A few years ago, Klaus Lenhart, the owner and managing director of Leki, called the editor of this newsletter. He approached me because he needed an idea for a press presentation. He sensed that “we need something more than just a showcase of our new products.” I replied: “If you really believe - as you have said so many times - that your Leki poles are so superior to no-name poles, than go to a supermarket and buy cheap gear. Demonstrate to the folks that your stuff is by far better.” Lenhart thanked briefly and hung up. A few weeks later, he was well prepared in front of the trade and special interest press corps to demonstrate how easy it was to crack low-quality poles. Lenhart was passionated by the idea to develop the best poles for hiking, skiing and Nordic walking poles until his death which occured tragically yesterday afternoon.

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