Our Brands
Pro Ears
Acquired in mid 2008 from the founder of Ridgeline, Inc.
Ridgeline started in his garage outside of Phoenix, AZ in 1992. An
avid shooter and hunter, he had recognized the need for a high quality,
comfortable and reliable hearing protectionr and sound amplification.
Working with a world-class engineer from Motorola they created the
first, and to this day, only compression system to limit high decibel
sounds while amplifying low decibel sounds. The market has
enthusiastically responded to this innovation. By 2008 after many
product and business improvements the founder decided it was time to
enjoy the fruits of his labor and retire. Altus Brands reached
agreement to acquire Ridgeline, which at that time had been relocated to
Westcliffe, CO. The company has since been relocated to the Altus
Brands home office in Traverse City, MI where we continue to manufacture
and distribute the world’s best electronic earmuffs.
Benchmaster
The original American made rifle shooting rest was
started in 1988 in a small town in Pennsylvania. The founder had an
idea that a high quality, sturdy steel, simply designed shooting
platform could be made in the USA to last a lifetime. He was right.
Many customers who use these products understand the importance of
quality materials and construction and products made with American
pride. They keep coming back to Benchmaster. Made in the USA.
Guaranteed Forever.
As the former owner
contemplated retirement, Altus Brands was able to acquire the assets to
keep this American tradition alive and growing. Benchmaster was the
second Altus acquisition, completed in the fall of 2008. Altus has
continued to build on the stellar reputation for quality and lifetime
warranty by introducing new products such as the American Bison Shooting
bags with EZ Fill spout and anti skid base and the Thompson Long Range
Shooting Table. Benchmaster is proudly made in Traverse City, MI.
Crossfire Slings
The founder of the amazing crossfire sling is an avid
hunter who often found himself trekking long distances across the
Colorado high plains and traversing steep mountains only to find himself
not in a “ready to fire position” when the opportune moment arrived.
After a year of tinkering and prototyping he came up with an innovative
sling design that allowed him to carry his weapon in a variety of
positions but always ready to quickly release and move into a firing
position without removing the sling. When friend and stranger alike
raved about the versatility of his invention he knew he had a winner.
But the sling market is a crowded place. Convincing buyers at big
retail chains to take on a new product was not an easy task. In the
fall of 2008 and agreement was reached with Altus Brands who acquired
the rights to market and sell this Altus has developed an on-line and
in-store demonstration video which has quickly grabbed the attention of
key retailers and continues to grow this brand.
Cass Creek Electronic Game Calls
This company was one of the original electronic game call
manufacturers. In 1998 in Upstate New York, a well known hunter and
outdoorsman decided that it was not necessary to spend $500 or $600 for
an electronic game call and that a game call should be portable and
easy to use. He set about finding the best product designer, sound
recordings and manufacturer he could and tasked them with developing an
electronic game call with great sound, ease of use at an affordable
price. Cass Creek took the market by storm. Eventually due to certain
political aspirations (he became a judge) he needed to divest himself of
the company. The company that bought Cass Creek found it necessary to
divest it’s crown jewel during the troubled economy in 2009. In October
2009 Altus Brands acquired the assets of Cass Creek and began to
reinvest working capital. At the same time Altus Brands purchased
Woodland Whisper hearing amplification products. Combining these two
products with the other Altus brand’s opened up anew distribution
channels and broadened the scope of the Altus product offering. Altus
is investing in R&D to develop new electronic hunting accessories
which will be introduced in the fall of 2010. This business was
relocated to Traverse City in November 2009.
We are always on the lookout for new companies to add to our portfolio. Opportunities come from all avenues. We search for companies that fit our investment criteria at trade shows, in journals and through our industry network. As our reputation for fair dealing grows, we have been approached by people ready to join forces. Sometimes our customers are in love with a product, know an owner is ready to sell and think we may be able to apply our expertise to grow the line. If you are aware of a company that you believe would prosper under the Altus Brands banner give us a call.