The ECHO World Headquarters is Moving!
After running ECHO for 36 years, owners Dick Linford and Joe Daly are slowing down. Not disappearing, mind you. Just slowing down. Thanks to computers, phones, and instant messaging Joe will work from his home in Berkeley, California and Dick will work from his new home in Bend, Oregon. Sadly for all of us, Sue Kingsbury and Sadie (the brains behind the whole operation) are retiring. Sue will continue to work on a part time basis and promises to make a guest appearance at new office.
Zach Collier is our new general manager. Zach earned a degree in mechanical engineering from UC Davis in 1996 and an MS in the same from Stanford in 1998. He started guiding for ECHO in 1998. He managed our Tuolumne operation for four years, and ran a sweep rig in Idaho for four years. He spent most of his winters traveling in South America and Asia, and teaching high school math and community college engineering. He has worked in the ECHO office for the past three winters. Each year he has learned more about rafting and ECHO, and has convinced Dick, Joe and Sue that he can run the company. In fact, we know that he is bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the company.
Last year we had a trial run where Zach lived and worked in the town of Hood River, Oregon. It was a success. So we're moving the ECHO World Headquarters there from Oakland where it's been for the past 36 years.
Our new office will be in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge and is close to many nearby whitewater rivers including the Class IV White Salmon River. The new location is also geographically between both Rogue River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
So next month when you call us at (800) 652-3246, we'll be answering your call in beautiful Hood River. If you're ever in town, stop by and say hi!
