The Steppladder by Wild Edge inc .
The SteppLadder is a set of triangular shaped "rungs" which are attached individually, at comfortable intervals, to form a "ladder" as you climb. The rungs nest neatly together and, along with the attachment ropes, fit in a small tote bag with a shoulder strap. Each rung provides support for both feet and makes the attachment process truly effortless. Simply lean back into your safety harness with heels together and toes extended to either side of the tree and secure the next rung. Each rung is cam-locked in place using a simple loop, a tension and height adjustment, and a downward rotation. This camming action is the secret to the SteppLadder's rock solid attachment and, more importantly, your safety because more stress is exerted on the cord during this process than when you climb on the rung.
ANDREW & APRIL WALTER
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ANDREW WALTER—FOUNDER AND OWNER OF WILD EDGE, INC.
Andrew grew up spending most of his time in the outdoors and remains an avid bow hunter and water fowler. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Southern Maine. Andrew also served in the United States Army National Guard as a 31B, Military Police Officer. Over the past eight years, he has traveled the United States from Connecticut to California and around the world from Canada to Guam where he worked with federal and state wildlife agencies. Their aim was to control overabundant deer populations to reduce tick born disease and deer-vehicle collisions. He has been part of many island conservation programs, established by the federal government, to eradicate non-native ungulate populations and reinforce the native species’ ecosystems. He has been part of numerous suburban deer management programs. Andrew is also a certified and licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator in the state of Connecticut and an active member of the CT NWCO. With years of experience, both as a hobbyist and a professional, he has climbed thousands of trees around the world. Andrew’s knowledge of what it takes to safely and effectively climb and work out of trees in all environments contributes to the success of the SteppLadder and new innovations of climbing vertically and hunting in the great outdoors. |
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PARTNERING—ANDREW WALTER OF WILD EDGE, INC. AND JAMES STEPP
Andrew and Jim have known each other for over 10 years, first meeting at an outdoorsmen event. The two share a love for being in the wild and hunting in all capacities. Jim’s true passion is in the innovation process, where he brings over 40 years of mechanical engineering experience. Andrew brings his vast professional background to run the metal and fabrication shop, along with the sales and marketing of Wild Edge, Inc. products. These two veterans look forward to getting the SteppLadder and other new products into your hands. JAMES (JIM) STEPP, INVENTOR OF THE STEPPLADDER
One of the most reliable innovations in tree stand technology is a climbing aid appropriately named the “SteppLadder”. Never was the adage, “Necessity is the Mother of Invention,” more applicable than the origins of this device. Jim Stepp, a wounded Vietnam Veteran and devoted hunter, needed a way to effectively climb and descend trees while supporting both feet on the same level. This led to his invention of the first SteppLadder in 1991. Jim patented the SteppLadder in 1994 and began to sell his product to major retailers such as L.L. Bean and Kittery Trading Post in Maine. However, Jim could not keep up with the demand of the product due to limited help, high liability insurance through L.L. Bean, and the difficulties of marketing his product in the mid-90s. In 2012, the SteppLadder made another appearance. A friend of Jim posted a 14-year-old SteppLadder advertisement video to YouTube featuring Harry Vanderweide, a famous Maine professional hunter and outdoor guide. This video was seen by old and new users of the SteppLadder causing the product demand to explode. |
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WILD EDGE, INCORPORATED
Wild Edge, Inc., located in East Haddam, Connecticut, was first established in September of 2014 as a wildlife management company that focused on public services for communities with overabundant ungulate problems. In March of 2015, Wild Edge, Inc. officially partnered with Jim Stepp, the inventor of the original SteppLadder. Wild Edge, Inc. is a Veteran-owned and operated business and is the only company that has permission and sole-ownership of the original climbing aid, the STEPPLADDER. Wild Edge, Inc. will be introducing new products that will enhance the use of the SteppLadder and/or the consumers outdoor experience. |
