The end of an era: Carhartt's 'Man in Alaska' moves on after 30 years.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa
• Position: Doug Tweedie

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You can't go far in Alaska without seeing someone wearing the rugged canvas or denim outerwear that best represents the Carhartt brand. Known for its toughness and durability, Carhartt clothes are worn by fishermen, loggers, construction workers and just about anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

Just like the Carhartt brand, the man who has represented the company in Alaska for the past 30 years is also well-known and well-respected on the Last Frontier. Doug Tweedie, who began working for the company back in 1977, is known by retailers all over the state as Carhartt's "Man in Alaska." Having spent the last three decades acting as a liaison between the manufacturer and its retailers, Tweedie now has taken a new job as a national sales manager for another company.

"Back when I started, Carhartt was a small, family owned company that did about $12 million to $15 million in business," explained Tweedie, 57. "Ten or 12 of us used to sit in the president's office designing clothes on cocktail napkins. Today, there are more than 4,000 employees, and Carhartt is a half-billion dollar company.

"Before I started working for Carhartt, I was an independent rep and I carried a number of other lines," said Tweedie of his start in the business. "Carhartt quickly became my most important line because Alaska is Carhartt's country--their merchandise fits into everyone's life."

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According to Carhartt Inc. Public Relations Manager John Mozena, Alaska has always been a big supporter of the clothing brand. "Alaska is our best per capita state. We do more business per person--about $11 per resident than in any other state," he explained. "Our clothing doesn't have a lot of pretense; it doesn't look real fancy, but it works really Well. And Alaskans appreciate that we design clothes for the demands that the climate places on their clothing."

Demands that Tweedie got to see first-hand as he traveled throughout the 49th state, visiting retailers, asking questions, sharing stories, and participating in Carhartt's public events. "Helping with promotions was always fun, especially the ones I dreamed up myself," said Tweedie. Carhartt's sponsorships include Ice Alaska, Carhartt Day at the Alaska State Fair and the former Carhartt Ball.

"The Carhartt Ball was incredible," reminisced Tweedie of the event that ran for seven years. "Everyone took Carhartt clothing and embellished it in any way they wanted. The clothes were then...