Providing Traction to Alaska and the World
GripAll Traction Products LLC was created to solve a very Alaska-specific problem and gap in the market: how to move safely and confidently across ice, snow, and rugged terrain. What began as a local solution has since grown into a business manufacturing superior traction products and has customers worldwide, including industrial safety programs, action sports, and visual aids for people who are blind or have low vision.
GripAll is veteran-owned by Joshua Poe, who first came to Alaska in 2005 while stationed at Eielson Air Force Base. After leaving the Air Force in 2012, he joined GripAll during its start-up phase, contributing to product design, automation, manufacturing, marketing, and operations. His passion for board sports and problem-solving helped the company create innovative traction products, including the Tundra Grip line. Its peel-and-stick, studded design interlocks with footwear for secure footing on ice, snow, mud, oil, and more, perfect for boots, running boards, boat decks, heavy equipment platforms, and tactile pathways for visually impaired users. Also, it is key to note that all products are manufactured and shipped from Alaska.
Despite stepping away in 2019 to support his growing family, Joshua remained connected to GripAll. When the opportunity to purchase the company equipment arose in October 2023, he embraced the challenge, balancing family responsibilities, full-time operations, and scaling the business. Today, Joshua manages most aspects of the business, exemplifying the grit and hands-on commitment behind GripAll’s growth. Under his leadership, the company is expanding product lines, developing new packaging, and pursuing distributor partnerships to reach more customers, all while maintaining a focus on accessibility.
To support this next phase, Joshua worked with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Fairbanks. Center Director Jade Greene provided guidance on refining business processes, preparing operations for growth, and navigating financing. With SBDC guidance, GripAll secured a SBA loan through Business Impact NW to stabilize operations and invest in new opportunities. This support allowed Joshua to navigate the complexities of purchasing and scaling a business that serves global customers while maintaining high-quality production and customer care.
Joshua shared, “Ms. Greene guided me through the whole loan process which otherwise would have been too overwhelming to accomplish along with my many other responsibilities. Jade was very friendly and patient with me. I am very happy to have her as a business advisor and new friend.”
GripAll Traction Products LLC demonstrates how vision, persistence, and the right support can transform a small Alaska business into a company with global reach. From a family-run workshop in Fairbanks to markets around the world, GripAll is creating solutions that make environments safer and more accessible for everyone, whether at home, work, or play.
Learn more at www.gripalltraction.com and follow GripAll on Instagram for updates and product highlights.
