out to be a long day of slogging in the rain. Seven grueling hours later we arrived back in Villa Cerro Castillo. With only 5,000 Chilean pesos (10 dollars) between us, we made the best of it, buying the best box wine at the store, and raised a toast to a great trip.”

Interested in learning more about his adventures visit Forrest Coots website.