Implus CEO Michael Polk Unveils Suncave, a Breakthrough in Sun-Shielding Outdoor Gear
In the wake of the pandemic, more people are spending time outdoors. A whopping 96% of U.S. adults spend time outside daily to help with stress relief and improve low vitamin D levels. However, fun in the sun can come with risks.
Over 100,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the United States this year. Prolonged sun exposure and blistering sunburns are key risk factors for this disease, which accounts for most skin cancer deaths each year. Skin cancer is largely preventable, which is why skin-protecting products are so important.
That’s why Implus CEO Michael Polk is rolling out more health-focused products in the company’s 15-brand portfolio. Polk details the latest addition to the more than 8,000 products under the Implus umbrella and how he hopes it will keep more families safe as they enjoy the great outdoors.
Michael Polk Lauds the Sport-Brella Suncave Shelter
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan. UVA, UVB, and UVC rays can all harm skin, so the agency recommends seeking shade, avoiding excess sun exposure, and applying sunscreen. Michael Polk knew that the easier it was for families to follow these guidelines, the safer they would be.
He worked with the team at Sport-Brella, a Southern California-based outdoor shelter company, to create a new product that simplified sun protection. The company is known for quick-deploying products that use intuitive, human-first design, which Polk knew would be the best way to encourage consumers to actually use the sun-safe solutions they purchased.
Michael Polk’s team unveiled the Suncave shelter in June 2024 — just in time for summer vacation. The ground-level shelter has three walls and a floor-to-ceiling entry, like a natural cave. Sport-Brella designed it primarily for the beach, but it’s also popular with consumers who need a casual sitting space for camping or additional shade while they attend their kids’ soccer games. Sport-Brella also made the floor extension flexible, so the cave can zip up for privacy if needed.
Best of all, the Sport-Brella team used the highest-rated UPF fabric commercially available. The Suncave shelter provides UPF 50-plus protection, which shields families from the scorching sun when combined with sunscreen and protective clothing.
“The Suncave is the latest addition to Sport-Brella’s line of high-quality and innovative shelters that aim to enhance the outdoor experience for everyone,” Michael Polk said. “When using this product, customers can soak up every moment outdoors while staying protected from various weather elements, making time spent outside even better.”
Sport-Brella also worked hard to make the price as accessible as possible. At $120 on amazon.com, the Suncave is accessible to a broader range of families who want additional protection without the extra cost and hassle of buying a camping tent.
Shading the Way to Safer Outdoor Fun
Excess sun exposure is linked to everything from skin cancer to premature aging. The more options consumers have for protecting themselves from the sun, the better equipped they’ll be to preserve their health without compromising their love of the outdoors.
With Michael Polk at its helm, Implus continues to empower individuals to embrace the great outdoors without compromising on comfort or safety. The Suncave is the latest addition to this legacy of innovation. The new product firmly plants Implus and Sun-Brella as industry leaders, but more importantly, offers yet another out-of-the-box idea for protecting families from the sun while they enjoy some much-needed time outside.