Shadetree Fabric Shelters is a subsidiary of Schlinkert Sports Associates. Schlinkert Sports Associates is a manufactures rep firm in the adventure sporting goods industry. Tom Schlinkert, founder and president of Schlinkert Sports Associates is an avid outdoorsman and ocean sailor.

During a visit to the local marina, Tom saw an acquaintance attempting to build an awning for a sail boat using 20 foot sections of PVC pipe. Upon inquiring about the use for the pipe, Tom suggested his friend use collapsible tent wands for the "battens" instead of PVC. What are tent wands; his friend asked. As a mountaineer and rep for tent manufacturing companies, Tom had plenty of tent wands and brought one back to the marina. After some design and engineering on site, the first Shadtree was born. Once up and assembled, several others in the marina asked if they too could have one built.

Patents applied for, custom fabric made and custom carbon/fiberglass wands speced, Shadetree was in business and since 1996 has continually improved both its design and materials.

Shadetree is proud of its quality, durability and cost effectiveness and continues to strive to achieve excellence in its stock and custom built, USA made products.