Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.20

                           DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
                           495-A South Fairview Avenue
                                Goleta, CA 93117
                                February 27, 2001

                            PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Peter C. Benjamin
Deckers Outdoor Corporation
495-A South Fairview Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117

         Re:  Deckers Outdoor Corporation ("Deckers")

Dear Peter:

On behalf of Deckers, I am pleased to offer you this employment agreement (the
"Employment Agreement"). The terms and conditions of this offer, as approved by
the Compensation Committee, are as follows:

1.   POSITIONS AND TITLES:

o    President and Chief Operating Officer.
o    You will report to the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO").
o    You will be responsible for implementing the plan to meet corporate
     objectives by managing operations, which include production planning,
     manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution, logistics, inventory
     control, MIS, human resources, sales service, product development, the
     coordination of departments and other areas as directed by the CEO. We
     acknowledge that you may continue to be involved in your own investments,
     so long as they do not interfere with the performance of your duties.

2.   COMPENSATION AND BONUSES:

o    For the year ending December 31, 2001, you will receive a base salary of
     TWO HUNDRED SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($260,000) per annum, plus a target
     performance bonus of up to ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
     ($135,000) and a possible additional bonus of up to TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY
     THOUSAND DOLLARS ($270,000) as approved by the compensation committee
     December 8, 2000 and revised February 26, 2001.
o    In the year 2002, you will receive a base salary of TWO HUNDRED
     EIGHTY-THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($283,000) per annum, plus a target
     performance bonus of up to ONE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
     ($142,000) and a possible additional bonus of TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-FOUR
     THOUSAND ($284,000) for achieving performance levels established by the
     Compensation Committee in December 2001.

<PAGE>   2

o    Your individual bonus goals for the year 2001 and 2002 will be established
     by the Compensation Committee prior to the start of that year, and subject
     to the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
o    You will receive options for Forty Thousand (40,000) shares of the Common
     Stock of Deckers at the closing price of Deckers' shares on January 25,
     2001, which will vest over four (4) years, in accordance with the plan
     adopted by Deckers Compensation Committee in January 2001.
o    You will receive any other option grants approved by the Compensation
     Committee.

4.   TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL:

o    Employment is at will. In the event that termination occurs for reasons
     other than: (i) cause or (ii) your voluntary termination, nine (9) months
     of base salary will be provided as severance. Payment of bonuses and rights
     to exercise stock options will be in accordance to the policies approved by
     the Compensation Committee February 26, 2001.
o    For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term "cause" will be defined
     as contemplated by Section 2924 of the California Labor Code (a copy of
     which is in effect as of the date hereof and attached to this Employment
     Agreement as Exhibit A, and made a part hereof by this reference).
o    In the event that there is a change of control and termination (or
     constructive termination) as defined below, eighteen (18) months of base
     salary will be provided as severance and payment of bonuses will be in
     accordance to the policy approved by the Compensation Committee February
     26, 2001.
o    In the event that there is a change of control, as defined below, all of
     your outstanding stock options will immediately vest.
o    A "change of control" shall be deemed to have taken place if there is a
     merger, consolidation, sales of all or a major portion of the assets of
     Deckers (or a successor organization) or similar transaction or
     circumstance where any person or group (other than Douglas B. Otto)
     acquires or obtains the right to acquire, in one or more transactions,
     beneficial ownership of more than Fifty Percent (50%) of the outstanding
     shares of any class of voting stock of Deckers (or a successor
     organization).
o    "Constructive termination" shall be deemed to have taken place if, as a
     result of, or in connection with, a change of control, your position is
     affected (in terms of compensation, benefits, title, authority, duties,
     reporting relationships, reports, etc.) and no equivalent or better
     position is available at Deckers or a successor organization.

5.   OTHER BENEFITS:

o    You are to receive insurance, medical and health benefits currently
     available pursuant to existing Deckers policies.
o    You will receive all other benefits currently available to members of
     Deckers' senior management and you will be subject to the policies and
     terms outlined in Deckers' human resources policy manual.

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o    You will be covered by Deckers' standard Directors and Officers Insurance
     Policy and Indemnification Agreements. You will also be subject to Deckers'
     Confidentiality Agreements and Trade Secret Agreements.

6.   EFFECTIVE DATE:

o    The effective date of this Employment Agreement is January 1, 2001 through
     December 31, 2002, unless terminated earlier (the "Effective Date").

7.   ARBITRATION:

o    Any claim or controversy arising out of or related to this Employment
     Agreement, the employment relationship or the subject matter hereof, shall
     be settled by binding arbitration before one arbitrator in Santa Barbara,
     California, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
     American Arbitration Association; and judgment upon any award rendered by
     the arbitrator may be entered as a judgement in any court having competent
     jurisdiction. The parties shall have rights to discovery as provided in
     Section 1 283.05 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, which is
     incorporated herein by this reference. The prevailing party in any such
     dispute shall be awarded all of its costs and expenses, including
     reasonable attorneys' fees.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION

                                            DOUGLAS B. OTTO,
                                            Chairman of the Board and
                                            Chief Executive Officer

     Please acknowledge your acceptance of the terms and conditions of this
     Employment Agreement by signing and returning one copy of this Employment
     Agreement.<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY                            PROMISSORY NOTE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        $5,325,000                                        Commerce, California
                                                          March 31, 2001

        FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Hispanic Express, Inc. ("Borrower")
promises to pay to the order of Banner Central Finance Company at its office at
5480 Ferguson Drive, Commerce, CA 90040, or at such other place as the holder
hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of America and in
immediately available funds, ($5,325,000) with interest at the rate of prime
rate calculated at the beginning of each month for which any sum is outstanding.

Interest accrued on this Note shall be payable on the first day of each month
commencing , 2001.

        Principal and interest shall be payable in installments as follows:

        Principal shall be payable on the 31st day of March, 2004.

        Interest shall be payable monthly.

        From and after the maturity date of this Note, or such earlier date as
all principal owing hereunder becomes due and payable by acceleration or
otherwise, the outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest
until paid in full at an increased rate per annum (computed on the basis of a
360-day per year, actual days elapsed) equal to four percent (4%) above the rate
of interest from time to time applicable to this Note.

        The Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of California.

        HISPANIC EXPRESS, INC.          BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY

        By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres          By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres
            ------------------------        ------------------------------------
            Gary M. Cypres                  Gary M. Cypres
            Chairman and President          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   2

                           ADDENDUM TO PROMISSORY NOTE

               THIS ADDENDUM is attached to and made a part of that certain
promissory note executed by Hispanic Express, Inc. ("Borrower") and payable to
Banner Central Finance Company ("BCF") or order, dated as of March 31, 2001 in
the principal amount of Five Million Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars
($5,325,000) (the "Note") with interest at the rate of prime rate calculated at
the beginning of each month for which any sum is outstanding.

               The following prepayment provision is hereby incorporated into
the Note:

               Borrower may prepay principal on this Note at any time in the
minimum amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000); provided however,
that if the outstanding principal balance of this Note is less than said amount,
the minimum prepayment amount shall be the entire outstanding principal balance
hereof. In consideration of BCF providing this prepayment option to Borrower, or
if this Note shall become due and payable at any time prior to the maturity date
hereof ("Maturity Date") by acceleration or otherwise, Borrower shall pay to BCF
immediately upon demand a fee which is the sum of the discounted monthly
differences for each month from the month of prepayment through the month in
which this Note matures, calculated as follows for each such month:

        (i)    Determine the amount of interest which would have accrued each
               month on the amount prepaid at the interest rate applicable to
               such amount had it remained outstanding until Maturity Date.

        (ii)   Subtract from the amount determined in (I) above the amount of
               interest which would have accrued for the same month on the
               amount prepaid for the remaining term of this Note at the
               Treasury Rate (as defined below) in effect on the date of
               prepayment.

        (iii)  If the result obtained in (ii) for any month is greater than
               zero, discount that difference by the Treasury Rate (as defined
               below used in (ii) above.

        Borrower acknowledges that prepayment of such amount will result in BCF
incurring additional costs, expenses and/or liabilities, and that it is
difficult to ascertain the full extent of such costs, expenses and/or
liabilities. Borrower, therefore, agrees to pay the above-described prepayment
fee and agrees that said amount represents a reasonable estimate of the
prepayment costs, expenses and/or liabilities of BCF.

        All prepayments of principal on this Note shall be applied on the most
remote principal installment or installments then unpaid.

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        "Treasury Rate" as used in paragraph (ii) above means the yield to
maturity at the asked price of the applicable obligation of the United States
Treasury. The applicable obligation is the Treasury obligation which will mature
on the Maturity Date or as soon after such date for which an asked price is
readily quoted in the public securities market. Callable Treasury obligations
will be deemed to mature at the earliest call date if the bid price on the date
of prepayment is greater than the face value of the obligation, otherwise
callable Treasury obligations will be deemed to mature at their legal maturity
date. If more than one Treasury obligation matures on the same date, the
obligation whose asked price on the date of prepayment is closest to its face
value will be defined as the applicable obligation.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Addendum has been executed as of the same date
as the Note.

        HISPANIC EXPRESS, INC.          BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY

        By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres          By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres
            ------------------------        ------------------------------------
           Gary M. Cypres                   Gary M. Cypres
           Chairman and President           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

               THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 31st day of March
31,2001, by and between Hispanic Express, Inc. a California corporation
("Borrower") and Banner Central Finance Company (BCF).

                                          RECITAL

               A.     Borrower has requested from BCF and BCF has agreed to
                      provide to Borrower a loan on the terms and conditions
                      contained herein.

               NOW, THEREFORE, BCF and Borrower hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE CREDIT

               SECTION 1.1 TERM LOAN.

               (a) Term Loan. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, BCF hereby agrees to make a loan to Borrower in the principal amount
of Five Million Three Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($5,325,000) ("Term
Loan"). Borrower's obligation to repay the Term loan shall be evidenced by a
promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Term
Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

               (b) Repayment. The principal amount of the Term Loan shall be
repaid in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note.

               (c) Prepayment. Borrower may prepay principal on the Term Loan
solely in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note.

                                       4

<PAGE>   5

                                   ARTICLE II

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

               Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to
BCF, which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this
Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final
payment, and satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to BCF
subject to this Agreement.

               SECTION 2.1 LEGAL STATUS. Borrower is a corporation duly
organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and is qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing as
a foreign corporation, if applicable in all jurisdiction in which such
qualification or licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or
to be so licensed could have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

               SECTION 2.2 AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. This Agreement, the Term
Note, and each of the other Loan Documents have been duly authorized, and upon
their execution and delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will
constitute legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or
the party which executes the same, enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms.

               SECTION 2.3 NO VIOLATION. The execution, delivery and performance
by Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any
law or regulation, or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
or By-Laws of Borrower, or result in a breach of or constitute a default under
any contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a
party or by which Borrower may be bound.

               SECTION 2.4 NO SUBORDINATION. There is no agreement, indenture,
contract or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be
bound that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's
obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower except
as disclosed by Borrower to BCF in writing prior to the date hereof or as
permitted by this Agreement.

               SECTION 2.5 OTHER OBLIGATIONS. Borrower is not in default on any
obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other
material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                                   ARTICLE III

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

               Borrower covenants that so long as BCF remains committed to
extend credit to Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any
liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of
Borrower to BCF and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject
hereto, Borrower shall:

               SECTION 3.1 PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay the interest and
principal on each of the Loan Documents requiring any such payments at the times
and place an in the manner specified therein, and any fees or other liabilities
due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and in the manner
specified therein.

               SECTION 3.2 COMPLIANCE. Maintain the Leases and all licenses,
permits, governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for
the conduct of its business; conduct its business in an orderly and regular
manner; and comply with the provisions of all documents pursuant to which
Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued existence and
with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any
governmental authority applicable to Borrower or its business.

               SECTION 3.3 INSURANCE. Maintain and keep in force insurance of
the types and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to
Borrower's, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, public
liability, property damage and workers' compensation, carried with companies and
in amounts satisfactory to BCF and delivery to BCF from time to time at BCF's
request schedules setting forth all insurance then in effect.

               SECTION 3.4 TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when
due any and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or
personal and including federal and state income taxes, except such as Borrower
may in good faith contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, provided
provision is made to the satisfaction of BCF for eventual payment thereof in the
event that it is found that the same is an obligation of Borrower.

                                        6

<PAGE>   7

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

               SECTION 4.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall
constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement:

               (a) Borrower shall fail to pay within 3 business days of when due
any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Loan
Documents.

               (b) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any
obligation, agreement or other provision contained herein (other than those
referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above), and with respect to any such
default which by its nature can be cured, such default shall continue for a
period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence.

               (c) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation,
or any defined event of default, under any of the Loan Documents other than this
Agreement.

               (d) If Gary Cypres ceases to be the Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Borrower or any person or group other than Mr. Cypres and his
affiliates, shall have beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13D-3 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1934) of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Borrower.

               (e) Borrower shall become insolvent, or shall suffer or consent
to or apply for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator
of itself or any of its property, or shall general fail to pay its debts as they
become due, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;
Borrower shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking
reorganization, in order to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors or
any other relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States
Code, as amended or recodified from time to time ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under
any state or federal law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in
effect; or any involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to said Bankruptcy
Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy,
reorganization or other relief for debtors is filed or commenced against
Borrower, or Borrower shall file an answer admitting the jurisdiction of the
court and the material allegations of any involuntary petition; or Borrower
shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be entered by any
court of competent jurisdiction under said Bankruptcy Code or any other
applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other
relief for debtors.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

               (f) The dissolution or liquidation of Borrower or either of the
Lessees; or any of the or the directors, stockholders or members of Borrower or
either of the Lessees, shall take action seeking to effect the dissolution or
liquidation of Borrower or either of the Lessees as the case may be, without
BCF's prior written consent.

               (g) The non-delinquent balance of the Efectiva, Small Loan, and
Travel Receivable Portfolios, fall below an aggregate balance of $14,000,000.

        SECTION 4.2 REMEDIES. If an Event of Default shall occur and the
applicable cure period has expired, (a) any indebtedness of Borrower under any
of the Loan Documents, any term thereof to the contrary notwithstanding, shall
at BCF's option and without notice become immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are hereby
expressly waived by Borrower; (b) the obligation, if any of BCF to permit
further borrowings hereunder shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) BCF
shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan
Documents, or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort
to any or all security for any credit accommodation from BCF subject hereto and
to exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant
to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of BCF in connection with
each of the Loan Documents may be exercised at any time by BCF and from time to
time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, are cumulative and are not
exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights, powers or remedies
provided by law or equity.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

        SECTION 5.1 NO WAIVER. No delay, failure or discontinuance of BCF in
exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall
affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or
otherwise affect any other right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent
or approval of any kind by BCF of any breach of or default under any of the Loan
Documents much be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth
in such writing.

        SECTION 5.2 NOTICES. All notices, request and demands which any party is
required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this
Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

               BORROWER:            Hispanic Express, Inc.
                                    5480 Ferguson Drive
                                    3rd Floor
                                    Commerce, CA 90040

               BCF                  Banner Central Finance Company
                                    5480 Ferguson Drive
                                    3rd Floor
                                    Commerce, CA 90040

or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all
other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or
made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by
mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in
the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy,
upon receipt.

        SECTION 5.3. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding on
and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, successors and assigns of the parties, provided however, that
Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest hereunder without the prior
written consent of BCF. BCF reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer,
negotiate or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in,
BCF's rights and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection
therewith, BCF may disclose all documents and information which BCF now has or
may hereafter acquire relating to any credit extended by BCF to Borrower, or its
business, any Guarantor or the business of any Guarantor, or any collateral
required hereunder.

        SECTION 5.4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, AMENDMENT. This Agreement and each other
of the Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and BCF
with respect to any extension of credit by BCF subject hereto and supersede all
prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning
the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a
written instrument executed by each party hereto.

        SECTION 5.5. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is made and
entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall
be a third party beneficiary of, or have direct or indirect cause of action or
claim in connection with, this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents to
which it is not a party.

        SECTION 5.6. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of
this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

        SECTION 5.7. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this
Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision
shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity
without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions
of this Agreement.

        SECTION 5.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the law of the State of California, except to the
extent that BCF has greater rights or remedies under Federal law, in which case
such choice of California law shall not be deemed to deprive BCF of such rights
and remedies as may be available under Federal law.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first written above.

        HISPANIC EXPRESS, INC.          BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY

        By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres          By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres
            ------------------------        ------------------------------------
            Gary M. Cypres                  Gary M. Cypres
            Chairman and President          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                       10

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