Burlington, NC climbing rope manufacturer wins the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina Award.

Climbing rope is a crucial component of climbing equipment, serving as a lifeline for climbers in recreational and professional settings. They are indispensable in the climbing world, providing essential support and safety to climbers. Their design, construction and technological advancements continue to evolve, ensuring that climbers can rely on them in the most demanding environments.

FJORD, a company named for the Fjords of Norway, was incorporated in North Carolina as a small business entity in 1997. The climbing protection manufacturer based in Burlington often operates under their US & EU registered* trade name – Chafe-Pro®. Fjord won the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina Contest for the Small Business Category for their STREP, Static Rope Edge Protectors.

On this episode of Clocking In Phil Mintz sits down with the CEO and owner of Fjord, Michael Ratigan and general manager Jasmine Krsak. Ratigan has been with Fjord for over 15 years and has previously served as the Vice President. Before working at Fjord, Raigan was an English teacher in Broward County, Florida. He studied at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington where he received a bachelor’s in English and Communication studies.

Krsak has a proven track record in financial management, vendor relations, and employee productivity. She has a background in microbiology research and teaching assistance in physiology. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Biology and Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Passionate about optimizing operational efficiency and building strong professional relationships.

Mintz, Ratigan and Krask discuss the history of Fjord, the importance of reliable climbing rope, the Coolest Thing Made in NC award and more.

LINKS

NCMEP

Fjord

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.

Michael Ratigan is the owner and CEO of Fjord. Ratigan has been with Fjord for over 15 years and has previously served as the Vice President. Before working at Fjord, Ratigan was an English teacher in Broward County, Florida. He studied at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington where he received a bachelor’s in English and Communication studies.

Jasmine Krsak is the general manager of Fjord. Krsak has a proven financial management, vendor relations, and employee productivity track record. She has a background in microbiology research and teaching assistance in physiology. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Biology and Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Passionate about optimizing operational efficiency and building strong professional relationships.