Nate Simmons

Nate Simmons is the Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Backbone Media, LLC, a marketing agency specializing in reaching active outdoor consumers.2 He co-founded the company with Penn Newhard in 1997, and it has since grown into one of the most influential marketing firms in the outdoor industry.1

Simmons has a diverse background in marketing and business:

• Education: MBA in Marketing from INSEAD (1997-1998) and BA in Economics and French from Franklin & Marshall College (1988-1991)2
• Career highlights:
  • Management Development Program Associate at Prudential Insurance (1991)
  • Owner of Simmons Consulting, Inc. (1995-1997)
  • PR professional at Malden Mills (2000-2007)
  • Global Director of Marketing at Polartec, LLC (2008-2012)
  • Founder of Tacie's Kitchen LLC (2011-2015)2

At Backbone Media, Simmons has been instrumental in the company's growth and diversification. The firm now offers services beyond PR, including media buying, social management, affiliate sales, and SEO/SEM.1 Simmons is known for his passion for outdoor activities, particularly bowhunting, fly-fishing, and making signature margaritas.3

Under Simmons' leadership, Backbone Media has expanded to two offices in Carbondale and Denver, with remote workers in 14 states.1 The company has worked with notable outdoor brands such as Black Diamond and Yeti, contributing to their success in the industry.1