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Stories that Power Affiliate Partnerships

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Community, Collaboration, and Growth at GOALS, Knoxville 

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by: Scott Chaplin
written on: August 18th, 2025

This year I had the privilege of representing AvantLink as the official sponsor of the Media Room at the GOA Goals event in Knoxville. It was an incredible experience, and I’m proud that AvantLink could play such a key role in supporting this gathering. 

The Media Room quickly became a central hub for industry leaders, brand representatives, affiliates, and media professionals. People came together to connect, collaborate, and recharge, and it was rewarding to see the space so alive with conversation and ideas.

I spent the week alongside my colleague, Jeremy Britto (Director of Business Development), meeting with affiliates, merchants, and partners, while also making sure the Media Room felt welcoming and productive for everyone who stopped by. It was the perfect setting to highlight AvantLink’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of the outdoor and shooting sports industry through affiliate marketing. 

One of the highlights for me was reconnecting with so many friends and partners. Perry and Frank from Right to Bear, Tim Brandt from The Murray Road Agency, Josiah and the team from Palmetto State Armory, Nathan from Mitchell Defense, Ron from Ryker, and Laura from Taurus were just a few of the many who made time to stop by. Their presence and engagement helped turn the Media Room into a true hub of collaboration and innovation, and those conversations reminded me of why these events are so valuable. 

Surf Expo Spotlight: Dryft E-Board Delivers the Drift Community, Collaboration, and Growth at GOALS, Knoxville 

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Author : Anthony DiFranco

Trade shows are where weirdness and innovation collide. At Surf Expo 2025, the standout wasn’t a new surfboard or accessory, it was the Dryft Board, an electric drift machine that straddles surf, snow, and motorsports in one. 

What makes it unique isn’t just the look, it’s what’s inside.

The Dryft Board uses a 5-ply bamboo/fiberglass/carbon deck, a chromoly frame (co-designed by Roland Sands), hydraulic disc brakes, and a “Style Selector” toggle that switches between Drift Mode and Carve / Commute Mode. It splits apart in seconds for portability, and integrates with a companion app for telemetry, ride tuning, and anti-theft locking.   

Riding it is sensory overload, in a good way. Lean, slide, drift, carve. It doesn’t waste time getting you into flow. But when you flip to carve / commuter mode, you also get a surprisingly usable, stable ride for everyday streets. 

With a top speed of ~20 mph, range to ~25 miles (depending on style), and a 5-hour charge time, it’s not a hyperlong commuter tool, but it does feel more capable than many e-skate or hoverboard alternatives. Priced at $1,995 and rated 4.9/5 by over 300 reviewers, Dryft is positioning itself as premium, experiential tech.   

For readers in our network (affiliates, brands, tech marketers), this is how it matters: 

  • Brand partnerships & swag: Imagine demo stations at surf/skate expos, pairing Dryft rides with surf clothing or action cameras. 
  • Affiliate angles: Content around “best drift electric boards,” “e-board for surfers,” “Drift vs e-skateboard,” etc. 
  • Tech & lifestyle crossover: The blending of board sports + EV tech is a narrative marketers can lean into. 
  • Conversion hooks: The “don’t just ride — drift” tagline, or “two modes, infinite fun,” are hooks. The quick split, app features, and rich spec sheet give you meat to sell from. 

If you ever get a chance to demo a Dryft, take it. It’s not just a ride, it’s a proof point of where personal mobility, board sports, and tech can collide. 

iCast 2025: Building Connections in the Fishing Industry

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Author : MICHAEL DETROIA 

Attending iCast 2025 was an eye-opening experience. The sheer scale of the show was impressive – aisles of new products, innovative gear, and passionate people all gathered under one roof with a shared love for fishing. But what really stood out wasn’t just the size of the event, it was the energy. Every corner of the show floor buzzed with creativity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to move the fishing industry forward. 

In performance marketing, we often say that relationships drive growth more than anything else. iCast proved that true in a big way.

I had the chance to sit down with brands and hear their stories firsthand, share ideas with media outlets about new ways to engage anglers, and explore collaborations that go well beyond traditional promotion. What struck me most was the openness—this wasn’t a room full of competitors, but a community of builders eager to work together. 

A few highlights from the show: 

  • Kast King was impossible to miss. From custom tote bags and lanyards for every attendee to an impressive booth experience, they made their presence felt. Game & Fish Magazine even featured their MG12 Baitcaster as one of the top reels at the show. 
  • I also enjoyed connecting with AFTCO, Marsh Wear, and Engel Coolers—all brands now active merchants on AvantLink. Seeing them in person reinforced the value of the partnerships we’re building together. 

As I left Orlando, I realized that what I’ll carry forward isn’t just product knowledge. It’s the conversations—the booth demos, the fishing stories swapped in between meetings, and the sense of shared purpose. iCast 2025 reminded me why this industry is so special: it’s fueled by passion, innovation, and real connections that last. 

At AvantLink, we’re excited to keep strengthening our role in this community by connecting merchants, affiliates, and agencies who share that same vision. 

ZERO BREEZE Mark 3: Reinventing Off-Grid Cooling for Outdoor Life 

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Author : Constantine Bhanos

What started as a sweltering night in a tent has evolved into one of the most innovative product lines in the outdoor cooling market. Born from necessity and driven by a spirit of innovation, ZERO BREEZE is changing how outdoor enthusiasts experience comfort — no matter where they roam. 

We sat down with Mousica Walker, ZERO BREEZE’s “Creator of Opportunity,” to explore the company’s roots, breakthrough product development, and what’s next for this passionate team reshaping the world of off-grid air conditioning. 

The Campfire Moment That Sparked a Movement 

The idea for ZERO BREEZE was born in 2016 on a sticky summer camping trip. Founder Max and a few friends found themselves unable to sleep inside their tents due to the heat. Frustrated, Max posed a simple but powerful question: “Why isn’t there an air conditioner for tents?” That moment became the foundation for a product line purpose-built for off-grid adventure. 

Unlike traditional portable AC units — which are often bulky, power-hungry, or repurposed from residential use — ZERO BREEZE was designed from the ground up to serve the needs of campers, overlanders, vanlifers, and remote workers in the wild. 

A Legacy of Iteration: From Mark 1 to Mark 3 

Each generation of the ZERO BREEZE unit has pushed the envelope. Here’s how: 

  • Mark 1 (2016) – A proof of concept: small, relatively affordable (~$400–500), but limited in power. 
  • Mark 2 – More robust cooling, better portability. 
  • Mark 3 – A complete reinvention: 
  • 5,280 BTUs of cooling power (nearly 5x the Mark 1) 
  • Custom-designed micro compressors, initially intended for military use 
  • A redesigned airflow system for peak performance 
  • Versatile power options – runs on its own battery or integrates with a 12V system 
  • Lightweight enough to carry like a travel bag 

The Mark 3 is now the flagship unit, retailing around $1,230 and built not just to cool, but to thrive in tents, vehicles, and rooftop setups where traditional systems simply don’t work. 

What Makes ZERO BREEZE Different? 

In a category full of DIY hacks and jerry-rigged window units, ZERO BREEZE stands apart by solving problems that others ignore: 

  • Truly Portable – The unit is compact and built for mobility, unlike heavy, home-use models. 
  • Battery-Powered Freedom – Operates completely off-grid or via existing overland battery systems. 
  • Built, Not Repurposed – Instead of adapting residential components, ZERO BREEZE developed proprietary micro compressors built for outdoor extremes. 
  • Built-In Innovation – Current models ship with window adapters, and future iterations will include vehicle-specific kits (Transit, Spirit, etc.) for plug-and-play installation. 

The People Behind the Product 

Mousica’s title — “Creator of Opportunity” — reflects the company’s unique culture. Since joining in 2021, she’s supported affiliate partners, creators, and outdoor storytellers across campaigns, while maintaining a sharp focus on partner success. 

“We’re a small team, but we’re full of passion,” she told us. “We believe in listening to users and building what others think is impossible — like our own compressors.” 

That spirit of agile, customer-focused innovation has become a hallmark of the company’s culture. 

Real-World Relevance for Creators 

With the rise of Overlanding and Vanlife content across Instagram, YouTube, and Substack, ZERO BREEZE’s solutions offer more than cool air — they provide content that resonates. Whether you’re creating a “How We Stay Cool Off-Grid” story or testing gear for hot summer nights in Death Valley, the Mark 3 delivers tangible talking points for real-world creators. 

And the team is listening. “Many of our customers give us feedback and development ideas,” Mousica said. “We treat them like collaborators, not just consumers.” 

What’s Next for ZERO BREEZE? 

The company is doubling down on community and experience. They’ll be represented at Overland Expo West (May 15, Flagstaff), and the team is focused on expanding the Mark 3 ecosystem with new accessories and real-world integrations before thinking about a Mark 4. 

Future improvements will continue to come from real customer insights — including feedback from creators and affiliate partners who live the outdoor lifestyle. 

Final Thoughts 

ZERO BREEZE isn’t just cooling tents — it’s cooling the entire outdoor experience. With each product iteration, the company reinforces a commitment to freedom, comfort, and real-world usability that aligns perfectly with the ethos of AvantLink’s affiliate community. 

We’ll be sharing hands-on footage from Overland Expo and real-world Mark 3 demos later this month. In the meantime, if you’re an affiliate or publisher looking to tell stories that matter to your audience, ZERO BREEZE is a brand that belongs on your radar — and in your content. 

Interested in partnering with ZERO BREEZE or demoing a unit? Reach out to your AvantLink contact or connect directly with their team to get started. 

Lessons in Entrepreneurship & Community from Sandi Hendry at the Utah Business Speaker Series

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Author: Michelle Dufford

Lessons in Entrepreneurship & Community from Sandi Hendry at the Utah Business Speaker Series 

In March, AvantLink had the privilege of attending the Utah Business Speaker Series at Kiln SLC, where Sandi Hendry, founder of Minky Couture, shared her inspiring journey of building a brand from the ground up. 

Sandi’s story is a powerful reminder that the heart of entrepreneurship isn’t just about product innovation—it’s about people, resilience, and vision. What started as a simple idea—creating ultra-soft, high-quality blankets—has since grown into a household name with a fiercely loyal following. 

People First: The Foundation of Growth 

A central theme in Sandi’s story is her people-first philosophy. Minky Couture didn’t simply succeed because the blankets were well-made; it succeeded because of the relationships Sandi cultivated—customers, employees, and her local community. 

She emphasized the importance of authentic connections: 

  • Personalized customer service that makes every buyer feel seen. 
  • Philanthropy and giving back to the community that supported the brand’s rise. 
  • A strong internal culture that kept her team motivated and aligned. 

For those of us in affiliate marketing, that message hits close to home. Whether you’re a merchant building a program, a publisher building an audience, or an agency scaling campaigns, the thread is the same: authenticity drives loyalty. 

Why This Resonates in Affiliate Marketing 

In an industry where trust and long-term relationships are the real currency, Sandi’s lessons apply directly: 

  • Merchants thrive when they treat affiliates as true partners, not just channels. 
  • Publishers stand out when they build real communities, not just traffic. 
  • Agencies grow when they prioritize lasting collaboration over short-term wins. 

Affiliate marketing, at its best, is community-driven growth—and Sandi’s success with Minky Couture illustrates just how powerful that mindset can be. 

A Space for Inspiration 

Beyond Sandi’s story, the event itself was a reminder of the value of community. The Speaker Series created space for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders to connect, share ideas, and recharge with fresh perspective. 

We’re grateful to Utah Business and Kiln SLC for curating such a thoughtful session. These gatherings aren’t just about hearing from inspiring leaders; they’re about strengthening the community of professionals who believe in building businesses with both purpose and perseverance. 

Looking forward to the next event in the series! 🚀✨