PLANK NAMED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
PLANK NAMED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
June 20, 2003 at 12:00 AM EDT
PLANK NAMED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEARBALTIMORE, June 20, 2003 - Kevin Plank, president and founder of Under Armour® Performance Apparel, has been named the winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Maryland in the Manufacturing category. The award acknowledges entrepreneurs around the world who have achieved remarkable business successes. Plank is now a finalist for the National Entrepreneur of the Year award, to be announced in November 2003.
Plank was chosen as one who exemplifies, as the Ernst & Young award mandates, "the entrepreneurial spirit - the incredible depth and character that entrepreneurs possess as they develop new technologies, create faster ways to distribute goods and services, and improve the quality of life for people around them."
"Kevin's achievements are a result of his hard work and leadership in bringing Under Armour® to the forefront of the apparel industry," commented Betty Pilcher, Program Coordinator for Ernst & Young in Maryland. "Our judges were impressed that Kevin has led Under Armour® to such remarkable growth while maintaining the company's focus on making products for athletes and by athletes. We are excited to have Kevin represent Maryland as a national finalist."
Under Armour® is the originator of performance apparel, a line of moisture-wicking microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game or workout. Most of the products are compression garments that help prevent muscle fatigue while working out. The diverse line includes apparel for all seasons and climates, allowing the body to regulate its temperature naturally through the process of moisture transport.
Under Plank's leadership, Under Armour® has grown to be an industry leader with annual average growth of nearly 250 percent. Founded in 1996, the company now holds market share of more than 70 percent in the compression performance apparel market. "Being named an Ernst & Young winner for Maryland and a national finalist is an important recognition of the successes the Under Armour® team has achieved in revolutionizing the sports apparel industry," Plank said. "I am honored to accept this award and I look forward to leading Under Armour® to continued growth."
Plank was chosen as one who exemplifies, as the Ernst & Young award mandates, "the entrepreneurial spirit - the incredible depth and character that entrepreneurs possess as they develop new technologies, create faster ways to distribute goods and services, and improve the quality of life for people around them."
"Kevin's achievements are a result of his hard work and leadership in bringing Under Armour® to the forefront of the apparel industry," commented Betty Pilcher, Program Coordinator for Ernst & Young in Maryland. "Our judges were impressed that Kevin has led Under Armour® to such remarkable growth while maintaining the company's focus on making products for athletes and by athletes. We are excited to have Kevin represent Maryland as a national finalist."
Under Armour® is the originator of performance apparel, a line of moisture-wicking microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game or workout. Most of the products are compression garments that help prevent muscle fatigue while working out. The diverse line includes apparel for all seasons and climates, allowing the body to regulate its temperature naturally through the process of moisture transport.
Under Plank's leadership, Under Armour® has grown to be an industry leader with annual average growth of nearly 250 percent. Founded in 1996, the company now holds market share of more than 70 percent in the compression performance apparel market. "Being named an Ernst & Young winner for Maryland and a national finalist is an important recognition of the successes the Under Armour® team has achieved in revolutionizing the sports apparel industry," Plank said. "I am honored to accept this award and I look forward to leading Under Armour® to continued growth."