Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Worn Out Wednesday – Eagle Creek’s Jeff Sermak

Today we meet the Marketing Coordinator at Eagle Creek, Jeff Sermak.

My name’s Jeff Sermak, but my closest friends call me “Pois” short for “Poison”.  Why, Pois? Well… that’s a story for another time.

Recommended Videos

I grew up in the hills of the San Fernando Valley, and was fortunate to have the mountains as my backyard. Exploration and blazing new trails with friends have been key pursuits since the beginning; otherwise, I really couldn’t be a California kid.

Action sports and the outdoors are part of everyday life in California, so when we weren’t discovering ancient civilizations in the hills, you’d find us skateboarding through the neighborhood, upsetting most of the older people.

I moved to Boulder, Colorado to attend the University of Colorado, and to go snowboarding. After a couple years, I transferred to USC and completed my business degree under the blazing sun, amid beautiful and scantily clad coeds. While attending USC, I had the opportunity to work for Rob Dyrdek at Street League Skateboarding, which was a huge eye opener, to know that one can follow your passion and actually make a living. I also worked for Fox’s Fuel TV, opening my eyes to the inner world of media, which lead me to pursue my passion for the outdoors and marketing at Eagle Creek.

Favorite quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Emerson

As for my personal style:

Jeans: 7 for All Mankind Luxe Performance: Paxtyn Skinny

Shirts: REEF, The North Face, and 7 for All Mankind

Pants: 7 for All Mankind

Suits: Hugo Boss

Shoes: Timberland West Haven Side-Zip Boots or Vans Old Skool

Accessories: I run almost every day, so you’ll never find me without my Garmin Foreruner 220 watch.

Outerwear: The North Face Thermolball.  You can’t bet it, it’s ultra lightweight and warm.

Favorite Cologne: Lacoste Essential

Your favorite App: It’s a toss up between Instagram and Snapchat.

Favorite piece of technology: iPhone. It’s a pocket computer with camera. I never go anywhere without it.

Next tech purchase: iPhone 6s Plus. Time to upgrade to the phablet life.

Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Graphpaper and PUMA elevate the Speedcat Plus in a monochrome triple-leather
PUMA's Speedcat sneaker gets a minimalist upgrade
puma speedcat sneaker

In the last couple of seasons, PUMA’s Speedcat silhouette has slowly become the brand’s answer to Adidas’ Samba and Nike’s Cortez revival. As the other brands continue to reinvent and reimagine some of their iconic sneakers, PUMA has taken to designs like the Speedcat for another pass through the spotlight. As the sneaker continues to reach a new audience with playful prints and textures, the brand hasn’t slowed down on releasing new iterations of the classic sneaker. In their latest collaboration on the Speedcat, PUMA has joined forces with Japanese label Graphpaper for a pared-down and subtle take on the sneaker that’s equally as retro as it is elevated. While this partnership takes on the Speedcat Plus, the silhouette’s more statement version, the iconic shape and style of the original Speedcat remains, with remnants of its racing past still visible.

Graphpaper gives PUMA’s Speedcat Plus a luxe makeover

Read more
Zenith’s space-forged chronograph goes worldwide
Zenith's Space-Forged Chronograph Expands
CHRONOMASTER SPORT METEORITE

Zenith has expanded global availability for its Chronomaster Sport Meteorite, a timepiece featuring authentic space fragments integrated into the dial.
Previously exclusive to Japan, the 41mm chronograph now reaches international markets through Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers at $17,500. Each watch incorporates a dial crafted from genuine meteorite that traveled through space for millions of years before reaching Earth and Zenith's Le Locle facilities.
The meteorite dials showcase the Widmanstätten pattern, a geometric formation created when molten iron cools gradually in space's vacuum. Hand-finishing reveals these cosmic crystalline structures, ensuring each dial remains unique. Against this extraterrestrial backdrop, Zenith's signature tri-color chronograph counters in silver, light grey, and anthracite create visual contrast with circular azuré finishing.
The stainless steel case preserves the design language of Zenith's 1969 A386 chronograph while incorporating contemporary elements like a black ceramic bezel marked with 10-second graduations. Pump-style pushers and modern proportions blend heritage aesthetics with current styling, while 10 ATM water resistance ensures daily practicality.
The timepiece houses Zenith's El Primero 3600 movement, the latest iteration of the brand's high-frequency chronograph caliber that earned the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève "Chronograph" award. Operating at 5 Hz with a silicon escape wheel, the movement achieves 1/10th second precision with the chronograph hand completing full rotations every 10 seconds.
The caliber provides 60 hours of power reserve and displays refined decoration through the sapphire caseback, including a blue column wheel, horizontal clutch, and openworked rotor featuring the Zenith star emblem.
The package includes both an integrated steel bracelet and black rubber strap for wearing versatility.

Read more
Isotope’s new OVNI Jumping Hour is a retro-futuristic marvel
The Isotope OVNI Jumping Hour is a retro-futuristic masterpiece
OVNI JUMPING HOUR (FOUNDERS EDITION)

In the dynamic sphere of independent horology, where creativity is the ultimate currency, Isotope Watches has consistently distinguished itself through audacious design and mechanical playfulness. The British microbrand’s recent release, the OVNI Jumping Hour Founder’s Edition, is a triumphant culmination of this philosophy, offering a retro-futuristic spectacle that captivates the collector’s imagination just in time to commemorate the brand's 10th anniversary. This timepiece goes beyond the conventional to become a wearable sculpture, a conversation piece that masterfully blends mid-century modern flair with contemporary horological ingenuity, proving that true luxury resides in bold individuality and intellectual design.

A dial of profound complexity and whimsical charm

Read more