Our Story
The Beginning: No doubt we are the original small personal item belt (SPIbelt). I invented the SPIbelt fall of 2006, filed the patent shortly after, and incorporated 2007.
How: Founder, Kim Overton, was out on a run one day, keys tucked into her bra top, and thought, "there's gotta be a better way!". She went home that night and sewed the very first ever SPIbelt. Year one the company operated out of her apartment and eventually moved into a warehouse where the manufacturing continues.
Don't be fooled by imitators - just look for the SPIbelt™ label inside the belt for authenticity. We are the creators of the Original Small Personal Item Belt™, etc. 2007.
Name: Kim Overton
Title: CEO/Founder
I've been an athlete and an entrepreneur from as far back as I can remember. I competed in gymnastics growing up, was a choreographer in my teens and 20s, and eventually became a personal trainer launching two successful fitness videos (currently editing the third). Additionally, I've always had business ventures, starting from a neighborhood carnival as a child. In 1997, I co-founded a tech company in NYC 1997-2001, and helped launch the interactive division of The Lord Group advertising agency in NYC. I received my first patent in 2001 and began filing SPIbelt's patents and trademarks in 2007 before launching the company Spring of 2007. More at FOUNDER
My mission: To build a company with core values of compassion and honesty towards each other, our customers and the community, and to build products that reflect these values in their innovation, quality, durability, and ease of use. We've done our job if the simplicity of our designs help make your day a little bit easier, such as not having to worry about how to securely carry your phone during a marathon, or how your child will wear their insulin pump to school, or how to hide your belongings when traveling. You will feel this boomerang of good energy when you wear our products! That is our goal.
Name: Volma Overton III
Title: National Brand Ambassador
Volma joined SPIbelt just weeks after launch in 2007. As the founder's brother, Volma was instrumental in helping launch the brand nationally as our first spokesman and as a competitive Triathlete using SPI products during his events. Volma is an Austin native who pursued a career as a stunt car driver in LA, and moved back to Austin to be closer to friends and family. Look out for Volma at your next event, stop by and say hi. Chances are, you'll also see him running the marathon along with you, he's currently run one Ironman plus two halves and 10 marathons.
Name: Kevin Mahon
Title: Senior Account Manager
Account Manager Kevin Mahon hails from the land of hockey and beer. Just ask him and he'll tell you "all aboot it, eh? Yes, Kevin is our Canadian import.
Kevin's sales and marketing career began in 1998 in the high-end fashion industry. His primary role from 1998 - 2010 was representing fashion designers out of New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. These years took him everywhere from small independent boutiques in the Midwest, to the offices of Saks Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan, to the trendiest shops in Beverly Hills. Although a lot of his time was spent working out of showrooms and on trade show floors he admits that getting to work with a customer in their own store was always the most rewarding experience.
After years working out of Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago he decided he wanted to live and work in a big city; so obviously he moved to Austin, TX. Kevin recounts "when you are used to little towns like New York and L.A., a city like Austin can be more than a little intimidating..." but with the help of his new SPIbelt family we are proud to report that Kevin is adjusting nicely. Kevin has taken his vast sales management experience and applied here at SPIbelt working feverishly to ensure that SPIbelt is strategically placed with the nations best retailers and that those retailers receive the quintessential care they deserve.
Name: Melissa Meyer
Title: Customer Service
Melissa worked as an interior designer for 15 years in Las Vegas before moving to Austin to be closer to family and for a career change. While in Las Vegas, Melissa was a part-time national brand ambassador for SPIbelt. We were happy to learn she was moving to Austin and welcomed her to our customer service position. As a brand ambassador, Melissa knows our products extremely well and brings genuine care to her position as our customer service rep.
Name: Brandon Jenkins
Title: Production Manager
Brandon has worked in Production and Inventory Management for 5 years in both small business and corporate environments. Born in Long Beach, California; he has lived in the Austin Area for the last 18 years, and considers himself an Austinite. He loves soccer, and plays both indoor and outdoor coed, as well as supporting Liverpool FC for 12 years.
Name: Eric Navarro
Title: Inventory Manager
Eric started with SPIbelt Spring of 2009 as a part time shipping assistant. He worked his way to become our Inventory and Fulfillment manager through his hard work, dedication and knowledge of our product and our retail customer's needs. Eric brings true life to his position and to our work space. He's another Austin native, loves playing basketball even during our extreme summers, and can conquer any challenge SPIbelt may bring him.
Name: Vanessa Kimball
Title: Shipping Manager
Vanessa moved to Austin from Seattle after graduating from college for a new experience and a change of weather. Never having been to Austin before she felt it would be a perfect fit, and it's so far so good. She recently joined SPIbelt team as the Shipping Manager.
She loves her family and friends, music, food and traveling the world. Vanessa especially loves being outdoors, at any given time you can find her running the trail, hiking, wakeboarding, skiing, and exploring the greenbelt. During football season she is fully dedicated to her beloved Seahawks and Longhorns. Win or Lose!
Name: Steven Morales
Title: Shipping Assistant
Steven is an Austin native and one of our biggest football fans. He joined SPIbelt Summer of 2010 as a part time shipping coordinator, and became full-time in a matter of months bringing speed and precision to his department, as well as great energy and humor.
Name: Nick Stretchbery
Title: Art Director
Nick is a recent transplant to Texas, coming from The Ohio State University by way of Chicago and has been with SPIbelt since he moved to Austin. He graduated with a degree in Architecture and Design and moved to the Big City to ply his trade. While there, he worked for several marketing and events companies as a graphic designer. After Chicago’s Snowpacolypse, he had enough of the cold and headed for warmer weather.
When Nick isn’t designing all things SPIbelt, he can be found watching Ohio State football or antagonizing the Longhorns fans of the office. There is nothing quite like an interoffice rivalry to keep the week interesting. Go Bucks!
Name: Scott Towle
Title: Event Coordinator
After college (Gig ‘Em) and a short stint in Austin, Scott made his way to NYC where he settled in to the running community and eventually started managing and producing running events in the Northeast. After tiring of the cold and snow, Scott returned to the warmth of his native Texas, much to the liking of his family.
When not working, you’ll most likely find Scott somewhere outside. He has completed 10+ marathons, 7 ultramarathons, 2 Ironmans, and has cycled from Austin to Alaska. He’s also a bit of an adrenaline junkie, enjoying skydiving, hang gliding, rock climbing, and has even done the Running of the Bulls.
Name: Amy Segal
Title: Brand Ambassador
Amy is an Austin native and joined Overton Enterprises in December 2007. Her competitive edge, passion for racing and outgoing personality makes her a natural Sales Representative for SPIbelt. Amy's philosophy - "My philosophy on living a healthy life is balance. For me, finding a healthy balance between work, training, friends, family, spirituality and interests are key to keeping me happy."
Name: Lynn French
Title: Brand Ambassador
Lynn has been with SPIbelt since January 2008. Austinite for 20 plus years, active runner, skier and triathlete. Her preferred SPIbelt - the original black with spotted snake print. Stop by the next expo and say hi!
Name: Jill Coleman
Title: Brand Ambassador
Jill has been with SPIbelt since Summer of 2007. She's a fan of matching her shoes with her SPIbelt. You'll never see her without a smile! She's a massage therapist when she's not on the road with SPIbelt, and she lives on the lake here in beautiful Austin.
Name: Paige Jewell
Title: Brand Ambassador
Paige grew up in the Bay area, Cupertino, CA as a kid, before her family relocated to Austin where she's been ever since. She holds a degree in Nutrition from Texas State, enjoys staying active and outdoors with friends and family and has completed over 16 half marathons, 4 marathons, and a few triathlons including 1 half Iron. And for everyone that asks, yes she wear her SPIbelt during all of her races!