Mr. Glenn J Gross

Inducted 30 April 2010

Glenn J. Gross is a second generation California native, born in Los Angeles. His father was in the construction industry and the young Mr. Gross spent his early years moving from school to school through the West Coast, Japan and South America. He graduated high school in New Jersey, attended Rutgers University for one year and began his studies at Western Michigan University in the fall of 1964. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant through the ROTC program in April, 1967. He received his Masters in Economics from Western Michigan University in 1968.

He began active duty at Ft. Lee, Virginia, October, 1968, where he completed the Quartermaster Officer's Basic and Advanced Courses and then was assigned to the New Cumberland Army Depot in Pennsylvania as a grant aid administrator to Southeast Asia. Subsequently, LT Gross spent one year with the 19th Supply & Service Company in Vietnam where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Star.

Upon leaving the Army, Mr. Gross joined Kransco Manufacturing Company and spent 25 years in various positions, culminating as Senior Vice President. As a member of the executive committee, he helped orchestrate the growth of Kransco into the largest privately-held toy company in the United States with popular consumer brands, including Wham-O*, Power Wheels*, Morey Boogie*, Hydroslide*, Hacky Sack*, Frisbee* and Hula Hoop*. Mattel Toy Company purchased Kransco in 1994.

Mr. Gross joined Camelbak* in 1995 as President and CEO. During the next 10 years, Camelbak* was transformed from a small niche recreational product used mainly by mountain bikers into the worldwide premier brand in personal hydration with over 120 products designed for a variety of recreational, military and industrial uses. Camelbak's Government and Military Division provide products specifically developed for a vast array of end users. Camelbak* is combat tested and is essential equipment carried by all branches of the United States Military, Border Patrol, FBI, Custom Service, National Parks, Secret Service, and many law enforcement agencies.

Camelbak* has been covered by numerous media outlets, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, New York Times and MSNBC. Camelbak* was sold to an investment banking firm in 2003. Mr. Gross retired in 2006 and lives in Alamo, California. He is the proud father of a son and daughter, is a classic automobile enthusiast, enjoys off-road racing, and plays a barely acceptable game of golf.

*Wham-O, Power Wheels, Morey Boogie, Hydroslide, Hacky Sack, Frisbee, Hula Hoop, and Camelbak are all trademarked names.

Alumni
(by year)

[1950-1959]
[1960-1969]
[1970-1979]
[1980-1989]
[1990-1999]
[2000-present]