Full Article : Bowhunter Business Article
Peter Luccisano had a problem. The 30-year-old carpenter and part-time truck driver had just finished his shift of snow plowing at midnight, and as he gathered his hunting gear to meet his brother by 4 a.m., he realized that his Hot Seat was damaged. The weather was cold,and snow covered most of the New England deer woods. Peter didn’t want to hit the frigid woodlands without a seat, and as he pondered his dilemma, he thought of laminating together some pieces of foam house-siding insulation. He tried it, and it worked. Pete Luccisano’s spark of an idea solved his immediate problem, and it eventually changed the rest of his life. He still has his first foam seat.
The foam cushion worked so well that Peter was soon fabricating seats for his hunting buddies. He was also contemplating “hanging up his hammer” for a life in the hunting industry. It is often said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” In Luccisano’s ‘ case, necessity helped him launch a new career. Thirteen years later he is still going strong and has not stopped to look back, to ponder “What if?”
What first started as a one product cottage industry has grown into an enterprise with annual sales as high as $750,000. Today, servicing some 700 accounts requires nine full-time employees, including Luccisano and Linda Collupy, his office manager for the past eight years. Northeast currently occupies 20,000 square feet of a l00 year old mill building on Franklin Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts, about 50 miles north of Boston.
“The first real education I received was in the variety, types, and properties of closed cell foams. There are many different foams, each with its own attributes. Initially I gravitated to Evazote,a type of foam manufactured in England and imported into the U.S.. I found that purely from a performance standpoint, it was the best. I still think it is.
“We continue to sell a great number of my original ‘Therm-A-Seat’ made of Evazote. It’s my favorite, and it’s the best when it comes to durability. In fact, it has all the features sportsmen prefer. Unfortunately it’s also very expensive. Consequently, we also offer foams for the price-sensitive buyer.
“Back in 1992 and ’93 we learned a very important lesson when competitors introduced dirt-cheap copycat products and almost put us out of business. They were using inexpensive foams in products that looked like ours but delivered less than optimum results. But, unfortunately, by visual inspection alone the general buyer couldn’t tell the difference between Northeast and its competitors. “We made our comeback by offering a wide variety of products and price levels,” Peter continued. “That way we had something to sell almost every potential customer. Spreading our name by word-of-mouth, through national advertising, and by attending both trade and consumer shows helped build our brand name recognition.”
Northeast Products’ latest catalog offers a variety of products for bowhunters, including cushions for both treestands and ground blinds. These cushions come in solid colors as well as camo patterns, including Realtree, The Therm-A-Seat for treestand platforms and Therm-A-Grip bow handle warmer are specifically made for bowhunters. Cold Stopper pack boot foam replacements
and Hot Footers heat-retaining shoe insoles round out the product line.
Different foams offer different degrees of waterproofness, durability, weight, comfort, flexibility, and noise. Peter Luccisano explained, “The challenge is to match the right foam to the application. We do all of our manufacturing in-house, including pattern screening and cover fabric application. This way we have total control of our inventory levels and quality, and we benefit from the added-value operations. And, by manufacturing in-house we have total control over costs and overhead expenses.”
Northeast Products’ comfortable cold weather gear is handled by archery pro shops, catalogers, and mass merchants. Owner/Founder Peter Luccisano feels that actively developing and introducing new products, continuing to advertise nationally, maintaining high quality standards, delivering products quickly, and satisfying individual customer’s requests are some of Northeast Products’ secrets of success. But he really believes that his “secret weapon” is attending consumer shows.
“I personally attend a lot of shows and talk one on one with the hunters who use my products,” Peter said. “Those hunters provide the very best feedback I can get. They tell me what’s working, what needs to be changed, and how best to tailor our products to their specific needs. After 13 years I still come home from every show with lots of new ideas, fresh opinions, and input that help us stay abreast of our segment of the industry.”
For a product catalog,
contact:
Northeast Products:
375 Jaffrey Road,
Peterborough, NH 03458
(978) 784- 5671
Summer Day Hike: A Gear Guide and Packing Checklist
Research – Know Before You Go
Before embarking on any hike, it’s essential to do thorough research about your chosen trail. This preparation helps you understand the trail’s difficulty, current conditions, and any potential hazards. Utilize resources such as AllTrails and local hiking forums to read recent trip reports and check for any alerts or closures. Knowing the length of the trail, elevation gain, and weather forecasts will allow you to pack appropriately and ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
Hiking Clothes
Dressing appropriately for a summer hike involves layering and choosing the right fabrics. Here are some key points to consider:
Hiking Boots and Socks
The right footwear is crucial for comfort and injury prevention during a hike. Here’s what to look for:
These initial steps in preparation will help set the stage for a successful and enjoyable hike. Ensuring you have the right information, clothing, and footwear will keep you comfortable and safe as you explore the great outdoors.
Hiking Gear – Essentials
Having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. Here are the must-haves:
Hydration and Nutrition
Proper hydration and nutrition are important in maintaining energy levels and overall health during your hike.
Portable Seating: ThermaSeat Cushions
Taking breaks and enjoying the beauty of the scenery is important for your mental health, and having a comfortable place to sit can make all the difference. ThermaSeat products provide excellent portable seating solutions.
Other “Nice to Haves”
In addition to the essentials and comfortable, lightweight portable seating, there are many items that can enhance your hiking experience according to your personal preference, making it more comfortable and enjoyable. Here we’ll name just a few:
Safety and First Aid
Ensuring you have safety and first aid supplies is vital for handling any unexpected situations on the trail.
Enjoying Your Hike with ThermaSeat
Being well-prepared for your summer day hike ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. By packing the right gear, including essential items, hydration supplies, and comfortable seating from ThermaSeat, you can make the most of your time on the trail. ThermaSeat products, with their lightweight and durable designs, provide an excellent solution for taking breaks and enjoying the beautiful views.
Ready to upgrade your hiking gear for maximum comfort? Explore the full range of ThermaSeat products and find the perfect portable seating solution for your next outdoor adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style with ThermaSeat!
How to Stay Cool and Comfortable While Fishing
The Importance of Staying Cool
Fishing during the summer can be both enjoyable and challenging. As temperatures rise, staying cool becomes more and more important for both comfort and safety. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate cooling measures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about being able to enjoy your fishing trip without putting your health at risk.
Dressing for the Heat
Wearing the right clothing is essential for staying cool while fishing. Here are some tips to help you choose the best attire:
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial when spending extended periods outdoors, especially while fishing in hot weather. Dehydration can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, affecting your performance and well-being.
Finding and Creating Shade
Creating shade and seeking out shaded areas are effective ways to stay cool while fishing. Direct sun exposure not only raises your body temperature but also increases the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips:
Lightweight and Portable Seating Solutions
Having a comfortable place to sit can make a big difference during long fishing sessions. ThermaSeat offers a range of lightweight and portable seating solutions designed to keep you comfortable.
Enjoying a Comfortable Fishing Experience
Staying cool and comfortable while fishing is essential for enjoying your time on the water and ensuring your safety. By dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, using sunscreen and protective gear, and timing your trips wisely, you can beat the heat and have a successful fishing experience.
ThermaSeat products, with their moisture-resistant, lightweight, and durable designs, provide an excellent solution for staying comfortable during your fishing trips. Whether you need a simple cushion or a supportive seat, ThermaSeat has a range of options to meet your needs. Invest in ThermaSeat products to enhance your fishing experience and enjoy the great outdoors in comfort.
Ready to upgrade your fishing gear for maximum comfort? Explore the full range of ThermaSeat products and find the perfect seating solution for your next fishing adventure. Stay cool, stay comfortable, and make the most of your time on the water with ThermaSeat!
Essential Gear for a Comfortable Bird-Watching Experience
Bird watching is a relaxing hobby that allows enthusiasts of any age to enjoy nature and observe the avian world in its natural habitat. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned birder, having the right gear is crucial to a good bird-watching experience. This guide covers essential items you need, from optics to seating solutions, to ensure you can watch and identify birds with ease and comfort.
Binoculars: Your Most Important Tool
Binoculars are the cornerstone of any bird-watching kit. They allow you to get close views of birds without disturbing them. When choosing binoculars, consider:
Spotting Scopes for Long-Distance Viewing
For bird watchers interested in observing distant birds, spotting scopes can make an incredible difference. They offer higher magnification and better detail than binoculars, making them perfect for shorebirds and raptors. Key features to consider include:
Field Guides and Birding Apps
Field guides and birding apps are important tools for any bird watcher. They provide detailed information about bird species, helping you identify and understand the birds you observe.
Field Guides
A reliable field guide is essential for accurate bird identification. These guides include detailed descriptions, illustrations, and maps showing the distribution of bird species. When choosing a field guide, consider the following:
Birding Apps
Birding apps complement traditional field guides by offering interactive features and up-to-date information. Some of the best birding apps include:
Comfortable and Functional Clothing
Comfortable and functional clothing is crucial for an enjoyable bird-watching experience, especially in varying weather conditions. Here’s what to look for:
Layered Clothing
Protection
Essential Footwear for Bird Watching
The right footwear can make a significant difference during long bird-watching excursions. Here’s what to consider when choosing bird-watching footwear:
Comfort and Support
Durability and Protection
Seating Solutions for Extended Bird-Watching Sessions
Comfort is key for extended bird-watching sessions, and ThermaSeat products are designed to provide that comfort year-round, whether you’re dealing with cold mornings or hot afternoons.
ThermaSeat Products
Benefits for Year-Round Bird Watching
By choosing ThermaSeat products, bird watchers can enjoy enhanced comfort and durability, making every bird-watching session more enjoyable, so you can focus on the birds without the distraction of discomfort.
Backpacks and Gear Bags
A good backpack or gear bag is essential for carrying all your bird-watching equipment. Here’s what to consider:
Backpack Features
Gear Bags
Enjoying Your Bird-Watching Experience with ThermaSeat
Enhancing your bird-watching experience is all about having the right gear to keep you comfortable and prepared. ThermaSeat products, including their variety of cushions and seating solutions, play a significant role in ensuring you can enjoy long hours of bird watching without discomfort. Pair these seating solutions with the right binoculars, field guides, and a well-organized backpack, and you’ll be well-equipped for any bird-watching adventure.
Investing in quality gear not only makes bird watching more enjoyable but also allows you to focus on the beauty and diversity of the birds in front of you. With ThermaSeat, you can comfortably immerse yourself in nature and fully appreciate the beauty and relaxation of bird watching.
Thermaseat Hybrid RX Series
Thermaseat Hybrid RX Series
Have a seat and experience what Thermaseat has provided seasoned outdoorsmen and women for over 30 years. Check out the Hybrid RX from Thermaseat! It’s just as comfortable on the ground as the tree stand. A true hybrid and just what the doctor ordered!
The “G4” Premium Gel Core is designed for supreme comfort in the woods. The Hybrid RX features a 0.5” Rigid Closed Cell Foam that protects your backside from the ground, a 1.25” layer of Premium Comfort Foam, and a 1.25” G4 Premium Gel Core. The cushion also features a non-slip rubber-coated base fabric and a shoulder carrying strap for easy carry.
The Hybrid RX from Thermaseat is built to last a lifetime and is available in Mossy Oak, Realtree, and Black. Stay outdoors using the most trusted cushion product on the market from Thermaseat!
Thermaseat products can be found in most major chain stores, mail order catalogs and local retailers throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe. For more information, visit Thermaseat.
Treat Your Pets to the Superior Comfort and Quality of a Thermabed
We love our pets more than they know, so why not treat them?
Dogs aren’t known as a man’s best friend for nothing. They’re just special. Well, now you can have a special place for them in your home or your back patio with the ThermaBed from ThermaSeat.
And, it comes in two different, yet awesome options.
ThermaSeat is no stranger to the outdoor world. They’ve been providing hunters with the most comfortable seats for 30 years. They’ve now brought that technology to your pets. A true story of the American Dream, Peter Luccisano was leaving for a hunting trip and used some leftover closed-cell foam for a make-shift seat, and the rest is history. Be sure to check that story out if you’re interested.
View the full article at WideOpenSpaces.com
ThermaSeat Announces New Product Line
ThermaSeat Elevate Series Encompasses Direct Replacement and Add-On Seats
Peterborough, New Hampshire — Northeast Products, the proud manufacturers of ThermaSeat™, announces ThermaSeat Elevate, the latest series to join the impressive American-made product line-up.
“The number one area that most manufacturers slack in is the comfort level of the cushion; some do not use a cushion at all,” said Joseph Luccisano, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Northeast Products. “Now ThermaSeat has utilized our technology to fill that gap by providing the added comfort that customers are looking for, along with a thermal protective barrier in the harsh cold temperatures during late season. The Elevate Series is the solution.”
The ThermaSeat Elevate series is a comprehensive collection of direct tree stand replacement and add-on seats. Available in three sizes to accommodate most ladder stands, the Elevate series features innovative Softek foam and Infusion triple layer foam to meet every specific need for comfort. The series also comes in three thicknesses and features MossyOak and RealTree patterns.
ThermaSeat Elevate seats are now available to purchase online at www.thermaseat.com
About Northeast Products
Headquartered in Peterborough, New Hampshire, Northeast Products is an industry leader for innovative, American-made hunting cushions and accessories. Within every stitch and thread of Northeast Product’s impressive ThermaSeat™product line-up, the company delivers quality and comfort. Their commitment to improving the hunting and outdoors experience is reflected in their innovative designs and superior seat technologies. For more information on Northeast Products, visit www.thermaseat.com
CONTACT:
Joseph Luccisano
Vice President and COO, NEP Outdoors
josephl@therm-a-seat.com
The day I became a bowhunter
We had a deal, that him and I would switch every morning, one morning he brings his bow the next morning I bring my bow. We went out the next morning, dad had his bow and the activity was minimal, couple of doe if I recall. We were only able to hunt for an hour or so, then I had to go to school. The third morning it was my turn to take my bow, but dad had this feeling and asked if I cared if he took his again that day, of course my answer was yes. There we were, day 3, just settled into the stand, just starting to get that first light. Dad hears a small snap of a twig, 15 minutes later another. His seasoned ears knew this was a deer, moving very slowly and cautious, most likely a mature buck, dad let out a couple faint grunts. Now, keep in mind we didn’t use trail cams, or feeds, or attractants, he judged the size of an unknown deer by the sign it was leaving. Time was ticking, I had to get to school, dad made the smart decision and said, “son you’re not going to school today”. For almost an hour the faint snapping of twigs and footsteps kept coming and going, this deer was slowly working his way around us to get down wind of the grunt he heard. Finally, after more than an hour of waiting for him to show, we saw a flash of antler in the thicket. I remember seeing this deer and being in awe, he was the biggest I had ever seen, cautiously making his way toward us, I knew I had to stay still or my dad would never get a wack at him. He slowly worked his way closer staying in the thicket, at about 15 yards he stopped, turned and took a few steps out just enough into the clearing for dad to land a double lung shot on this beauty. I turned and looked at him and he looked at me and said, “you did great son, I thought you would spook him but you didn’t, you did great” we waited a good hour, climbed down, retrieved the arrow, covered in bright red blood my dad knew the deer was down. I short track and we found him, from that day on I knew I was a bowhunter, I was hooked.
Joe Luccisano
Made by hunters, for hunters
For hunting products please visit: https://thermaseat.com/hunting-seats/
Bowhunter Business – Northeast Products
Full Article : Bowhunter Business Article
Peter Luccisano had a problem. The 30-year-old carpenter and part-time truck driver had just finished his shift of snow plowing at midnight, and as he gathered his hunting gear to meet his brother by 4 a.m., he realized that his Hot Seat was damaged. The weather was cold,and snow covered most of the New England deer woods. Peter didn’t want to hit the frigid woodlands without a seat, and as he pondered his dilemma, he thought of laminating together some pieces of foam house-siding insulation. He tried it, and it worked. Pete Luccisano’s spark of an idea solved his immediate problem, and it eventually changed the rest of his life. He still has his first foam seat.
The foam cushion worked so well that Peter was soon fabricating seats for his hunting buddies. He was also contemplating “hanging up his hammer” for a life in the hunting industry. It is often said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” In Luccisano’s ‘ case, necessity helped him launch a new career. Thirteen years later he is still going strong and has not stopped to look back, to ponder “What if?”
What first started as a one product cottage industry has grown into an enterprise with annual sales as high as $750,000. Today, servicing some 700 accounts requires nine full-time employees, including Luccisano and Linda Collupy, his office manager for the past eight years. Northeast currently occupies 20,000 square feet of a l00 year old mill building on Franklin Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts, about 50 miles north of Boston.
“The first real education I received was in the variety, types, and properties of closed cell foams. There are many different foams, each with its own attributes. Initially I gravitated to Evazote,a type of foam manufactured in England and imported into the U.S.. I found that purely from a performance standpoint, it was the best. I still think it is.
“We continue to sell a great number of my original ‘Therm-A-Seat’ made of Evazote. It’s my favorite, and it’s the best when it comes to durability. In fact, it has all the features sportsmen prefer. Unfortunately it’s also very expensive. Consequently, we also offer foams for the price-sensitive buyer.
“Back in 1992 and ’93 we learned a very important lesson when competitors introduced dirt-cheap copycat products and almost put us out of business. They were using inexpensive foams in products that looked like ours but delivered less than optimum results. But, unfortunately, by visual inspection alone the general buyer couldn’t tell the difference between Northeast and its competitors. “We made our comeback by offering a wide variety of products and price levels,” Peter continued. “That way we had something to sell almost every potential customer. Spreading our name by word-of-mouth, through national advertising, and by attending both trade and consumer shows helped build our brand name recognition.”
Northeast Products’ latest catalog offers a variety of products for bowhunters, including cushions for both treestands and ground blinds. These cushions come in solid colors as well as camo patterns, including Realtree, The Therm-A-Seat for treestand platforms and Therm-A-Grip bow handle warmer are specifically made for bowhunters. Cold Stopper pack boot foam replacements
and Hot Footers heat-retaining shoe insoles round out the product line.
Different foams offer different degrees of waterproofness, durability, weight, comfort, flexibility, and noise. Peter Luccisano explained, “The challenge is to match the right foam to the application. We do all of our manufacturing in-house, including pattern screening and cover fabric application. This way we have total control of our inventory levels and quality, and we benefit from the added-value operations. And, by manufacturing in-house we have total control over costs and overhead expenses.”
Northeast Products’ comfortable cold weather gear is handled by archery pro shops, catalogers, and mass merchants. Owner/Founder Peter Luccisano feels that actively developing and introducing new products, continuing to advertise nationally, maintaining high quality standards, delivering products quickly, and satisfying individual customer’s requests are some of Northeast Products’ secrets of success. But he really believes that his “secret weapon” is attending consumer shows.
“I personally attend a lot of shows and talk one on one with the hunters who use my products,” Peter said. “Those hunters provide the very best feedback I can get. They tell me what’s working, what needs to be changed, and how best to tailor our products to their specific needs. After 13 years I still come home from every show with lots of new ideas, fresh opinions, and input that help us stay abreast of our segment of the industry.”
For a product catalog,
contact:
Northeast Products:
375 Jaffrey Road,
Peterborough, NH 03458
(978) 784- 5671
From Carpenter to Cushion King – Local Hunter’s Plight Leads to a New Career
Click here to download full article
Peter Luccisano is a 39-year-old carpenter from Methuen who loves to hunt. Each year Peter and his brother, Vinnie, would leave Methuen on the Sunday before the shotgun deer season opened and spend a week deer hunting in the Berkshires, In 1982 there was a major snowstorm the night before the shotgun season for deer opened. Because Peter and his brother plowed snow for the state during winter, they were called out for the storm. It was not until midnight before they were relieved.
The two hunters decided to leave at 4 a.m Monday for the Berkshires. While on the phone planning their departure, Peter’s brother ran through a list of items they would need. Peter had everything for the hunt but a Hot Seat used to sit on in the woods. His Hot Seat was tom and he forgot to buy another.
In desperation Peter searched for a substitute seat. He found four pieces of foam used for insulating houses when applying vinyl siding that was left over from a job. He glued four one-quarter inch thick pieces together and cut them into a round seat. The improvised seat worked so well his friends wanted them too. They suggested that he ought to sell them.
One day while siding a house Luccisano banged his thumb with a hammer. The swelling and pain decided his fate. At 30 years of age, Luccisano decided to try to manufacture his hunter’s seat. “If I didn’t mash my thumb with the hammer while doing a siding job, I might still be in the business. I much more enjoy producing the cushions and being a part of the outdoors product scene,” he said.
It took a great deal of learning before Luccisano could embark on his new adventure. First were patent lawyers who told him he could not pattern a round cushion. However, they advised him that if it was shaped differently he could possibly apply for a patent.
Peter came up with the idea to produce the cushion in the shape of a seat from a kitchen chair. A patent was granted and Peter Luccisano is now in business.
Through the years, Luccisano has had to learn the intricacies of various foam products, how to screen paint them so that the ink would not adversely affect the foam, and finally, how to market the product.
In 1985, Peter Luccisano sold his first Therm-a-Seat made of one inch thick Evazote through his company, Northeast Products. The seats were first made in Peter’s shed on a part time basis. By 1988, he was producing’ Therm-a-Seats full time from a new shop in Methuen.
Today, Therm-a-Seats can be found in sporting shops nationwide. And to meet a growing demand, different shapes and sizes of seats
have been developed, Seats are now sold from one Inch to two inches thick in several foam types. Luccisano is now making stadium seats with team logos, foot cushions, tree stand seats, and hand warmers for the grips on metal compound bows. Peter Luccisano is living proof that sometimes a sportsman’s last minute emergency can turn Into something positive.
Peter Luccisano invented a new seat cushion because his old one was ripped. His spur-of-the-moment invention changed his life forever.