John has spent the majority of his career in the textile industry after graduating from North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles. He has been an entrepreneur since the age of 29, when he and his business partner, Mike Hawkins, built their first business in the apparel and industrial fabric industry. Gage and Hawkins have since launched two other businesses including their current endeavor, Appalachian Gear Company.
Appalachian Gear Company introduces AlpaLite performance apparel. The new tech line blends the natural power of alpaca and recycled nylon.
We first had the vision for AlpaLite back in 2020, but then COVID happened and turned the global supply chain upside down. In 2023, we were finally able to focus on developing a technical line once again. Today, we are proud to have not only overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, but to have expanded our collection with the first technical alpaca garments crafted with our proprietary yarn and manufacturing process. That we have been able to create this incredible fabric and these garments without outsourcing our production is just the icing on the cake.