KTC Beyond Cave

Barry Armitage is an adventurer, historian, horseman, and sailor. In episode 10 of the KTC Beyond Cave Podcast, we discuss his life's journey with growing up in Cape Town and making his way into clothing design. Then, on to a life that turned into one of adventure and education, following the premature death of his brother. From skippering boats to shooting an impromptu TV series, and competing in some of the world's most difficult long-distance horse races. An epic story of self-discovery from an impatient, curious, and daring maverick.

Andy Kessler is the CEO of the Swiss E-Bike Pioneer Flyer AG, founded in 1995. After years in the textile industry, Andy was looking for a new challenge and came in as the interim CEO of Flyer, which was then made permanent. He has helped add color and sex appeal to a once aging brand and took a calculated risk at the start of the pandemic, doubling down on components, to bring flyer's production capacity head and shoulders above other bike brands in the current E-Bike explosion. We discuss how like KTC, Flyer sees quality and craftsmanship as keys to its longevity and product life-cycle. Also, what the future market holds for both the brand Flyer and its consumer.

As KTC moves deeper into its podcast content strategy, we are pleased to announce the upcoming release of Breitfeld, The Podcast - with Andreas Breitfeld - powered by UVU, KTC's Human Performance & Preventative Protection Brand. Andreas is a renowned German Biohacker who went from being a journalist and overworked PR business owner, through burnout, to the turning point that set his course for a future in biohacking. In this podcast series, Andreas chats with a diverse network of trusted professionals. From biohackers to doctors and athletes. He reaches into areas that educate the listener on external protection, prevention, and modern methods in internal well-being. Subscribe now, and come on an enlightening and polarising journey in this quirky interview style format that only Andreas can deliver. Breitfeld, The Podcast Listen & Subscribe now!

On this day, the 15th of June, 2021, we celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the incorporation of KTC limited in Hong Kong. How appropriate it is to have the founder of KTC Limited, Mr Hans Kremmel, as my guest. Mr. Kremmel takes us on a historic journey - from stepping foot in Hong Kong in the early '70s to how the company grew on a foundation of craftsmanship, quality, and a 'business is people' mindset. He shares his thoughts and experiences from days past, and hopes and dreams for the days to come. A 'must listen' episode for anyone interested in honorable longevity in business.

Hans Frautschi has a surname that is synonymous in sports retail for the last 67 years in Gstaad-Schönried. Hans takes us on a heartfelt and sometimes emotional journey - from sewing leather pole grips at night as a child to later setting up a ski shop in a gas station. Then, why, close to retirement age, he decided to make his boldest move yet, and resurrect the family name to create one of the best sports retail experiences in Switzerland.

Norbert Sedlacek Koch is an Austrian adventurer and round-the-world sailor. We talk about his upbringing in Vienna, which included stints in the hotel industry and public transport system. His first sailing experience and how that led to his first world circumnavigation. Then, how he came into contact with KTC, products that we help developed for him, and our title sponsorship of the Ant Arctic Lab Challenge. We round it up with his passionate thoughts about the future of the oceans.

Karl-Martin Schmull is the head of CSR for KTC limited. Through his work, Martin has helped KTC strengthen its focus and on CSR. We talk about how an interest in Calligraphy bought him to Asia, how 'made in China' is still something that KTC holds dear, and finish off by looking at manufacturing's environmental impact and the idea of closing the loop.

Regina Koller is the Operations Manager at the KTC owned Swiss outerwear brand, Mountain Force. Regina talks about her schooling as a Seamstress/Dressmaker and her first tentative steps in the fashion industry. She then discusses her invitation to visit Hong Kong and how it lead her to KTC and a future position at Mountain Force and gives us a revealing look at the challenges & rewards of steering the ship at Mountain Force and what the future holds.

Andreas Breitfeld is a renowned German Biohacker. Andreas takes us on a journey of his life thus far. From journalist and overworked PR business owner, through burnout, to the turning point that set his course for a future in biohacking. He also discusses his past and present connection with KTC, which is now shaping the future of preventative, protective garments.

Gerhard Flatz is the gregarious managing director of KTC limited. He took over the helm at KTC in 2008 and has helped lead the company towards its 50 year anniversary this coming June. He discusses a number of topics, including his journey to managing the company, KTC's continued focus on craftsmanship, positioning as an Honorable Merchant, diversification, and what lies ahead in its future.

Hi, and welcome to the KTC Beyond Cave podcast. I am your host Chris Ongarello. Come on a journey with me behind the scenes, to discover the heart, body, and soul of KTC Limited - A 50-year-old Honorable Merchant manufacturer of preventative performance outerwear for some of the world's biggest outdoor brands. I'll be hosting in-depth interviews with founders, employees, and a diverse array of partners, to provide insight into how KTC's culture, craftsmanship, innovation, and investments have been the key to its longevity, and a blueprint for its future. Subscribe now, and I'll look forward to having you along for the ride!