Beloved casual industry veteran Victoria Echols died unexpectedly on March 13 after a brief illness. She was 48.
After earning a degree in interior design from Brooks College in California, Echols had a 20-plus-year career in the casual industry, starting as a product designer with Minson, followed by a nearly nine-year stint as manager of fashion design and marketing at Tropitone.
From there, she began a lengthy tenure as a manufacturer’s representative and sales manager for performance fabric brands such as Trivantage and Outdura. In 2023, she took on the role of director of outdoor for Revolution Performance Fabrics.
Echols was an active member of the casual industry beyond her work, serving on the ICFA’s conference committee and on the leadership committee of the newly formed ICFA Women’s Leadership Network.
“Victoria was a beloved friend and colleague to many in the outdoor furnishings industry, and we are deeply saddened by her passing,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of ICFA. “She was the warmest ambassador to everyone in the ‘patio furniture family,’ genuinely striving to help a wide sweep of businesses see their greatest success.”
Echols met her husband, Bryan Echols — a longtime rep who is now senior vice president of sales and marketing for Lloyd Flanders — when their paths crossed in the casual industry. The couple wed in 2021 and blended their families — Victoria’s children, Maverick and Madison, and Bryan’s children, Chandler and Gabrielle.
“Losing Victoria has been absolutely devastating, and the void left by her loss is immense,” says Warren Juliano, president of Lloyd Flanders. “Victoria was extraordinarily strong, talented and passionate about everything she set her mind to, whether that was promoting the outdoor industry, being a daughter, mother, wife or friend. As part of her extended family, our heart is broken. I would ask for continued prayers for all the hundreds and hundreds of people who have been affected by this loss.”
Many in the industry remember Echols for not only her professional contributions to the outdoor category, but also her warm, welcoming personality that endeared her to so many.
“Victoria’s impact on our industry was nothing short of extraordinary, both professionally and personally,” says Megan Pierson, executive vice president of business development at Polywood and advisory board member of the ICFA Women’s Leadership Network. “She was a true leader, mentor and advocate, always pushing for growth and excellence. Her contributions went far beyond her own success. She actively lifted others up, ensuring that voices were heard and opportunities were shared.
“Personally, Victoria was a beacon of support and encouragement. She had an incredible way of making everyone feel valued, offering guidance, mentorship and friendship with genuine warmth. Whether it was through her work, her involvement in initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Network, ICFA or simply the way she showed up for others, she made a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
As the news of Echols’ passing spread, an outpouring of social media posts lauded her dedication not only to the casual business, but also to the many friends she made during her time in the industry.
“Victoria was a great rep and even better friend,” says Leisa McCollister, vice president of marketing at OW Lee. “Her passing is a momentous loss for our industry, and her bright spirit will be so missed. I will never forget the positive impact she had on all of us.”
On her Facebook page under favorite quotes, Echols shared this sentiment that feels especially poignant now: “What’s great and absolutely painful about life is that there are no rules, and it’s about being present, right now.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover medical expenses and benefit her kids.
