MLA Business Member Spotlight: Vallation Outerwear
- MLA Staff
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
Vallation Outerwear, a family business based in Washington state, has made a splash since its founding in 2020. In part that is due to the credentials of its founders. Fisherman Cory Jackson, who started the company, is the son of Dave Jackson, a co-founder of Grundéns USA. Dave handles product design while Cory’s brother, Taylor, also a fisherman, works on design and marketing. Together the three men are creating a company that they can be proud of.
"Vallation comes from a Latin word. It means ‘defense’,” Cory Jackson explained. “Vallation is a family-run outerwear brand rooted in commercial fishing. We pride ourselves on building outerwear that allows fishermen to do their job no matter the weather."
Word-of-mouth has driven much of the company’s sales to date. While they do attend the Pacific Marine Expo and the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Jackson said that the clothing itself produces new customers. “We find people try our gear, like it, and tell their friends about it.”
Vallation’s line of fishing gear offers jackets, pants, and bibs. The design process is all done in house, drawing on the fishing experiences of the three men and their friends in the fishing industry. Those who use the gear are encouraged to make suggestions on what could make the gear better, and Cory and his father listen, then tweak the item to improve it.
Jackson knows that the company’s success depends on the success of fishermen, wherever they may fish. “Supporting commercial fishermen is a meaningful part of our company, so joining the MLA is a great way for us to support Maine lobstermen and be a part of a great organization,” Jackson said.
Vallation Outerwear
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