The Outdoor Biz Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rick Saez
Winner of Two 2021 Outdoor Writers Association of America Excellence in Craft Awards The Outdoor Biz Podcast features inspiring conversations with Outdoor/Adventure Brand Founders and Leaders from Outdoor, Bike, Ski, Adventure Travel, Conservation, Industry Recruiters, Executives and, many others. They talk about their careers, tell inspiring stories, and offer advice and direction on the path you can take to get your job in the industry and grow your Outdoor Career. Hosted by Author, Speaker, and, Adventurer Rick Saez and available wherever you get your podcasts.
The first of 4 Episodes with Outdoor Adventure Photographer Sergio Ballivian providing tips and advice to improve your adventure photography.
In addition to shooting for destinations, brands, and publications, he also offers photography expeditions in South America, particularly focusing on Bolivia.
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What Happened (Personal Story) I used to believe that capturing epic travel shots was all about finding the right moment. You know—the sunset, the summit, the perfect smile. Until I took a trip with a friend who'd studied under National Geographic photographers.
Day one, we hiked for hours to a viewpoint. I pulled out my camera, lined up the shot, and BAM—caught the golden light perfectly hitting the valley. I was thrilled. My friend, though? He didn’t even blink. “Cool,” he said, “But where’s the rest of the story?” Turns out, he wasn’t just snapping random cool shots—he was building a five-frame story: who, what, where, when, and why.
And suddenly, that single “epic” shot of mine felt... empty.
I watched him plan his shots before we even set up camp, getting up before dawn to catch headlamps in the dark, positioning himself on the other ridge for the silhouette. It wasn’t luck. It was intentional, strategic, and powerful.
Principle Your travel photos shouldn’t just be pretty—they should speak. One great image is nice, but a well-crafted story in five frames? That’s unforgettable. The real magic happens when you stop chasing moments and start anticipating narratives.
Transition The problem is most people don’t know this. They think epic shots just “happen,” or worse—they wing it and hope for the best. But capturing adventure isn’t about waiting around with a camera. It’s about preparing like a storyteller and thinking like a guide. If your photos aren’t landing the way you hoped, it’s not your talent—it’s your approach.
That’s Why That’s why this week’s Thursday Drop with Sergio Ballivian is a must-listen. We’re breaking down the mindset behind visual storytelling on expeditions—how to capture moments that speak volumes without needing eight months or a magazine budget. Whether you're heading to Bolivia or your local hiking trail, these are the mental shifts that’ll upgrade your storytelling forever.
Call to Action (PAS Framework) Still coming home with 300 photos and no story? That’s the pain. Worse—you're not even sure what you’re missing. That’s the agitation. The solution? Tune in to this week’s Thursday Drop and finally learn how to tell the story your photos deserve.
👉 Listen to Episode 513 now: [Insert Link]
Follow up with Sergio
Sergio Photo Tours
#outdoor adventure photography, #travel photography tips, #visual storytelling, #adventure travel, #visual narratives, #mini assignments, #photo stories, #storytelling in images, #composition tips, #landscape photography, #travel photography tips
Today I'm talking with Karina Armijo from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. As Director of the Outdoor Recreation Division for the State of New Mexico, Karina is dedicated to advancing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that benefit communities, empower youth and foster economic growth across the state.
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What Happened:
I’ll be honest: when I first heard the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division had pumped $28 million into trails and parks, I pictured paved walking loops and dusty brochures.
Then I spoke with Karina Armijo.
She casually dropped stories about tribal bike parks where kids are launching off jumps with mountains as their backdrop. About a labyrinth the size of a football field—built to heal, connect, and invite. About how four people (yes, just four!) are personally walking communities through grant applications to make sure everyone feels heard.
It’s not just about the trails. It’s about pride. Ownership. Identity.
This isn’t a government division tossing out cash. It’s communities rising up, saying, “We want a piece of this, and here’s how we’ll make it our own.”
Principle:
Access to the outdoors isn’t just a luxury—it’s infrastructure for mental health, community resilience, and economic revival. And it should be built with people, not just for them.
Transition:
Too many towns think, “We don’t have the budget for something big,” or “No one will show up.” But often, it’s not money that’s missing—it’s a seat at the right table, the right story, and a champion to back them up.
That’s Why:
That’s why I brought Karina onto the show. To prove what’s possible when community-driven ideas meet a team willing to hike the bureaucratic switchbacks with you. This episode isn’t just about outdoor grants. It’s about reimagining what your community could become—if someone believed in it first.
Call to Action
Feeling stuck watching your town stay overlooked while others boom? It’s not your fault. You’ve been missing the support—and the belief—you deserve. Listen to this episode now and see how real transformation starts with one trail and a whole lot of heart.
👉 [Listen to the full episode here]
#New Mexico Outdoor Recreation, #outdoor recreation grants, #Outdoor Equity Fund, #rural communities, #tribal communities, #trail infrastructure, #economic development, #youth programs, #Sabinosa Wilderness, #New Mexico tourism
Get ready for an inspiring journey into the heart of adventure and purpose on this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast! Host Rick Saez sits down with legendary polar explorer, speaker, and activist Sunniva Sorby. From her early days trading a computer programming job in Norway for a wild leap into outdoor leadership, to groundbreaking expeditions across Antarctica and the Arctic, Sunniva shares how embracing risk and finding her "tribe" at A16 shaped her life’s trajectory.
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From Boardroom to Blizzard: What Adventure Taught Me About Showing Up
What Happened:
I used to be a computer programmer in Norway. Yep—cubicles, keypads, and killer boredom. Until one day, I stumbled on a pamphlet during a visit to my mom in Montreal. It was for an outdoor leadership school in Alberta.
A few weeks later, I’d quit my job, ditched the keyboard, and traded banking spreadsheets for snowshoes. That decision launched a life of adventure I never imagined—from working at A16, where I found my first “tribe,” to skiing across Antarctica, and even tracking a polar bear named Violet in the Arctic wilds.
But here’s what really shifted everything.
After one particularly brutal expedition where I was sick, exhausted, and convinced I couldn’t take one more step, I realized something that changed me forever: Strength isn’t about pushing through until you collapse. It’s about listening to your body, honoring your limits, and knowing when to ask for help.
That moment stripped away my ego—and gave me something far more valuable: clarity.
Principle:
Too many of us think success means crossing the finish line—no matter the cost. But the truth is, the finish line isn’t what matters most. It’s who we become along the way. And if you’re only measuring strength by how much you can endure, you’re missing the deeper lesson adventure teaches: real courage is found in slowing down, tuning in, and showing up—again and again, even when it’s hard.
Transition:
The problem is, most people wait for the "right time" to go after what they want. But that moment doesn’t come with a red carpet. It often shows up disguised as fear, discomfort, or a tiny whisper that says: “There’s more out there for you.”
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your head, waiting for certainty before taking the next step—you’re not alone. It’s not that you’re lazy or lacking discipline. You’ve just never been shown a different way to move forward that honors your humanity and your ambition.
That’s Why:
That’s why we recorded this episode. To remind you that the wild isn’t just out there—it’s in you. Whether you’re chasing polar bears or your next big idea, your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. But it does have to start with one thing: action.
Call to Action:
Feel stuck in your own head and unsure how to take the next step? That uncertainty isn’t a dead-end—it’s your invitation. Tune in to this episode and learn how outdoor adventure teaches us to push past fear and step into purpose, one moment (and one polar bear) at a time.
🎧 [Listen to the episode now]
Follow up with Sunniva
If you're anything like me, you've likely longed for a time when you could leave everything behind and hit the road, actually live the van life. I've got you covered. This episode is for you. Today, I’m speaking with Brent and Alan Klein from VanDoit, who take travelers to better places through trustworthy, modular van designs tailored to each story.
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What Happened:
I used to think van life meant dropping everything, quitting your job, and driving off into the sunset with a dog and a dream. You know, the stuff Instagram makes look effortless.
But then I met people who lived something different—more real. Like hauling their kids to soccer in the same van they use for weekend mountain biking trips. Or using it as a mobile showroom by day, then a cozy crash pad by night.
It hit me: this isn’t about escaping life—it’s about expanding it. Making your van fit your life, not the other way around. That’s when I realized... van life doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It can be everything.
Principle:
The best adventure vehicles don’t just take you places—they evolve with your life. From hauling mulch to hauling mountain bikes to hauling kids, they meet you wherever you are.
Van life isn’t about living out of your van. It’s about living more fully because of it.
Transition:
But here's the thing… Most people think van life means going all-in, Instagram-ready sunsets and full-time nomadism. And that belief? It’s holding them back. They either think it’s “not for them” or they try to DIY their way into it and end up elbow-deep in wiring they should’ve never touched.
That’s why:
That’s why we dropped this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—to show you a more authentic path. One that’s rooted in decades of experience, real-life usage, and a design philosophy that’s more about living than it is about lifestyle labels.
Call to Action:
Still dreaming of freedom but stuck thinking you’re “not the van type”? Listen to this episode. Discover how modular design is changing what van life really means—no sanding, wiring, or duct-taped dreams required.
#van life, #modular vans, #outdoor adventure, #camper van, #road trip, #RV conversion, #family travel, #adventure travel, #mobile medical vans, #commercial vans, #remote work, #van customization, #outdoor gear, #motorsports, #mountain biking, #camping, #van storage solutions, #modular design, #custom interiors, #everyday van use, #wellness vans, #crisis units, #versatility, #adventure gear, #van community, #DIY van conversion, #van durability, #overlanding
For over fifty years, Cisco has been piloting rafts down the Rio Grande and sharing captivating stories around New Mexico campfires.
They call him a living legend. It all started with tree riding (yes, tree riding), tequila, and a $2/hour carpentry gig.
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What Happened:
I once thought success had to come from tech startups, corner offices, and polished résumés. But then I listened to Cisco’s story—this guy who started out rafting New Mexico’s Rio Grande for $25 a day, with a sombrero that flopped like a soggy tortilla every time it rained.
One day, after winning a state dance contest (both kinds: country AND western), he walks into a hat shop and leaves with a five-inch bull rider felt hat. That hat wasn’t just style—it was survival. When waves from the Taos Box smacked you in the face mid-rapid, that hat kept your eyes dry and your focus sharp.
Cisco didn’t just ride rapids. He rode the changing tides of culture, climate, and conservation, using his raft—and his stories—to teach generations about stewardship, resilience, and why you never, ever ride a pine tree like a bucking bronco (ask the guy with the fused spine).
Principle: Success isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a black hat, a steady current, and the quiet consistency of showing up for 50 years. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about choosing a life that aligns with your spirit, your landscape, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Transition: The truth is, a lot of us are paddling like mad trying to keep up—with tech, with trends, with whatever success is "supposed" to look like. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re not made for that pace, if cubicles make your soul itch, or if you’ve ever dreamed of more meaning in your work… you’re not alone.
That’s Why: That’s why this episode with Cisco isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a reminder that there’s a different kind of success. One rooted in place, in culture, in connection. This episode shows how adventure, storytelling, and soulful business can intertwine in the most unexpected, enduring ways.
Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt like your path doesn’t fit the traditional mold, listen to this episode. It’s time to stop chasing someone else’s idea of success—and start crafting your own story. [Listen to the episode now.]
Show Notes
Cisco Guevara
https://www.losriosriverrunners.com/
Storyteller.com
New Mexico Tourism- Ride the Rio with Cisco
Taos News: Cisco Guevara on why river guides make great storytellers
Enjoy this replay of EP 373 with Joshua Schwartz and Travel Creel.
Today on episode 373 of the outdoor biz podcast I’m talking with Travel Creel founder and chef Joshua Schwartz. Joshua and his team love to fish! Their goal is to combine world-class fishing destinations with comfortable accommodations and outstanding dining experiences.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes How'd you get into cooking?
So, my grandfather owned a French bistro, so I kind of grew up in a restaurant as a kid, and he passed away when I was pretty young, and didn't really know how to deal with his passing.
Didn't really understand grief and everyone was really upset. My family, my mom, my dad, my sister were all upset and I didn't really know what to do cuz I wasn't feeling upset, but I didn't know how to deal with it. And my mom's like, you, everyone deals with grief differently, so you just need to choose what you wanna do and how you wanna deal with it.
And I said, well, I'm just gonna be a chef like grandpa was. Oh, cool. And that was really kind of like, I set my sights on it and I never looked back.
So tell us about your cooking career. You cooked at the French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se
Yeah, so I started cooking at 14 professionally and worked my way through some of local restaurants and met a chef when I was in high school, who was an instructor at the New England Culinary Institute, and he worked for Thomas Keller at his original restaurant in New York called Rakel.
He helped me get set up going to the New England Culinary Institute. Which, which is where I went to school in Vermont. And my first externship, from the way that school worked was you did six months at school, six months as an externship working in a professional kitchen. And then back to school for six months and then back out in the field for six more months. And then you graduated. So my first externship was in New York working for David Bouley at the original Bouley on Duane and Houston. And that was my introduction to fine dining.
When did you have time to pick up fly fishing?
When I was working at the French Laundry we started the project of Buchon and me and another chef friend Jeff Cerciello, we were going to be the sous chefs at Buchon. So we, we were helping with that project and everything was going really well, but it was kind of slow-moving, you know, building a restaurant out and starting it from the ground. , it was slow-moving. So we had, we had a lot of free time. I mean, not a lot, but more than normal. And he asked me if I wanted to go up and fish go fish with him up on Hat Creek. Which is, you know, a beautiful Spring Creek in Northern California. I had grown up fishing as a kid. My grandmother used to take me flounder fishing off the dock on Long Island as a kid. And, and then we moved to Pennsylvania when I was a little bit older and we had ponds in every corner. And I used to use my spin rod and catch bass left and right. And that was kind of like a normal summer routine for me. So I loved fishing. But I'd never fly fished before.
And I caught my first fish on a dry fly and that was it. I mean, on the way home, I overdrew my bank account and bought a fly rod a fly. waiters and boots at the fly shop in Redding. I remember it specifically cause I overdrew my account.
Right, right, right. But I was dead set on like, I'm gonna keep doing this. It's, yeah. So it's, it's a great sport to participate in. Yeah. And then that summer, like we took another, like, we, we all mountain bike and we took. A mountain biking trip up to Tahoe. And I remember one day we were, we were gonna do the Crest Trail and I was like, I'm gonna take the day off from biking and I'm gonna go fishing.
And I went out to the East Carson and, and, and set myself up with a bob or rig for the first time and caught my first Subsurface on a fly rod, on a flash, a flashback, pheasant tail. And then I was just like, now I'm in it. So it was very cool. It was pretty awesome. And that was, that was the beginning.
Then a couple of years later, what happened is I went to New York at that point and went to Per Se, and all my fly fishing gear went into a bin.
So what was the inspiration for Travel Creel? How did those two things mesh into what you're doing today?
So, a friend of mine has an outfitting company AC Fly Fishing out of Redding. And Anthony had approached me about helping him with a travel trip going to Louisiana for Redfish, and he said, you want to come along and you can go fishing and you'd cook for everybody?
And I'm like yeah, dude. Like I get to basically go do this saltwater trip for free, right? Get to do some fishing and you know, all I gotta do is cook, like I can handle that. So it was a great introduction to travel and hospitality with travel. And I did it for a few years with him. We would do it every year.
We'd set it all up and so he would just do like one, one international trip a year. It was one trip that I did with him. The whole thing is with saltwater fly fishing, there's no guarantee with fishing. And when you're in the business of creating experiences for people, you gotta work on your controllables.
And the controllables are hospitality and you know, a good bed to sleep in, nice meals. All those things are controllable when the fishing's not right. And that was like the premise behind it. That's what we talked about a lot. And why it worked and it made sense to me and I was able to kind of excel in that world of knowing how to talk to fisherman because I was one of 'em. Right? On top of being able to create a great meal for them. And it just made a really good vibe in, in the lodge, you know? It's great. Yeah. And now Travel Creel came to life.
Tell everybody what Travel Creel is. What do you do?
So basically right around when Covid started, we had a trip to Louisiana planned. And what happened is we had the guides lined up, the lodges lined up, and then the clients bailed out because of Covid. And we kind of hit the panic button a little bit, what are we gonna do? And I was like, well, let me reach out to all my clients.
I had started working at Del Gado and I had a kid and I got married I transitioned into guiding because it was a way for me to go fishing still Right. And make money. And my wife would be like, yeah, yeah, you can go 'cause you're making money. So I bought a drift boat. I learned how to row a drift boat and I started, on my weekends going up to Redding and guiding the Sac for trout and ended up getting a permit on the Trinity River and guiding the Trinity. Then that led to me guiding for coastal steelhead as well. The whole premise behind my guiding business was, I can't guarantee you're gonna catch a bunch of fish when we go steelhead fishing. But I guarantee you're gonna have a great lunch.
So I had all these clients, right? So I told Anthony, listen, let me reach out to some of my guys and see if I can put together this group and we can still go. Literally in like 24 hours got the trip filled up. And that's when it kind of clicked in my head, like, maybe this is something I should be doing. Right. Maybe you know, I could change my role from being just the guy that goes along and fishes and cooks to the guy who puts the trips together. And really step up the hospitality. Take that killer lunch and turn it into a killer experience. And that's where Travel Creel was born.
I wanna create a business where I can create these experiences, not just in Louisiana, but all over the country, and possibly all over the world.
We should let everybody know as we're talking that Josh was out for a walk with his daughter and dog, so that's why you're activity in the background.
So what are some of the most, let's start with most exotic places that you've taken a group to and kind of had to cook, camp, cook kind of thing?
You know, I haven't really done much camp cooking. As far as these trips go, I try to make 'em a little bit more upscale. Where I try to find like a nice place for everyone to congregate. Most recently I think probably the out there place has been San Carlos in Baja for fishing, for Rooster Fish and Marlin.
You know, it's kind of like the wild west of Baja. It's like old school, Baja. And as far as like logistics go for me and putting a trip together, it's probably been the most challenging, but most rewarding at the same time.
So how do you, is it still word of mouth or how do you market the business?
I started with just the clients that I have. And it's, you know, I'm only as good as the last trip I did and every, every little trip I do the word travels and, and you know, I have a client then tell four or five of his buddies and say, you gotta come with me on this next trip. and then those guys tell their friends and it's, it's a lot of word of mouth.
And the other, the other part is I have a really great network of friends that are in the fly fishing industry that are all very supportive of what I'm doing. A lot of independent guides. I mean, you and I are talking today because of Dave Neal, Dave Neal. Shout out to Dave great guide.
Yeah. He's a great friend and independent guide and supports what I do and, and has eaten my food and loves it. And someone like that I can reach out to him with a trip and be like, Hey, listen, I got two spots left to fill on this trip. and if you fill those spots, then I'll throw you a bone.
And that kind of, that kind of stuff is really helpful too. And it's, it's come into play quite a few times, so that's perfect.
Do you work all, do you also work with any fly shop?
I have been working with George Revelle at Lost Coast Outfitters in San Francisco. So he basically puts together all the lists of gear and everything.
I send it out to clients and then they get to contact George directly or the shop perfect, and get all those items they need for a trip. And in turn it's a very simple partnership where he helps me put those lists together.
I promote him and he helps me fill seats.
Do you get to do any other outdoor activities?
No, probably not. You know, my kids have been wanting to go snowboarding this year and we're probably gonna get up there and do that. You know, a lot of everything we do is right here. We live in Sonoma County and we have, we have a big boat that we take out on the lake, or we take out in the bay. The kids like to go be pulled around in a tube or go water skiing.
We try to get out on the boat as much as we can when there's nice weather. And we love bike rides. We do a little hiking here and there.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the fly fishing biz or outdoor biz?
I think just get out there and experience it and get on the water and you don't know until you go, you gotta get out there and, and experience it and meet people and network.
If you're looking to be a guide, get on that water. Learn from the guys that know the water the best. Obviously learn how to row a boat if you're gonna be running a drift boat. Exactly.
Do you have any daily routines to keep your sanity?
I'd say as far as daily routines mine is getting in my truck and turning it on some music and driving 45 minutes over the hill. A beautiful drive over through vineyards and the rolling hills here. In that 45-minute ride to and from work, I accomplish more in my head than I do accomplish when I'm at home or at work. It gives me a chance to clear my head. It gives me a chance to think about ideas. A lot of people ask me like, when do you have time to come up with ideas for some of your new dishes and stuff? I'm like, most of those ideas come to me while I'm driving to or from work.
Do you read a lot? Do you have any favorite books? Books to give as?
My mom was an English teacher and when you presented that question in email, I was like, I can't wait to get to it. I was kind of pushed to read as a kid.
I'd say the most recent book that I read is Lords of the Fly. And you know, to me that that book sucked me right into that story. And I actually got to go to Homosassa last year and meet some of the players in that book.
Since you're a cook, is there a favorite piece of gear that all of us that cook outside should have in our camp kitchen?
Yeah. I think everyone should have, a Japanese Mandolin. They're not expensive. They're like 30 bucks. You can get 'em on Amazon. Watch your fingers cuz they're sharp. But like, it just is a game changer, especially when you're not in the home kitchen. If you're doing some outdoor cooking, then you can slice a slice, a cucumber or carrot, whatever, like within seconds. Okay. And it just adds to being able to work quicker and more efficiently when, you know, chopping onions or shallots or things like that.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners?
I'm just really stoked to be here talking to you about what I'm doing and if anyone's interested in doing a fun adventure and has a passion for fishing and fine food and great company to look us up and check out what we're doing. The website is Travel Creel Hospitality
Are you hungry for adventure and connection? Listen in to this replay of Episode 372 of of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast featuring former pro snowboarder and Saturday's co-founder Josh Rosen. As host of Huckberry’s recently launched series DIRT, Josh shares how the show reconnects and inspires viewers to explore the world of adventure, the outdoors, and cooking in the wild, their backyards, and homes. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes: How'd you get connected with Huckberry?
Yeah, it's been a really lovely, Experience with Huckberry.
Initially, we worked on a project where, Kate West, who's the content director over at Huckberry, reached out to me cuz she had been in New York when I was there and worked for a nonprofit, bringing kids out. To the beach to surf and up into the mountains to snowboard from the inner city, which was really cool.
And we helped out with that and, in any capacity we could, at Saturdays. And she had moved on and started working in Huckberry and asked if I was interested in doing, it's, they sell a really amazing, product called the, 72-hour shirt. Oh yeah. Which is this, it's. All the bells and whistles, antimicrobials, sweat, wicking, all that great stuff.
But you're gonna essentially wear it and do anything you want for a couple of days, without a wash. So it's a great shirt to camp with and literally anything you're getting into.
So before we get to the show, tell us about your cooking chat. Yeah, sure. Is that why you're there?
it's interesting because the show always starts with meeting a chef, okay? And the chef always asks or has, so far, are you a chef? Okay. And my answer and the first time I was asked that my response was, No. I'm just a cooking enthusiast. I'm a food enthusiast.
So how did the idea for dirt come to life?
So Kate West came to Seattle to do this article for Huckberry with me about wearing the shirt. And we went out for 72 hours. It's the 72-hour shirt. And so that's the deal. It's like a, what can you do with this shirt in 72 hours? And I loved that task because I have always love to see how many activities I can accomplish in a day, so they came out and we went out to one of the San Juan Islands, which is our little chain of islands out here in the sound, beautiful spot.
And it's a special place for sure. . , absolutely gorgeous. And we just, we went nuts. We did, the list is long, but we had these amazing couple of days, and somewhere in, in that time I posed to Kate that I had this idea for a food adventure show where essentially we do what we do on dirt, which is that we go to a place we meet with a chef, or the initial idea could also have been like a, somebody who's very connected to food in that city. And we got some information and that kind of set us off on our journey.
How is this show different than other adventure travel shows?
I think it's interesting. It's like until you work in a, you don't really look at that space that deeply, and after working in this space over the last year and l going around and looking at other adventured shows or on, things like YouTube catching cooks or food, food adventure pieces. It just feels. A lot of those shows and, nothing against them. There are some really great ones out there. We're really about the chef or the host.
So what goes into deciding where to go? Is it driven by the food sources, the sustainability?
It's a great question and I think we started in Seattle with no real distinct plan of where we were gonna go next because it was the trial episode and it was I think it was meeting with the people around, in that first episode in Seattle or at Washington State that we realized we can go anywhere. It was really liberating, right? Because initially maybe you gotta go to these really important big cities or, it was, we, there was a lot of discussions, but really it's we can go anywhere.
We have and we've gone to New York cities, this last one, but we were in Minneapolis, and then we were in New Orleans and then, you know, there's. , there are amazing things happening everywhere. Yeah. It's just about going and looking and so we I think for us, a balance of places that are very obvious, like a New York City mixed with places like Minneapolis that are not necessarily places you like first on your list to visit.
If you have a weekend off then of course like it's important that the product that Huckberry. is selling in the season. I'm very connected to that.
So you don't actually work at Huckberry, but tell me about the brand. Was your perception of it beforehand and after you started working on the show? Did it change?
It was a great beginning to it because I told you, I, I worked with on. Photoshoot with about the 72-hour shirt. I've always been very employee-focused. With my company. I think that the people that you have if they are, and you, I'm sure you experience this, if you go into a place where the employees are not treated well or Oh, yeah. Not respected or not supported.
You just feel it immediately, you can smell it. And then you have these places where you can see that these people are respected and are paid appropriately and all of this. Right off the bat with Huckberry cuz there was a photographer and the producer and these people were on the shoot.
You just sensed that this is a place where people are respected. And it felt very similar to Saturdays in that everybody felt like it was a common goal to deliver something that we're interested in.
I don't work directly for Huckberry. I'm just doing this project for them, but I feel like part of that family and that’s important to how I work in the world. Like any project that I do, I feel like it's really important that we're all passionately pushing a cool goal, and that's outdoors, right?
So can you share anything with us about projects in the pipeline?
So we are headed off, I'll say this, we are leaving the country. Which is really exciting. And I'll leave it at that.
How did your outdoor lifestyle begin?
I was born and raised, in Seattle to two very different parents in terms of the outdoor lifestyle.
My mom is from Oregon, lived in a van, and was a river guide on the Salmon River. And then met my dad who is New York City born and raised. Moved as far away from New York City as he possibly could and stayed in the Continental US. I think he used a piece of string to see which one San Francisco or Seattle was further cuz he hated it.
And this is the sixties, right? And he wanted to just be outdoors. He had this kind of romantic vision of the outdoors. And he assumed, Seattle would potentially have all the things he had seen in magazines, I believe. And he got out here and he had no practical experience with the outdoors at all.
So tell us about your snowboarding career. Obviously, skiing led to snowboarding, and then you became a pro right?
Yeah. So I skied it's interesting cuz I got to a certain place in skiing and then you either go, in my time you were into racing or you went into like mobile skiing or freestyle. There wasn't a big free ski community. And I watched snowboarding come up and it was all free ski. It was like the initial, original free ski. Like they just went everywhere, there were no rules. And I was a skateboarder so that energy, just like I knew it, right? I was like holding onto skiing cause I had done it for so many years, but I was like, that, there's something about that. And then it just looks more, it just felt more like skateboarding, like you were a rebel too. And 13-year-old little guy wants to be a rebel and explore that side of himself. So the middle school I was in had a ski bus and there were some, the cool kids were snowboarding and I was like, all right, I'm gonna try it.
I went to a special high school where I only had to go once a week so that I could so I could take snowboarding as a job. And I started actually snowboarding professionally when I was in High School.
And then you co-founded the surf-inspired brand Saturdays. What was your role there?
So I moved out to New York. My dad's family was in New York City and so my entire life I visited and knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a part of New York City at some point in my life.
And the second snowboarding ended and I realized that was probably a good time to make the shift in New York City I worked in fashion for six or seven years and different components of it, trying to find my space.
What'd you do there?
So I've always been interested in fashion since I was a young kid and living in Seattle, then, and to some degree now it's just not a very fashion-centric place.
It's a land of waterproof clothing and comfortable clothing. And that doesn't lend itself generally to cutting-edge fashion. So going to New York was just eye-opening and there was something about the way people dressed and their independence, the styles they would create for themselves that were just so uniquely them, but somehow looked right.
And when my buddies came to me discussing this idea for a surf shop, I thought maybe that'd be it, right?
So we'd opened the surf shop and then maybe we could design our own. And it was this great experience, the classic New York experience where we came together, we found a little spot in Soho. And this is 2009 in a recession., which is actually a really great time to open something new and unique and I'll explain why.
We were able to find a location very inexpensively cuz a lot of stuff was closing down and because we were so unique to that landscape, we garnered a lot of attention from the press because we were just an interesting thing, without any marketing dollars, does, marketing dollars had pretty much dried up around the city, and we were just filler for these magazines. They're like, oh, three guys opened a surf shop in Manhattan. It was all you needed for attention.
So why did you leave?
I lived at that point in New York after 10 years with Saturdays and then six years of being in New York before that for,15, 16 years and being a kid from the mountains and very connected to that there was a longing that I couldn't block outta my mind anymore. And I just had to come home and be back in my cozy space.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks that might want to get into the adventure biz or outdoor biz?
I think for me it was, it has just always been curiosity, right? And exploration and with the surf shops I have lots of young employees who are, starting their careers as whatever, the beginnings of whatever they would be. And I've had that question come from young people and my answer to them was to find the space you want to be in, and then experience as many pieces of that as you can, because it really takes doing a lot of stuff to figure out exactly. What suits you?
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that's under a hundred dollars that you always have with you?
I love that question. I discovered I mean, I've been fishing my whole life and I discovered this last summer I've seen them in the landscape, but it’s this Tenkara fishing rod.
It’s just a totally different thing. It breaks down into this tiny thing and you can whip it out. And it's this beautiful, its own unique cast. But anyway I had a ton of fun with that and I keep that in my pack.
Do you have any favorite books?
Yeah. I do love to read. I feel like I'm very similar to a lot of people lately where I listen to a lot of stuff.
I grew up surrounded by books and I read a lot as a young person, but I tend to listen to a lot of stuff. But I have been trying to buy Paper books of late. My most recent book I bought was that it was a, it's a translation of the Tao Te Ching by Steven Mitchell. Someone had of course posted an image of one of the pages of the book, and it just landed on me because the Tao Te Ching is just that sort of thing where you could pretty much open it to any page and it's just, it was written 4,000 years ago or something, but it is so wise it still hits you in the side of the head, right?
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
I'd love it if you go watch the show. One cool thing that the world we live in now, if you have any insight into what you liked, what you didn't, or what you can always comment on the bottom and it's encouraged and That's about it.
Links
Dirt
Huckberry
YouTube
Josh on Instagram
@rosen43
Today, we’re talking with Nancy De Losa from AQTO Cycling Tours in Italy. For AQTO, the magic of riding in Italy is all about the challenge and reward. You get testing yourself on Italy’s most exhilarating climbs and descents while immersing yourself in authentic Italian hospitality.
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What Happened:
We didn’t mean to start a cycling tour business in Italy. No, really.
It all started with a blog post.
Damien rode a legendary vintage bike ride in Tuscany, blogged about it for his cycling apparel brand, and boom—emails started rolling in: “Do you run tours?” Cue the two of us looking at each other with raised eyebrows and saying, “...Maybe we do?”
One spontaneous road trip, a few door knocks, and a hotel booking later—AQTO Cycling Tours was born.
Here’s the kicker: I’m not a cyclist. Not even close. I married one. I live with one. But cycling? Doesn’t sing to my soul. Yoga and red wine, yes. Lycra and bike grease? Not so much.
So I created something for the others like me—the non-cycling partners, the half-riders, the aspiring adventurers who want the Italian magic without the saddle sores. From curated cooking classes to 3,000-year-old olive trees, that little side program became a unique (and very loved) part of our brand.
Principle:
Just because you're not the “typical” expert in the room doesn’t mean you don’t belong in the business.
In fact, your “different lens” might be the very thing that makes the experience more complete, more inclusive, and more memorable for everyone involved.
Transition:
A lot of us think we need to be “all in” on something to make it work—like being a hardcore cyclist to lead cycling tours.
But the truth is, many adventure-based brands get stuck trying to serve only the enthusiasts. And in doing so, they forget about the partners, the dreamers, and the curious souls who crave the journey, just not the climbs.
That’s why so many businesses feel out of reach for the average person. They’re built on the assumption that only experts belong.
That’s Why:
That’s why this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast exists—to show how Nancy and Damien built a boutique Italian adventure company that doesn't just cater to cyclists, but to humans who crave culture, community, and challenge.
Whether you ride or not, their approach is a masterclass in designing an inclusive, enriching experience that welcomes everyone at the table (and on the trail).
Call to Action:
Tired of feeling like adventures are only for “serious” athletes? It’s frustrating when travel feels like a test, not a treat. That’s why this episode is a must-listen—because there’s a different way to explore. One that fits you. [Listen here to episode 506 now]
Show Notes
What what advice would you give someone who's never done an international cycling tour before but wants to give it a shot?
I probably would say stop thinking about it and just do it.- Nancy De Losa
Do you have a favorite book?
Yes, it's called "Italian Joy" by Carla Olson.
Favorite piece of cycling gear
Q36.6 windshell
Follow up with Nancy: AQTO Cycling
“Even if you don’t have the resources or time for a six-month trek, start where you are, with what you have. Every step outside is a step toward a life more fulfilled.”
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How stuffing food into trash bags and hiking in tennis shoes planted the seed for a life of adventure.
What Happened: Growing up, my family loved our little camping trips, and on one of them, my brothers and I convinced our parents to let us hike part of the Appalachian Trail overnight. (Big mistake — at least for our muscles.) We were wildly unprepared: sneakers from Kmart, trash bags over our shoulders instead of proper packs, and enough sore muscles to last a lifetime. I thought I was dying — but deep down, something lit up inside me. Even though every bone in my body hurt (and we ate an entire cooler of food afterward like ravenous raccoons), that night planted a seed. Over the years, I kept going back. Again and again. And that love for adventure grew into a walk across the entire Appalachian Trail… and eventually into fundraising hikes, family treks, bestselling books, and even TEDx talks. Not bad for a kid with a trash bag and a dream, right?
Principle: Sometimes, the thing that feels the hardest at the beginning — the thing you think you're the worst at — is actually pointing straight at your biggest passion. Adventure (and success) doesn’t start with the perfect gear, the perfect timing, or even knowing what you’re doing. It starts by taking that messy, imperfect first step. And when you lean into it — not run away because it’s hard — it can completely change your life.
Transition: Most people think they have to have it all figured out before they start — the perfect trail shoes, the best plan, the ideal conditions. But waiting until you're "ready" is just another way of letting your dreams collect dust. If you've been feeling stuck, thinking you can't "start until" you have everything lined up… you're holding yourself back from the adventure that could change everything.
That’s why: That’s why in this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Jeff Alt to dig deep into how those messy, unglamorous first steps can transform into a life filled with meaning, impact, and unforgettable stories. You’ll hear how Jeff turned a painful first hike into a movement, and why you don’t need perfect gear, perfect conditions, or perfect timing to build an extraordinary adventure life.
Call to Action (PAS framework in one sentence): If you’re tired of feeling stuck, waiting for the “right” time to start your dream adventure (pain), and you’re sick of watching opportunities pass you by while you hesitate (agitate), listen to this episode now and discover why the imperfect first step is the one that matters most (solution).
Show Notes
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who's hesitant to get started, whether it's solo hiking or taking their family on hikes, long distance treks, what would you tell 'em?
Partner up with somebody who's done it. Or, if you've never been hiking you know, there, there's lots of outdoor clubs online clubs and they're, they're based in every city USA. Join that group, go to that talk at the outfitter. You know, a lot of your fears will be overcome just by hearing. "Oh. That's how you do that. Oh, you have to filter the water before you drink it."
And then if you're still like, I'm afraid to do this alone. Well, they say you shouldn't. Technically, go out backpacking alone anyway, right? So Go with a seasoned person for a night or two and mm-hmm.
And learn the basics before you head off with your own family.
Do you have a favorite book?
Yes. Peter Jenkins, a Walk Across America
What about your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars?
Sea to Summit Air pillow.
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Norie brings decades of experience from her roles at National Geographic Traveler and as a contributor to National Geographic. She shares fascinating insights into adventure storytelling, the evolving landscape of tourism, and the powerful shift toward regenerative travel.
Subject: What a Red Puffy Jacket, a Black Lab, and the Tetons Taught Me About Adventure
I discovered the magic of nature—only after realizing my feet were literally black with dirt.
- Norie Quitos
What Happened: If you told 12-year-old me that one day I’d be preaching the gospel of nature and conservation on a podcast, she would’ve laughed in your face while clutching her Lisa Frank diary.
Back then, I was a hardcore indoors kid. My travel dreams were less “hike the Andes” and more “sip coffee outside a museum in Paris.” Nature? Great in theory. From a safe, clean, bathroom-accessible distance.
But life had other plans. Specifically, two kids and a deep desire for them to experience something I hadn’t: the outdoors.
Our first trip? My sister’s backyard. Borrowed tent. Questionable gear. But hey—we survived. That spiraled into state park weekends, and eventually, a full-on wagon adventure at the foot of the Tetons. Cue canvas tents, no showers, and yes—leeches.
I was not okay. My soles were blacker than a burnt marshmallow, and I seriously questioned my life choices… until someone said, “It’s dirt, but it’s not dirty.” Mind. Blown.
That moment changed everything.
Principle: Adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket or a trust fund. It’s not always epic views and adrenaline rushes. Sometimes, it’s dirt, discomfort, and doing something that stretches you just enough to see the world—and yourself—a little differently.
That shift in perspective? That’s where the real story begins. It’s not just about going places. It’s about who you become because you did.
Transition: But here’s the thing… Most of us still think “adventure” only counts if it looks like a Patagonia ad. We think our stories aren’t worth telling unless they involve wild landscapes or bucket list bragging rights.
The problem? That belief keeps so many of us from starting. From exploring our own backyards. From seeing travel as a tool for transformation—not just content creation.
That’s Why: That’s why this episode with Nori Quintos hit home. Because it’s not just about where you go—it’s about how you go. Nori’s journey from suburban indoor kid to global storyteller proves that the adventure industry isn’t just changing—it’s opening up.
She shares how regenerative travel is replacing tourism-as-usual, and why women over 50 are redefining what solo travel—and real power—looks like.
Call to Action: Feeling stuck thinking your next adventure needs to be “epic” or expensive? That mindset’s the real roadblock. Break free with Nori’s story—because once you hear it, you’ll realize the best journeys don’t start with gear… they start with grit.
Show Notes
Adventure Travel Trade Association
Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
Eagle Creek
Toad & Co
Today on episode 503 Jess Nepstad from Bru Trek joins me on The Show. Jess’s LinkedIn profile leads with 'Positively impact people every day!' He says they have a great little company in Bonner, MT - with a team of wonderful people who all enjoy life, the outdoors, work, and friends.
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What Happened:
When I was a kid, the phrase “adventure ready” meant slapping a chili can into a backpack and pedaling 20 miles with your best friend and no helmet. Jess Nesad’s story took me right back. He and his buddy Mark did just that—bikes, backpacks, a plan (sort of), and zero water bottles. They made it to Luckock Park, camped under the stars, hiked to waterfalls, and sipped stream water like champions.
It was rugged. It was real. And today? Jess is still chasing that kind of magic—but with a serious upgrade in gear and a lot more hydration.
Fast forward a few decades, and he’s the founder of BruTrek, building over-engineered outdoor coffee gear that could survive a bear attack. (Okay, slight exaggeration—but seriously, this stuff is tough.)
Principle:
The gear you carry reflects how you show up in your adventures—and your business. Cheap tools, whether it’s instant coffee or uninspired branding, leave you flat. But when your tools are built for adventure—when they’re rugged, intentional, and actually designed for how you live—everything changes.
Transition:
Most outdoor brands talk a big game. But few are built by people who’ve lived it from both sides: the free-range childhood adventures and the boardroom branding meetings. If you’re tired of gear that breaks, branding that feels disconnected, or a business that doesn’t feel like you, there’s a reason for that.
That’s why…
That’s why this episode hits different. Jess bridges the gap between old-school outdoor grit and the next-gen mindset of thoughtful design, loyal community, and brand storytelling that actually means something. This episode isn’t just about coffee—it’s about creating a lifestyle that works as hard as you do.
Call to Action:
Still sipping cowboy coffee and calling it good? You deserve better. Don’t let bad gear (or bad branding) hold you back from the adventures you dream of. Listen to this episode and find out how to blend grit, growth, and a damn good cup of coffee into your brand.
Show Notes
Favorite piece of gear
Neck Gators
Favorite Bru Trek Gear: Steel Toe
Favorite Book/ Authors
Book: John Irving
Authors:
Thomas McGuane
Russell Rowland
A B Gruthery
Contact Jess
Email:
Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, This week I’m joined by Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish. A tireless hiker, outdoor and travel writer, Registered Maine Guide, and self-proclaimed certified fun-meister. Carey’s the author of Beer Hiking New England and a longtime columnist whose stories have inspired outdoor lovers across Maine and beyond for over two decades. We dig into trails, tales, and yes . . . a few cold brews along the way.
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What Happened: I’ll be honest—before I ever hiked a long trail, I thought “grizzly country” was just a phrase thrown around to add spice to trail stories. Dramatic? Sure. But let me tell you, when you're deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, carrying bear spray for the first time, sleeping in wild country with bear scat nearby, you start to feel what it means to not be top of the food chain.
And no, I didn’t see a grizzly. But they saw me. I know they saw me.
But even wilder than the bears was the realization that after three long trails—Appalachian Trail, PCT, and CDT—I’d done it. Triple Crown, baby. I didn’t even set out to do it. It just happened. One trail became two, and then I thought, “What the hell, might as well do the third.”
It was grueling, wild, hilarious (beer man, reporting for duty), and full of more characters than a Quentin Tarantino film. But that finish at the Canadian border? That was everything.
Principle: Here’s the truth: You don’t need to have the perfect plan. You don’t need to start with all the gear dialed. You sure as heck don’t need to wait for the right time. The only thing that really matters? That you go. Just start. One step. Then another.
Adventures don’t require perfection. They just need momentum.
Transition: The problem is, most people let logistics, fear, or lack of a clear roadmap stop them from ever taking the first step. They think they need a six-month sabbatical, the latest gear, or some magical trail wisdom passed down by a bearded sage.
They don’t.
What they really need is someone who’s been there—who’s faced the bears (literal and metaphorical), hit the wall, and kept going.
That’s why… That’s why I brought Carrie Kish on the podcast. Because she’s been through the highs and the lows—blisters, burnout, bourbon nights in the tent—and came out the other side with stories that prove you can do this. She’s not just a hiker; she’s a storyteller, a guide, and someone who’s figured out how to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what.
Call to Action: If you’ve been dreaming of a big trail adventure but keep getting stuck in the planning—or worse, in the fear—this episode is your wake-up call. Stop waiting for perfect. Listen in now and discover how Carrie turned wild hikes and cold beers into a life well-lived (and how you can too).
🎧 Listen to the latest episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast now. Your trail starts here.
Show Notes:
Favorite piece of gear
Puffy jacket from LL Bean
Favorite Authors
GearColin Fletcher
John Krakauer
Chris Bonnington
The travel works of Mary Morris
Contact Carey
Email: maineoutdoors@aol.com
Books
Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend.
That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast.
Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show.
is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Folks to go camping.
He's an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic, and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals.
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What Happened:
It was the summer of 2017. I was clocking miles like a long-haul trucker, repping campers for a living. My 7-year-old son called me out—said I’d promised to take him to Mount Rushmore. He was right. I’d driven past it more times than I could count, but I’d never stopped. So we hit the road.
We camped our way across the country, father and son, a Black duo in a tiny pop-up trailer, parking it beside some seriously decked-out RV setups. We saw the sights, roasted marshmallows, and somewhere near Albuquerque, we spotted something we hadn’t seen in thousands of miles: another Black family camping. My son lit up and said, “Hey Daddy! Black people!”
That moment stuck. We talked to the family—Kimberly and crew—and she said something that flipped a switch in my brain: “Why don’t you change that then?” That “why not you?” hit hard. By the time we were driving up the California coast, the name Black Folks Camp Too was born.
Principle:
Too often, we wait for permission—permission to belong, to show up, to start something meaningful. But sometimes, it takes seeing the gap with your own eyes, feeling the silence in certain spaces, to realize: you’re the one who’s supposed to fill it.
And in business, just like in the outdoors, if you’re only serving the same people the same way… you’re gonna miss the fire. The campfire, that is.
Transition:
Most people think getting more folks into the outdoors is about better gear or cool photos on Instagram. But that’s not it. The real challenge is the invitation—and the welcome. And too many companies still don’t know why the diversity gap exists, so they don’t know how to fix it.
That’s why a lot of businesses are struggling. Not because there’s no market—but because they don’t see who they’re ignoring. And even when they do? They get hung up on the word Black in the name… instead of focusing on the unity behind the mission.
That’s why:
That’s why this episode matters. Earl Hunter isn’t just talking about camping—he’s talking about culture, connection, and cracking open an industry that’s been too exclusive for too long. He’s not asking for handouts or kumbayas. He’s showing up with data, vision, and a real plan to shift the outdoor industry before it goes broke.
Call to Action (PAS style):
If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor world wasn’t built for you—or your brand’s been stuck serving the same crowd—it’s time to tune in. Ignoring the invitation problem won’t fix it. But this episode will give you a fresh lens and a fire to take action.
👉 Hit play now. Let’s change the campfire conversation.
Show Notes:
Earl B. Hunter Jr.
Black Folks Camp Too
Oboz Insoles
Sylvansport
Georgia Military College
Appalachian State University
Earl's Trail name: Icebreaker
Mount Rushmore
Unity Blaze
Favorite piece of outdoor gear: OBOZ Insoles
Favorite book: The Billion Dollar Bet, Bob Johnson
Advice: the first advice I would give folks is, is to go to our unity, go to black folks camp too, and go to our Unity blaze map and find campgrounds that are on our map that are actually there. Those folks are truly invited and welcoming you to camp at their campground.
I would also say to know before you go. Do as much research as you can. You have these devices now, and you have so many YouTube channels and things of that nature to learn about camping.
Follow up with Earl: earl@blackfolkscamptoo.com
Black Folks Camp Too
#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Black Folks Camp Too, #Earl Hunter, #diversity in the outdoors, #Appalachian State, #Unity Blaze, #outdoor industry, #inclusion, #Unity Blaze partners, #outdoor community, #backpacking, #state parks, #Oboz Footwear, #Spacious Skies Campgrounds, #outdoor lifestyle, #RV camping, #outdoor participation, #unity in outdoors, #generational transfer, #environmental stewardship.
Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend.
That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast.
Welcome Episode 500 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast . . . Today I’m joined by Lindsay Cousley — a seasoned executive leader with deep roots in the outdoor, sporting goods, and wellness industries. He’s helped build and scale global brands with heart, empathy, and a whole lot of strategic know-how. Outside the boardroom, Lindsay surfs, cycles, backpacks, hikes, and even plays rugby — living proof that adventure fuels leadership.
Show Notes
Lindsay Cousley
What Backpacking the Alps at 14 Taught Me About Building Global Brands What Happened: When I was 14, I wasn’t reading business books or plotting a career. I was deep in the Alps, sweating under a too-heavy pack, trying not to get left behind by a youth leader named Paul who thought “rest day” was code for “hike faster.” We carried everything on our backs, got lost a few times (intentionally or not, I still wonder), and somehow made it from France to Italy and back through Switzerland. It was magic.
But here’s the kicker—I didn’t know it then, but that summer was shaping how I’d lead teams, sell products, and build brands.
Fast forward a few decades, and I’m sitting in a boardroom, helping turn around an outdoor company. It’s go time. No time for perfect plans, just the instinct to act, adapt, and trust the people around you. Sound familiar? That’s wilderness training 101.
Principle: Adventure doesn’t just happen in the mountains. It shows up in every tough decision, every product pitch, and every “what now?” moment in business. The most successful leaders in the outdoor space don’t wait for permission—they act, they adapt, and most importantly, they care. Passion for the outdoors isn't a cute brand trait—it's the fuel that drives resilient leadership.
Transition: Too many folks think a successful outdoor career comes from the right resume or the right LinkedIn connections. But what’s really holding them back isn’t lack of experience—it’s a lack of direction. They’re stuck waiting to be “qualified,” not realizing that leadership often comes from showing up, not showing off.
That’s Why: That’s why this episode is a must-listen. Lindsay Cousley doesn’t just talk outdoor—he’s lived it. From hauling gear across Europe as a teen to reviving struggling companies in the U.S., his journey is a masterclass in how passion, people, and a little grit can fuel leadership at any level.
Call to Action: Still feeling like you’re stuck watching others make moves in the outdoor space while you spin your wheels? That "meh" feeling about your impact isn't just in your head—it’s a sign you need a new approach. Let Lindsay's story show you what’s possible when you blend passion with purpose. 🎧 Tune in to the episode now and start crafting your own adventure-fueled leadership story.
#Adventure Travel, #Outdoor Industry, #Brand Building, #Specialty Retail, #Consumer Goods, #Cannabis Industry, #Business Strategy, #Digital Marketing, #Geotargeted Campaigns, #Direct to Consumer Sales, #Team Leadership, #Innovation, #New York Business, #Trade Shows
Welcome to episode 499 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter.
Show Notes
Casey Hanisko
Guest Focus
Adventure Travel Trade Association
The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership) 1. Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push. 2. You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea. 3. There’s a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push.
What Happened: I’d like to think I’m pretty fearless. I’ve hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world’s most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken.
Picture this: I’m perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, “Need a push?”
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?!
Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I’m going anyway.
And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing.
Principle: That moment on the canyon swing? It’s leadership in a nutshell.
- Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you’re at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back.
- Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself.
- And often, the thing you dread most? Ends up being the most exhilarating experience of your life.
Whether it’s taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you’re going to feel fear. That’s normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway.
Transition: The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty.
But here’s the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn’t exist.
Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the “right time” to make their next move—whether that’s scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip.
That’s Why: That’s why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors.
She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you’re scared out of your mind).
Call to Action: If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode.
Because courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about taking the leap anyway.
#Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories
In this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we dive into upland bird hunting with Edgar Castillo—hunter, writer, and retired law enforcement officer. Edgar shares his unique background, how a neighbor introduced him and his father to hunting, and what led him to dedicate his outdoor life to chasing birds. We explore his favorite upland hunting destinations, the gear he never leaves behind, and his journey into outdoor writing. Plus, we discuss the critical role of public lands and conservation in keeping these adventures alive for future generations. Get ready for an inspiring and adventure-filled conversation with Edgar Castillo!
Show Notes Huntsbirdz
Kansas Bird Hunting
United States Marine Corps
What Happened: "When I first moved to the U.S. from Guatemala, hunting wasn’t even a concept in my world. My family didn’t do it. My dad didn’t do it. It just wasn’t a thing. But then our neighbor, Tom, took my dad under his wing and introduced him to the world of hunting—first waterfowl, then upland game.
I, of course, tagged along, eager to be part of whatever my dad was doing. Everything was going great until one fateful day when Tom handed my dad some venison. My dad took one bite… and got violently sick. Not once, not twice, but every time he ate deer meat. Turns out, he was allergic to venison.
That was it—deer hunting was officially off the table for our family. My dad stuck to birds, and so did I.
Looking back, I could’ve ventured into hunting big game on my own. But I know myself—I go all in when I commit to something. If I started deer hunting, I’d be up to my ears in gear, obsessively tracking seasons and probably planning elk hunts across the country. So, I made a choice: stick to what I love, where the adventure is just as thrilling, and where I don’t have to explain to my wife why I need a new deep freezer."
Principle: Sometimes, the best decisions come from knowing your limits. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of doing everything—whether it’s hunting, business, or life in general. But true mastery (and real joy) comes from focusing on what you truly love and getting really, really good at it.
Transition: Too many people try to do it all. They think more = better, whether it’s hunting, hobbies, or even running a business. But that’s not always the case. The reality? Spreading yourself too thin often means never truly excelling at anything.
That’s Why: That’s why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Edgar Castillo to talk about how he found his niche in upland hunting, why he never strayed into big game, and how his passion for storytelling and conservation led him to an unexpected writing career. If you’ve ever struggled with choosing your lane—or wondered how to make the most of the one you’re in—you’ll love this conversation.
Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing too many things at once, this episode is for you. Learn how to find joy, adventure, and mastery in one passion—and how focusing can actually open up even bigger opportunities. Listen now to our latest episode here:
#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #bird hunting, #Edgar Castillo Writer, #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWAA, #law enforcement, #United States Marine Corps, #hunting, #waterfowl, #upland game, #public lands, #Alaska, #ptarmigan, #grouse, #quail, #conservation, #wing shooting, #storytelling, #outdoor writing, #public land access, #mentoring, #outdoor recreation, #outdoor camp, #freelance writing
Legendary Leo Lebon, hailed as the grandfather of adventure travel. Leo shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Belgium to co-founding the ground-breaking California-based company, MT Sobek, which helped launch the adventure travel industry.
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Show Notes
Leo Le Bon
Wanderlust Consulting
MT Sobek
Thomas Cook's
Sierra Club
Colonel James Roberts, Mountain Travel Nepal
Gurkha officer
Alan Steck
Richard Bangs
Mountain Lodges of Peru
What Happened: Picture this: You’re young, your life’s in flux, and your mom casually suggests, “Why don’t you go visit my cousin in New York?”—a cousin you didn’t even know existed. That’s exactly how Leo Le Bon’s adventure began.
Fast forward a few months, and he’s driving a stranger’s car across America just to get his $50 deposit back. (Gas was 25 cents a gallon back then—can you imagine?)
One thing led to another. A chance meeting. A hiking trip. A casual chat with a fellow climber who just happened to have connections in Nepal. And before he knew it, Leo wasn’t just exploring—he was pioneering an entire industry.
There were no guidebooks. No established trails. No GPS. Just a wild dream and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-you-go.
And that’s how adventure travel as we know it was born.
Principle: The biggest adventures don’t start with a perfect plan—they start with a yes.
Leo didn’t wait until he had everything figured out. He said yes to a cross-country road trip. Yes to a new job. Yes to a trek in Nepal before most people even knew where Nepal was.
The truth? Most people sit around waiting for the “right time” to go after something big—whether it’s an adventure, a new business, or a major life shift. But adventure (and success) doesn’t work that way. You don’t need certainty. You need a willingness to start.
Transition: Too many people get stuck waiting for the stars to align before they chase their dreams. They tell themselves: 🚧 I need more time. 🚧 I need more money. 🚧 I need to be more prepared.
But the pioneers—the ones who really make things happen—don’t wait. They jump in. They make moves. They let the journey unfold.
If you’ve ever felt stuck—like you’re standing on the edge of something big but hesitating to take that first step—this episode is for you.
That’s Why: That’s why, in this episode, we’re diving deep with Leo Le Bon, the godfather of adventure travel, to uncover: ✅ How a single trekking trip changed everything ✅ Why adventure travel exploded in the U.S. (and how it almost didn’t happen) ✅ The mindset shift you need to stop hesitating and start moving
You don’t need to be climbing Everest to get value from this conversation. Whether you’re looking to shake up your life, career, or next big trip—this episode will give you the push you need.
Call to Action: If you’re tired of waiting for the “perfect time” and ready to start your own adventure—this is your sign.
🔊 Listen to Episode 497 now and learn how to stop waiting, start moving, and create the kind of life you’d actually write a book about.
🎧 Click here to listen
Key Words
#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Rick Saez, #Leo Le Bon, #adventure travel, #Mount Sobek, #trekking, #Nepal, #foot safaris, #Kenya, #adventure destinations, #Tibet, #China, #Chile, #Peru, #Greenland, #hiking, #climbing, #kayaking, #skiing, #travel stories, #Sierra Club, #Thomas Cook, #Mountain Travel, #Mount Everest, #Everest Base Camp, #adventure travel industry, #Wanderlust Consulting, #Machu Picchu, #South America, #tourism, #conservation
Today on Episode 496 I'm talking with Mattias Jansson from the National Pilgrim Center in Trondheim, Norway. I recently had the opportunity to hike the Pilgrim Path along Olav's Way, and if you get the chance, do it. Not only is the walk beautiful, but the history is quite interesting as well.
Not only is the walk beautiful, but the history is quite interesting as well.
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What Happened I’ve done my fair share of hiking. From the John Muir Trail to the PCT, I thought I had a pretty solid handle on what makes an adventure worthwhile. But then I found myself in Norway, walking the Pilgrim Path to Nidaros Cathedral, and something shifted.
It wasn’t just the landscapes—though, let me tell you, those were next level. One day, we were trekking through misty mountains. The next, we were passing through sleepy villages, exchanging nods with locals who’ve seen hikers like us for centuries.
And then there was that one wild day—the rain poured, the wind howled, and instead of hurrying through it, we stopped to make coffee by a quiet pond. No rush, no race, just being in the moment. That’s when it hit me: This wasn’t just a hike. It was something deeper. Something that had been calling to people for over a thousand years.
It made me wonder: Why do we chase adventure? What are we really searching for?
Principle Here’s the truth: Many people think adventure is about ticking off trails, collecting miles, or conquering nature. But the best adventures? They change you.
A pilgrimage isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s about stripping away the layers of everyday life—the distractions, the to-do lists, the noise—until all that’s left is you, the trail, and whatever you’re meant to discover along the way.
Transition Many people don’t realize it, but they’re searching for more than just adventure. They’re searching for meaning. And yet, so many never find it—not because they’re not looking, but because they don’t know where to look.
And …
That’s Why… That’s why, in this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Mattias Jansson, a modern-day guide of these ancient trails. We talk about the Viking roots of the Pilgrim Path, the deep connection between adventure and self-discovery, and why people from all over the world are drawn to this experience today.
Call to Action If you’ve ever felt stuck—like your adventures aren’t quite scratching that itch anymore—this episode is for you. Because adventure isn’t just about new places. It’s about new perspectives.
🎧 Listen to the latest episode now and find out why people are trading their modern comforts for a walk through history.
👉 Click here to listen.
P.S. If you had to leave everything behind for a month and walk one trail, where would it be? Hit reply—I want to know.
Show Notes
Mattias Jansson
National Pilgrim Center in Trondheim, Norway
Olavs Way
#Outdoor Adventure, #Inspiring Stories, #Thrilling Adventures, #Expert Insights, #Outdoor Adventure Community, #Avid Hiker, #Passionate Camper, #Adventure Traveler, #Matthias Janssen, #National Pilgrim Center, #Trondheim Norway, #Pilgrim Path, #Olav's Way, #Nidaros Cathedral, #Pilgrimage History, #Viking Culture, #Saint Olav, #Norway Pilgrimage, #Scandinavian Heritage, #Mountain Hiking, #Scenic Sites, #Spiritual Journey, #Outdoor Recreation
This week, on episode 495, I'm talking with Will Schafer, founder of Altisnooze. The First-of-its-kind sleep aid for high-altitude.
After struggling for years with sleeping during alpine adventures, Schafer came to learn from a sleep doctor that altitude insomnia is a thing. He connected with formulation experts to develop a natural solution, ALTISNOOZE.
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What Happened: For years, I chalked up my awful sleep in the mountains to bad luck. Every time I went to Summit County, Colorado, my nights were a mess—staring at the ceiling, waking up feeling like I’d been run over by a snowcat, and then trying to enjoy the outdoors while running on fumes.
I blamed it on travel, excitement, bad pillows—you name it. But then I started noticing something weird. Friends on ski trips and camping adventures were having the same problem. Some of them, tough-as-nails hikers and backcountry warriors, were walking around like zombies after a single night at altitude.
That’s when I met Dr. Michael Breus, a legit sleep doctor, who hit me with a truth bomb: altitude insomnia is real. And worse? It affects up to 75% of people. Your body’s struggling with low oxygen, which wrecks your sleep cycle, making it nearly impossible to rest.
So, I set out on a mission to fix it. After a deep dive into research, testing a ridiculous amount of natural ingredients, and countless sleepless nights (for science), I created Altisnooze—a sleep aid designed specifically for high-altitude adventures, without the grogginess of melatonin.
Principle: Bad sleep = bad adventure. Period.
You can have the best gear, the most epic trail planned, and a perfect sunrise waiting for you—but if you don’t sleep well, your trip is going to suck.
Most people don’t even realize altitude is the issue. They just assume they’re bad sleepers, or that their body needs to “adjust.” But waiting around for a week to acclimate? Not ideal when your trip is only a few days long.
Good sleep isn’t just about comfort—it’s about performance, recovery, and actually enjoying the adventure you planned.
Transition: A lot of outdoor lovers deal with this and don’t even realize what’s holding them back. They push through exhaustion, drink too much caffeine, or try to knock themselves out with melatonin—only to wake up feeling worse.
That’s exactly why I created Altasnooze. Because when you finally fix your sleep at altitude, everything changes—your energy, your performance, your mood, and most importantly, how much fun you have.
That’s Why: …we want to introduce you to Altisnooze and just dropped an episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast with Will Schaefer, founder of Altisnooze. He went from being a sleep-deprived mess in the mountains to developing a game-changing solution for adventurers who want to feel fabulous at altitude.
In this episode, we dive into the science of altitude insomnia, how it messes with your body, and what you can do to fix it—so your next high-altitude trip doesn’t turn into a sleepless disaster.
Call to Action: If you’ve ever struggled to sleep in the mountains, this episode is your wake-up call. (Pun intended.)
Don’t let altitude ruin your adventure—get the inside scoop on fixing your sleep at high elevation and feeling your best.
#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #altitude insomnia, #AltiSnooze, #high altitude sleep aid, #altitude sickness, #sleep doctor, #Michael Breus, #adventure travel, #melatonin-free, #sleep disturbance, #alpinists, #electrolytes, #high altitude adventures, #natural supplements, #altitude symptoms
🎧 Listen to the latest episode now → Podcast Link
P.S. Want to try Altasnooze? Will’s giving our listeners 20% off! Just use code OutdoorBiz20 at checkout. Because better sleep = better adventures.
Show Notes
Will Schafer
ALTISNOOZE
Dr. Michael Breus
This week on episode 494, I'm talking with Christian Beckwith, podcaster, founder, and executive director of the Teton Climbers Coalition. Christian has spent more than 30 years immersed in the world of alpinism.
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Show Notes
I’ve always thought I was tough—until I heard Christian Beckwith’s story about soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division lugging 90-pound rucksacks up snowy peaks. Yeah, you read that right. Ninety pounds. I complain when my backpack has an extra water bottle.
Christian didn’t just stumble on this story; he’s been living it. Picture this: a guy obsessed with climbing history starts digging into old summit registers (yes, that’s a thing), trying to understand why climbing activity flatlined during WWII. What he found wasn’t just a gap in the record—it was a portal into a hidden chapter of outdoor history.
Turns out, the 10th Mountain Division wasn’t just fighting battles overseas; they were rewriting the playbook for outdoor adventure. Their training? Skiing with ancient gear, battling blizzards, and carrying enough weight to break the spirit of any weekend warrior. And when they came home, they didn’t just hang up their skis—they built the ski resorts and outdoor culture we know today.
Here’s the kicker: The adventures we take for granted today—ski trips, alpine climbing, even the gear we use—exist because of people who pushed past the limits of what was comfortable, convenient, or even reasonable. Growth doesn’t come from playing it safe; it comes from leaning into discomfort, whether that’s a literal 90-pound pack or the metaphorical weight of trying something new.
Most people think adventure is about escaping comfort zones. But here’s the truth: It’s about what you bring back from the edge. If you’ve ever felt stuck—like your outdoor goals (or personal ones) are out of reach—it might be because you’re missing the bigger picture: the legacy of resilience that shaped the very trails you’re walking.
That’s why in this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, Christian Beckwith shares how the forgotten grit of the 10th Mountain Division still shapes our outdoor experiences today. Their story isn’t just history—it’s a lesson in how to live with purpose, courage, and maybe even a heavier backpack (metaphorically speaking… unless you’re into that).
Feeling like your outdoor adventures lack depth or connection? It’s not just you—most of us don’t realize the roots that ground our passions. Don’t let that disconnect hold you back. Discover the untold story behind your favorite outdoor spaces and find new inspiration for your own journey. Listen to the full episode here and get ready to carry your own “90-pound rucksack” in life—with pride.
Ninety Pound Rucksack Podcast
Camp Hale
Teton Climbers Coalition
In episode 493 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Haley Stuart, filmmaker, environmentalist, and whitewater instructor. Haley joins us to discuss her work protecting rivers, collaborating with communities across the Americas, and raising awareness about mega hydroelectric impacts. Her journey inspires meaningful action for lasting environmental change.
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Show Notes
What if I told you that rivers could teach us more about life than a self-help book ever could?
What Happened: When Haley Stewart first dipped her paddle into a river, she wasn’t chasing adrenaline—she was running headfirst into her fears. Growing up in suburban New York, she didn’t even know kayaking was a sport. It wasn’t until she attended a kayaking-focused high school (yes, those exist!) that she realized rivers weren’t just a setting for adventures—they were life itself, rushing and relentless, filled with twists, turns, and lessons.
At first, the sport terrified her. But over time, the pull of the water and the tight-knit community of paddlers won her over. What started as a hesitant curiosity turned into an unshakable passion. Traveling the world, Haley discovered the hard truth: many of the rivers she loved were under threat—from dams, mining, and neglect. She couldn’t sit by and watch them disappear.
That’s when everything changed.
She met indigenous communities who lived alongside these rivers, fighting daily battles to protect what had sustained them for generations. Haley realized something profound: saving rivers wasn’t just about ecology—it was about people, too. And through her work, she’s helping amplify their voices, blending storytelling, conservation, and sheer grit to make an impact.
Principle: The heart of Haley’s story? Real change starts when we listen. Listen to the rivers, the people who live near them, and the truth about what’s really happening in the world’s wildest places. Many of us dream of adventure, but few think about what happens when those landscapes are lost.
It’s not enough to explore the outdoors—we need to protect it.
Transition: Too often, we underestimate the power of our choices—what we support, what we fight for, or even where we decide to paddle. We think, "Someone else will handle it," or "What difference can I make?" But here’s the truth: you matter more than you think.
Haley’s work reminds us that our adventures and the decisions we make along the way can transform the fate of entire ecosystems and the communities they sustain.
That’s Why: That’s why this week’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Haley’s journey from nervous kayaker to river conservationist will inspire you to think differently about the waterways we all rely on—and how you can play a role in preserving them.
Call to Action: Are you ready to discover the adventure, responsibility, and heart that comes with loving rivers? Tune in to hear Haley’s story. Don’t just explore the outdoors—help protect it for the next generation.
Amazonian Rivers Initiative
Rios to Rivers
Tuichi River
Paddle Tribal Waters & Kayakimün
👉 Click here to listen now!
The Women Behind Still River, Silent Jungle
TEDx talk by Hayley: Dammed if We Do: A Closer Look at the Dangers of Mega Hydro
Amazonian River Allies Bolivia (ARA Bolivia)
Follow up wth Hayley here: hayley.stuart@riostorivers.org
Are you ready to discover the adventure, responsibility, and heart that comes with loving rivers? Tune in to hear Haley’s story. Don’t just explore the outdoors—help protect it for the next generation.
👉 Click here to listen now!
Follow up wth Hayley here: hayley.stuart@riostorivers.org
In today's episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Guides and Podcasters Jose and Sebastian Camarlinghi. We dive into the world of mountaineering and filmmaking, exploring how their shared passion for the outdoors has shaped their lives and careers.
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Show Notes What Happens When a Mountain Guide and Filmmaker Team Up?
What Happened: Do you know those stories your dad tells—the ones you’ve heard a million times but somehow still pull you in? That’s how Voices de Montaña started. Growing up, I (Sebastian) was surrounded by tales of glaciers, daring rescues, and llamas trekking salt across Bolivia’s rugged terrain. My dad, José, a mountain guide with decades of experience, always had a story worth telling. But here’s the thing: these incredible moments were fading into the ether, known only to close friends and family.
One day, after kicking around ideas for documentaries that felt too logistically impossible, we realized there had to be another way to share these mountain memories. That’s when we decided: let’s start a podcast. Just two guys, a love for storytelling, and a small but passionate team.
And guess what? What started as an experiment to preserve these stories turned into a platform that captured the hearts of listeners across Latin America. From climbers to casual outdoor enthusiasts, people weren’t just listening—they were connecting with these tales of adventure, resilience, and passion.
Principle: Here’s the truth: stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re bridges. They connect people to places, to history, and to one another. In a world overwhelmed by noise, the power of authentic storytelling cuts through. Whether it’s the tale of a Bolivian climber turned hero in Pakistan or the rituals of llama caravans, these stories inspire and remind us why nature is worth exploring and protecting.
Transition: But here’s the thing: most of these stories might have been lost if we hadn’t taken that first step. It’s not easy carving out space in a niche that barely exists, but it’s even harder to stay silent when you know your story matters. If you’ve ever felt like you’re up against the impossible, whether it’s launching a creative project, exploring a new path, or simply trying to make your voice heard, you’re not alone.
That’s Why: That’s why we started Voices de Montaña. It’s not just about mountains or adventures—it’s about keeping stories alive and inspiring a community to dream bigger, climb higher, and value the world around them. And in our latest episode, we share the journey of a Bolivian guide who risked it all to bring a legend home.
If you’re ready to connect with stories that inspire and remind you what’s possible, Voices de Montaña is for you. Don’t let your dreams—or someone else’s story—fade into the background. Listen now and start your journey to the mountains here: [Insert Link].
Follow up: Voces de Montaña (Mountain Voices) YouTube Sebastian's company is called psychefilms.com Jose's tour operator company is called Over Andes Key Words #mountain guiding, #filmmaking, #Bolivia, #mountaineering, #podcast, #La Paz, #Andes, #Amazon jungle, #glacier, #mountain culture, #scriptwriting, #documentary, #National Geographic, #BBC, #Discovery Channel, #Bolivian guide, #K2, #Broad Peak, #storytelling, #outdoor adventure, #Argentine audience, #Chilean audience, #glaciology, #climate change, #Llama caravans, #kayaking, #journey
Today on episode 491 I’m talking with Jennifer Kross and Emilie Hessinger from Ducks Unlimited. Brought to you this week by Ducks Unlimited. Jennifer is an education biologist with Ducks Unlimited in the Great Plains region. Emilie is a Cadet and Peer Leader for the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade.
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Brought to you this week by Ducks Unlimited.
Show Notes From Marching at Dawn to Dissecting Ducks—Here’s How One Camp Transformed My Love for Nature What Happened: Let me tell you about the camp experience I never knew I needed. It started with a lump of charcoal—literally. When I walked into the Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade camp, they handed me a bag with my name on it and a small chunk of coal inside. Then they told us, “Over the next five days, with heat and pressure, we’re going to turn you into diamonds.”
I laughed nervously and shot my mom a look that said, “What have you signed me up for?” Little did I know, this would be the week I’d learn how to dissect quail, march in unison, and develop leadership skills that would change the way I approach everything.
From the minute my mom left, it was non-stop action. We were learning about habitat conservation, public speaking, and even how to work as a team (spoiler: teamwork while balancing on giant skis is no joke). But the most rewarding part? Seeing how a diverse group of kids with nothing in common except a passion for wildlife came together.
One meal at a time, one group challenge at a time, we bonded. By the end of the week, we weren’t just cadets—we were a team. And yes, my group won the marching competition. Not to brag or anything.
Principle: What I learned at camp is something everyone should know: real change happens when we step out of our comfort zones. Whether it’s speaking up, connecting with others, or learning to be okay with being a little different, every step forward adds up. Conservation isn’t just about saving ducks or managing land—it’s about building a community of people who care enough to make a difference.
Transition: A lot of us dream about making an impact but feel like we don’t have the tools or confidence to do it. Whether it’s hesitating to volunteer, feeling too inexperienced, or not knowing where to start, those doubts can keep us stuck.
That’s why it’s so important to have spaces like the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade camp—a place where you not only learn about conservation but also discover who you are in the process.
That’s Why: That’s why this week’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast dives deep into how programs like Ducks Unlimited and youth camps are shaping future conservation leaders. These aren’t just stories—they’re blueprints for how we can all contribute to preserving our natural world while growing ourselves.
Call to Action: If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—find out how small steps can lead to big change. Listen to the episode here and get inspired to take action today.
Today on episode 490 I'm talking wtih Nash Billimoria. After a decade-long career in investment banking, he founded Re-Map and developed the High Impact Culture method to help the founders and leaders of growing companies to navigate their unique challenges, of scaling from 30 to 300 people.
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Brought to you this week by Empowered, the maker of the incredible Luci Light.
Go to ricksaez.com/lucilight2025
Show Notes Burnout in the city or balance in the mountains? The surprising lesson every leader needs to learn.
What Happened Picture this: You’ve just had the time of your life skiing through the untouched powder of Jackson Hole. Adrenaline’s still coursing through you. The world feels alive, vibrant, right.
Now fast forward to a gray, drizzly Monday morning in London. You’re back at your desk in a high-rise, staring at the photos of your ski trip on your computer, wishing you were anywhere but there. That’s the moment Nash Billamoria realized something profound: climbing the corporate ladder wasn’t his mountain to summit.
Years later, Nash is helping founders and teams rediscover what he learned on that fateful day—how to balance ambition, purpose, and joy while building high-performance organizations. He calls it the Tricorn Company model and named it Re-Map. Where companies don’t just grow financially but thrive in well-being and social impact too.
Principle Here’s the truth: Success isn’t about grinding yourself or your team into burnout. It’s about balance. Just like in the backcountry, leaders need to know when to push, when to pivot, and how to bring their team along for the ride.
In business, the stakes may not always be life-threatening, but the consequences of poor leadership are just as serious—disengaged teams, missed opportunities, and organizations that fizzle out instead of thriving.
Transition Too often, leaders feel stuck. They focus so much on the numbers—hitting targets, securing funding, scaling up—that they forget the human side of leadership. This creates toxic environments, stifles innovation, and makes the path forward feel like a slog.
That’s Why That’s why this week’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Nash Billamoria shares how to create joyful, impactful, and high-performing teams—using lessons he’s learned in both the boardroom and the backcountry.
Call to Action If you’ve been searching for a way to lead with clarity and purpose while keeping your team inspired, this episode is for you. Don’t let the grind hold you back. Tune in now to discover how to build a company—and a leadership style—that truly thrives.
🎙️ Listen to Episode 490 Here
Follow up with Nash
Nash Billamoria
Re-Map
Email: nash@re-map.io
Keywords #Nash Billimoria, #Re-Map, #perseverance, #entrepreneurialsuccess, #teamcohesion, #leadershipstyle, #balance, #natureconnection, #sustainablepractices, #empowerment, #visionclarity, #failureandlearning, #responsibility, #sustainability, #environmentalawareness, #mentorship, #InsightPrinciples, #leadership, #scalableleadership, #organizationalhealth, #socialimpact, #well-being, #SouthLondonrealestate, #investmentbankingcareer Some of our Favorite Podcasts Backcountry Marketing Podcast
Outdoor Minimalist
Nature Bound Podcast
Outdoor Adventure Series
In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we welcome outdoor writer Dan Oko, who joins us to share his experiences and insights into the world of outdoor adventure and environmental storytelling.
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Brought to you this week by Empowered, the maker of the incredible Luci Light.
Go to ricksaez.com/lucilight2025
Show Notes Have you ever wondered how someone born in the concrete jungle of New York City could transform into an outdoor adventurer, chasing salmon in Montana and rafting down the Rio Grande? Let me introduce you to Dan Oko, a guy whose life story sounds like a Hollywood script… if Hollywood scripts were written in hiking boots.
Ever driven a beat-up Toyota Corolla through Montana like it’s a 4x4? Dan Oko has—and he’s got the stories to prove it.
What Happened: Dan didn’t grow up climbing mountains or rafting whitewater rivers. He was a kid with a fishing pole and a dad who owned a patch of land upstate. That’s where it began—pulling bluegills out of a five-acre pond, exploring the woods, and imprinting on the wild.
Fast forward to his twenties, and he’s living in Seattle, backpacking the Olympic Peninsula, and soaking in the clash between environmentalists and loggers during the spotted owl controversy. He didn’t just observe—he wrote. His curiosity drove him deeper into questions about land use, wildlife preservation, and how humans fit into it all.
His adventures became the backbone of his storytelling: hitching rides on Montana rivers, hiking until the grid disappeared, and fishing wherever water touched land. Oh, and his car? A Toyota Corolla masquerading as an off-road truck. Let’s just say, his photographer didn’t appreciate the busted back window in winter.
Principle: Dan’s story isn’t just about adventure—it’s about perspective. He learned early that great storytelling isn’t about the writer’s opinion; it’s about giving voice to the people, places, and wild landscapes that need it. His work reminds us that we’re part of a bigger web of life, and the awe of the outdoors can change the way we see the world.
That’s Why: That’s why this week’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Dan shares how to embrace the wild, balance conservation with exploration, and rediscover that childlike awe for the outdoors. It’s not just an interview—it’s a wake-up call for anyone craving more adventure in their life.
Are you ready to trade excuses for exploration? If you’ve ever felt stuck behind a desk, dreaming of big skies and wild trails, this episode is for you. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—listen to Episode 488 now and get inspired to chase your own wild stories. 🎧👉 Click here to tune in.
Adventure is closer than you think. 🌲
Cheers, Rick
Today on this holiday replay of episode 467 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm speaking with climate scientist, writer, and backcountry skier, Anneka Williams.
Welcome to episode 466 with climate scientist, writer, and backcountry skier, Anneka Williams.. Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR.
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes
Most of us dream of grand adventures, but everyday responsibilities seem to pull us away. We settle for the occasional weekend hike or a vacation once a year while longing for something more thrilling and purposeful.
- You want to explore more of the world but feel tied down by routine.
- You crave adventure and meaningful experiences but aren’t sure how to make them a consistent part of your life.
- You see others doing incredible things, like skiing the Himalayas or conducting research in the Arctic, and wonder, "Why not me?"
We understand. Society has made you believe that real adventures are a rare luxury or only for a chosen few. But it’s not your fault—no one told you it’s possible to live a life full of exploration.
That’s why this episode with Anneka Williams, a climate scientist and adventurer, is so inspiring. In this conversation, you’ll learn how she crafted a life full of global adventures, from skiing down icy peaks in Patagonia to studying climate change in the most remote corners of the world.
Anneka’s story will take you beyond the typical vacation. Imagine skiing as a child on the single-chair lift at Mad River Glen in Vermont, then fast-forward to skiing in Bhutan or studying gas emissions in the high-altitude Paramo of South America. This episode will show you that the world is a wild, beautiful place waiting to be explored—and you don’t need to wait until retirement to do it.
Here are three inspiring lessons from Anneka’s adventurous life that you can apply to your own journey:
- Start young but keep exploring: Anneka’s began skiing as a kid in Vermont, but she never stopped seeking new places to explore. Whether it’s hiking the Andes or fieldwork in Chile, she proves that no matter where you start, the key is to keep pushing your boundaries.
- Mix work with play: She didn’t choose between her career as a climate scientist and her love for the outdoors. Instead, she combined the two. From her fieldwork in Arctic Alaska to her free time backpacking in Patagonia, Anneka’s adventures blend purpose with passion.
- Embrace the unknown: Anneka’s trips to far-flung places like Bhutan or Columbia were filled with uncertainties and challenges, but those experiences shaped her most memorable adventures. The best stories come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Benefits of the Solution:
- Discover the world in a way most people only dream of: From mountains to jungles, following Anneka’s example means you’ll explore landscapes few get to experience.
- Adventure meets purpose: You won’t just be sightseeing—you’ll be part of something bigger, whether that’s climate work or another passion that drives you to explore.
- Growth through exploration: The thrill of tackling new environments, cultures, and challenges will not only satisfy your adventurous spirit but also push you to grow in ways you never expected.
Lasting message (A): The world is wide, wild, and waiting for you—don’t wait for "someday" to start living your adventure.
Tune into Episode 466 for an experience and motivation with Anneka Williams—a great listen the next time you "get outside!"
Catch you out there,
The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team
Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR
#AnnekaWilliams, #climatescientist, #VermontSportsMagazine, #CamelsHump, #writingjourney, #ArcticTundra, #climatescience, #SaltLakeCity, #electricutilities, #climaterisks, #resiliencestrategies, #climatevariability, #RoamGenerationPR, #worldsailingjourney, #traveladventurelifestyle, #OutdoorAdventureLifestylePodcast, #VermontsMadRiverValley, #smallcommunity, #fieldworkinAlaska, #studyabroadinBhutan, #ParamointheAndes, #skiinginAntarctica, #technicalwriter, #datamodeling, #technologyintegration, #interactivemaps, #localclimateaction, #SanJuanRivertrip, #backpackinginPeru, #sustainabilityefforts, #wildfiresimpactonelectricity
2024 Holiday replay, Traveling with Experience Plus can launch a rewarding lifetime love for seeing and experiencing the world by bicycle. On a bike tour, you will pedal quiet roads, secluded paths, and carefully curated routes at your own pace.
Show Notes Learn More
00:00 Family led bicycle tours in Italy, bilingual upbringing.
08:16 Tours focused on local culture.
13:31 Emphasis on local culture in training and tours. Interaction with cafes, supermarkets, and cultural experiences.
22:42 Started company with friends, expanded to tours in Europe and Costa Rica.
28:43 Monica and Maria have learned from their parents and experience in tour design for over 50 years.
32:04 Tour leaders gain experience, travel, and focus on local experiences for travelers.
41:29 Travel with panniers by bicycle or join a guided tour if you can't plan it yourself.
45:37 Pisa to Furli trip is popular with 5-7 yearly departures due to variety and timing.
48:23 Monica highly recommends bicycling in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Sardinia, and praises the Sardinian people.
57:45 Maria has fond memories of bike touring in Europe, particularly the Camino de Santiago.
58:50 "Missioners Iberia's impact lies in its historical and geographic insight on the Camino de Santiago."
Favorite Books
Rick: Barbara Savage, Miles from Nowhere, Stevenson's travels with a donkey, On The Road, Jack Kerouac
Maria: Michner's Iberia
Monica: I love guidebooks, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, but the Blue Guide especially, and the Cadogan
Favorite Piece of Gear
Maria: mountain bike clips and pedals that have flats on both sides
Monica: a classical jersey with those wonderful pockets that you can just carry everything you need is amazing
Rick: you need a multi-tool, a pump, and a patch kit.
Follow up: Experienceplus.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Bike tours, #Italy, #ExperiencePlus, #Fort Collins, #Colorado, #Travel content, #Blog recipes, #Biking benefits, #Dinner with guests, #Navigation arrows, #Tour routes, #Artisan visits, #Olive oil tastings, #Group dinners, #Tour leader, #Hotel relationships, #Bike inventory, #Experiential learning, #Mediterranean biking, #Local culture, #Sardinia tour, #Cycling gear, #Camera technology, #Family-run hotels, #Norwegian tour, #Italian lessons, #Group time, #Free time, #Travel books, #Titanium bike fleet, #Ebikes, #GPS mapping systems
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Thank you. Whether you've been tuning in every week, catching up on past episodes, or just discovered us this year, your support means the world. Because of you, we've shared some incredible stories, introduced you to inspiring guests, and hopefully sparked a little extra wanderlust in you.
Show Notes
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Today I'm talking with Doni Belau. Doni fell in love with Paris when her sister took her there as a high school graduation gift. She knew then Paris and traveling would need to be a part of her life. After a girl's trip to Paris one year with friends, a light bulb went on. Doni realized something magical happens when a small group of women travel together to a place of great beauty and culture. So in 2009, she started Girls’ Guide to the World. So she no longer had to choose between what she did and what she loved.
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Show Notes 🌍 The Secret Sauce Behind Life-Changing Adventures (for Women Only!) Why adventure travel isn’t just for thrill-seekers (and how it can change your life). What Happened: When Donnie Belau first stepped foot in Paris, she had no idea it would alter the course of her life. She was fresh out of high school, standing under the Eiffel Tower with her sister, and feeling a pull she couldn’t explain. Years later, after a girls' trip to Paris with friends, she realized there was magic in traveling with like-minded women.
That realization led her to create Girls’ Guide to the World, where small groups of women could bond, explore, and rediscover themselves in the world’s most breathtaking destinations. It wasn’t always smooth sailing—Donnie started without a plan, just a dream. But now, she curates over 70 trips a year, helping women forge friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
From trekking with gorillas in Rwanda to meditating at Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest, Donnie’s trips are about more than just checking destinations off a bucket list—they’re about creating connections, fostering joy, and giving women the courage to embrace their adventurous spirit.
#Sustainable travel, #women-owned businesses, #organic dining, #farm-to-table, #women entrepreneurs, #cultural exchange, #supportive network, #passion in business, #group travel dynamics, #small group size, #niche travel markets, #women's travel ambitions, #intimate travel experiences, #post-hormonal adventure, #meaningful cultural exchanges.
Principle: Here’s the truth: Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about seeing yourself in a new light. Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone or making lifelong friends, travel has the power to transform.
Transition: Too often, women feel held back by fear, logistics, or the simple fact that no one else wants to go. They stay stuck in the routine, missing out on the transformative power of adventure. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
That’s Why: That’s why Episode 485 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Donnie Belau shares how her curated trips aren’t just vacations—they’re a gateway to empowerment, friendship, and freedom.
Call to Action: If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world but felt unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Don’t let fear or hesitation keep you on the sidelines. Tune in now and discover how to make your dream adventure a reality.
Show Notes
the year end news is beginning to trickle out already.
The 2024 most listened-to podcast rankings from iHeartRadio changed things up a bit, sharing which shows were the most listened to by users based on which generation they fall into.
Among Gen Alpha, a show with a school-like vibe ranks first as iHeart says Stuff You Missed in History Class was the most popular with the demographic of people born between 2010 and 2024.
Among Gen Z listeners, This Is Important ranks on top.
Millennial users of iHeart most streamed the on-demand version of “The Breakfast Club” radio show.
Gen X listeners had something in common with Gen Alpha — they both went for something in the History genre — but Gen Xers were more interested in the bad guys.
The age group’s biggest podcast was Behind the Bastards, the series that focuses on the worst people in history.
Baby Boomers were more politically focused, with The Dan Bongino Show their top podcast pick in 2024.
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This week on episode 483 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Anietra Hamper. Anietra Hamper is a trusted journalist having spent a successful career in television news working as an anchor and investigative reporter. Now, she is an award-winning outdoor and travel writer, book author, keynote speaker, and owner of ThreeWordPress.
Show Notes
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Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast
Show Notes
Ever wonder how a childhood dream leads to catching a fish bigger than your entire body? Spoiler alert: it involves nightcrawlers, pigtails, and a life lesson you’ll never forget.
What Happened:
Let me take you back to where it all began: a little girl with red bows in her pigtails and a cane pole in her hand, standing on the shore of St. Mary’s Lake. "My grandpa—a master outdoorsman—taught me the essentials of fishing: respect for nature, the thrill of the catch, and the joy of releasing what you don’t plan to eat."
“Dig those nightcrawlers, and I’ll take you fishing,” he’d say. So, there I was, unbothered by the dirt or the worms, just focused on earning my spot on the lake. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime; it was a gateway to appreciating the dew on the grass, the calls of morning geese, and the quiet magic of nature.
Fast forward a few decades and countless fishing trips later, I found myself in a tiny Spanish village, Mecaninza. My goal? To catch the legendary wells catfish—monsters of the deep that grow to ridiculous sizes. That day, I hooked a fish so enormous I could’ve crawled inside like a sleeping bag. Holding it, I couldn’t help but cry. Not for the sheer size of the catch but because, in that moment, I felt Grandpa’s lessons come full circle.
Principle:
Here’s the truth: the seeds of our passions are often planted early, and they grow with us in ways we can’t always predict. For me, it was Grandpa’s insistence on finding joy beyond the catch—the sound of frogs, the way sunlight dances on water, the respect for what we take from the earth.
Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or just finding your way into nature, the journey is about more than the destination. It’s about the stories that shape us, the lessons that stick, and the memories we carry forward.
Transition:
But here’s the thing: so many of us feel disconnected from this kind of life. Between work, deadlines, and everyday chaos, reconnecting with nature feels… impossible. Maybe you’ve never had a “Grandpa” moment to inspire you. Or maybe you’re stuck thinking outdoor adventures are only for the pros.
That’s why we dove into this topic on the podcast—so you can see how anyone, from novice hikers to world-class anglers, can find their outdoor spark.
Call to Action:
Feeling stuck indoors and missing out on nature’s magic? Stop waiting for “someday” to start exploring. Listen to our latest episode with Anitra Hamper and discover how one passion can change everything. 🎣
👉 Click here to tune in now.
Let’s turn your “someday” into today.
In our final episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss planning the perfect road trip for camping and fishing Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time!
Show Notes
Nature Bound Podcast with Emanuel Rose
Yosemite
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
Tahoe to Yosemite Trail
Kern River
Mountain RIver Adventures
Trinity Alps
Sierra
Ten Essentials Checklist
Tea Candles
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Today, on episode 481 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I’m talking Adventure Travel Gear, Trends, and more with Eagle Creek CEO Travis Campbell
Show Notes
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Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast
Why Eagle Creek’s Comeback Is the Ultimate Adventure Story Hook: “How an Undervalued Icon Made the Adventure Gear Comeback of the Decade”
What Happened: I still remember my first Eagle Creek backpack. I’d just scraped together enough money from a summer job and felt like I’d made it. That bag saw every trip, every mishap, and every ‘adventure’ (some more “oops” than wow). So, when I heard Eagle Creek was on the brink of being shut down, my heart sank.
Enter Travis Campbell. In a world where big brands often lose touch with their roots, Travis—an outdoor enthusiast turned CEO—made a bold move. He stepped in, took the reins, and brought Eagle Creek back to life. Why? Because, like me, he understood what Eagle Creek means to adventure lovers: gear that doesn’t just last but travels with purpose.
Principle: Here’s the thing: in the world of adventure travel, there’s no room for compromises. Whether it’s a zipper that breaks mid-trip or gear that fails when you need it most, adventurers need brands that understand the stakes. And that’s what makes Eagle Creek’s story so inspiring. Travis didn’t just rescue a brand; he reignited its soul—crafting durable, sustainable, adventure-first gear that lives up to its legacy.
Transition: But here’s the catch: in today’s saturated travel gear market, finding gear that’s both reliable and sustainable feels harder than ever. Most travelers are stuck buying one-size-fits-all products that aren’t made to withstand the rigors of real adventure.
That’s Why: That’s why this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Travis shares how Eagle Creek is reimagining travel gear with sustainability, repairability, and adventure at the forefront. It’s not just a comeback story; it’s a masterclass in how brands can honor their roots while evolving for the future.
Call to Action: Struggling to find gear that can keep up with your adventures? Listen to this episode to discover how Eagle Creek’s transformation is setting a new standard for adventure travel gear. Don’t let the wrong gear ruin your next adventure—click here to tune in now!
In this episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss Fly Fishing—things like techniques, hatches, locations, conservation, and more. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time!
Show Notes Dry Fly Fishing
Stonefly pattern
Caddis pattern
Hopper Dropper
McLoud River
Salmon Fly hatch
Drake hatch
Sacramento River
Leave no trace
Visit the local Fly Shop, Forest Service or BLM
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Today, on episode 479, I'm talking with Tim and Matt Ozerkov from Oz Lodge. Tim and Matt, along with Matt's wife, Heather, and their son, Jed, purchased property in Seward, Alaska, and have literally developed Oz Lodge from the ground up.
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Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast
Follow up with Oz Lodge: adventuresofoz@gmail.com
What Happened: When I was a kid, I dreamed of flying a bush plane to a little cabin perched on a lake in Alaska. Picture it: a rugged, untouched landscape, floatplanes bobbing on the dock, and a life that felt more adventure than routine.
Fast forward to adulthood, and one day, after a series of serendipitous events (starting with a chat over coffee in a ski lodge), I got the chance to visit Alaska for a construction project. It was supposed to be a short gig. Instead, it became the start of an obsession. From the moment we flew in and saw bears with their cubs crossing the road, we were hooked. The wildlife, the raw beauty, the sheer wildness—it felt like stepping into a nature documentary.
By the time we left, we couldn’t shake the dream. My brother Matt, his wife Heather, and I decided it wasn’t enough to just visit Alaska. We had to live it. And not just live it—but build something with our own hands.
So, we bought 7 acres in Seward. One problem? There wasn’t a lumber store in sight. What started as a plan to buy materials turned into us milling our own wood, snapping saw blades left and right, and learning by trial, error, and a little bit of YouTube. The result? Oz Lodge—a place where we share our passion for Alaska with anyone adventurous enough to visit.
Principle: The truth is, the things that mean the most in life are never easy. Whether it’s building a lodge from scratch or chasing a dream that feels way out of reach, you’ve got to love it enough to push through the long days, unexpected roadblocks, and snapped saw blades. Passion fuels progress, and that’s what makes it all worth it.
Transition: For anyone out there with a wild dream—whether it’s starting a family business, building something from the ground up, or just chasing the next big adventure—there’s one thing holding you back: the belief that the timing, resources, or circumstances need to be perfect. Spoiler alert: they never will be.
That’s Why: That’s why we wanted to share this story on the podcast. Because if a couple of dreamers covered in sawdust can carve a life (and a road!) out of a cliffside in Alaska, you can tackle the thing that’s been tugging at your heart too. And maybe our journey will give you the nudge you’ve been waiting for.
Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt like the leap is too big, the obstacles too steep, or the dream too wild—this episode is for you. Join us as we share how we turned a crazy idea into a life-changing reality. Listen now and start chasing what sets your soul on fire.
Book YOur Oz Lodge Adventure here: adventuresofoz@gmail.com
In this episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss maximizing your Outdoor Adventure—things like setting up the perfect campsite, having a good view, cooking outdoors, and more. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time!
Show Notes
Rick Saez
Emanuel Rose
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David Mcllvaney describes himself as a writer, angler, hunter, and sentimentalist who lives in the Catskill Mountains, where he draws water and hews wood while pondering things big and small.
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Brought to you this week by Eagle Creek Pac-It Organization
Show Notes Question: What if you could live the outdoor lifestyle you dream about—and actually make it your life?
Promise: Discover how one writer-angler-hunter turned his passion for the outdoors into a lifestyle that spans seasons, continents, and meaningful connections.
The old way? Believing the outdoors is just a weekend escape. The new way? Letting it shape your story.
Ever felt stuck, dreaming about a life of adventure but weighed down by daily responsibilities and not knowing where to start? You’ve probably:
- Struggled to make time for real outdoor experiences.
- Felt intimidated by the idea of pursuing adventure professionally.
- Thought it was too late to reconnect with nature the way you did as a kid.
What that costs you:
- You miss out on moments that connect you to the wilderness—and to yourself.
- You lose opportunities to inspire others or share stories that matter.
- Worst of all, the longer you wait, the more disconnected you feel from the adventure you crave.
I get it—life pulls us in every direction. Between work, family, and modern distractions, it feels impossible to press pause and find your path back to nature. But it’s not your fault—society makes adventure seem like something we outgrow. The truth? It’s still waiting for you.
That’s why this episode is a must-listen. David Mcllvaney shares how he turned his outdoor passions into a life of meaning, adventure, and stories worth telling.
Think of this episode as your personal roadmap to embracing the outdoors in ways you never thought possible. David’s story is proof: you don’t need to be a wilderness survival expert to live closer to nature. It’s about connection—whether you’re fly-fishing in Iceland, writing about Patagonia, or sitting by a campfire in your backyard.
It reminded me of that moment as a kid when you’d run wild through the woods, build forts, and poke at “dead stuff” with a stick. Adventure was instinctual. This episode will help you rediscover that feeling—and keep it.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to turn your passions into meaningful stories. David started by writing about his fly-fishing adventures—and sold every single one of his first stories.
- How to embrace the outdoors fully. From shedding the "layers" of daily life to truly connecting with your surroundings, David shares tips that make every trip unforgettable.
- How to create opportunities for yourself. Whether it’s freelancing, connecting with editors, or repurposing content, David’s journey is full of actionable advice.
Benefits
- Reconnect deeply with nature. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a life shift, you’ll feel the joy of being part of the wilderness.
- Build stories worth sharing. Use David’s advice to start documenting your adventures—and maybe even see your name in print.
- Live the life you’ve dreamed of. Turn your outdoor hobbies into a lifestyle that inspires and sustains you.
We'll leave you with this: Life’s greatest adventures aren’t just about the places you visit—they’re about how they change you. Don’t wait for permission to live your outdoor story. Start now.
This episode is part of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I are talking about how to prepare your vehicle for long road trips, including necessary maintenance, storage solutions, organization, and what anglers need to know about where to get licenses and permits and up to date fishing information.
Today, we’re talking about road trips—specifically planning the perfect road trip for camping and fishing. We’ll cover how to map out the best route, pack for every scenario, and ensure you have all the right gear, so you’re set for anything the road and the river throw your way. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time!
Show Notes
Rick Saez
Emanuel Rose
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Today on episode 475, I'm talking with Photographer and Writer Colleen Miniuk. Colleen has recently finished her adventure memoir, “So Said the River.” Her first appearance on the show was in Oct 23 on episode 239.
Show Notes
Beyond Hurricane Helene: Fuel Goods' Journey to Reconnect and Rebuild Together We Rise T-Shirts
How to Stand Out as a Photographer by Being YOU
Hey . . .
🎣 Hook: Think successful photography is all about mastering the technical side? Think again!
The Old Way vs. The Right Way For too long, photographers have been caught up in the technical side of the craft—perfect lighting, flawless settings, the latest gear. But guess what? That’s not what makes photos memorable. So often, photographers chase after “iconic” scenes they’ve seen before, trying to replicate what’s already out there. This approach can leave you frustrated, exhausted, and unfulfilled because…
- You lose the uniqueness of your voice — it gets buried under what everyone else is doing.
- Your photos start to feel flat—sure, they’re technically “perfect,” but something’s missing.
- The creative joy fades as you chase perfection over authentic expression.
Colleen and I get it, though. It’s easy to feel like you’re just one in a crowd. You may even feel like your voice doesn’t matter because of all the “rules” out there.
Why This Episode Is Just for You In this episode, Colleen opens up about her journey from technical perfectionist to true artist. And her number-one piece of advice? “Be you.” Dive into what it means to find your voice and create work that feels truly personal and fulfilling.
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn:
- How to see the world through your unique lens – Learn why chasing iconic shots actually limits you, and how to break free from the pressure to fit into a “photographer” mold.
- Creating meaning over meeting expectations – Colleen shares how she discovered her true purpose by following her own values instead of traditional definitions of “success.”
- Letting go of “perfect” – Tips on shifting from technical perfectionism to creating work that’s truly resonant and meaningful for you.
Why Being You Works Better When you create from your own experiences and unique perspective, you:
- Connect deeply with your audience—People can tell when work is personal and authentic.
- Feel more fulfilled—Every shot becomes a story, not just a technical exercise.
- Stand out naturally—Your work is distinct because it’s you. No one else has your story or your way of seeing the world.
Last Thought to Take With You The world has plenty of perfectly captured, “ideal” shots. What it needs is your unique vision. Start embracing the weird, wild, and wonderful perspectives you bring—because that’s what will truly set you apart.
Collen Miniuk Photography and Writing
Colleen Photo Workshops
Books
Galleries
Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast
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Today, we’re talking about road trips—specifically planning the perfect road trip for camping and fishing. We’ll cover how to map out the best route, pack for every scenario, and ensure you have all the right gear, so you’re set for anything the road and the river throw your way. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time!
Show Notes
Rick Saez
Emanuel Rose
onX Maps
Google Maps
Outdoor Writers Association of America
4 C's: Comfort, Clothing, Culinary and, Cleanliness
Camp Chef, dual burner stove
Luggable Loo
Buddy Heater
Propane Tanks
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Today on episode 473 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Switchback Director Christina Henderson. We talk about the events Innovation, Synergy, and Community Building.
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Brought to you this week by alabamabeaches.com
Show Notes: In this episode, host Rick Says is joined by Christina Henderson, Event Director of Switchback, a unique event that blends business, education, and community-building for the outdoor industry. Christina shares the inspiring story behind Switchback, its rapid growth, and how it’s addressing the changing needs of outdoor professionals. Get ready to learn about the innovative ways Switchback is building community, fostering authentic connections, and leading with sustainability in the outdoor industry.
Key Topics:
- Origins of Switchback and Industry Gaps Christina explains how Switchback emerged from the growing crossover between running and outdoor industries and the community's need for meaningful gathering spaces. Since its launch at the 2022 Running Event (TRE), Switchback has become a go-to resource for professionals looking to connect, learn, and grow within the industry.
- Switchback Spring Event Launch New for 2025, Switchback Spring will be a standalone event held from June 16-18 in Nashville, Tennessee. Christina outlines the event’s focus on education, networking, and mentorship, with plans to create an immersive experience that feels more like a reunion than a trade show.
- Creating a Lasting, Authentic Community Community-building is at the heart of Switchback’s mission. Christina discusses how smaller booth sizes and a compact venue layout foster deeper connections, adding an intentional layer of togetherness for attendees and brands. The goal? Keep the show accessible, authentic, and fun!
- Sustainability and Thoughtful Event Planning With a strong commitment to the environment, Switchback minimizes waste, reduces reliance on plastic, and encourages sustainable practices among exhibitors. These efforts are part of Switchback’s long-term vision to balance growth with environmental responsibility.
- Future Growth and Industry Trends As consumer trends evolve, so does Switchback’s approach. Through an advisory board, trailhead initiatives, and active listening, Switchback continually adapts to address the outdoor industry’s most pressing needs. Christina shares plans for future partnerships, growth strategies, and ways Switchback is working to be the “pulse” of outdoor industry evolution.
About Our Guest: Christina Henderson is the Event Director for Switchback, a trade show focused on building connections, sharing knowledge, and creating lasting change within the outdoor industry. With a background in event management and a deep passion for outdoor adventures, Christina leads the Switchback team with a focus on community, sustainability, and forward-thinking initiatives.
Learn More & Connect:
- Switchback at TRE: November 19-21, 2024
- Switchback Spring 2025: June 16-18, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN
- Get in Touch: Christina welcomes feedback and questions. For details on attending or partnering with Switchback, email: chenderson@divcom.com
Sponsor Spotlight: Alabama Beaches - Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a solo adventure, Alabama’s beaches offer beautiful sands, amazing seafood, and a perfect place to relax and recharge. Visit alabamabeaches.com to plan your adventure!
Tips to Capture Stunning Sunrise & Sunset Photos with a DSLR or Smartphone
Show Notes
Apps
PhotoPills
Photographers Ephemeris
Dan Flores, Satisfi Labs
Christina Henderson, Switchback
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This week, on episode 471 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Dan Flores, Satisfi Labs Head of Tourism. Dan and Satisfi Labs are key players in the industry’s evolution.
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Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
Show Notes
Curiosity: "If I had known back then that being curious would lead me to a career in AI and tourism innovation, I would’ve asked a lot more questions!" Dan Flores, Satisfi Labs
Parable: Think of tourism as a river. If you stop paddling, you might float for a while, but eventually, the current will pull you in directions you don’t want to go. Curiosity is your paddle. It keeps you exploring new waters, finding smoother routes, and avoiding obstacles. Without it, you’re stuck, moving only where the current takes you.
Principle: In leisure and tourism, curiosity and an open mind aren’t just beneficial—they’re necessary. With the rise of new technology, especially AI, those who stay curious and continuously explore new tools will not only survive but thrive. It’s about constantly asking: "Is there a better way to do this?" and never getting too comfortable with "good enough."
Transition: That’s why now, more than ever, staying open to new ideas is vital. Whether it’s AI, customer engagement strategies, or operational efficiency, those who embrace curiosity will be the ones who stay ahead. The biggest challenge holding back many tourism businesses is the belief that they already know what works, and they’re hesitant to explore new opportunities—like AI—to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Call to Action: So, if you’ve been feeling stuck in the old ways of doing things and want to see how embracing curiosity can lead to better outcomes, Reach out to Dan!
Email: dan.flores@satisfilabs.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-flores2022/
Satisfi Labs Website: https://satisfilabs.com/
Tune into Episode 471 for a wide-ranging conversation about AI tools in Tourism and more! It's a great listen the next time you "get outside!"
Catch you out there,
The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team
Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
Today's episode features my riff on the benefits and fun of a solo mini-adventure in a local park or the local public lands near you.
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This week on episode 469 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm speaking with visual storyteller and product designer Josiah Roe.
Josiah is a visual storyteller and product designer. He believes that how you do what you do is as important as what you do. And that life is short, the world is big, and he wants to explore as much of it as he can before it gets dark.
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Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
Show Notes
Why exploring deeper is more fulfilling than just hitting tourist spots.
Think of Anthony Bourdain. Sure, he could have visited the usual tourist spots and called it a day, but what made him an icon was his curiosity. He found the beauty in meeting locals, eating their food, and experiencing life as they lived it. It wasn’t about the destination; it was about the stories he unearthed along the way.
It’s easy to stick to the guidebook and rush through our travels. But here’s the thing—when we do that, we miss out on the heart and soul of the places we visit. We lose the opportunity to see through the eyes of the locals, to witness the life that happens outside the tourist zones. That’s why we created content like the Journal of Lost Time and events like Lost Places, to inspire deeper exploration and meaningful experiences.
If you're tired of travel that feels like checking boxes and ready to experience the world with depth and curiosity, check out the Journal of Lost Time, and start uncovering the stories that matter.
Tune into Episode 469 for an experience and motivation with Josiah Roe—a great listen the next time you "get outside!"
Catch you out there,
The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team
Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
#visual storytelling, #content creation, #destination marketing, #outdoor adventure, #environmental issues, #We are Baja, #Southern California nostalgia, #California scenic drives, #Vanlife, #storytelling, #subsistence lifestyle, #trail running, #Simpler Ways marketplace, #tourism boards.
Today's episode features a conversation I had in Missoula, Montana while attending the annual Outdoor Media Summit with Kevin Paulson from Hunting Life Magazine. We riffed on the Outdoor Media Summit, Kevin's new position at AGLOW, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, and a little more.
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Welcome to episode 466 with climate scientist, writer, and backcountry skier, Anneka Williams.. Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR.
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes
Most of us dream of grand adventures, but everyday responsibilities seem to pull us away. We settle for the occasional weekend hike or a vacation once a year while longing for something more thrilling and purposeful.
- You want to explore more of the world but feel tied down by routine.
- You crave adventure and meaningful experiences but aren’t sure how to make them a consistent part of your life.
- You see others doing incredible things, like skiing the Himalayas or conducting research in the Arctic, and wonder, "Why not me?"
We understand. Society has made you believe that real adventures are a rare luxury or only for a chosen few. But it’s not your fault—no one told you it’s possible to live a life full of exploration.
That’s why this episode with Anneka Williams, a climate scientist and adventurer, is so inspiring. In this conversation, you’ll learn how she crafted a life full of global adventures, from skiing down icy peaks in Patagonia to studying climate change in the most remote corners of the world.
Anneka’s story will take you beyond the typical vacation. Imagine skiing as a child on the single-chair lift at Mad River Glen in Vermont, then fast-forward to skiing in Bhutan or studying gas emissions in the high-altitude Paramo of South America. This episode will show you that the world is a wild, beautiful place waiting to be explored—and you don’t need to wait until retirement to do it.
Here are three inspiring lessons from Anneka’s adventurous life that you can apply to your own journey:
- Start young but keep exploring: Anneka’s began skiing as a kid in Vermont, but she never stopped seeking new places to explore. Whether it’s hiking the Andes or fieldwork in Chile, she proves that no matter where you start, the key is to keep pushing your boundaries.
- Mix work with play: She didn’t choose between her career as a climate scientist and her love for the outdoors. Instead, she combined the two. From her fieldwork in Arctic Alaska to her free time backpacking in Patagonia, Anneka’s adventures blend purpose with passion.
- Embrace the unknown: Anneka’s trips to far-flung places like Bhutan or Columbia were filled with uncertainties and challenges, but those experiences shaped her most memorable adventures. The best stories come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Benefits of the Solution:
- Discover the world in a way most people only dream of: From mountains to jungles, following Anneka’s example means you’ll explore landscapes few get to experience.
- Adventure meets purpose: You won’t just be sightseeing—you’ll be part of something bigger, whether that’s climate work or another passion that drives you to explore.
- Growth through exploration: The thrill of tackling new environments, cultures, and challenges will not only satisfy your adventurous spirit but also push you to grow in ways you never expected.
Lasting message (A): The world is wide, wild, and waiting for you—don’t wait for "someday" to start living your adventure.
Tune into Episode 466 for an experience and motivation with Anneka Williams—a great listen the next time you "get outside!"
Catch you out there,
The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team
Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR
#AnnekaWilliams, #climatescientist, #VermontSportsMagazine, #CamelsHump, #writingjourney, #ArcticTundra, #climatescience, #SaltLakeCity, #electricutilities, #climaterisks, #resiliencestrategies, #climatevariability, #RoamGenerationPR, #worldsailingjourney, #traveladventurelifestyle, #OutdoorAdventureLifestylePodcast, #VermontsMadRiverValley, #smallcommunity, #fieldworkinAlaska, #studyabroadinBhutan, #ParamointheAndes, #skiinginAntarctica, #technicalwriter, #datamodeling, #technologyintegration, #interactivemaps, #localclimateaction, #SanJuanRivertrip, #backpackinginPeru, #sustainabilityefforts, #wildfiresimpactonelectricity
Tips on Finding your Niche and Starting Your Podcast in Outdoor Adventure Podcasting
Don’t Miss EP 467 next week with climate scientist, writer, and backcountry skier, Anneka Williams.
Anneka talks about her work as a climate scientist, writer and also has some great tips on how we can imorpove sustainability and conservation in our daily lives.
Anneka Williams
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Today on episode 465 I’m talking with Sergio Ballivian. For over 40 years, Sergio has pursued his passion for adventure, always with a camera in hand. Sergio Photo Tours was born from those experiences—a desire to share the unique moments he’s witnessed and to guide others in capturing the beauty and essence of those untamed places. Sergio says . . . “this isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about experiencing the world from a different perspective.”
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes Welcom to episode 465 I’m talking with Sergio Ballivian. Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR.
For over 40 years, Sergio has pursued his passion for adventure, always with a camera in hand.
Sergio Photo Tours was born from those experiences—a desire to share the unique moments he’s witnessed and to guide others in capturing the beauty and essence of those untamed places.
Sergio says . . . “this isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about experiencing the world from a different perspective.”
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes What if you could capture the beauty of untamed landscapes while also building a career that pays for your adventures?
This episode shows how Sergio didn't start with fancy equipment or a studio full of clients. He began his journey with a high school adventure in Bolivia, an old truck, and a camera he bought from a friend. Sound familiar? Whether you’re shooting mountain landscapes or capturing wildlife, Sergio’s story shows how the right mix of grit, passion, and strategic planning can take you from “weekend warrior” to outdoor industry pro.
By tuning in, you’ll discover key lessons from Sergio’s journey to help you grow your outdoor career:
-
- Start small, but stay consistent: Sergio began with a pocket camera, snapping photos of the landscapes he loved. Keep your gear simple and focus on mastering the basics.
- Network with purpose: Sergio’s career grew because he knew the power of connections. Build relationships with others in the outdoor world, but be authentic—people can spot a phony from a mile away.
- Monetize your skills over time: He didn’t sell his first photo overnight. By refining his craft and eventually offering photography workshops, Sergio built his career piece by piece.
Don’t miss out—hit play now to uncover the secrets to blending your love of the outdoors with filmmaking!
Follow up with Sergio:
Website: https://www.sergiophoto.com/index
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor and adventure, find us at the Outdoor Adveneture Lifestyle podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Outdoor Adventure, #Photography, #Environmental Concerns, #Kathmandu Pollution, #Survival Mindset, #Adventure Travel, #Landscape Photography, #Technology and Nature, #Networking and Career, #Sustainable Travel
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
Tune into Episode 465 for an experience and motivation with Sergio Ballivian—a great listen the next time you "get outside!"
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Catch you out there,
The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team
Don’t Miss EP 465 next week with Sergio Ballivan.
Sergio has been capturing the untamed beauty of the world for over 40 years.
Sergio's love for capturing landscapes and sharing them with friends became a full-time career.
He talked about leading Explore Bolivia and how he eventually focused on photography, turning his tours into official photography workshops by 2000.
Sergio Ballivian Photography
Fischer Creative
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Welcome to episode 463 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast with Mike Banker. Mike Banker is the Chief Growth Officer at Fisher Creative, a media production studio known for capturing epic content from Earth’s most iconic, and adventurous places. Mike is a multi-faceted writer, communicator, and media production jack-of-all-trades.
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Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your love for storytelling and the outdoors into a career in the creative industry?
This episode explores how our guest transitioned from shooting amateur films on VHS tapes to crafting compelling stories in the world’s most remote wildernesses. Whether you’re dreaming of combining your passions or looking for insights into environmental filmmaking, this conversation will speak directly to your journey.
By tuning in, you’ll discover:
- How to combine your passions for the outdoors and creative storytelling into a successful career.
- Firsthand accounts of filming in Ukraine and capturing adventure documentaries.
- Practical tips on navigating the business side of outdoor filmmaking while maintaining an environmental ethos.
Don’t miss out—hit play now to uncover the secrets to blending your love of the outdoors with filmmaking!
Follow up with Mike:
mike@fishercreative.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor and adventure, find us at the Outdoor Adveneture Lifestyle podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#SustainabilityEfforts, #Conservation, #WhitewaterTrips, #FilmingInChina, #MoraKnife, #AWalkInTheParkBook, #GrandCanyonAdventure, #NuclearWarAScenarioBook, #BoulderOutdoorSurvivalSchool, #UkraineDocumentary, #FisherCreative, #ExpeditionEverest, #NationalGeographic, #EnvironmentalDocumentaries, #InPursuitOfPassive, #NetZeroHouseFilm
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Unleash your story and watch your brand thrive with Roam Generation PR. In the flood of content these days, brands often find themselves lost at sea. You struggle to connect and engage with the right audience at the right time.
Roam Generation PR is your lifeline. They'll seamlessly connect your brand story with the ideal audience, driving results to make your brand thrive. Founded on a yacht while sailing worldwide, they bring a unique perspective to public relations because they live the lifestyle their partners represent.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
Welcome to episode 462 of the outdoor adventure lifestyle podcast with Outdoor Adventure Writer Clay Abney. Clay is a freelance outdoor and adventure travel writer living in the ‘wild and wonderful’ state of West Virginia. He enjoys various outdoor activities and traveling as often as possible.
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Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes Learn More
What are your favorite outdoor activities to do in South Carolina?
23:25 I just really do a lot of paddling, I mean, there's like literally Blackwater rivers are just, they call them Blackwater because there's no elevation to them. You don't seem to have any current at all because they almost look like swamps.
What advice would you give to aspiring outdoor adventure travel writers?
17:44 I would say read. Write. If you're gonna pitch a, or if you're gonna write, if you wanna write for a certain outlet, make sure that you understand their voice.
What they're trying to, what, so, It's great if you want to tell it in your words, but it may not be the voice of the publication that you're going after.
Follow up:
https://www.clayabney.com/
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor and adventure, find us at the Outdoor Adveneture Lifestyle podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Adventure travel, #outdoor activities, #stand-up paddleboarding, #Norway travel, #Greenland travel, #global travel, #sustainable tourism, #local cuisine, #freelance writing, #rafting, #West Virginia,
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
Settled in Chilean Patagonia in 2004, David Dittmar is convinced that outdoor life is the best therapy for the body and soul. You’ll hear how David leveraged his climbing skills into his own guiding business, adapted his offerings to meet the market and his advice for you to do the same.
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Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes Learn More
Dittmar Adventures Website
Favorite Books
The Savage Detectives, Roberto Bolano
Favorite Gear under $100
Suunto Compass
Follow up: Instagram
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Tourism evolution, #Custom trips, #Tailored experiences, #All-inclusive hotels, #Guide services, #Solitude, #Bouldering, #Indoor climbing, #Hiking guide, #Backpacking trips, #Wilderness permit, #Camping and skiing, #Horseback expeditions, #Adventure business, #Outdoor activities, #Family-oriented environment, #Training local guides, #Government lands, #Outdoor gear, #Adventure, #Outdoor.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
We are pivoting the podcast to bring you an even more thrilling and immersive outdoor adventure experience. Say hello to the 'Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast!' The show helping outdoor enthusiasts land your ideal outdoor adventure gig, grow your outdoor career and find more time for adventures.’
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INCA (formerly Inca Floats, Inc.) began in the 70s as a family adventure when Bill Roberson, a scientist and professor, and his two daughters, Kim and Marika, traveled to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. They had such an adventurous, entertaining, and educational time that they couldn't wait to share it with their friends. And so a company was born. Bill tells us about an expedition through South America before founding INCA that inspired and motivated him to start a travel company focused on the region.
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Brought to you this week by Smugmug and Roam Generation PR
Show Notes Learn More
Inca Website
Favorite Books
Endurance, Alfred Lansing
Follow up: Inca Website
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Galapagos, #Travel, #Adventure, #South America, #Inca, #Peru, #Outdoor activities, #Rafting, #Adventure travel, #Wildlife conservation, #Darwin Foundation, #Nature trips, #Naturalist guide, #Outdoor industry, #Backpacking, #Outdoor gear, #River trips, #Patagonia, #Mountain towns, #Jungle trek, #Machu Picchu, #Bolivia, #Argentina, #Chile, #Lake District, #Iguazu Falls, #La Paz.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Unleash your story and watch your brand thrive with Roam Generation PR. In the flood of content these days, brands often find themselves lost at sea. You struggle to connect and engage with the right audience at the right time.
Roam Generation PR is your lifeline. They'll seamlessly connect your brand story with the ideal audience, driving results to make your brand thrive. Founded on a yacht while sailing worldwide, they bring a unique perspective to public relations because they live the lifestyle their partners represent.
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel, and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
Traveling with Experience Plus can launch a rewarding lifetime love for seeing and experiencing the world by bicycle. On a bike tour, you will pedal quiet roads, secluded paths, and carefully curated routes at your own pace. Travel under the guidance and care of professional tour leaders who joyfully share a love for their homeland, while seamlessly managing daily logistics so you can relax, ride, and make meaningful connections with both people and places along the way.
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Show Notes Learn More
Experienceplus.com
Favorite Books
Rick: Barbara Savage, Miles from Nowhere, Stevenson's travels with a donkey, On The Road, Jack Kerouac
Maria: Michner's Iberia
Monica: I love guidebooks, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, but the Blue Guide especially, and the Cadogan
Favorite Piece of Gear
Maria: mountain bike clips and pedals that have flats on both sides
Monica: a classical jersey with those wonderful pockets that you can just carry everything you need is amazing
Rick: you need a multi-tool, a pump, and a patch kit.
Follow up: Experienceplus.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Bike tours, #Italy, #ExperiencePlus, #Fort Collins, #Colorado, #Travel content, #Blog recipes, #Biking benefits, #Dinner with guests, #Navigation arrows, #Tour routes, #Artisan visits, #Olive oil tastings, #Group dinners, #Tour leader, #Hotel relationships, #Bike inventory, #Experiential learning, #Mediterranean biking, #Local culture, #Sardinia tour, #Cycling gear, #Camera technology, #Family-run hotels, #Norwegian tour, #Italian lessons, #Group time, #Free time, #Travel books, #Titanium bike fleet, #Ebikes, #GPS mapping systems
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
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I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hey everyone, today’s episode 458 features Auto Camp and CMO Bryan Terzi. AutoCamp continues that long legacy of honoring nature in the 21st century. As the exclusive hospitality partner of Airstream, they started their journey in 2013 with their first location in Santa Barbara, CA. From the outset, they’ve always believed guests should be able to immerse themselves in nature and world-class design. Today Bryan Terzi tells us more about they’ve evolved to so much more than Airstreams.
Hey everyone, episode 458 features Auto Camp and CMO Bryan Terzi.
AutoCamp continues the long legacy of honoring nature in the 21st century. As Airstream's exclusive hospitality partner, it started its journey in 2013 with its first location in Santa Barbara, CA. From the outset, AutoCamp has always believed guests should be able to immerse themselves in nature and world-class design.
Today, Bryan Terzi tells us more about how they’ve evolved to so much more than Airstreams.
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Brought to you this week by Smugmug
Show Notes Learn More
05:39 Bryan moved to New York, worked in hospitality marketing.
07:34 His dad's extensive hospitality career taught respecting all.
12:07 AutoCamp offers Thoughtful locations, luxurious camping, nature immersion, and more.
13:27 AutoCamp offers a full wine program, grill kits for 2, fire pits, and outdoor activities, providing an elevated dining experience and gathering space for travelers.
17:55 AutoCamp provides a unique nature-focused hospitality experience catering to a wide range of travelers, including young families, Gen Z, and baby boomers, seeking to unplug and enjoy nature with the convenience of traditional hotel amenities. The properties are highly regarded and offer fully air-conditioned Airstream units and amenities like pools, creating a distinctive alternative to traditional hotels.
21:52 Fortune 500 companies host team bonding events at our camps, taking executives out of their usual work environment and fostering authentic connections through sharing experiences around the campfire.
26:34 Consistently top 5 TripAdvisor scores for unique hospitality.
30:50 Accessible nature vacations should not be expensive.
34:36 Tranquil nature spot fosters diverse solo experiences.
38:51 Bryan's focus is on strategy, quality collaborations for successful marketing.
41:04 Providing optimal guest experience, community engagement emphasized.
42:52 Don't miss Outdoor Biz Podcast- subscribe and share!
Favorite Books
Last Book Bryan read: A Walk in the Wood by Bill Bryson
Favorite Piece of Gear
Yeti
Follow up with Bryan and AutoCamp
Bryan: Instagram
AutoCamp: Instagram
AutoCamp
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#AutoCamp, #adventure travelers, #nature, #iconic destinations, #beginner campers, #experienced travelers, #Yeti, #hydration, #sunscreen, #half-day pack, #podcasts, #The Daily, #expansion, #Airstream, #local guides, #affordable rates, #Adventure Affordably, #wine program, #local breweries, #grill kits, #fire pits, #programming, #Field Station, #outdoor sports, #van program, #experiential hospitality, #urban accessibility, #outdoor activities.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
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I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to episode 457 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Marika Roberson and INCA. Brought to you this week by Smugmug. INCA (formerly Inca Floats, Inc.) began in the 70s as a family adventure when Bill Roberson, a scientist and professor, and his two daughters, Kim and Marika, traveled to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. They had such an adventurous, entertaining, and educational time that they couldn't wait to share it with their friends. And so a company was born.
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Brought to you this week by Smugmug
Show Notes Learn More
00:00 Family enjoys rafting and learning new skills.
05:49 SalkantayTrail went from 7 to 4 days, now paved. Crosses high Andes and 15,500 ft pass, descends into the jungle. Challenging terrain, reliance on a small horse.
19:50 Used art background for brochures, taught HTML, involved in company, took on management role instead of hiring externally.
27:01 Encouraging tourism growth in South America.
28:16 Tourism benefits and challenges for Galapagos and Cuzco.
34:13 California-based company prioritizes ethical and sustainable partners for operations.
39:50 Exciting and nerve-wracking market experience in Peru.
46:53 Seek jobs with like-minded companies in the adventure travel industry and develop office and writing skills.
54:00 The travel Industry is moving towards sustainability, accountability, and awareness. Focus on impact on the environment and communities, consumer consciousness, carbon offsetting, and alternative fuels for airlines.
Favorite Books
The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin
Favorite Piece of Gear
My external battery pack for my phone
Follow Marika and INCA on the Socials
https://www.inca1.com/
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Adventure travel, #Sustainability, #Overtourism, #Outdoor industry, #Galapagos, #Cusco, #Peru, #Tourism impact, #Wildlife conservation, #Environment protection, #Shoulder season, #Responsible tourism, #Infrastructure development, #Cultural barriers, #Smartphone photography, #Family business, #Communication, #Community impact, #South America, #Antarctica, #Social media, #Content creation, #Community building, #Authentic experiences, #Wildlife habitats, #Climate change impact, #Outdoor activities, #Transformational experiences, #River trips, #Backpacking
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to episode 456 of the Outdoor Biz podcast with your culinary guide to the outdoors Chef Steve Corso! He’s here to put you on the path to amazing meals wherever your adventure takes you.
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches
Show Notes 00:00 Chef Corso founded Outdoor Eats for outdoor food.
04:20 Testing recipes, launching website, learning from others.
08:21 Culinary education in US and Italy.
10:48 I worked for Starbucks as a Food scientist and chef to create new products.
21:58 Beef stroganoff cooked outside with trail meals.
25:58 Beef jerky adds flavor and protein options.
28:51 Share the load, cook together, and eat well.
30:00 Importance of carefully selected food for outdoor activities.
35:10 Choose sustainable brands and reusable items for conservation.
38:37 Community testers contribute to Outdoor Eats recipes. Outdoor Eats Recipe Club
42:17 Foldable camp knife with 4-5 inch blade.
44:21 Delicious recipes and flavors for meal planning.
49:48 Expanding recipe bank and trail meals cookbooks.
51:51 Diverse soup flavors and forgiving ingredient options.
Learn More
Favorite Books
Why You Eat What You Eat by Rachel Herz
Any of the Michael Pollan books
Food Explorer by Daniel Stone
The Material World by Ed Conway
Matthew McConaughey's memoir called Green Lights
Favorite Piece of Gear
Foldable camp knife
Coffee Mug
Follow Chef Corso on the Socials
Tik Tok
YouTube
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#trail snacks, #truck stop recipes, #beef jerky, #rehydrating food, #outdoor challenges, #pack weight, #perishable ingredients, #sharing food load, #outdoor meal planning, #audiobooks, #outdoor adventures, #guided backpacking trips, #camp gear, #cooking gear, #food memoirs, #travel experiences, #Vagabond tour, #cooking shows, #sustainable cooking, #Leave No Trace, #recipe bank, #culinary education, #research chef, #food product development
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today on episode 455 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Mark Johnson from Hobnail Trekking. Mark shares how Hobnail Trekking has expanded into several destinations and continues to offer only the highest levels of service and trekking expertise.
Today on episode 455 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Mark Johnson from Hobnail Trekking. Mark shares how Hobnail Trekking has expanded into several destinations and continues to offer only the highest levels of service and trekking expertise.
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Brought to you this week by Tee Public
Show Notes 00:00 Fascination with Nepal leads to Holly creating her bucket list.
04:27 Early days of adventure travel, career transition.
10:00 Unique travel experiences from a non-traditional company.
11:00 Mark and Holly create a travel company for everyday adventurers.
14:49 Interest in Mount Everest and other treks.
20:02 Mark's memorable experience from one of the treks . . . when he napped in the woods, and was found by the trip organizers.
24:21 The World is becoming more judgmental, and there needs to be respect.
28:10 Train for the trek by mimicking conditions.
31:54 Prepare physically before operating at high altitudes.
35:36 Rick's adventure in Georgia meeting happy locals.
38:45 Population growth will lead to overpopulation problems.
40:59 Trekking remains timeless; technology won't change it.
43:33 Hobnail Adventures expanding to new adventure destinations.
46:30 Hobnail opens up new travel possibilities for clients.
49:18 Favorite piece of gear: DJI Pocket 2, OSMOS camera.
54:10 Nepal trip inspires one of Mark's books "Doofus Dad Does Everest."
Learn More
Hobnail Web Page
Contact us
X
You Tube
Mark's Books
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Adventure travel, #Hobnail Trekking Company, #Mark Johnson, #Everest Base Camp trek, #Adventure travel industry, #Middle-aged adventure travel, #Mount Everest, #Popular trekking destinations, #Off-the-beaten-path trekking, #Wilderness first aid, #Travel insurance, #Adventure risk, #Peruvian trek, #Business process improvement, #Tour operator partnerships, #Sustainable travel, #Physical fitness for trekking, #"Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp" book, #Outdoor gear, #Podcast promotions, #Embracing adventure, #Fiction writing, #Ancillary income stream, #Ecuadorian Odyssey, #Rebranding, #Expansion plans, #Outdoor industry growth, #Sherpa encounter, #Cultural exchange, #Technology impact on travel, #Altitude training.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jorge Perez, a conservationist and tourism entrepreneur from Quito, Ecuador. Join us as Jorge shares his insights on the unique mestizo culture and the influence of Spaniards, the alluring experience of cattle drives, and the concept of time in Andean cosmovision. Listen in as he discusses purposeful travel, disconnecting from technology, and the importance of understanding our relationship with the Earth. Jorge also unveils a fascinating program for deepening family connections through adventure and offers valuable tips on packing for diverse climates and environments in Ecuador. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation on conservation, tourism with a purpose, and creating memorable experiences in the great outdoors.
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Brought to you this week by Tee Public
Show Notes 00:00 Ecuador's beauty, diversity, and unique geography.
05:17 Tourism focused on conservation and local opportunities.
07:33 Building trails, strong relationship with national park.
11:17 Challenges promoting a unique place Ecuador
13:31 Disconnect from home, reconnect with new experiences.
18:47 Tech detox brings freedom, family interaction, learning.
21:38 Preserving Ecuadorian cowboy culture and environmental conservation.
22:57 Mestizo culture, status, and handling fighting bulls.
27:36 Moments are fleeting, but love endures.
30:54 Creating activities to recover the beauty of travel.
36:04 Contact us for experiential family adventure programs.
39:43 Importance of context in facing planetary challenges.
41:04 Promotes conservation through sustainable tourism initiatives.
45:55 Proper gear is key to weather conditions and activities.
48:29 Responsible tourism benefits locals, cultures, and conservation.
41:44 One of Jorge's favorite books: Factfulness
48:18 One of Jorge's pieces of outdoor gear: Swiss Army Knife
Learn More
Tierra Del Volcan Web Page
Contact us
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Ecuador, #mestizo culture, #Spanish influence, #horses, #cattle drives, #Andean community, #purposeful travel, #Amazon, #Galapagos, #Andes, #environmental preservation, #horse encounters, #personal growth, #"Factfulness" book, #conservation, #sustainability, #tourism with purpose, #Quito, #Cotopaxi National Park
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
John Ensley chases the sun from the Pacific Northwest in summer to Baja California Mexico in winter, as one part professional sailing instructor and one part running a virtual financial planning business. As founder of Cruise and Learn Sailing International and loves sharing his knowledge, experience and passion for sailing. John feels strongly that it isn’t just about sailing skills and certifications, it’s really about designing an amazing lifestyle and living the life of your dreams.
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Brought to you this week by Tee Public
Show Notes 04:27 John went on a trip to Mexico, sailed down the beautiful Pacific coast, and managed to stay connected for work while enjoying the journey.
09:02 Their process: Complete bookwork online and then practice on the boat. Subscription option for affordable monthly payments.
10:41 Variety of courses came from teaching sailing for 8-9 years.
13:14 So that's the second reason that people pursue certifications is so that they can go charter in different places. And then thirdly is insurance
17:28 Select a sailing school that aligns with your specific goals and preferences, ensuring that you have an immersive and educational experience on the water. It's important to have a conversation with the school to understand their philosophy, instructors, boats, and operations. Consider your goals, whether it's day sailing on local lakes, buying a boat, or chartering internationally, and find a school that matches your needs and personality. Remember that the cheapest or most expensive option may not always be the best, so focus on finding the right fit and value for your sailing experience.
22:47 I'm really into blending work, play, and technology. I even came up with a 3G dongle back in 2009, and cellular technology has been a big part of my journey.
24:40 A friend from my sailing class is now teaching in Puerto Rico, living on a boat.
26:45 Sailing requires training for advanced navigation and skills.
28:43 Johns favorite outdoor gear under $100, a poncho liner. And his must-read books, The Four Hour Work Week, Bank on Yourself, and the Shannara series
Learn More
So the very best way is to visit our website, cruiseandlearnsailing.com. There are a couple of links where you can set up a free 30-minute video consultation with us. You can also just reach out with an inquiry form or email.
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
Sailing #Cruise and Learn Sailing International #US Coast Guard master credential #Sailing instructor #Big Lake Youth Camp #Sailing school #Mexico #Tim Ferris #The 4 Hour Workweek #Entrepreneurship #La Paz, Mexico #Puget Sound #San Juan Islands #Sailing trips #NauticEd #Immersive experience #Sailing certification #Navigation
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today my long time outdoor compadre Kenji Haroutunian makes his 3rd appearance on the show. As longtime director of two top-fifty trade shows in the country (and many events and services beyond), Kenji’s experience has afforded him a truly independent viewpoint to best understand the ebbs and flows of business trends, successes, failures and the tools that can be applied these days to make a difference.
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches
Show Notes
04:27 The pivot from outdoor retail (A16) to trade shows. I don't quite remember how that happened.
I had been managing stores, a store manager for Adventure 16 in L. A. and then in the Valley store, and was back in the L. A. store managing there. And then got a call from Larry Harrison, who was. Put on task by the outdoor retailer team to go find their next account exec. There was a long-time account executive who was leaving, and they're looking to fill that spot. And I said, like, well, what's an account executive? It's not something that I was familiar with and sounded pretty fancy, but you know, long story short, I interviewed down in Laguna Beach with the team. And then, back then, it was called Miller Freeman, who was the owner of the outdoor retailer shows. And I got hired there as a salesperson having zero experience selling space or advertising, and starting in, in earnest, my career in the media slash shows business.
08:00 The Big Gear Show
Big Gear rose up out of what was the paddle sports retailer show. So that was a show launched by a couple of guys from the paddle sports industry who became sort of unhappy with the timing of outdoor retailer. Paddle sports was a big part of the outdoor retailer show, and they passed. They took their boat, went off, and started their own show. Out of that came the desire to be more inclusive categorically. So, instead of just paddle sports, why don't we bring in hike, running, camping, and biking and create a more comprehensive and inclusive platform? And so that's where the Big Gear Show came from. It launched in 2020.
14:29 Outdoor Biz Evolution
Those trade shows were all a bunch of guides, and, you know, we were young kids who worked at the retail shop floors and stuff. It was not as sophisticated then as it is now today.
You're right. That evolution is big. And I think, you know, the infusion of capital market representatives, you know, I, it was very different. You're right. You know, during my time, for example, at the show's helm was during the time when financial investors started showing up in numbers dozens and then like hundreds of people were coming, and we even created an event for them called what's that called, Fund Source? And it was specifically designed for new brands to pitch to investment community people and get valuable feedback and maybe even score an investor, you know, in the, in the sort of mode of Shark Tank. Right. But it was, I think Camber Outdoors is helping to sponsor it.
17:10 Do you have any thoughts on how that shakes out, consolidates, and continues to expand?
I shy away from the word trade show anymore because it's kind of a loaded term.
It kind of almost by default says the old. Way or the old show model that were the outdoor industry anyway, has become passé. And I think that whatever we're going to call the new show model you know, at big gear, we call it B2B2C or just simply like an inclusive platform that makes less of a deal of your categorical status.
You know, interestingly, you know, I, I have a, well, I don't have my badge on right now, but I came in the show and they had sort of parsed the show entry timing by what kind of badge you had. So it was like, you get an eight, if you have this badge, get an 11, if you have this badge
and you're not allowed in, if you don't have this badge.
So I think that determination of who occupies what is really difficult now because. You know, who is a retailer anymore? Who is a guide outfit or influence or media, et cetera. Um, even supplier brands have, have brand, like they have products with their brand name on it, you know, Gore, for example. So it's it's a fuzzier world when you make those determinations. So creating a more inclusive show experience is I think part of the, the future equation that'll make sense and will help to, you know, In concert with several other things that need to happen.
31:48 What, what do you think are a couple of the biggest, we talked about this before we hit the record button, about the state of the outdoor industry today. What do you think are a couple of the biggest challenges facing the outdoor industry today?
I think there's a lot of challenges. I think losing our neighborhood shops, you know, in the cities, primarily, I think shops and touch points at the trailhead and near put in and at the destinations. That's still relatively strong across the country. What I see is that the urban shops are really getting crushed.
Like they are, their costs are going up. Their inventory and open to buy situations are super stressed and they're just finding it hard to keep going. It's also a time of changeover. Like a lot of the shops like a 16 that were founded, you know, in the 60s and 70s. Those. Company owners are either looking to sell or turn over the younger generation may or may not be interested in running retail stores.
And so they're finding this, this time of change over is very active. And that's true in other, you know, related sectors like fly fishing and surf and others, but I think that's part of the challenge right now. We're still working through the inventory glut that happened from the disruption of the of the pandemic.
So get 1st. Sold, people sold everything they had and then they had nothing to sell. And then the product was getting delayed because factories were closed and then the shipping lanes were delayed because they couldn't have enough dock workers to even unload the ships. And so that just created this big lag time in the industry that we're still working through like that created this over inventory situation that we're still in right now.
37:40 How has sustainability been reflected at the Big Gear Show? What are some of the initiatives you guys have?
Well, I think on the brands and the product side, you could definitely feel it. A lot of. A presence and interest in that re commerce story. For us as a show producer, you know, shows are horribly wasteful historically.
So trying to minimize the flow of that you know, because we have such a small team, I was managing a lot of that myself. What was happening over on the outside festival side, we really wanted to participate in, but we weren't able to do it this year. But they had a composting aspect too. So they really activated a zero waste program that did a pretty good job, but it's pretty expensive because you've got to have people. Staff that are there saying, Oh, wait, that's not a composting thing. You got to put that over here.
And this is, it's sort of pre sorting. So they had staff at each of these 10 stations or however many there were. And so that's expensive because you just got to pay people for all the time that they're there, but very very impressive commitment from outside and their partners on, on the festival side of things, we want to implement. And so we've been paying close attention to. Like the flow of trash, you know, trashable things coming in. We had a space that we dedicated just for cardboard that could be reused storing it so that it was kept dry and viable. And then, you know, the companies that needed them at the end of the show, we had it for them.
So just reusing and being smarter about You know, everything from badge holders, which we didn't have, you know, no badge holders just printed on enough, you know, quality paper that it's going to stay in place and have a, have a badge holder design that is effective. And we only had that for the B2B day.
You didn't need badges or anything to come in with, we had digital waivers, so again, you know, just not piles of paper that you have to keep for years, we used a digital service for that. So. You know, little by little getting smarter as a event producer and bringing those bringing those solutions to bear at the show.
38:37 What are a couple of the brands or products you think are leading the way in sustainability?
I guess the small brand Stream2Sea they're called they're making a product that doesn't like it's a sunscreen product Skin care product I guess you'd say but even the packaging on it is thoughtfully designed so that it's biodegradable, you know over time not in your backpack, of course, but and they have a system for being able to return that, you know empty or recycle it So just you know little thoughtful things like that.
I think some of the different stove options, you know, I think one of the big stories coming out of the stove and cooking side is. Single use propane, you know, those green ubiquitous one pound propane bottles. And then we had a pellet stove coming from Timber Stoves.
There was quite a bit, actually, especially in one of the highlights of the show was the Founders Market, which was produced by Path Ahead Ventures, REI's program for lifting up. BIPOC and women-founded organizations. Cool. And a lot of those companies are really really carefully curated to bring like really thoughtful, more sustainable solutions to the market, as well as, you know, better solutions for groups that historically haven't been addressed, whether that's different body shapes or just, you know, disabled folks.
But that, you know, that's different than sustainability in a way. It is sustainability, but it's the same. Yeah. Way It's the same.
42:28 With all the talk lately of PFAS and things you know, we're discovering that are maybe worse off than we thought. How do you think, or do you think we can do more or maybe. Do some of it faster because it seems like maybe just, you know, guys like us, we're running out of time, but I think about my niece and nephew in the world, we're going to leave them and, you know, some of these things we've got to implement these programs like last week, and it seems like it takes a lot of energy and thought and conversation and things to get everybody's head around it to implement any thoughts on that.
Yeah, I'm pretty active in California with the California Direct Creation Partnership that I helped found back in twenty-eighteen in addressing these aspects because you know, the way that the legislation first came out was basically saying that at retail, there can't be p fast in any of the products you sell after January first twenty-five or whatever the date was, and this is like, hey.
Hold on a second. We, as the industry, believe in eliminating PFAS, just like we believe in eliminating BPA, just like we believe in using post-consumer recycled ingredients, and just like we believe in circular economy solutions. However, starting with the retail side starts with the horse's tail instead of the front.
Like you've got to start at the supply chain side. Get them to stop using it, and then you can regulate. If that's a word regulation-wise, you can, you know, move down the chain. So you start at the fiber manufacturer, then you go to the fabric manufacturer, then you go to the. Apparel manufacturer, then you go to the wholesaler, then you go to the retailer and then you go to the, you know, the consumer and give them a way to get rid of that stuff or to cycle it in a way that doesn't end up with just plastic in the ocean or in the landfill.
So I think more plastic in the ocean or the landfill. This is the reason why business. And government partnerships, you know, are the really so important to how we move forward, whether it is keeping PFAS out of our bodies and out of our ecosystems or doing a better job of working with tribes and taking that native knowledge and that stewardship mindedness.
Of, you know, thousands of years of indigenous presence and and honoring that all of these things mean disrupting the current flow. And that's hard. You know, if a river is flowing super fast, it's pretty hard to get it to move in a different direction. And that's what we're trying to do. We're changing the culture.
We're changing the entire culture of an industry, like changing our own personal culture. It's hard enough doing it for your family or your community is. Super hard and takes longer doing it for an entire industry that has all these moving parts across the country and across the globe like that's, that's going to take years.
So I think part of this is just learning to keep I had a coach when I paddled out rigor and he had this phrase, you know, we would use because outrigger races are sometimes. Really long like 20 miles 30 miles. Yeah, and it's just smooth power, like keep the pressure on keep applying the pressure. Don't burn yourself out because you've got an hour and a half more to keep paddling.
Don't run out. Don't burn yourself out, but smooth power, you know, and you'll keep keep the rhythm. Keep the power going. That's what we need. We need rhythm and we need, we need gentle applied power. That's. Consistent. Kind of like you and your podcast.
47:02 Where do you see the Big Gear Show in the next three to five years, say? What's that evolution look like?
I think we have to keep adapting and building this new model. And I think that the future of it is going to be more more events. Kind of surrounding the main event. So I guess I think of it as like a constellation of stars or something like we've created the critical mass in the center, and now we're just, you know, you, you mentioned ATT elevate.
Like I know Shannon's thinking about maybe that belongs in orbit with. The outside festival and the CEO summit idea. And I participated in an Asian outdoor leaders group meeting. They know little things that start to build around the core. People bring their sales meetings to town. That's always happened back at the old show, right?
Those are the things that create. The critical mass and get people to say, you know what, I really need to be there. And the more you do that across more sectors, across more job functions and you know, the workforce part of the industry, the more that'll bring the industry to bear. And create that critical mass.
So I think that's the future is continuing to work partnerships. I think partnerships are what fuel that that type of you know, critical mass building.
52:52 What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
I think last time I, I said headlamps and I still think headlamps are amazing.
56:58 Is there a memorable outdoor adventure or experience that has influenced your work side of the world?
Yeah, absolutely. One of my bigger adventures was skiing the high route across the Sierra from Independence to Fresno, basically.
Yeah. And I, in that experience because I was with Jeff Cooper, Dan Dalbera, and Suniva Sorby, it was great; it was pretty well documented. So I have images from that, and I can tell the story. It's a story that's relevant to people who want to ski the high route, but it's also relevant to a number of different objectives or just, um, inspiration for businesses who are facing challenges as a team or challenges as a marketplace.
And it's even helpful for for our journalists and people like I, I, I use that story was included in Jeannette Stawski's recent book, The Outdoor Leader recent book called The Outdoor Leader. So I have an excerpt in there from this trip that I did, you know, and that, that I learned so much about not just, you know, how to backcountry ski a multi day like big, big objective.
Yeah. Kind of thing, but also about leadership, about following, you know, when the right time is to be following and leading when the, when you're needed to be leading, and that is, It reminds me of kind of this uh, the dynamic in leadership. Like you don't always have to be the big, bad boss. You know, there's times to hand over the boss reins to your up and coming leader or identifying who is, who are your up and coming leaders and investing in them.
And then when the time comes, they have the skills and they have the ability to go out and go for it and take up, take the reins. And I learned a lot about that during this trip where I was not the trip leader. But I had to become the leader for, for at least a while away.
59:44 Do you have any advice for anyone looking to break into the outdoor industry?
My standard answer is for people who have, you know, been asking me this question for decades, I say, well, best way started retail, learn the retail ropes, go with the front lines, talk to people who are just getting into it or need a new piece of gear or need some advice about where to go and what to do. And you'll learn. Where the point pressure points are, where the pain points are, where the opportunities are, where the products are.
Learn More
You can follow up with Kenji at: the biggearshow.com and click contact.
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If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Outdoor industry, #Big Gear Show, #trade shows, #outdoor events, #diversity in leadership, #sustainable practices, #sustainability measures, #PFAS regulations, #environmental issues, #outdoor gear, #mentorship programs, #conservation efforts, #pandemic impact on outdoor industry, #sustainability initiatives, #re-commerce.
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I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
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Hello again everyone. Welcome to episode 451 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I’m speaking with fellow OWAA member Emanuel Rose. Emanuel is an author, outdoorsman, and marketing expert. He says his love for the natural world has been a constant in his life, and he finds joy in exploring towering forests and the energy of the ocean. His childhood fantasy of discovering special wild places inspired him to write, and his children's book series is growing as a result of that passion.
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Show Notes 06:10 Emanuel started writing in childhood, shifted to children's books for grandchildren.
09:41 Emanuel is working on two projects, one about mentoring Gen Z and the other for Gen Z on how to be dynamic individuals. They also wrote about the importance of showing leadership in detoxing from technology and triggering more outdoor time.
12:35 Started a podcast because I was seeking to engage in conversations, provide resources for marketing and AI, and inspire outdoor exploration and wilderness activities.
15:39 re: podcasts, as the host, having the talent and the control allows for selecting guests and topics based on personal interest and connection to outdoor retail wholesale space.
17:21 Authentic Marketing in the Age of AI-AI Marketing: The text is a conversation about the challenges of marketing in the modern world. It focuses on the importance of simplifying marketing efforts and getting back to basics, such as addressing people's concerns in a human-to-human manner and making transactions easy for them. The speaker emphasizes the need to move away from getting lost in key performance indicators (KPIs) and various tools, and instead, focusing on solving problems, providing solutions, and effectively communicating with people.
21:00 Daily Routine: Morning writing and client work, followed by leisure activities in the afternoon such as golf, workouts, or mini adventures. I can easily access nature within an hour.
25:54 Including specific details when reaching out to someone generates better questions and improves the interaction. It's a great tip for effective communication.
Emanuel's Childrens Books
Learn More
You can follow up with Emanuel at: emanuelrose.com
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If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#writer, #marketing books, #children's books, #nature-themed books, #value clarification, #mentorship, #nature impact, #self-discovery, #authentic marketing, #OWAA, #fishing tips, #coaching, #simplifying marketing, #generative AI,
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
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I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears.
Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jonathan Chester has photographed on all seven continents, and specializes in documenting the wild, remote, and extreme and is equally at home in urban and rural settings, covering nature, landscapes, and environmental themes. He continues to guide and lecture on adventure cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic.
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Show Notes 51:13 Thanks for tuning in to the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to never miss an episode. Spread the word and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts.
00:00 Jonathan Grew up in Adelaide, enjoyed nature, joined scouts, and wanted to be a scuba diver.
03:19 The University underwater club led to a scuba diving career.
07:41 you always learn more from getting into hairy situations and trouble than you do when everything goes smoothly.
When everything goes smoothly, it's like, it's too easy, right? The aphorism that, you know, good judgment is the product of experience, but experience quite often is a lot of bad judgment and a lot of sort of uncomfortable or difficult circumstances.
10:35 Decided not to be a guide, became a photojournalist and storyteller for 35 years.
14:08 Exciting sailing journey leads to Antarctic expedition.
18:27 Since 1978, Jonathan has sold photos and stories in magazines.
19:52 Had a career in presenting slideshows in Australia, learned power of storytelling, moved away from climbing and photography.
24:36 Struggling to retrieve rope, dropped camera lens, still works.
28:21 Advancements in power sources for remote travel and photography, including lithium battery packs and solar panels, have made it easier to stay charged while on the move. These technologies have also influenced the capabilities of drones for capturing aerial photography.
30:18 Travel and technology have unavoidable carbon costs.
35:30 Passionate about landscape photography, finds power in nature, and emphasizes creating rather than just taking photos. Utilizes zoom lenses for convenience.
37:15 Staying safe and comfortable while working in the field. Good gear, fitness, and routines are important for photography in challenging conditions. Multiple bodies are useful for quick changes.
40:28 Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars: I always wanna make sure I'm well hydrated and have some decent gloves.
41:58 Favorite book: one of the best reading books about the history of the Antarctic peninsula is called The Storied Ice by Joan Booth. And there's a wonderful biography of Frank Hurley by a colleague of mine, Alistair McGregor. Frank Hurley, A Photographers Life.
40:46 Outdoor essentials: hydration, layered gloves for photography, multi-functional trekking pole.
45:19 The author discusses the importance of photo books and collaboration with a writer, encouraging others to publish.
46:11 Jonathan is excited about the new climbing book, The Art of Climbing, by an Australian, Simon Carter. He's proud of his own books and admires wildlife photographers.
Learn More
You can follow up with Jonathan on his website: extremeimages.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Jonathan Chester, #photo books, #polar bears, #Penguins, #wildlife photographers, #Patagonia, #microplastics, #environmental impact, #landscape photography, #adventure photography, #Mountain Travel Sobek, #Extreme Images, #sustainability, #conservation, #mountaineering, #historical mountaineering, #expedition narratives, #Antarctica history
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears.
Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hello again, everyone. Welcome to episode 449 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. This week, I’m talking with Lauren Hefferon. Lauren has been a devoted cyclist for over 40 years. While in high school in Southern NH, Lauren discovered her passion for pedaling after a serious ski injury prevented her from downhill ski racing and playing many team sports. Upon graduation with a degree in Graphic Design in Mass Art, Laure decided to follow her entrepreneurial cravings and launched Ciclismo Classico. Their mission is to inspire active travelers to embrace cycling as a soulful form of travel that connects us with the world and to the passionate, curious, and creative human spirit.
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Show Notes 00:00 Rick Saez shares outdoor industry insights, interviews, and product innovation on the Outdoor Biz Podcast.
03:30 Lauren grew up without a bicycle in 1950s, until she goe her green Schwinn.
06:34 Art and curiosity drives Lauren's varied interest in anthropology.
11:21 After Cornell, Lauren toured Europe, worked as a tour guide in Italy.
13:30 Created educational bike tours, focused on teaching, not luxury. Started with Pisa to Florence itinerary.
17:21 Some of the earlychallenges were in bike quality and hotel operations.
20:59 Lauren believe in learning through bicycle tours.
24:25 Promotion of lesser-known trips in Italy, creates a succession of tours.
27:57 The goal is to create memorable and safe experiences on bicycle trips, including organizing a surprise performance by the Cortina Choir in the Dolomites.
31:20 Switching from driving tours to biking trips, aiming for full human-powered travel, with exceptions for uninteresting or traffic-heavy stretches.
32:53 Gravel riding in Tuscany and other regions is popular.
35:25 Prefer phone calls for personal connection in planning bicycle trips. Focus on understanding and personalizing experience.
40:44 I love Mary Oliver's nature poems, they remind me to be grateful.
42:01 Cycling should be enjoyed at your own pace, not about speed or sleekness, akin to a ski vacation.
45:37 E-bikes are extending cycling age range and accessibility.
49:32 Lauren turned cyclist after a knee injury, emphasizing the importance of low-impact exercise.
51:13 Thanks for tuning in to the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to never miss an episode. Spread the word and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts.
Learn More
You can follow up with Lauren on Facebook and Instagram by email: and call her directly at: 617-640-4837. That's my cell phone. And then our 800 number is 1-800-866-7314. And our company is www.cyclismoclassico.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Ciclismo Classico, #bike touring, #educational tours, #Italy, #guided tours, #safety clinics, #immersive experience, #cultural interaction, #ebikes, #adventure travel, #personalized experiences, #electric bikes, #environmental benefits, #eco-friendly practices, #gravel riding, #Piedmont, #Tuscany, #Sicily.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
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I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers ears.
Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This week I’m talking with Chris and Kelly Kibbee, founders of No Limits Scuba in Tempe Arizona. If you’re just discovering scuba or looking to go professional, No Limits Scuba sets you apart on your path, by offering the highest quality and standards for safety and fun.
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Show Notes 06:25 Dream of scuba shop ownership fulfilled; now No Limits Scuba has been a full-time career for 11 years.
09:57 Thriving desert diving community offers surprising vibrancy.
11:23 Arizona and Colorado compete for most divers.
16:11 Training leads to becoming a diving instructor. Skills prepare for teaching and responsibility.
19:56 Progress through courses to gain new diving skills and specialties.
22:49 Gradual diving program tailored to individual goals.
24:44 Traveling fosters a sense of community through scuba diving, creating lasting connections with a group of dedicated individuals who become like family.
27:13 Instructor helped mentee become a successful scuba diving instructor.
30:21 Arizona offers diverse outdoor activities, including snowboarding and hiking. The state's geographical diversity allows for cooler, higher elevations just a few hours north of the valley, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
36:15 Enjoys both biographies and fiction, recently read some of Nick Offerman's books, specifically recommending "Paddle Your Own Canoe" for its solid comedic approach to living a meaningful life and Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
Tune in weekly for valuable insights and tips. Subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
You can follow up with Chris and Kelly on Facebook and Instagram and by email: chris@nolimitesscuba.com and kelly@nolimitesscuba.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Scuba diving, #Outdoor gear, #SCUBA certification, #Scuba instructors, #PADI, #Open water training, #Survival skills, #Underwater world, #Exotic destinations#No Limits Scuba, #Marine life, #Dive shop, #Desert diving, #Dive school, #tropical locations, #Professional certification, #Outdoor industry, #Underwater exploration, #Scuba lessons
Get Your Podcast Published NOW!
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers ears.
Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the deets and let me know if you have any questions.
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Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hey everyone. Welcome to episode 447 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. This week I’m talking with Cory Higgins, Cory is the Jetty Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer. One of his early memories of Jetty is Putting $200 in a trucker hat at Jerm's apartment by the Port Hole to pay his portion of starting the company and making their first 3 tees. They’ve come a long way since then!
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Show Notes
"Outdoor Adventures: So, yeah, I mean, there's so many memories of outdoor adventures."— Cory Higgins 00:03:4100:03:45
Entrepreneurship Journey: "And after college, we were sitting around. We were working on 9 to five. And on the weekends, we'd gather at the one guy's apartment and crack some beers and talk about starting a business and working for ourselves someday."— Cory Higgins 00:04:2000:04:57
Starting a Business in the Surf Industry: "And then we just kinda, like, sat on it for a minute, and I did some I did some of that backpacking in Australia."— Cory Higgins 00:04:5700:05:26
Following Your Passion: "Can I take a sabbatical from school and come run your screen printing department?"— Cory Higgins 00:06:2300:06:28
Marketing Strategy: "Our CEO and me would both be working behind the bar talking about in the summertime, we have a big influx of, tourists, and we'll just be talking about the company and selling t shirts and hats and promoting it. And then all those tourists would then go back to their hometowns in the winter with a new t shirt or hat, and then they would talk it up for us to their hometowns. Mhmm. It just kinda kept growing like that."— Cory Higgins 00:09:2100:09:45
B-Corp Impact: "And, he was like, you should look into becoming a B-Corp."— Cory Higgins 00:11:3100:11:33
Sustainable Fashion Trends: "Just trying to use more natural fibers and trying to get everything out of China that we can and diversify a whole lot more."— Cory Higgins 00:17:2700:17:36
Customer Feedback and Retailers: "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, constantly taking feedback. I think the most feedback we take is from our retailers."— Cory Higgins 00:19:2400:19:30
"Product Line Growth and Feedback": "Just you take it all with a grain of salt because one opinion doesn't mean anything."— Cory Higgins 00:20:1700:20:21
Life's Journey: "You're on the path you're supposed to be on."— Cory Higgins 00:27:4400:27:46
Favorite Gear Under $100: NiteIze Biner Clips
Favorite Books: Start With Why by Simon Sinek, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Learn More You can follow up with Cory on Linkedin, Instagram: cory_higgins and by email: cory_higgins@jettylife.com
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords #Jetty, #B Corp certification, #outdoor lifestyle products, #surf lifestyle brands, #organic growth, #social media, #partnership, #collaborations, #product development, #natural fibers, #manufacturing, #US manufacturing, #community events, #international expansion, #young entrepreneurs, #outdoor gear
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today I’m speaking with Buttnski founder Kelly Mazanti. After leaving her corporate life in 2017, Kelly founded a brand design & strategy company, Pier Collective, which she ran for five years between LA and Breckenridge.
She is an alumnus of the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business with a degree in Marketing & Management. She recently had the opportunity to participate as a Capstone partner with the CU Boulder Master's of the Environment program.
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Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
Show Notes 04:53 Skiing memories shape who I am now.
09:10 Skiing, eighties shorts, parents in Colorado.
09:43 Woman keeps old fleece shorts for warmth.
15:27 Supplier flexibility allowed working with local and overseas.
17:18 Family and friends supported our business launch.
21:47 Learning new things, like dealing with customs.
25:20 Thrilled to partner with smart master's student.
27:44 Using local eco-friendly company for packaging materials.
29:27 Customs issue with sourcing animal products.
32:43 Learning the high cost of building a business.
37:25 Developing product line with local designers, prototypes.
41:18 Exciting event at Arapahoe Basin with free riders.
44:16 More women supporting each other in sports.
46:05 Advice: be prepared and buckle up.
46:45 Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear: Tire Repair Kit with Bacon and Noss Tire Sealant
Favorite Book: Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard; Losing and Finding My Virginity by Richard Branson
Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More You can follow up with Kelly and Buttinski on Instagram and their website Buttnski.com
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords #small business, #retail partnerships, #local brand, #online sales, #brand awareness, #bootstrapping, ski resorts, #women's products, #winter sports, #summer activities, #outdoor industry, #sustainable materials, #local manufacturers, #eco-friendly
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to episode 445 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, today I’m talking with Jon Neff founder of SKU Candy. Jon is a passionate and experienced entrepreneur and the Sku Candy mission is to be the premier buying and selling wholesale marketplace in the Outdoor, Lifestyle, Surf, and Sporting Goods Categories.
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Show Notes 09:25 Promotes positive interactions with shop owners.
11:28 Challenges of trade show marketing.
13:12 Creating a trustworthy brand message and distribution.
16:38 Brands cater to emerging businesses and offer help to grow.
20:27 Growth and challenges led to a successful platform.
24:13 Brands expanding into retail, LISS makes surfboard racks.
26:19 Pale Blue Earth offers rechargeable batteries to reduce pollution from disposable ones. They have a 1,000 charge cycle and a limited lifetime guarantee. Use code OD Biz Blue 15 for 15% off at paleblueearth.com.
31:22 Experienced person continues to get gear questions.
35:28 Encouragement to join the growing surfing industry due to diversification.
37:48 Developing new platform, "we call it V2'.
39:26 Brands and buyers seek new, unique, and innovative offerings for competitive advantage.
41:34 Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars: Outdoor Elements Fire Biner and a new brand, Fire Maple, from Asia, which won ISPO awards and offers the X2.
Favorite Books Jack Mars and Simion Sinek
40:42 Thanks for listening to the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez. Visit our website for more info and subscribe.
Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More You can follow up with Jon on Linkedin and by email: jon@skucandy.com
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords #trade shows, #adventure products, #SKU Candy, #outdoor industry, #environmental issues, #technology in outdoor gear, #retail distribution, #direct-to-consumer, #REI Path Ahead Ventures, #alkaline batteries, #e-commerce challenges, #digital marketing, #sustainability practices, #1% for the planet, #sustainable materials, #wholesale marketplace, #Grand Trunk, #The Running Event, #Cotopaxi, #FireBeener, #Fire Maple
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, today I’m talking with Alex Brown from the Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance. The Alliance was established to assemble an engaged network of outdoor enthusiasts, value aligned businesses, innovators, and workforce leaders; organized and resolved to continuously shape, grow, and elevate the Texas’ outdoor recreation ecosystem and natural resources it depends on.
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Show Notes 04:34 Alex's says his passion for nature has always kind of been there. he was always the little kid now kind of running off into the woods or into the creek. They grew up around, and were in a pretty rural area, but you know, kind of on the outside of the suburbs, but had access to creeks and farm fields that they would climb fences and go over and, he was just always out there spending as much time as I could.
5:00 His Grandparents got him into nature camps as a kid when he was in elementary age and, learned a lot about it and just learned to appreciate it and learn to spend time in it and just valued it and kind of just stuck throughout the rest of his life
05:22 Alex's venture Geared Up was a startup that I saw as a way to maybe transition out of my career, which at that time was working as a project manager or a laboratory program manager with the DOD doing a lot of biomedical research programs
06:56 The inspiration came from a bit of a bit of situational awareness just keeping an eye on what was happening with the outdoor industry. Geared Up was my sort of inundation into, you know, the Outdoor Industry Association and ORR and all these resources. And I saw These offices of outdoor rec popping up across the different states.
And at that time I was looking for any kind of support I could get as a small business startup that was just, you know, burning the candle at all ends.
12:38 Coordinating various groups for networking and idea exchange.
15:25 Challenges in organization growth, prioritizing Texas first.
19:03 Collaborating with nonprofits for mission alignment, soon to be announced.
21:57 Launching platform, tapping into collaborative workspaces, engaging with local chambers of commerce.
24:05 Exciting developments in Texas, momentum building for the future.
26:16 Favorite Books: Into Thin Air and Unbroken
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Learn More Learn More The Campaign website, which is: trailblazetx.com
IG
You can follow up with Alex on Linkedin
and email: Alex@txora.org
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords #Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance, #Outdoor Recreation Brands, #outdoor industry, #networking, #fundraising, #Texas, #small businesses, #outdoor gear, #outdoor events, #collaboration, #non-profit organization, #economic impact, #infrastructure development, #outdoor space
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jake Wallace was born and raised in the corn fields of Iowa where he learned how to fix fences, build barns and generally throw hay bales larger than cows with ease. Life has been nothing but an adventure for Jake. In addition to working for NOLS Wilderness Medicine, he works as a professional mountain guide which takes him around the world to beautiful mountains and rivers alongside amazing people.
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Show Notes 00:00 Experiencing outdoor adventures sparked lifelong enthusiasm.
03:59 Jake enjoys diverse pursuits and follows people they admire in various fields, such as outdoor education, leadership, and medicine. They believe in imparting wisdom and following the example of respected individuals.
07:04 Trauma where a dear friend was killed spurred career change and led to helping others outdoors.
11:13 Appreciating diverse cultures during travel.
15:52 Swift water rescue training in California, accident injures teammate.
18:13 Took first responder course, met friends, and kept up with instructors.
21:23 Wilderness medicine course with three instructors, 30 students, hands-on training, high exam pass rate.
25:32 It's important for groups and guides to push comfort levels for growth.
26:16 Learning to manage risk as I age, considering family and recovery ability and the importance of open communication in decision-making.
29:43 The future looks promising with growing outdoor interest, but time and money constraints may affect long outdoor courses like NOLS.
34:47 Advice for aspiring outdoor industry professionals: Respect the community, follow your passion, and learn from experienced mentors.
37:16 Favorite gear under $100: I've got this really old stuff sack that I think it was for a pair of skins from 15, 20, 20 years ago. That stuff sack
always has all of my favorite snacks in it, so I think my favorite thing is my snack bag.
38:15 Do you have a favorite book or two? Yeah, I read a lot. One of my favorite authors is Bill Bryson and a walk in the woods.
Another I can't think of right now. I think it's called the Emerald Mile.
40:42 Thanks for listening to the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez. Visit our website for more info and subscribe.
Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More You can follow up with Jake at jake_wallace@nols.edu and NOLS on their website.
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords #NOLS, #wilderness EMT training, #Lander, Wyoming, #risk mitigation, #outdoor activities, #Pale Blue Earth batteries, #outdoor safety, #Devil's Lake, #mountain river guide, #outdoor education, #outdoor gear, #risk management, #environmental stewardship, #Wilderness Medicine, #swift water rescue, #instructor training.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today on Episode 442 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Lava Linens founder Mary Swanson. With a Master's Degree in Public Health and Environment and 15+ years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, Mary Swanson has now found herself leading the next generation outdoor gear company.
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Show Notes 00:00 Episode 442 features Lava Linens founder, Mary Swanson, discussing eco-friendly outdoor gear.
03:14 Memories of childhood road trips and first trip to Peru with partner.
09:04 Challenging sourcing for quality linen towel.
10:42 Process of making high quality linen textile involves 12 manual steps, resulting in soft, mid-weight fabric with art and science.
13:20 Received valuable support, led to success, continuing partnership.
19:36 Surprised and grateful for connections, creating custom products.
22:36 Sponsored Granite Gear's groundskeepers, open to partnerships for natural fiber gear.
27:26 Focus on learning, purpose beyond production.
29:53 Favorite items under $100 include a Garmin Watch and Vibram 5 Finger shoes used after foot surgery.
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Learn More You can follow Mary on her LinkedIn page and their website, Lava Linens
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
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Keywords #Outdoor industry #Natural fiber textiles #Minimalistic approach #Affordable outdoor gear #Sustainable products #Lava Linens #Sun protection gear #Natural fiber gear #Innovative fabrics #Eco-friendly products #Legacy brand #Flax cultivation #Small business partnerships #Custom-designed towels #Environmental sustainability
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today on The Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Travel Writer Jessica Poitevien. Jessica says that storytelling has always been her passion. Whether she’s reviewing a new hotel, diving deep into little-known destinations or helping a travel brand tell their story, she does it all with the hopes of inspiring others to explore this beautiful world.
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Show Notes 04:54 Jessica Started a travel blog in Spain, burned out, and freelance writing led to a travel job.
08:38 Stories have a purpose - entertaining vs. informative.
10:24 Knowing your limitations as a travel writer as a travel writer, and using local expertise.
14:51 I remember I went on a press trip once, and I was on an assignment to write about this resort.
It was not my type of vacation; others loved it, considering the target audience.
17:32 Style depends on story, some for issue-solving, a personal experience, expert advice, lists of things, etc.
20:39 Editors are flexible about travel stories.
29:13 Find time to create. It's challenging, but I must sit down and write or walk to gather thoughts.
30:29 Connected with ATTA through colleague Amanda Castleman, co-teaching, travel writing, pitching, recommended for ATTA events.
34:49 Jessica's advice for getting into travel writing: Start with what you know, writing about familiar places first.
38:48 AI and technology may handle basic writing, leaving space for genuine storytelling.
Jessicas Favorite Book: The Alchemist
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Learn More You can follow Jessica on her LinkedIn page and on her website, She Dreams of Travel.
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #travel writer, #storytelling, #travel blogging, #travel industry, #travel experiences, #tourism board trips, #travel writing, #outdoor storytelling, #camping, #Sahara Desert, #freelance opportunities, #journalism, #travel blog
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we wrap up our series on adventure travel with Shannon Stowell. Shannon leads the ATTA as CEO after re-starting the organization in 2004 pursuing the vision that it could be a powerful force for good in the tourism industry.
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Show Notes 00:00 ATTA Started small, took over, expanded worldwide later.
06:30 Networking, events, and travel fill our days.
16:13 High level consulting for destination events, like Panama.
18:40 Developing international adventure travel guide standards for sustainability.
24:36 Sustainability is crucial for adventure travel, combatting overuse.
30:59 An Iraq trip to an ancient monastery was impactful.
37:11 Rick was on a trip with Cindy from Changes in Latitude. Our Guide, Ecka, led a fantastic trek along the Caucasus Mtns near the Russian border.
39:31 Adventure Travel helps in preserving local heritage and pride through cultural expression.
48:45 Industry is evolving towards sustainability, responsible practices emphasized.
52:46 Friends made a tough decision about an event in Jordan.
55:44 Big crowd, positive feedback, hope for Jordan.
01:02:26 Outdoor Biz Podcast: Subscribe, rate, spread word.
ATTA Partners
ATTA Event Calendar
Follow up with Shannon:
ATTA website
Welcome to Episode 439 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I’m talking with Bob Wohlers of Off-Road Safety Academy; Bob is, first and foremost, an outdoor adventurer. Simply put, he's a "surf and turf" kind of guy. Regarding the "surf" aspect, for 32 years Bob created curricula and invented training methodologies for PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. For the "turf" aspect, Bob has been an avid off-roader his entire life. He knows the "zen" and "fine art" of safe and environmentally responsible off-road driving."
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Show Notes 00:00 Transitioned from teaching to recreational scuba, then worked on curriculum and elearning for PADI's team.
07:18 Drove on unfinished highway in Baja while taking naps, went diving in Sea of Cortez, got into off roading and bought own off road vehicle.
10:33 Enthusiastic about off-roading courses, found value in learning and eager to improve skills.
17:40 The speaker discusses the importance of managing injuries and illnesses in the field, highlighting the necessity of a wilderness first aid kit and an AED (automated external defibrillator) for tours and training courses. They stress the significance of being prepared for medical emergencies to ensure the safety of participants.
24:08 Three rangers died in a tragic accident, one of whom was driving without 4-wheel drive knowledge, leading to a rollover in Mohave National Preserve. The vehicle was displayed at the park headquarters as a reminder of the dangers of four-wheeling.
30:02 Overlanding tours require 4WD vehicles for camping at various sites each night before sundown. The tours prioritize getting to camp early for dinner, and there are always interesting activities.
36:05 It's essential for permitted outfitters to adhere to guidelines in backcountry tours to preserve the environment and maintain their permits, as not doing so could result in significant repercussions and damage their reputation in the industry.
36:38 Bob is deeply committed to promoting environmental ethics and sustainability through his work as a master tread trainer for Tread Lightly. He emphasizes responsible off-roading and leaving campsites cleaner than they were found.
43:30 Hybrid vehicles provide extended range with both battery and internal combustion engines. Toyota is showing interest in hydrogen engines, such as their new v eight hydrogen engine, using hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. This approach aims to create an electric vehicle that runs on hydrogen directly, rather than converting it to electricity.
48:34 Praising Starlink tours with OBD 2 connector for diagnosing check engine light, but limited by the type of connector.
57:14 Not all Jeeps are great on the highway; consider your specific needs and usage before purchasing a vehicle.
58:16 Desire to shift focus to off-road safety training and build a professional association for training instructors in the industry, inspired by witnessing the success of a similar association in scuba diving.
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More You can follow Bob on LinkedIn and at Off-Road Safety Academy.
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #check engine light, #off-road training, #overlanding, #personal locator beacon, #environmental responsibility, #sustainability, #rock crawling, #overland tours, #East Mohave track, #off-road gear, #navigation tools, #GPS, #Starlink Gen 3, #Off Road Safety Academy, #Off Road Training Association (ORDA), #wilderness first aid, #VW dune buggy, #Chevy Blazer
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we dive into the world of adventure travel with Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian from HI Travel Tales. Therese and Michael share their many adventures with us and how HI Travel Tales came to life!
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Show Notes 00:00 Podcast series explores thrilling adventure travel journeys and shares captivating stories from guides, outfitters, and destinations. It ignites wanderlust and inspires outdoor adventures.
07:45 Studying in Germany had a profound impact, broadening the individual's perspective on life and travel, as the experience of living in a different culture opened their eyes to the big world and the multitude of wonderful experiences it offers. This influenced their understanding of how cultures and people interact to shape the reality we experience, ultimately leading to a much broader perspective on life and travel.
10:38 Therese's Italy visit, amazed by David statue's impact on her perception of art.
19:06 Michael discusses the transition from writing creatively to incorporating journalism and SEO keywords. They express a realization that personal experiences and deeper connections resonate most with readers. They emphasize the importance of telling stories in a unique, non-traditional way to create reader engagement.
25:17 Michael discusses his interest in AI for research, mentioning their upcoming panel at a travel writers' conference and their use of AI for story ideas. They express both fascination and unease with AI's capabilities, sharing an anecdote about using it to generate a specific request.
26:38 A program can generate requested photos, but the accuracy may not always be guaranteed, as real-life details may be overlooked.
33:12 Success in content creation can be achieved by focusing on a niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. It references the concept of "1,000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly, who argues that having 1,000 dedicated supporters who consistently pay for your content can lead to a sustainable income. The text suggests that creators don't need to have a broad following to thrive in today's world.
39:59 People value authenticity, but the shallowness of social media leads to a focus on superficial qualities like aesthetics and follower count. The obsession with Instagram-friendly content and the game of gaining and losing followers eclipses genuine engagement.
46:59 To succeed in the outdoor and travel media industry, one must be prepared to take on a variety of tasks, from writing and photography to working for destinations. It's a multifaceted world that requires perseverance, while staying true to oneself is also crucial.
50:03 Giving away content for free diminishes its value and affects the ability to sustain a livelihood in travel writing. This parallels the decline of newspapers when they offered online content for free, leading to current expectations of free access. Diluting quality for free offerings may hinder future opportunities in the travel writing business.
54:06 Experienced influencers emphasize unique, detailed content creation and collaboration, prioritizing involvement and avoiding generic itineraries. Their approach stands out in the travel industry.
01:00:07 In group settings, time is limited for in-depth questions. It's better to keep your best questions to yourself and ask them later to avoid sharing valuable information with everyone else.
01:05:31 Michael always brings his inflatable camp pillow on trips for comfort and support because he finds pillows at accommodations uncomfortable.
01:14:26 The text emphasizes the importance of correctly spelling "high travel tails" for easy Google search results. It also mentions the authors' individual Instagram accounts and encourages subscribers and followers.
01:15:52 The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez thanks listeners for tuning in and encourages them to visit the website for show notes and to subscribe and share the podcast.
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
You can learn more about HI Travel Tales and Michael & Therese HERE
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Adventure travel, #HI Travel Tales, #Photography, #Travel Writing, #Outdoor experiences, #Adventure gear, #Backpacking, #Adventure Travel Destinations, #Responsible travel
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hey everyone, Welcome to Episode 437 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m talking with Chez Chesak. Chez is an award-winning adventure travel writer and 20+ year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. He is also Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
Show Notes 06:13 Frequent travel for work, including long trips to Australia and South Africa, led to amazing opportunities but strained family life. Looking forward to finally bringing family to these places.
08:33 Chez highlights the irony of spending excessive time indoors managing communication, social media, and engaging with the board and members. They also mention creating job opportunities for members through posting positions and communicating about awards.
11:35 Chez talks about Looking forward to the upcoming July event in Johnson City, Tennessee, with vetted outdoor media, regional tourism boards, and brands networking. The event will feature a marketplace for networking, city tours, and professional development, offering abundant networking opportunities in the beautiful Tennessee location.
13:17 Navigating the evolving media landscape involves supporting various content creators to boost their careers.
18:18 Podcasting growth potential in outdoor space and its ability to reach people 24/7.
20:28 Chez explains maintaining the importance of OWAA's welcoming environment for new members while embracing the tight-knit community is a great challenge. It's important to ensure new members feel included and connected when joining events like Fieldfast or the conference.
24:51 Encouraging young people with a passion for the outdoors and storytelling to join OWAA for resources and career support, including opportunities for those just starting out or making a career change.
26:18 OWAA offers fellowships to support the development of outdoor storytellers, and also provides a $30 student membership, available to undergraduate and graduate students from any school.
31:13 Discovering healing stories through yoga for veterans while facing challenges with traditional media outlets. An article about yoga for vets led to learning about the healing effects of yoga on veterans, including personal experiences with a medic.
33:58 Emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and perseverance in building one's skills and career. Stressing the value of continually refining one's craft, the speaker highlights the power of regular, persistent action in achieving recognition and opportunities.
36:40 Excited for organizational growth after focusing on internal improvements and reinventing processes with board and volunteers.
41:31 Chez is passionate about military history and acknowledges a lack of diversity in their reading habits. He tries to read other genres, particularly classics, and is reintroduced to them through a teen in the house. He is currently rereading "The Bureau of Ungentlemanly Warfare" in preparation for the upcoming movie adaptation.
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
You can follow Chez at Chez Connects
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWA, #outdoor storytelling, #diversity and inclusion, #outdoor industry, #content creation, #career development, #award-winning adventure, #outdoor media, #podcasting, #traditional writers, #professional development, #media professionals, #social media influencers, #bloggers, #traditional print journalists, #storytelling, #tourism boards
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we dive into the world of adventure travel with industry pioneers, Steve and Nona Barker. Join us as we explore the origins of their iconic travel gear brand, Eagle Creek, and their journey in shaping the adventure travel market.
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Show Notes 03:28 They agreed, and through an outdoor skills course, I got to know Nona for the first time.
08:53 The conversation covers early challenges in finance and distribution, specifically the tough nature of distribution. There is also a mention of whether the distribution was regional or national, with reference to Oshman's being in a few malls back in the day.
13:02 Struggles in the beginning, but success followed. Feedback from customers through retail stores was instrumental in achieving success.
16:09 Adventure travel caters to active, diverse customers by offering outdoor activities such as trekking, backpacking, skiing, and surfing in different locations worldwide, appealing to a wide range of interests and preferences.
17:53 In the 90s, Eagle Creek was involved in teaching retailers about adventure travel gear, while also selling the travel gear dealer program. It took some time for the retailers to catch on to the concept.
21:07 Passionate involvement in conservation, frustration over limited global funding for non-North American regions. Started The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.
24:30 Focusing on responsible travel, minimizing impact, and community support.
29:01 Amplify local voices, elevate to leadership positions.
31:02 Service providers must balance meeting consumer demands for various travel experiences with the need to educate travelers on sustainable practices and ensure the conservation of natural resources and protection of local communities.
36:31 Thanks for joining the Outdoor Biz Podcast! Visit our website for more information and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word. Your support means a lot!
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
To learn more about them at the ATCF
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Adventure travel, #Eagle Creek, #Travel gear, #Retail, Distribution, #Marketing, #Conservation, #Sustainability, #Outdoor experiences, #Adventure gear, #Backpacking, #Adventure travel destinations, #Brand history, #Travel business, #Conservation fund, #Responsible travel
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today I'm talking with Barry McGeough. Barry is an applied innovation Fortune 500 leader, delivering high-impact solutions to global multi-brand verticals that drive exponential growth to some of the world's most iconic brands.
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Show Notes 00:00 Friend's 60th birthday boat trip to Channel Islands, cooking as camp cook after returning from China.
06:31 Discusses innovating for brands through athlete-driven ideas.
11:32 AI relies on large language models to learn and improve, needing constant updates and access to vast amounts of data.
20:58 Proposing garment recycling for polyester energy.
23:07 Companies face sustainability legislation and extended producer responsibility acts globally e.g. EU, New York, California, and France.
29:37 Used shoe recycling process lowers costs, reduces landfill waste.
36:25 Volunteered for education-focused NGO in Vietnam, aiming to uplift rural children through STEM education to attend university.
38:02 Organization supports Vietnamese education and leadership in Vietnam and the US.
46:05 Emphasis on applied innovation, connection to core business, and leveraging influence without P&L ownership.
52:16 Collaborating to ensure footwear quality and suitability for purpose during commercialization.
53:42 Barry supports startups and advises them to be honest and straightforward.
58:28 Data is collected from ambient sources, like location and environment, and used to create a detailed picture of activities and trends.
01:06:55 Recommend resources: a16z newsletter, TLDR Newsletter, MIT Technology Review, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey for trend insights.
01:11:38 Society has godlike capabilities but cavemanlike instincts, leading to the question of the human vs. the machine. The focus is on mental health and technology's impact on isolation.
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Learn More
To learn more about Barry, you can find him on Linkedin
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #GDPR, #compliance, #circularity, #sustainability, #peer-to-peer resale, #innovation, #tech trends, #AI, #coding, #technology impact, #nature deficit disorder, #South by Southwest, #product development, #digital innovation, #machine learning, #adjacent industries, #sustainable growth, #apparel industry, #market dynamics, #outdoor industry, #innovation culture, #conservation, #sustainability efforts, #digital innovation, #brand growth
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to the Outdoor Biz Podcast Adventure Travel Series, where we embark on thrilling journeys and share captivating stories exploring the world of adventure travel. Join me as I share the stories of guides, outfitters, and destinations that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next great adventure. Whether it's scaling majestic peaks, diving into turquoise waters, We're traversing vast wilderness. We unveil the hidden gems that every outdoor enthusiast dreams of exploring.
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Show Notes 00:00 Entrepreneur recounts excitement of starting river company.
06:19 Excited guides seek new adventure on Omo River.
11:47 Hidden creatures ambush and devour prey underwater.
16:43 Encountered naked tribes, photographed and shared images.
23:43 Started small, wrote, and grew into success.
26:42 Pioneering adventure travel company explores new frontiers.
41:04 Sustainable travel, small groups, local engagement emphasized.
43:37 Enjoying meeting locals and sharing meals worldwide.
49:15 Global adventure travel company survives through challenges.
58:32 First trip to Uganda, fascinated by exploration.
01:01:06 Couple explores Africa together, she becomes hero.
50:21 Books: I'm currently reading a novel called The Romantic by William Boyd; some memorable books are River of the Gods by Candace Millard, The Devil Drives, To the Heart of the Nile by Pat Shipman
49:46 Uganda article
54:31:01 Favorite Gear under $100: Moleskine Notebook.
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Learn More
To learn more about Richard, visit his website at: https://www.richardbangs.com/
and on these social sites
You Tube
You can find Mtn Travel Sobek here
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Textile waste, #Ethical sourcing, #Forever chemicals #PFAS #Environmental impact #Environmental regulations #Publishing process #Speciesism #Outdoor Minimalist book #Podcast creation #Conservationists
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hey everyone, Welcome to Episode 433 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with outdoor writer and podcaster Meg Carney. Meg is an outdoor and environmental writer with a passion for environmental advocacy. She primarily covers topics within the outdoor industry ranging from the best new products and greenwashing to the scientific coverups of hazardous chemicals. And if you’re not listening to her series on Forever Chemicals released on March 4th . . . get on that . . . it’s a MUST listen. Meg is dropping New episodes every Monday through April.
Welcome to Episode 433 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with outdoor writer and podcaster Meg Carney.
Meg is an outdoor and environmental writer with a passion for environmental advocacy. She primarily covers topics within the outdoor industry ranging from the best new products and greenwashing to the scientific coverups of hazardous chemicals. And if you’re not listening to her series on Forever Chemicals released on March 4th . . . get on that . . . it’s a MUST listen. Meg is dropping New episodes every Monday through April.
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Show Notes 00:00 Grandfather's conservationist influence sparked environmental passion.
05:01 First article published led to freelance writing career.
08:16 The text discusses speciesism, the unequal treatment of different animal species. It uses the example of how dogs are often treated as human children, while pigs are seen as livestock, despite having similar intelligence. The discussion is presented in a fictional narrative.
10:10 Book focuses on consumer sustainability, lacks industry perspective.
14:21 Passionate about surprising complexity of textile industry.
16:43 Teflon pants are made using forever chemicals, known for their extreme durability and widespread use in water repellency. They gained attention through documentaries and have become a major topic in the outdoor industry.
22:53 Explored eastern US outdoor spaces during 5-month trip.
24:26 Minnesota van adventure with cozy warm nights and free camping experiences.
27:41 Hiking, mud mishap in South Carolina.
29:24 Favorite Outdoor Activity: Gravel Biking and I love any of the jouring activities, ski jouring, bike jouring anything that can allow me to recreate with my dogs.
32:24 Buying less reduces environmental impact and waste. Textiles are particularly difficult to reuse and recycle efficiently, so making products last longer is crucial. Applying waterproofing to extend the life of clothing is a sustainable practice.
35:10 Lava Linens, a Woman-founded company offers efficient, compact travel towels.
37:19 Meg's Favorite Book: The Monkey Wrench Gang, Desert Solitaire, Ed Abbey's Essays, Megs Book Outdoor Minimalist
38:32 Doug Peacock and environmental conservation. OD Biz Episode 326
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
To learn more about Meg, visit her website at: outdoorminimalist.com
You can also visit Meg on these social sites:
YouTube
Anchorfm
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Textile waste, #Ethical sourcing, #Forever chemicals #PFAS #Environmental impact #Environmental regulations #Publishing process #Speciesism #Outdoor Minimalist book #Podcast creation #Conservationists
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today I’m talking with MXXY co-founder Drew Dawson. MXXY was born on the trails of Marin County, California. Growing up there Drew and co-founder Nicloa Beglum spent their days hiking, biking and running. Electrolytes played a big role in helping them feel and perform their best but fumbling with extra bottles was a distraction, and reservoirs left a gunky mess to clean when they got home. The technology didn’t exist to solve that so they created it. Today, Drew and I talk about that and plenty more.
If you write as much as I do, it’s nice to have a little backup with spelling and grammar, and I use Grammarly. Grammarly is a cloud-based typing assistant. It reviews spelling, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes, detects plagiarism, and suggests replacements for the identified errors. It also allows users to customize their style, tone, and context-specific language.
Their instant grammar checker corrects all grammar errors and enhances your writing.
To try it out, go to ricksaez dot com slash grammarcheck and get signed up today. You can thank me later. That's Ricksaez dot com slash grammar check.
Show Notes 04:14 Founding company, bonding with biking community.
08:09 Discovering electrolytes; the neon fluid phenomenon.
11:12 Innovative water system with effective cleaning solutions.
15:17 Learning from selling minimum viable product critical.
16:57 Passion for building physical products drove success.
22:21 Life is a constant ebb and flow.
31:23 Modular system with detachable and replaceable parts.
33:17 Embracing challenges leads to personal growth.
37:17 Fan of YETI's founders and brand.
39:47 Validate your business idea with data first.
43:52 Building anything is valuable in business.
Learn More
To learn more about Drew and MXXY, visit their website at: https://gomxxy.com/
You can also visit MXXY on these social sites:
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Product Design #Validation #Product Concept #Data Validation #Investment #Building a Business #Product Validation #Luck vs. Process #Product Improvement #Kickstarter
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This week I'm talking with Rachel Gross, an environmental and cultural historian of the modern U. S. and an assistant professor of history at the University of Colorado Denver. Among many accolades and experiences, Rachel was a Carson Fellow at the Rachel Carson Center in Munich and, for her doctoral research, wrote about the history of outdoor clothing and gear in the U.S. from the Civil War to the present. Her book is: Shopping All the Way to the Woods: How the Outdoor Industry Sold Nature to America
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If you write as much as I do, it’s nice to have a little backup with spelling and grammar, and I use Grammarly. Grammarly is a cloud-based typing assistant. It reviews spelling, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes, detects plagiarism, and suggests replacements for the identified errors. It also allows users to customize their style, tone, and context-specific language.
Their instant grammar checker corrects all grammar errors and enhances your writing.
To try it out, go to ricksaez dot com slash grammarcheck and get signed up today. You can thank me later. That's Ricksaez dot com slash grammar check.
Show Notes 00:00 Shifted from outdoor pursuits to writing about them professionally.
04:46 Global scholars gather at Munich's Rachel Carson Center.
09:58 Early guidebooks promoted self-reliance in the outdoors, discouraging buying equipment and emphasizing the Woodcraft ethic of creating makeshift arrangements from natural materials.
11:15 Early white guidebook authors claim close Native American ties to validate their information sources. They emphasize their relationship with Native Americans as a way of asserting the authenticity of their knowledge. Their focus on white settlers' connections to the Native American past is reflected in the stories of native peoples being displaced from national parks in the early 20th century, which are recurrent themes in their publications.
15:35 Book delves into paradox of outdoor consumerism, exploring its history and impact on American attitudes towards nature.
18:23 Consumer identity linked to fancy cooking gadgets. Participation.
22:06 Outdoor industry leads in photography and sustainability.
24:56 Experts doubt Patagonia's sincerity in anti-consumerism ad.
29:14 "Ski Style" by Annie Gilbert Coleman is a recommended book that explores the culture and evolution of skiing in the 20th century. It provides insights into how skiing has become associated with specific social classes, economic accessibility, and the development of ski resorts and attire. The book encourages readers to critically evaluate the origins and evolution of this popular recreational activity.
32:21 Encouraging introspection on consumerism's values and influence. Reflecting on personal choices and societal impact.
33:46 Researcher finds value in personal stories for understanding.
Learn More
To learn more about Rachel and her work, visit her website at: https://rachel-gross.com/
You can also visit Rachel on these social sites:
X
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #outdoor gear, #history of camping, #outdoor industry, #research, #cultural history, #environmental history, #environmental sustainability, #consumerism, #American outdoor identity, #consumer behavior, #product design, #sustainability initiatives
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today, I’m talking with endurance athlete Nadia Ruiz. I met Nadia at The Running Event in Austin last year. Nadia is a personal coach, the youngest female to finish 100 marathons, and has completed over 650 races around the globe. We talk about her love for running, the various events she has run, her coaching activities, and more.
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00:00 Inspired by Ironman race, dreamed of participating someday.
03:34 Expensive, equipment-heavy triathlon; initially aimed for marathon. Discovered LA Marathon.
09:17 During the COVID pandemic, to pass the time, I created lists of my top 10 favorite trail marathons, international races, and US marathons. I have participated in over 650 races across the globe in the past 26 years, finding great joy in the people I met, the sights I saw, and the food I enjoyed. The experience of racing frequently has allowed me to connect with others who share the same passion. The first race I ever did holds a special place in my heart, as it made me feel invincible.
13:08 Ecuadorian heritage fuels passion for trail running.
17:05 I fit running into my schedule whenever possible, whether it's during lunch or in the morning or evening. It's not a chore for me, and I've been running for 26 years.
22:19 Success begins with small, consistent steps taken daily. It's important to remember that even the best athletes had to start with that first challenging step.
23:23 Favorite Piece of Running gear: Trekking poles and Micro-spikes
24:09 Favorite Books: Champion Mindset, Running Your First Ultra: Customizable Training Plans for Your First 50K to 100-Mile Race: New Edition with Write-In Training Journal
25:30 I'm open to help, don't hesitate to connect
Learn More You can follow up with Nadia here:
Links
nadiacruiz@yahoo.com
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #endurancecoaching, #running, #triathlon, #strengthtraining, #mobility, #aging, #recovery, #snowboarding, #swimming, #cycling, #cross-country, #dog-training, #running gear, #outdoor gear, #ultra running, #trail running, #marathon, #Ironman, #LA marathon, #event marketing, #education, #cross training, #triathlons, #Inca Trail marathon, #racing experience, #outdoor industry, #event production
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to Episode 429 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m talking with Mark Holyoak, Director of Communication at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Mark has been in the communications business for 35 years. He spent the first 24 years as a television broadcast journalist in Kansas, Washington and Montana. In 2012, he accepted the position of director of communication at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, where he oversees Bugle magazine, produces written and digital content, creates video scripts, and is responsible for all internal and external communications. He likes to hunt, fly fish, hike, play softball, basketball, and hockey, and ride his mountain unicycle with his kids.
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Show Notes * 00:00 As a child in the 70s and 80s, I spent most of my time outside, exploring the creek bottoms, catching crawdads, fishing, and playing with friends. It was a carefree time when we would leave the house in the morning and only return when it was dark. I have fond memories of hiking, skipping rocks, and playing with critters - typical kid stuff, really. * 04:41 Fond memories of hunting with parents in Utah. * 07:04 Bonding through outdoor activities, father and son. * 11:11 Transitioned from news anchor to public relations director. * 15:21 Father, a petroleum geologist, inspired deep love for profession. * 17:12 Gaining factory work experience, learning from veterans. * 19:31 Elk organization's efforts support wildlife and habitat conservation through fundraising and projects like forest thinning and prescribed burns. * 24:34 Preserving land for public hunting and fishing access. * 27:16 Addressing environmental and animal rights movements is crucial. These movements pose challenges such as limiting fishing and public access. Professional wildlife managers and biologists are essential for informed decision-making. * 30:41 Hunting expeditions with family and friends in the mountains, seeking elk but not always successful, while also feeling excited about introducing the activity to a grandson and an unexpected interest from an older daughter. * 33:24 Take decisive action and create opportunities. * 37:47 I Considered buying various fly fishing bait colors. * 39:29 Manages Elk Foundation publication staff and media monitoring. * 44:04 Conserved 72,000 acres, opened access to 78,000. Large easement in Kentucky for public access. * 36:52 What's one or two of your favorite books? I'm not really a book reader. I'm more of an online article reader. RMEF's Bugle Magazine. Although I do like John Grisham, I'll say that. * 34:34 Favorite piece of Outdoor Gear under $100: So I really like fly fish. I buy the materials, and I tie my own flies. I really enjoy that. And so I came across my wife's embroidery thread. She had Orange for October caddises and olive green for olive caddises and black and yellow for really vibrant, for just Adam's flies or just all sorts of everything. And so I didn't purchase it. I'm like, Hey, when's the last time you did any of this? Oh, I don't really do that anymore. I'm going to take this bag, it has all these different colors in it. So it wasn't a purchase. It was more of just a pilfering. Right. And, but that's what I use. I mean, you can obviously go and get different types of materials from Sportsman's Warehouse or Cabela's or wherever you shop and make your own bodies. But I'm telling you that embroidery stuff works great
Learn More
To learn more about Mark and The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit their website at: https://www.rmef.org/
You can also visit The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on these social sites:
YouTube
X
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, #Elk hunting, #Conservation, #Advocacy, #Land conservation, #Access projects, #Habitat enhancement, #Wildlife overpass crossings, #Outdoor industry, #Wildlife management, #Outdoor excursions, #Family activities, #Volunteer projects, #BLM, #Forest service, #Highway wildlife migration, #Fly fishing, #Hunting skills, #Television broadcast journalist.
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to Episode 428 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Mari Bodensteiner and Space Trailers. Mari grew up on the backwaters of the upper Mississippi. She is an avid hiker and amateur angler. Before her career in marketing, she taught English and Rhetoric at several universities across the country. Additionally, she contracted with the State Department to develop international educational programs in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. She currently works to grow the SPACE Trailers brand and is most inspired by the passionate consumers that she gets to interact with each day.
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Show Notes * 00:00 The individual discusses their transition from teaching to a marketing role, emphasizing the influence of lifelong learning from education on shaping their career path. They note a connection between teaching rhetoric at the university level and their current role as a marketing director, highlighting how the communication principles they taught, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, directly translates to marketing messaging. * 04:15 Chris and Rich have collaborated for over 30 years in manufacturing and entrepreneurship. They have a strong background in manufacturing and have successfully built numerous companies together. They recently acquired a company called space trailers from two eccentric brothers in Minnesota, and are now working with their family in this dynamic. * 07:37 Families are enjoying the convenience and excitement of cross country road trips with compact trailers, freeing up extra space in their jam-packed vehicles for bikes and kayaks. There has been a surge in the shipping of these trailers, which are compact and lightweight, and can be stored vertically for easy delivery. This increase in demand for trailers is attributed to the transition back to a hybrid workplace or less flexibility in work arrangements. * 10:03 Choose between a high rider and a low rider based on preference, considering the hitch height for vehicles like vans and Jeeps. In 2023, a new high rider XL was introduced, offering 20% more space, higher sides, a heavier axle, and additional wells for carrying more gear. This new trailer received positive feedback for its increased capacity, prompting requests for even higher sides. * 15:21 At trade shows, we actively engage with consumers by encouraging them to visit our booth, share their experiences, and connect with us on social media. We also refer them to relevant consumer-driven social media groups for quick answers to their questions and concerns. * 17:21 Enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and angling. Described the pleasant location on the Mississippi River and the bluffs, and mentioned the lack of snow and mild winter weather. Shared an experience of doing a polar plunge in Northern Wisconsin over the new year due to the absence of ice, usually used for fishing. * 21:05 Customers express a strong affection for the brand, noting its unique appeal in the form of the substantial number of follow-up pictures they send. They derive a sense of pride and ownership from assembling the product, particularly appreciating the feature of the removable canopy. The process of putting it on for the first time and being able to take it off and on as needed evokes a feeling of accomplishment for them. Moreover, they find joy in sharing their experiences of traveling with the product, often showcasing the initial location they take it to. This not only offers a rewarding experience for the customers but also adds a layer of fun and connection for the brand. * 25:43 The text emphasizes the importance of community-building for achieving success, drawing on Malcolm Gladwell's ideas about talent and success. It highlights the shift from solely focusing on talent to recognizing the significance of community, both internally among coworkers and externally through networking with other brands and brand partnerships. This approach extends to engaging with consumers and emphasizes that success is not just about making sales but also about nurturing a strong community within the business. * 26:29 Encourages connecting and sharing ideas through social media, website, or email, emphasizing the presence of a person behind digital interactions. Expresses a strong desire to connect and engage with marketers, consumers, and developers to share and grow ideas. * 17:44 Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks with a product idea to get it into production? Yeah, I think there are so many great ideas out there and to build something is easy, but then to reproduce it again and again and again.So we, we've got a really strong build process and making sure every trailer is exactly the same and. And being able to put those processes in place, um, that's, you know, the, the ideas and the building are the fun part, but making sure that like process and documentation and kind of quality control in a sense are there. * 21:29 What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100?I really love Minus 33 Socks, and then compression socks, the CEP, I think it's CEP compression socks. * 23:22 How about some of your favorite books? Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Learn More To learn more about Mari and Space Trailers, visit their website at: https://spacetrailers.com/
You can also visit Space Trailers on these social sites:
YouTube
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Space Trailers, #Red Wing, Minnesota, #trailers, #customization, #outdoor activities, #fishing, #marketing, #family business, #manufacturing, #community, #customer engagement, #product development, #outdoor industry, #outdoor gear, #swimming, #cold water, #Great Lakes, #Alcatraz swim, #base layers, #Smartwool socks, #compression socks, #off-road, #ATV hauling
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, Rick Saez welcomes Joe DiGirolamo, Director of Sales at insulation company Thermore. After sharing their early experiences with outdoor activities and their current hobbies, they delve into the concept of plastic recycling for insulation production. They discuss the importance of adopting sustainability both in the manufacturing processes and everyday operations. Thermore's Ocean Down initiative, and the impact of our buying decisions on the environment. Joe illustrates these with his work in Thermore, particularly with the development of sustainable materials. He further urges listeners to make conscious, wise choices concerning consumption, especially when dealing with single-use plastics. Facebook Twitter Instagram
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Show Notes Questions we Discussed * Share your first outdoor experience with us? Camping, hiking, biking, what was it? * How often do you get out to camp, hike, bike, etc, these days? * Tell us a bit about Thermore, it's a family business founded in Italy? * You've been with Thermore a long time. What were you doing before joining Theremore? * Thermore has been driving sustainability since day one, where does that ethos come from? * How has the process of developing sustainable materials evolved over the years? * I don't know much about Ocean bound plastic, what can you share with us about that? * How do you tweak the manufacturing to produce different insulation to fit different use cases? "blown" vs. "rolled for example. * What are the best practices we, as consumers, can do to achieve the same goal? * Tell us about Thermore’s Ocean Down. Has it been widely embraced? * What are some of your other initiatives to drive sustainability, both in manufacturing as well as day-to-day operations? * Do you have a favorite activity or place to get outside? * What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? * How about some of your favorite books? * Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners? * Where can people find you if they’d like to follow up (email, Twitter, Instagram, etc)?
Learn More To learn more about Joe and Thermore, visit their website at: https://www.thermore.com
You can also visit Thermore on these social sites:
YouTube
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Thermore, #JoeDiGirolamo, #Milan, #innovation, #sustainability, #recycled technology, #product development, #ocean-bound plastic, #Southeast Asia, #manufacturing, #recycled fibers, #single-use plastics, #plastic pollution, #sustainable materials, #outdoor industry, #family-owned, #outdoor activities, #golf, #tennis, #climate change, #environmental awareness
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hey everyone, welcome to Episode 426 with Tom Dempsey, founder and CEO of SylvanSport and a highly regarded national leader in the outdoor industry for several decades. SylvanSport designs and manufactures innovative recreation vehicles and outdoor gear. In addition to SylvanSport, Dempsey has founded and led several other companies in the outdoor recreation industry and is the founding chairperson of the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition, a non-profit group that directs and supports the state's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.
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Show Notes Questions we Discussed * Tell us about your first outdoor experience? * How many times do you get out to camp, hike, etc, these days? * Where does your love for industrial design come from? * And what was your job at Coleman? It was your first outdoor job, right? * You got into the kayak space when it was still relatively new. Are you a kayaker? * What was it about adventure sports that inspired SlyvanSport? * Tell us about the early days of Sylvan, is your first product still in the line? * How do you find time to run the company and maintain the role of chief product designer? * Sylvan also has a great company culture, can you share some of the things you do to maintain that? * What is the Sylvan distribution network like, how many RV dealers are you in? * Mountain Bridge Wilderness * Are all your products sold in the US or are there any international distributors? * Do you have a favorite place camp? * How about a spot to get away for an hour or so and get some outdoor time during the week? * Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks with a product idea to get it into production? * What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? Sylvan Sport WayLight * How about some of your favorite books? Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara * And Tom has a special offer for our listeners . . . 20% off on gear (excludes their trailers). The code is: outdoorbiz20 * Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners? * Where can people find you if they’d like to follow up (email, Twitter, Instagram, etc)? tom@sylvansport.com
Learn More To learn more about Tom and SylvanSport, visit their website at: https://www.sylvansport.com/
You can also visit SylvanSport on these social sites:
YouTube
X
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #camping, #outdoor activities, #industrial designer, #product production, #outdoor gear, #simplicity, #Sylvan Sport, #mountain bridge wilderness, #trade show, #Boy Scouts, #paddling. #product designer, #Auburn University, #RV industry, e3ntry-level RV, #company culture, #leadership
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Julia Mitchell had a kernel of this idea she had been noodling on for a few years. She had had some "lightly used" fly fishing clothes that didn't fit her anymore and thought they would be perfect for another angler. Julia was working in a leadership role with United Women on the Fly, and also started a leadership role with a local fly fishing group where she met Temma Roby. After sharing her idea of breaking down barriers for women to enjoy fly fishing and providing used or donated gear and clothing Temma was on board with the mission. On August 5th, 2022 Rising to the Fly was born!
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Show Notes Rising to the Fly
00:00 Decided to expand fly fishing group nationwide, changed name to "Rising to the Fly."
04:15 Learned fly fishing in 1999, started with intro clinic, now passionate about it.
09:39 Idea stemmed from unused fishing shirts, expanded to include gear for exchange among women.
13:23 Partners with organizations, holds clinics & training for women.
15:02 Received campground donation for weekend, stocked pond, women caught fish, divided into smaller groups for activities.
18:48 Shop manager offered support, received products, plans to engage other Orvis shops.
21:02 Transformed garage into warehouse, repurposed hangers for inventory.
27:19 Tema and I reached out to other nonprofits for advice on donations and applications, providing helpful insights and support.
30:00 Excited about new lanyard, makes life easier outdoors.
35:16 Encourage website and social media visit, subscribe, and donate gear or money.
36:04 Seeking financial and gear support for shipping and donations. Accepting applications for gear. Seeking support from companies.
Learn More To learn more about Julia, Temma, and Rising to the Fly, visit their website at: risingtothefly.com
You can also visit Rising to the Fly on these social sites:
YouTube
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Fly fishing, #Entomology, #Fishing gear, #Female anglers, #Fly fishing clinic, #Creek fishing, #Gear donations, #Fly fishing shops, #Outdoor industry, #Steelhead fishing, #Trinity River, #Poudre Creek, #Nonprofit organization, #Women in fly fishing, #Casting for Recovery, #Women-focused nonprofits, #Starting a nonprofit, #outdoor experience, #RickSaez #TheOutdoorBizPodcast #PodcastInterview #OWAA
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to Episode 424 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m speaking with PacAPit creator and Founder John Chadwell. The inspiration for PacAPit came from the idea of building a fire they could use while sitting in the water, a fire that people could gather around. They started in June of 2020, and after John developed the product and got a patent, they begin selling in October of 2021. They are in all 50 states and about 14 countries!
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Show Notes Overview PacAPit
00:00 Invented COVID baby fire concept on river.
03:23 Texas grocery chain H E B founders started camp foundation in Hill Country; aims to preserve camping experience.
07:56 Considering outsourcing production to scale business, possibly outsourcing grill production to a stamping facility.
11:30 Looking for retailers in San Antonio and Spring Branch for outdoor gear and fire pits.
15:30 The PacAPit allows building fires on any surface, including snow and ice, for outdoor activities.
16:44 People crave campfire experience to gather and connect, improving social interaction.
20:41 Advice on iterating a product, seeking feedback, and protecting ideas.
23:31 Versatile tool, furniture development, long-term app goal for campfire storytelling.
24:45 What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? Fiskar Hand Hatchet
26:01 Book emphasizes the importance of being willing to take chances.
27:32 Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks with a product idea to get it into production?
26:05 How about some of your favorite books? Here is New York, E.B. White, and A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink.
YOU can get 15% off your PacAPit when you use CODE ODBIZ15 to purchase your PacAPit. Go to PacAPit.com, slash buy, and get yours today. That's 15% off with CODE ODBIZ15
Learn More To learn more about John and PacAPit, visit their website at: PacAPit.com
You can also visit PacAPit on these social sites:
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #John Chadwell, #PacAPit, #fire pits, #grills, #business ventures, #invention process, #manufacturing, #camping, #outdoor experience, #RickSaez #TheOutdoorBizPodcast #PodcastInterview #OWAA
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to Episode 423 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m speaking with Peter Arlein, Founder and CEO of mountainFLOW eco-wax. Peter has been in the Outdoor Industry for over 20 years working as a ski patroller and raft guide. In 2016 he started MountainFLOW eco-wax with a straightforward mission: provide a simple and eco-friendly way to improve the skiing experience. Their first product was a water-based anti-stick spray that reduced snow and ice buildup on top of skis. Located in Carbondale CO they’ve since added more ski bike products to the line.
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Show Notes Questions we Discussed * What was your first outdoor experience?
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tell us about the path from Biology and Neuroscience at Colby College to an MBA at the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics at the University of Alaska. before we get into ski wax what was the Seafood business like?
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and when did you first have the idea for eco-friendly ski wax?
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and it's made entirely from plants?
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what was the iteration process from raw paraffin to eco-friendly ski wax?
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how many non-stick pans and stove burners did you ruin?
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how big was the business when you went on Shark Tank?
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how did their investment help?
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Now you have plant-based water bottles, a bike maintenance kit, and recycled aluminum poles, what else are you working on that you can share with us?
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are all your products made in the US?
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do you sell to retailers?
-
how often do you get to ski and ride?
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Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks with a product idea to get it into production?
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What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? Solar-charged, battery-powered string lights.
- How about some of your favorite books? Flow-The Psychology of Optimal Experienceby Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Learn More To learn more about Peter and mountainFLOW eco-wax, visit their website at: mountainFLOW eco-wax
You can also visit Peter and mountainFLOW eco-wax on these social sites:
YouTube
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Peter Arlein #mountainFLOWeco-wax #colbycollege #outdoor-activities, #skiing, #biking, #eco-friendlyproducts, #entrepreneurship #RickSaez #TheOutdoorBizPodcast #PodcastInterview #OWAA
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today, I’m speaking with entrepreneur, marketer, writer, and full-time traveler Samira Holma.
Samira helps brands and places lead the way in hospitality and the future of work improving and growing their impact with marketing that supports local communities.
In 2016, she turned her passions for marketing and travel into her lifestyle and became a full-time traveling marketing consultant & writer. She's been traveling non-stop, without a fixed base, ever since.
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Show Notes Questions we Discussed * Let's begin with + how were you inspired to travel the world? + where was your first trip to a new country + how about your first new continent? + what inspired you to get into marketing? + you have a Bachelor's in International Marketing from BI Norwegian School of Management how did you decide to go there? + your bio says you are an entrepreneur, marketer, writer, and full-time traveler, tell us about your work what do you do, and how do you keep up with everything while you're traveling? + how do you help destinations and brands upgrade and attract the right audience with strategies that boost local communities + which part of the business you are most passionate about? + tell us about your audience, what are a couple of their key demographics? + do you have an "our craziest adventure" story from all your travels? + Is there someplace you haven't been to yet that is high on your list? + what are a couple of your favorite outdoor activities you participate in? + do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into the travel biz + What is your favorite travel gear purchase under $100 A good Sleep Mask + do you have any favorite books or books you give as gifts? One that I keep Recommending and giving away as well is Effortless. + Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners
Learn More To learn more about Samira and her work, visit her website at: samiraholma.com
You can also visit Samira on these social sites:
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #SamiraHolma #Remotework #Destination-management #Infrastructure-improvement #Full-time-travel #Destination-management #RickSaez #TheOutdoorBizPodcast #PodcastInterview #OWAA
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
We’re kicking off the year with a great conversation! Today, I’m speaking with The Brand Leader's Kyle Duford. Kyle is an author, brander, speaker, and former writer for Outside, Men’s Health, and Men’s Journal. He’s got a quiver full of accomplishments, so we’re going to get into it. . .
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Show Notes Questions we Discussed * Let's begin with Husband and dad first. Was your dad your role model? * You have a bachelor of Life, Graphic Design, and Creative Writing . . . I didn't see those options at my College. * What was your first job out of college? * Your work experience looks like it involved a lot of creativity and fun. Is there an experience that rises to the top of that list? * Which do you feel had the most influence in honing your advertising and branding chops? * How did you get involved with The Brand Leader? * Over your four years with The Brand Leader, are there a couple of accomplishments you are most proud of? * As an advertising and branding pro, do you know how tradeshows can return that excitement and energy from their earlier days? * Tell us about your book Twice Found. What inspired you to write a book? * Are there any new projects in the pipeline you can talk about? * What outdoor activities do you participate in? * Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor advertising and branding biz? * What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100 Peak Design iPhone case * Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners * where can people find you if they’d like to follow up (email, Twitter, Instagram, etc)
Learn More To learn more about Kyle and his work with The Brand Leader, visit their website at: https://thebrandleader.com/
You can also visit Kyle on these social sites:
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #KyleDuford #BrandLeaders #Advertising #Leadership #RickSaez #TheOutdoorBizPodcast #PodcastInterview #OWAA
Podcast produced using Descript Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress
Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to episode 420 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. I am taking a two-week break to get some adventure and relaxation in and I’m excited to present a podcast collab for your listening enjoyment. I am featuring two episodes from my good friend Howard Fox’s Outdoor Adventure Series podcast and he is featuring two of my show’s on his podcast. Today we’ll hear Howards' conversation with Scott Kovarovics, executive director at the Izaak Walton League of America. Enjoy!
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Show Notes The League is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022 and is one of America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. The League has carved out a unique role, promoting hands-on conservation and citizen science while advocating for strong state and national policies to protect our air, water, and wildlife. The League promotes outdoor recreation, especially fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting sports such as trap, skeet, and archery. Insight2Go The threats to our environment today may be less visible than 100 years ago, but they are equally - if not more - serious. To learn more about the Izaak Walton League of America, visit their website at https://www.iwla.org You can also learn more about the League on their social sites: Facebook Instagram YouTube Click here to learn more about the Outdoor Writers Association of America The Outdoor Adventure Series is a Podcast Production of Fox Coaching, Inc.
I'm here with a good friend of mine, Kirk Ohly. Kirk is one of the founding partners of the new eBike rack brand Suweeka. We're in Ballard, Stoop Brewery in Ballard. This is going to be something different, Kirk is interviewing me. Let’s go!
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Happy Holidays, everyone! Welcome to episode 418 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. I am taking a two-week break to get some adventure and relaxation in, and I’m excited to present a podcast collab for your listening enjoyment. I am featuring two episodes from my good friend Howard Fox's Outdoor Adventure Series podcast, and he is featuring two of my shows on his podcast. Today, we’ll hear Howard's conversation with Surfrider Foundation's Chad Nelsen on their mission to protect coastlines and waterways . . . enjoy!
Chad is an environmentalist and the driving force behind the Surfrider Foundation. With a strong belief in the power of grassroots movements, Dr. Nelsen and the Surfrider Foundation aim to protect and conserve coastal and ocean environments. Bringing together individuals who share a love for the coasts and oceans, the foundation has successfully channeled their passion into actionable steps toward stewardship.
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TOPICS WE DISCUSSED 1. What is the Surfrider Foundation's primary focus? 2. How does the organization work to address plastic pollution? 3. How has the organization evolved? 4. How does outdoor recreation relate to environmental stewardship? 5. How does the Surfrider Foundation engage younger generations? 6. Where does the Foundation have chapters and international affiliates? 7. How does the Foundation establish credibility and effectiveness?
INSIGHT2GO The Power of Grassroots Organizing: "Never doubt that a small group of people can't make a difference because that's the only group that ever has." ― Quote by Margaret Mead
LEARN MORE To learn more about Chad and the Surfrider Foundation, visit their website at https://www.surfrider.org/ or connect with them on these social sites: FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedIn NEXT STEPS If you enjoy podcasts devoted to the outdoor adventure space, find us online at https://outdooradventureseries.com. We welcome likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them too. KEYWORDS #SurfriderFoundation #Conservation #Stewardship #Surf #Surfing #OutdoorAdventure
Welcome to Episode 417, An un-Cut episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. The second of two episodes featuring a few quick conversations I captured on the show floor at The Running Event in Austin Texas.
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Links The Running Event
Camelbak
Farm to Feet
Flip Mitts
K Swiss Pickle Ball
Welcome to episode 416 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Thrive Market.
See why over 1 million members love Thrive – shop 6,000+ products curated by our experts. Organic? Non-GMO? Vegan, paleo, keto? Gluten-free? You name it, Thrive Market caters to it.
Today, I’m talking with Tiffany Smith, CEO of Camber Outdoors. Tiffany and Camber Outdoors are dedicated to empowering the Outdoor Recreation Economy industry to build workplaces where people from all communities, backgrounds, identities, faiths, and world views can thrive.
Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
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Show Notes - You have years of experience in the non-profit world, how were you inspired to pursue that path?
One of my mentors, Dr. Bob Long, used to work for the Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek. There was this opportunity [00:02:40] that came up with the Urban League, and he thought I should go for it. And, a few other leaders at the Urban League also thought I should go for it, so I did.
I [00:02:50] put together, a unique proposal. They were looking for someone to do fundraising for them, and I wasn't really even quite sure, What that really looked like, but I was great in sales, and I [00:03:00] was excellent in marketing. And so when Dr. Long began to explain to me a little bit more about the role and what it looks like, I was like, you know what, I can do this.
And I'll put my name in a hat. [00:03:10] I created a proposal for the Urban League around what I could do for them in reference to being their fundraising consultant. And, They hired [00:03:20] me, trusted me, to do that. And within the first year, I raised over a million dollars for that. At that moment, I [00:03:30] knew that the passion that I had to be able to mark the passion around sales and around engagement with relationships could merge with [00:03:40] my passion for community and mission work. And so it was like the perfect marriage for me getting into the non-profit world.
- What led you to Camber?
Oh, man, I was finishing up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society [00:05:40]. Great organization. And I had been working there, as their regional director.
And, you reach a point in your [00:05:50] career, I believe, where you outgrow certain areas, right? That's true. and, sometimes, we heed it, and we take the nudge, and other times we don't. [00:06:00] And I was feeling that nudge. It was right around when everything happened with George Floyd. And so, like everyone else in the world, you're rethinking everything you're [00:06:10] thinking.
Your job, your family structure, your work life balance, what does that look like? And so that was in that moment for me. And I said, I think it's time for me to up [00:06:20] level and identify, an organization where the impact goes beyond my last name. I always say this because I mean it with [00:06:30] everything within me.
It's really important that my legacy doesn't stop with the Smiths. And when Camber approached me [00:06:40], they had this unique position for c
Chief Development Officer. the first of its kind for that organization, [00:06:50] and the workaround being able to transform workspaces to be more inclusive was extremely attractive to me to be able to come [00:07:00] in, not just to impact the individual lives in the workspaces and to.
Help companies build more competitive [00:07:10] opportunities, but to understand that the work that is being done has the potential to impact an entire industry. [00:07:20] That was powerful to me.
- Walk us through Cambers Roadmap to Workplace Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity
Camber's roadmap to workplace inclusion, equity, and diversity. We align and partner with [00:13:30] corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits to help and support their needs around workplace, DEI.
And once they become a partner with Camber, we have the [00:13:40] Camber Survey System, which, next year is going to receive National recognition from the American Evaluation Association. It's [00:13:50] going to be a case study. We partnered with Claremont Graduate Center years ago to develop a very robust survey around DEI in workspaces [00:14:00], and in doing so, the work that we're doing and how we are sharing our information with our partners and how we're aligning our [00:14:10] programming.
To support the survey, the American Advising Association has recognized that we've identified a different pathway for [00:14:20] evaluation and research across industries across the board. And so we're going to be recognized next year for that. And we're really [00:14:30] looking forward to it because we've seen a lot of progress with our partners.
And so, the campus survey system is a 2 part survey. We have a workplace component and an [00:14:40] employee component. The workplace component is where we have a leadership to complete the survey. The 2nd. Part of the survey is where the employees complete the exact [00:14:50] same survey, and they share with us their lived experiences versus the vision of the leadership.
That's good. And upon that, [00:15:00] we then, collect the data. And we identify the areas that the corporations are doing amazing at, and then also the [00:15:10] opportunities, where we see that they need to really change, to modify if they truly want to become and build an environment that's inclusive for [00:15:20] everyone.
Based upon that data, we then tailor our programming to align with the needs of that particular partner. And we have programming in [00:15:30] place that helps them to move the needle in any area that the survey has shown that they need help or support in, and that the partners then are [00:15:40] able to streamline all of the programming across their entire organization.
So every single employee has access to all of our programs, resources, and tools [00:15:50] when they become a Camber partner. And based upon that movement and that application of programming, along with our other flagship programming, we're seeing change [00:16:00] happen.
- Your profile lists you as the primary revenue facilitator (I love that description). What are some of the ways you facilitate revenue?
From my long history of being [00:20:50] in development in the nonprofit space, 17 plus years, there is a unique way that I like to think about generating revenue. and now in my role as CEO, it's,[00:21:00] I guess I would say I am the relationship facilitator.
But to be honest, that has always been my model when thinking about revenue is [00:21:10] being able to uniquely identify whether I'm talking about an individual, a foundational corporation, identify alignment with mission around a [00:21:20] common ground or a common cause. And then building it based upon the timing, the alignment, around mission and around [00:21:30] impact. And it becomes not so much me having to ask or beg for money, but just a natural next step in [00:21:40] the relationship that we formed together around this. And go, and I still stick with that. I stick with building [00:21:50] authentic relationships with partners willing to be married to Camber and not to Tiffany, That they're married to the mission of Camber, that they're married to the work we're doing. That they can [00:22:00] see the impact and value that in a way that leads them to contribute or want to be a part of the change, and so my job is [00:22:10] to. Showcase us in a way that the people that are aligned with us, I like to say that is a part of our team, our group, quote [00:22:20] unquote, our people that I highlight us in a way that they're attracted to us, not because we're flashy or we have these striking stats, but [00:22:30] because the impact that they're seeing moves them to action.
Yeah. And the things that you're doing also fit in with their ethos and their being and all their [00:22:40] things. So they're going to line up to it, quick, more quickly than others. And they will want to stick around because it's what they're all about.
- Who are some of your key partners?
Of course, every single partner means everything to us. But strong support from REI, which has been strong for us throughout the years, [00:23:30] Winnebago Industries, Brooks Running, People for Bikes, the VF Foundation, Keen, SRAM, I can go on and on.
Yeah, a lot of the brand partners. Yeti Coolers [00:23:40], We really span across the outdoors and not in a traditional scope of outdoor industry companies, but more of a wider scope around [00:23:50] outdoor health and wellness and environment. And we have a partner, Helen of Troy, who came on board this year. So we're really expanding [00:24:00] on how we impact and the companies that we impact, and we're grateful for every single partner
- You've held roles with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Girl Scouts, and National Urban League, which of those experiences do you draw on most in your role at Camber?
Oh man, that's a good [00:25:10] question. I would say that every single role has prepared me for this position. When I think about [00:25:20] Urban League, I think about that as my foundational piece, right? learning the non-profit world, learning how to make a profit in the nonprofit world, right?[00:25:30]
Those pieces that, beyond the mission and sustainability for nonprofits, are financial, right? And then with the Girl Scouts, it was so much of spreading my wings a little bit. [00:25:40] They hired me to, cover a region. And so I had to move for an impact quickly with a city where I had zero contacts, [00:25:50] right?
So it allowed me to quickly engage and know how to emerge myself in an organization and a community quickly to [00:26:00] have impact. And then when I think about LLS, I was able to take a regional or local type concept and grow it to [00:26:10] impact our national brand at LLS. I had a concept or idea around development that was working in my particular region.
I [00:26:20] have some relationships with some celebrity NFL players, and I was able to merge those two worlds together to have a larger impact on a national model [00:26:30] that they're still doing. So all of these people, I think, have really helped and supported me to be able to work in the industry and in [00:26:40] this space, especially as CEO because I pull it from the mall all the time.
- Are there any initiatives you wish you had more time for?
Yeah [00:27:10] There's never a shortage of things on our list. I'm sure one of the main things that are on our list and that we'll be doing more of this year is we did a pilot called Conversations with Camber [00:27:20], and we did it based upon, when I became CEO, and my entire team, we did, what we called coffee with camber.
And so [00:27:30] every single person on my team, along with myself, talked with all of our partners who were willing to speak with us. We were just checking in, and [00:27:40] we were just seeing what we should be doing more of. And it was a founding idea, and I wanted to do it that way, Rick, because I wanted to hear from [00:27:50] every level of leadership.
The old way of DEI says, let's look at the executives only, let's have a conversation in a room, and then tell [00:28:00] everyone else. I would like to forge it, let's have everybody in the room and have a real conversation. Yeah, fantastic. And they [00:28:10] told us that they wanted to convene together and get together and learn more about some practical ways of how to implement DI in their workspaces.
And so we [00:28:20] created Conversations with Camber, which is currently online right now. No, cool. We've had three conversations with over 600 plus [00:28:30] people wanting to participate. And we understood it was important for us to have for camber to have an [00:28:40] opportunity to get. Leaders together, whether they're a Camber partner or not, if they're in this space and want to learn more around DEI or want to implement different [00:28:50] strategies, we wanted to build a community of leaders that can come together and share what it looks like day to day on how to implement the change that feels like it's [00:29:00] impossible to do.
And so that's what comes with Camber. And because of the success that we've seen in a short period of time, we're looking next year to do some more online programming, but we're [00:29:10] going to take it live. We're going to go live with Camber and do some more convenings live. And so that's my hope.
My hope is that we receive enough funding and support to [00:29:20] be able. To take conversations with Camber live on the road, to hit different regions. And so we are looking forward to be able to do more of that
- Many people might be intimidated to use their voice to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and may not do anything because they think their voice doesn't matter. Tell us how their voice makes a difference.
Let me say this, Rick. your voice is as powerful [00:30:30] as you believe it to be. And because when you believe in something, and it moves from [00:30:40] thought to actual speech, and then speech turns into behavior, right?
You have a thought about something, and you speak up, and then [00:30:50] You say something, and you become so passionate about it, it moves you to action. So no matter to me, no matter [00:31:00] where you are, what level of power or influence you may have, your voice absolutely [00:31:10] matters. And I think people have the fear of not knowing.
What to say or how to say or not wanting to say the wrong thing is the [00:31:20] greatest hindrance to your belief system in the core of who you are. And the moment that you have doubt in your voice, then no, you shouldn't be [00:31:30] speaking. But your voice has so much weight because you're one person who can share a multitude of [00:31:40] words, too many to have a ripple effect.
We just have to have the courage to believe that what we're saying is powerful enough
- How can businesses and individuals get involved with Camber?
Great [00:34:40] question. it's super simple. you can go to our website, camberoutdoors.org. And I reach out there. you can reach out to me on LinkedIn. [00:34:50] Tiffany Smith, you can find me. Don't worry. it's not a ton of Tiffany Smiths,
Probably not. [00:35:00] Also, you can find us on social media @camberoutdoors as well on all platforms. You can send us a DM. You can find us there. We'll [00:35:10] definitely reach out to myself and the team. A great group of individuals who are really inspired about change are happy to support and come alongside and be your [00:35:20] partner and all these things that you guys are doing.
Meetups, for lack of a better term, and things around that are all posted there. Yes. Yes. Things are online, on our [00:35:30] website, on social media. Also, I would definitely say we have a newsletter called The Inclusion Insider where we share, once a month, just what's happening, and what's going on. [00:35:40] I share a little blog every month. And also you can go on our website and just simply, hit the subscribe button.
- Tell us about your favorite outdoor activity.
Oh, Fun question. Fun question. Okay. I, for the first time ever, [00:36:00] Rick, I went horseback riding about a year or so ago.
I Fell in love with it. Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness. [00:36:10] The part that I fell in love with the most, Rick, with this is that I like to know what's happening next. I like to feel, and so having to really release, [00:36:20] control and really trust the force in a way was the most liberating thing.
I don't get to do that as often as I'd like, but on a day-to-day basis, I'm either, for the most part, going to probably hit the pavement with a quick job or [00:36:40] run.
- Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to work on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplace?
My advice is don't be afraid to start where you are. A lot of times, organizations have these lofty, huge goals to [00:37:30] try to change something that has been in place for centuries, right? And I try to encourage all of our partners that it's okay to start at [00:37:40] whatever level that you may find yourself on.
The key is to just begin. The second thing that I would say is that I wouldn't recreate the wheel. I would identify [00:37:50] organizations or individuals that are part of this work, and I would. Find the perfect fit for you. We would love to service everyone, but we [00:38:00] possibly can't. And so we want to partner with companies that align with us, that align with how we do this work, the way that we do this work, and that aligns with our company values.
And right. [00:38:10] And so we put together a, a consulting guide for people that are looking for different partners in that way, because we understood on the service so many, And so the other part I would say is that [00:38:20] when you do align with someone as a partner, which I think will be key is you align with someone that has proof of impact.[00:38:30]
It's one thing to say something, and it's one thing to dream of the work, but it's another thing to do the work and have the results to show. Yep. [00:38:40] I'm proud to say that at Camber, we're beyond the dream phase and into the impact phase. And so we're happy to offer any [00:38:50] thought leadership to those who are interested.
And we're also happy. To support you in any other organization that needs a guide as you're vetting [00:39:00] other opportunities. Again, our impact focus is the industry. It's not just our bottom line. So yeah. Leverage your experience.
- What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100?
My water bottle, that's good, yeah, that's come [00:39:20] up a few times. Actually, that's good. Yeah, like I said, my go-to is to jog. I am training, I always wanted to run a marathon, and I'm not quite committed. [00:39:30] to a full marathon, but I said I can at least start training for a 5k. So, I'm currently training for a 5k. And yeah, the water bottle right now is my go to.
- What are a couple of your favorite books?
I'm currently reading Great CEOs Are Lazy. [00:40:00] Yeah. It's how exceptional CEOs do more in less time. And so being like such a nimble nonprofit, you don't have to think of, [00:40:10] I have to learn from the best quick. And so I wanted to learn from successful CEOs and behaviors and patterns on their actions to be more efficient, especially [00:40:20] when we have limited resources as a nonprofit but a huge impact.
And so that's been a great read for me because it's not just talking about the day-to-day work, but also [00:40:30] the work-life balance if that's even a thing. You need to be able to create and innovate in a seamless way.
- Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners?
I would say, to [00:41:30] our, to the listeners, that are on with us, just, thank you just, to those that are Camber supporters and stakeholders, we have an amazing board of directors, a board chair, [00:41:40] Reggie, has just really been just an amazing, a contribution to us.
So, thank you to everyone who has supported Camber outdoors over the years. And I will also say, [00:41:50] be on the lookout. We have a lot of exciting new things. And, as I said before, national recognition will not just change the scope of Camber, but [00:42:00] change the scope of the industry.
So stay tuned for more to come. Lots to come.
Follow up with Camber
Camber Website
Camber: Linkedin
Camber Programs
X(Twitter)
Follow up with Tiffany: tiffany.smith@camberoutdoors.org
Tiffany: Linkedin
Welcome to episode 415 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Toyota. From the RAV 4 to the mighty Tacoma, Toyota has a model built for everyone’s Outdoor adventures. Today I’m talking with Photographer Matt Addington about his career and recent film A Bird Dog Named Kaiya. How the love for a bird dog inspired a young man to fully embrace bird hunting, an important part of his Laotian culture.
Brought to you this week by Toyota
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Show Notes
Show Notes
- First Overnight Adventure: Matt doesn't recall the exact first experience but he grew up in Northern Minnesota, where outdoor life was part of his lifestyle. He spent a lot of time in places like the Boundary Waters and Voyager's National Park.
- When Did You Pick Up a Camera? Matt was enamored with cameras from a young age. He remembers having a Kodak disc camera when it came out and taking numerous pictures, even as a child. However, his more serious introduction to photography started in seventh grade when their art teacher gave him a Pentax K 1000 and taught him darkroom techniques.
- Start in Video: Although Matt didn't start shooting video when he first picked up a camera, he began experimenting with tape-to-tape edits in junior high and early high school. He says he officially entered the digital video side of things in the late '90s due to seeing the potential in digital video and having support from leadership at the school where he taught.
- Inspiration to Go Pro: There wasn't a specific moment Matt decided to go professional. It was a gradual transition as he was already doing photography and videography as part of his teaching job. Over time, he started getting paid for projects outside of teaching, leading to a shift into the professional world.
- First Significant Photo or Video Shoot: While there might not be one defining shoot, Matt recalled a moment at the Shot Show where he unexpectedly saw one of his images displayed prominently for a major brand, marking a standout moment in realizing the impact of his work.
- First Outdoor Commercial Shoot: Some of his initial commercial shoots were with Carbon TV (formerly Carbon Media Group) and Federal Ammunition. These shoots involved hunting trips to places like Quebec and working with local companies from Minnesota, where Matt is based.
- Preference in Outdoor Activities: Matt is fond of paddling but also emphasizes the uniqueness and enjoyment in each activity he's been fortunate to experience, be it climbing peaks, guiding through mountains, or quietly sitting in tree stands. He highlighted the beauty of different experiences and how each holds its own significance.
- Favorite Place: Despite the numerous epic places visited globally, Matt finds a new appreciation for home when returning from these adventures. He says the joy of watching the sunset from his front porch with family, indicating a deep appreciation for the familiarity and beauty of home.
- Catalyst for the film "A Bird Dog Named Kaiya": The catalyst for the film was meeting Ken Yang, a young man who had transitioned from being a staunch anti-hunter to a prominent voice in the hunting and fishing space due to personal life events.
- How they met Ken Yang: They met at a Professional Outdoor Media Association conference in Nashville, where Ken Yang received a media scholarship.
- Development of the storyline: Initially, there was a concept of telling the story of a former anti-hunter turned hunter due to his unique ethnic background. However, the storyline evolved as they delved deeper into Ken's story, focusing more on the impact of a dog in changing his life and reconciling relationships.
- Capturing the content for the film: It took multiple hunts, approximately four days, to capture the content, ranging from golden fall days to extremely cold weather (10 below zero).
- Current projects: Matt is working on various projects, including a documentary about a unique turkey hunter, a personal piece highlighting the legacy of a deceased friend in the outdoor space, a documentary about a prestigious hockey school, and a project about dispelling myths of trophy hunting in Africa.
- Advice for aspiring photographers: Matt encourages new photographers to experiment with photography, use resources like YouTube for learning, and find inspiration from others' work that resonates with them.
- Daily routines: There's no fixed routine, but Matt enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time in nature. Coffee in the morning seems to be a consistent ritual.
- Favorite books: Books like the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn, and Matt also finds inspiration in reading the Bible.
- Favorite outdoor gear under $100: Matt mentioned his Irish Setter boots (although they might be slightly above $100) and a pair of gloves by Striker that provide dexterity and warmth.
Follow up with Matt
Matt Addington Creative
You Tube
X (Twitter)
Welcome to Episode 414, The Outdoor Biz Podcast UnCut. I’m dropping a couple of bonuses on you over the next two weeks or so, featuring a few quick conversations I captured on the show floor at The Running Event in Austin, Texas.
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Links
The Running Event
Headsweats
Thule
Stoked Oats
Nadia Ruiz, Professional Trail Runner
Ultimate Direction
Envoy B2B
Welcome to episode 413 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Toyota. From the RAV 4 to the mighty Tacoma, Toyota has a model built for everyone’s Outdoor adventures. I’m excited to talk with Toyota North America Midwest PR and Outdoor Communications Manager and fellow OWAA member Curt McAllister.
Brought to you this week by Toyota
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Show Notes
[04:59.1] How did you get involved with Toyota? Curtis got involved with Toyota through the Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Association. The association approached him about starting the Toyota Let's Go Places scholarship program aimed at supporting young individuals interested in outdoor media.
[11:26:1] What drives Toyota's commitment to promoting hunting, fishing, and conservation? Toyota's commitment to promoting hunting, fishing, and conservation is showcased through its sponsorship of outdoor communicator scholarships. These scholarships aim to support young individuals in these fields and help replenish memberships in outdoor media groups.
[14:03:3] What is your role in Toyota's sponsorship of outdoor communicator scholarships? Curtis's role involves collaborating with organizations like the Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Association to initiate the Toyota Let's Go Places scholarship program. They help target and support young people interested in journalism or forestry by funding their attendance at conferences and events.
[14:55:03] How about the process of choosing a scholarship winner? The process involves targeting three or four young individuals, usually through word of mouth or by approaching local colleges with journalism or forestry majors. Toyota sponsors their conference attendance by covering accommodations, registrations, and travel expenses.
[21:09:1] Do you get outside much yourself? I try to get outside as much as possible. I live in a rural part of Northern Oakland County, Michigan, and engage in activities like leaf-peeping, exploring natural trails, and visiting dog parks. Additionally, I coach college football, spending several nights a week on the football field.
[24:33:5] What is your favorite outdoor activity? Curtis enjoys fishing and shares fond memories of taking their sons fishing. They find solace in taking a couple of hours off to fish at local reservoirs or lakes.
[25:27:5] Can you share an epic outdoor adventure with us? Curtis shares his experiences with whitewater rafting in West Virginia with friends. They found these adventures on the Cheat or New Rivers and recall the thrill of navigating the rapids.
[25:54:7] Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor/adventure biz? I suggest discovering one's passion within the outdoor industry and approaching companies aligned with that interest. Additionally, becoming an influencer through social media content is another way to gain traction in the outdoor industry.
[29:03:5] What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? Not too long ago, I picked up a powerful LED flashlight from Bass Pro Shops for around $40. They find it useful for various activities, especially for evening dog walks.
[30:18:1] How about some of your favorite books? Are you a big reader? I'm a faith based gentleman, I certainly try to dive into the Bible as much as I can. I also enjoy folklore books, particularly during Halloween season, like "Spooky Michigan" by S.E. Schlosser, which explores local paranormal stories.
[31:41:5] Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners? We at Toyota are really proud of our products. We literally have every segment covered. We've got some great new products that are on the way. Like the new Tacoma and the return of the Land Cruiser to the United States in the spring, along with a significant price drop. They encourage people to explore Toyota's offerings on the public domain site toyotanewsroom.com.
[32:46:5] Where can people find you if they’d like to follow up? My Twitter handle is @mcprpro and my Instagram handle is @kurt.mcallister. You can also visit the public domain site toyotanewsroom.com to learn more about Toyota products.
Links Follow up with Curtis
Toyota Newsroom
Favorite Book: Spooky Michigan
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100: DEWALT 12V MAX Magnetic Work Light
Welcome to Episode 412 of the outdoor biz podcast and my conversation with Jennifer Kross and Josh Arnold. Jennifer is an Education Biologist with Ducks Unlimited Great Plains region and Josh is an avid hunter helping other young folks learn about hunting and fishing.
Brought to you this week by Ducks Unlimited
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Show Notes
00:02:27 - 00:02:58 How did you get into duck hunting? Josh got into duck hunting through his interest in the Texas Waterfowl Brigade.
00:03:44 - 00:04:06 Do you do any other kinds of hunting? "I'm actually more of a pheasant hunter than a duck hunter"
00:04:27 - 00:04:55 How did you meet Jennifer? "I actually was doing an event down in a little place in North Dakota called Washburn and we went to a DU banquet and I was selling a puppy because we still had a couple of them. I saw an advertisement saying, "join us trip down to Texas". And I thought that was really fun. So I emailed her and that's how it started."
00:05:17 - 00:05:42 What exactly is the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade? The North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade is a program developed based on the Texas Waterfowl Brigade model. It focuses on educating kids about waterfowl, habitat management, leadership, and teamwork through a five-day camp.
00:09:23 - 00:10:21 Why did you choose the Texas Waterfowl Brigade model? Josh was drawn to the Texas Brigade model because of its seamless setup, emphasis on hands-on learning, incorporation of leadership activities, and the successful engagement of kids in outdoor activities.
00:12:45 - 00:13:26 Which program are you modeling from the Texas Waterfowl Brigade? They are specifically modeling the Waterfowl Brigade from the Texas Brigades' camp program.
How are you using that program to develop your program? We're adapting the Texas Waterfowl Brigade model but with a different curriculum focusing on the breeding grounds in North Dakota instead of habitat management for wintering ducks in Texas.
00:14:09 - 00:14:15 When will you launch the program? The North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade program is set to run for five days, scheduled from June 3rd to June 7th, 2024, during the summer.
Is everyone excited about it? Yes, there is a level of excitement surrounding the program, but some individuals are also a bit hesitant or cautious about the new endeavor.
00:21:27 - 00:22:02 Are there any hunting trips in your future? Josh mentions potential hunting trips to Red Lodge, Montana, for Rough Grouse and to Ohio for deer hunting with his father's friends.
00:22:30 - 00:23:11 Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks looking to get into duck hunting? Josh recommends finding someone experienced to teach you, emphasizing the importance of learning from others, even if the hunt isn't successful. He also suggests that hunting with a group can make the experience more enjoyable. Jensifer's advice is: that in North Dakota, we have organizations that host different Types of hunts. Like, I know our pheasants forever. Like, they're they do a youth hunt, and then our the North Dakota game and fish, Excuse me. The North Dakota Game and Fish, we have there's a they have an r three coordinator who also coordinates some Hunting around waterfowl and things like that, so they're almost like mentored hunts.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? 00:25:35 - 00:25:57 Josh mentions a good dog brush with dual sides for detangling dog hair, particularly helpful after hunting trips when dogs often get tangled in cockleburs. 00:26:27 - 00:26:32 Jennifer says you've got to have a good headlamp.
How about some of your favorite books? 00:26:41 - 00:27:15 Josh talks about "The Lonesome Cowboy with Friends," a book given to him by an author he met at a camp. 00:27:56 - 00:28:02 Jennifer discusses "Devolution" by Max Brooks, a Bigfoot-themed book that combines fiction with survival advice.
Is there anything else you'd like to say or ask of our listeners? Jennifer promotes fundraising efforts for the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade through Ducks Unlimited, encouraging support for their camp on February 8th, 2024, during Giving Hearts Day. Josh advises people to spend time outdoors and disconnect from screens.
Where can people find you if they’d like to follow up (email, Twitter, Instagram, etc)? Josh provides his email address: josharnald76@gmail.com. Jennifer shares her email: jcross@ducks.org, and she directs interested individuals to apply for the camp at texasbrigades.org/applications or contact North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade at NorthDakotaWaterfowl@texasbrigades.org.
Welcome to episode 411 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by toughcutie, Premium quality merino wool hiking socks made by women for women in the USA. This week American endurance professional athlete, seven-time World Champion, author, entrepreneur, Emmy Award winner, and motivational speaker Rebecca Rusch joins me. We learn about her very first bike, how she finds all her adventures, where her drive and determination come from, and plenty more.
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Show Notes 00:39 Rebecca Rush discusses her adventures and inspirations.
04:37 Enjoyed outdoors from a young age, shaping career around sport with no master plan.
09:25 A personal adventure on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
10:05 Evolution of career and industry, with creativity and changes.
14:56 Long-distance activities engage the mind and promote reflection and improvement.
17:38 I was surprised by positive feedback, as it inspired others from my book.
20:19 Unaware of the devastation in Vietnam, Dad's words led to realization, and career pivot for more impact.
23:26 Rebecca wants to explore famous routes like the Ho Chi Minh Trail and Silk Roads but is also interested in untouched areas in Idaho for bike-packing expeditions.
27:12 Rebecca’s advice: Start small, use resources, and consider your skill level. Find guided trails for safety and convenience.
Links Rebecca Rush Socials
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Welcome to Episode 410 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Brought to you this week by Four Wheel Campers. Today I’m talking with Kirk Ohly and Spencer T Houser about their new project Suweeka, a modular, vehicle rack system – engineered to support the lifestyle of active and passionate people in original and innovative ways.
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Show Notes
First Bikes
Spencer
Takara BMX Bike
First 10 speed
Kirk
Moxie - Monoshock
First 10-speed
Favorite Books Build by Tony Fadell He headed up the iPod & iPhone team and also started the NEST brand. A Trip to the Beach, By Melinda Blanchard and Robert Blanchard a husband and wife team that moved from Vermont to Anquila and followed up on their crazy idea to open a beachside restaurant. It's a great read, and it didn't dawn on me until we started Suweeka that it's a great take on starting a business. Favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100
This hasn't changed from my last appearance, A hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters. I think we have six of them right now Also, a special mention for @Belmont Blankets. They are the kind of blanket our parents carried, and we didn't understand why. They are cozy and bombproof, and now my kids fight over who gets to share mine with me. https://belmontblanket.com/ Dometic water jug and rechargeable faucet https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/outdoor-drinkware/jugs?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM0ocRQcdG83s_gX4fWDHkRg_Q9HhrK9sBBVouLj2HXQZzalv4TVvDxoCTRIQAvD_BwE Knipex tools https://www.knipex-tools.com/ Follow up https://suweeka.com/ Instagram: @suweeka_pnw @kirkohly Facebook Linkedin Kirk email Suweeka email: info@suweeka.com
Hey everyone, welcome to Episode 409 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m talking with Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Director of Marketing Rachel Piacenza. As a passionate team leader and basketball coach, Rachel is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. She believes in creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Brought to you this week by The Running Event.
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Show Notes
[00:00:40] Episode 409 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rachel Piacenza, director of marketing for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, discusses leadership and empowerment.
[00:05:56] Rachel grew up near a fishing resort, and developed a passion for the outdoors and water.
[00:09:16] After college, Rachel joined Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources, which connected me to RBFF's annual marketing workshops for representatives from all 50 states. I was fortunate to attend and discuss successful marketing strategies for our state with minimal competition.
[00:10:56] We are a small nonprofit promoting fishing and boating. We run marketing campaigns and engage with stakeholders to elevate these activities in state and federal parks. Our focus is on awareness and education.
[00:14:40] We collaborate with Discover Boating for an awareness campaign and refer traffic to their website. We also attend boating industry events to promote our brand.
[00:26:04] Passionate outdoor community, build relationships, step out of comfort zone.
[00:28:52] Rachel's current book she is reading, Grit by Angela Duckworth.
[00:30:29] One more thought from Rachel: "why do I need to buy a license? What's the importance? Like, why do I need to pay somebody to go enjoy a resource, right? One important data fact is 100 percent of fishing license sales go directly back into conservation.
Sign up for their newsletter, Newswaves
Follwow up with Rachel
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Outdoor Biz Podcast and Episode 408 with Elisabeth Brentano, brought to you this week by Four Wheel Campers. Elisabeth is a writer, photographer, and producer based in Southern California. Her wanderlust has taken her worldwide to capture travel and environmental stories. And as much as she loves shooting natural wonders in far-flung places, these days, she prefers road-tripping through the last remaining patches of the Wild West. Her love for travel and nature shines through in her work for tourism bureaus, environmental nonprofits, and publishers, and she’s also worked with global brands like Adobe, Marriott, and Samsung. Her goal is to push her clients to invest in more purposeful projects, and she is always looking for ways to incorporate sustainability and conservation practices into her commercial work.
Brought to you this week by Four Wheel Campers
You're also invited to the Four Wheel Campers Open House! November 4th! Climb into over 15 different camper models, get all of your camper questions answered, and see why FWC is such a favorite for so many outdoor enthusiasts!
Here's a link register: FWC Factory Fall Open House Event — (Rain or Shine) - Four Wheel Campers
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Show Notes
[00:00:40] Elizabeth Brentano: Writer, photographer, producer, sustainability advocate.
[00:05:23] Switching from TV to blogging for success.
[00:06:37] Betrayed by boss, but blessing in disguise.
[00:12:12] Kind people went crazy, air travel changed.
[00:14:56] Tourism industry embraces responsible recreation, non-profits.
[00:16:48] Pitched project to gear company, discussed ROI.
[00:22:26] Asked to join ambassador team, enthusiastic partnership.
[00:25:02] Organizing media for promotional events, documenting with photos, blogs, and sharing.
[00:26:43] Dan and Melanie help organize events together.
[00:30:20] Improving outdoor experience with customizable truck campers.
[00:33:11] Installing wildlife-friendly fencing, removing barbed wire fencing for Pronghorn and deer safety. Possible additional fire pits and previous erosion control and trash pickup efforts. March deadline.
[00:37:15] Budget-friendly water filter for backpackers, highly recommended.
[00:40:54] Consider impact; support brands doing real work.
Follow up with Elisabeth:
Website
After a long career in the snow sports space developing the world’s first digital avalanche rescue transceiver and promoting avalanche safety for all snow sports enthusiasts, Bruno McGowan has joined the Overlanding world as part of the founder group at Tune Outdoor. Tune Outdoor was specifically designed to let you spend more time in your natural state, out there, doing cool things . . . again and again.
Brought to you this week by Creative LIVE
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Or leave me a message on Speakpipe!
Show Notes
[00:04:37] Creating a successful product requires diverse competencies.
[00:07:18] An innovative solution: spacious and outdoor integration with a platform for east-west sleeping.
[00:11:16] Aluminum awning doors with accessories, including bed extension and tinted glass option available.
[00:16:09] Bruno discusses design requirements and material selections for achieving a lightweight space with a high space-to-weight ratio. Molded corner brackets were utilized.
[00:19:17] Stringent quality control requirements throughout the supply chain.
[00:24:26] Organizing their first YouTube user group rally. No details yet.
[00:27:45] Rick's favorite camp spot, Campsite A, is now popular. It's no longer secret.
[00:30:18] Rick and Bruno discuss the possibility of the Outdoor Retailer trade show becoming more consumer-focused.
[00:34:50] Bruno loves coffee and prefers simple, durable coffee-making tools.
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Outdoor Biz podcast and Episode 406. Today, I’m talking with Brian Beckstead, Co-founder of Altra Footwear. After 11 years in the run and outdoor specialty retail space, Brian worked to create Altra Footwear with Golden Harper. He built a sales team as VP of Sales, pioneering the early years of Altra before becoming President. He then worked to finalize and transition of Altra from ICON Health and Fitness to the VF Corporation. Brian currently focuses on Strategic Projects and PR. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys problem-solving and strategizing, usually in the mountains trail running or fly fishing where he says . . . ideas thrive!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you this week by The Running Event Show Notes [00:02:15] Initially reluctant, Brian joined the track team in junior high and ended up enjoying it.
[00:06:20] Brian started working at The Running Store at 16, now in the industry for 25 years.
[00:08:26] Two shoe nerds experiment by putting a shoe in a toaster oven and turning it into a flat shoe. we'd always kind of been a little bit In the barefoot movement. we always like to finish our runs doing strides, you know, sprints barefoot on grass
[00:10:12] Since we took out the drop in the shoe, we needed a name for this. And so we coined the term somehow it came up with, we coined the term zero drop. That was our, that was our concept. And so that was something that, uh, with the ultra brand we still use to this day is zero drop
[19:55:09] I had the CEO of ICON, our ownership group, pulled me in one day and he said, Hey, Brian, you know, we really want to take ultra to the moon.
We want you guys to be as big as you possibly can. And he said, we are, uh, we're looking at some investment groups, uh, for Altra. And I was like, what investment groups are you selling us? Like, well, not necessarily. Like we're going to be meeting with some people over the next two weeks. And I ended up meeting with VF a week later, not even knowing that my company was up for sale as founder and president of the president at the time.
So it was a bit of a shock. We were not prepared for that acquisition
[00:14:29] We all had different roles, but we helped each other in every aspect of the business. Golden focused on research and development, Jeremy on website marketing, and I ran the sell side. Golden and I collaborated on designing shoes and I tested them in trail races.
[00:21:38] REI is our biggest account, specializing in Altras. Our focus is on run specialty and full service running stores. We also branch out online but primarily wholesale.
[00:24:16] Angel investor Joe Morton and the narrator's father were influential mentors. Morton took a risk and had a positive influence, while the narrator's dad helped in desperate times.
[00:29:31] I have a daily meditation practice that brings mental clarity and emotional balance, derived from departing a strict religion. It's the most beneficial part of my routine.
Favorite Books: One of my favorites is Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. It's an absolute gem just in terms of the way the brain works. So I find that those types of things very fascinating. I read all sorts of stuff. I'm just reading one right now, Boliviar of Simon Boliviar, who's just amazing, kind of like George Washington of South America.
[00:32:14] Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear: The Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Water Filter is a convenient way to carry and drink water directly from natural sources like rivers and lakes while fishing or trail running. It is durable, affordable, comes in different sizes, and has an effective filtering system.
[00:34:52] Brian is active on social media and, open to feedback, loves the outdoor exercise industry.
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Welcome to episode 405 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by CreativeLive. This week, I caught up with a former colleague from Lowepro, Frank Felice. Frank is an award-winning marketing executive and board member with over 20 years of experience in storytelling and building brands in the travel, tech, and consumer goods industries. He's now the director of brand marketing at Sonoma County Tourism.
Brought to you this week by CreavitveLive
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes [00:01:30] Frank was raised by outdoorsy parents, I developed a love for outdoor activities. After college, I discovered hiking in Sonoma County.
[00:05:54] "I was feeling stuck coding in the basement, so I switched majors to business and marketing."
[00:08:06] Santa Rosa in Sonoma County offers a variety of activities, including coastal visits, redwood forests, hiking mountains, and Annadale. It also boasts a vibrant food and wine scene, including Russian River Brewery.
[00:11:26] Understanding consumer behaviors helps us drive more visitors to Sonoma County, which generated $2.29 billion in tourism revenue.
[00:13:40] Sonoma County promotes responsible travel as a destination stewardship organization, aiming to preserve and support the local area.
[00:17:19] My dad was a great storyteller; he taught me how to tell a story, and photography took it to another level.
[00:20:53] Red Car Wine offers a unique experience of walking through the forest while practicing forest bathing and drinking wine. Participants slow down, observe nature, and enjoy the vineyards, ultimately feeling transformed and less attached to their phones.
[00:25:36] It is best to visit during the week for fewer crowds and better rates, especially in late fall and early winter. Stay at the coast for a budget-friendly experience of Sonoma County.
[00:27:50] Bodega Bay and Santa Rosa are great for activities. Annadel is good for running and biking. Sonoma County offers various experiences. Sebastopol and Petaluma are also enjoyable.
[00:29:34] Convention and Visitors Bureau generates revenue and support for local communities worldwide. Frank recommends for those interested in tourism to explore their local Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Frank's favorite outdoor activity growing up
[00:03:49] Skiing
Follow up with Frank
[00:31:05] "LinkedIn is probably the best way to get in touch with me."
Welcome to episode 404 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Fresh Books. This week Cale Genenbacher, founder of LOGE, joins me to tell us how Loge is more than just a place to stay. Think of them as a home base for your next adventure. Close enough to get here but far enough to get away. And, with everything, you could want to get outside and explore. Cale’s background as a leader combined with his love of the outdoors and all things active, led him to founding LOGE in 2016. A West Point grad, Cale served as an infantry officer in the Army for over five years. After earning his MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management Cale worked at Microsoft in Seattle, WA, before starting LOGE.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes Welcome to episode 404 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by FreshBooks. This week, Cale Gennenbacher, founder of LOGE, joins me to tell us how [00:00:50] Lodge is more than just a place to stay.
Think of them as a home base for your next adventure. Close enough to get here, but far enough to get away. And with everything you could want to get outside and [00:01:00] explore. Cale's background as a leader, combined with his love of the outdoors and all things active, led him to founding LOGE in 2016. A West Point grad, Cale served as an infantry [00:01:10] officer in their army for over five years.
After earning his MBA from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management, Cale worked at Microsoft in Seattle before starting LOGE.
Welcome to the show, Cale.
Thanks for having me.
Yeah. Good to catch up with you. You sound like a busy guy. I think you, just, you're all over the place seeing all [00:01:30] the properties and whatnot. That's pretty cool.
Yeah, I know. We're, incredibly busy right now. A lot of travel, but the nice part is, typically a pretty beautiful location. yeah, keep them [00:01:40] busy.
- Good for you. So let's begin with maybe your most adventurous outdoor role, the U. S. Army 101st Airborne. I guess you served five [00:01:50] years a year, which was in Afghanistan. Give us the Twitter version of that adventure. That sounds wild.
Yeah, it was, it was an incredible time. I mean, it feels like a [00:02:00] lifetime ago. But, most of those five years, I was an infantryman, so most of those... Five years were spent outside. And I'll tell you what, like that we're in the Eastern part of Afghanistan, [00:02:10] real close to the border of Pakistan and some of the most beautiful mountains I've been in my life, but, a ton of leadership lessons, a lot of time, I'm a big runner.
And I don't say [00:02:20] that because a lot of time spent, moving and suffering, but, a great experience and, a lot of time in the woods and mountains, which is where I'm happiest. it was an incredible adventure. I don't think you can [00:02:30] replicate it.
I have a good buddy of mine that ran an expedition company over there that did, adventures in those mountains, and just sad to see what happened.
It's amazing. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's [00:02:40] a, it is a beautiful part of the world. just a tough part of the world for the people that live there and everything else. But, yeah, I mean, it was an incredible adventure and very, shaping [00:02:50] in terms of, life, especially at that age.
-So then after the army, you went and got your MBA from Vanderbilt. What inspired that move?
Yeah. it [00:03:00] was, I actually love the army and, had planned to spend a lot more time there than what I did. My wife was in the army as well. She was a Black Hawk pilot and we [00:03:10] found out we were having our first kid.
And we hadn't, we didn't see each other very much in the army and, didn't want to necessarily kind of do that with our first daughter in terms of not being there. [00:03:20] And yeah, I had, I, I wish I could say I had a huge strategy, but I just knew that I didn't know what I actually wanted to do after the army.
And so my thought was, going to [00:03:30] business school, I wanted to go to, a great business school, which Vanderbilt certainly is. to kind of immerse myself back in the business world and figure out, truly what I wanted to do. So it was, [00:03:40] it was a family move, as much as anything else to kind of chart the next path in my life post army.
-That makes sense. Yeah. So let's get back to the outdoors. Did you camp or hike or hunt [00:03:50] fish as a kid?
Yeah. I mean, I grew up in central Illinois, there's not like skiing and rock climbing. All those things aren't a big part of life, but we definitely hunted [00:04:00] and fished a lot of, ball sports to baseball, soccer, football, but, deer and Turkey, my brother did a little bit more, duck too.
And then, fishing, but it's,[00:04:10] pond and lake crappie large mouth bass, but, everything in the outdoors as a kid. and a lot of, yeah, a lot of hunting and fishing more than I do now. I wish I could actually do a little more fish than what I actually do. So [00:04:20] that's a great place for that back there too.
I grew up in that County and Adams and Pike County. massive will tell the air, and then [00:04:30] you can fish, but I don't know that a lot of the stuff that you pull out of the Mississippi, you actually want to touch, but yeah, absolute, awesome area to kind of grow up outdoors, a [00:04:40] lot of different, I, I don't really hunt too much anymore, primarily because of time and other hobbies and kids and whatnot, but yeah,
I grew up in the outdoors and more in [00:04:50] the hook and bullet world than in the adventure world that we're in now. I just got back from Kansas and it's, it's very unlike Bishop, but there's a lot of hunting and fishing. [00:05:00] Yeah. A high school buddy of mine's dad has that. They have a family ranch back there. So we went back and hung out there. Totally fun. it's good time. very different. there's beautiful outdoor places all over the [00:05:10] country. Like I'm a big believer that, Yeah. I mean, it's easy to be snobbish about, the height of the mountain or whatever, but , is the Rolling Hills in Kansas or some of the,[00:05:20] kind of wooded areas back in, in Illinois or, anywhere else in the country.
There's some beautiful areas. yeah. Yeah, it was, and Midwest is great people too, so it's a good place to be from. Yeah, [00:05:30] exactly.
-And how did you connect with Lodge?
yeah, I Co founded LOGE back in, in 2016, part of, not being sure what I wanted to [00:05:40] do now to the army. I went to Vanderbilt and that's where I actually started working on it. after a little bit of time, I realized. I was passionate about entrepreneurship and, someday I wanted [00:05:50] to, own and run my own business. And I had spent so many weekends in the army just trying to get away from the base and get outside, whether that be [00:06:00] to run or climb or bike or ski.
And I was always kind of staying either at a really crappy mom-and-pop hotel or, staying 45 minutes away at a Holiday Inn. [00:06:10] So I didn't always want to camp. And as I thought about all those experiences when I was in business school, I was [00:06:20] actually on a long run and I was planning a trip in my head for my wife and I and our daughter to go to East Tennessee.
And I thought, man, if there was just a place, where,[00:06:30] I knew it was going to be a great place to stay, but there's community and gear there. Cause I was still renting a lot of gear versus owning it. I was like, man, if someone could just do that in the places that [00:06:40] I go all the time, every other weekend, like that'd be incredible.
And that's when I kind of clicked. I'm like, oh, I could do that. Yeah. Yeah. founded a lodge [00:06:50] just about a year out of business school.
-Oh, wow. And so you guys have 11 locations, right?
Yeah. We actually have a few more that we haven't technically [00:07:00] announced yet. So right now, including some that we don't, that we haven't announced yet, we have 17. So it should all open between now and the end of next summer.
-Very cool. Do you have a favorite?[00:07:10] it's like asking which, which is your favorite?
yes and no, no, not a true favorite, but [00:07:20] you know, Westport, Washington was our first property.
And I still think when you show up, to Westport on a summer weekend. [00:07:30] And this is an intangible, but the vibe is like nothing I've ever experienced at any other place I've stayed. It is like what I imagine life, you show up and there's [00:07:40] people, cooking and sharing food in the outdoor kitchen and kids are all running around and there's, fires and music and surf.
It's just, It's the type of vibe that, we seek to replicate, within every [00:07:50] other property we do. And in many ways, I think that one, Westport, has a special place in my heart.
I think your first one always does, too. I don't have kids, but your first kid always does, too. I'm a firstborn, [00:08:00] so I know what that's about.
yeah. Yeah, totally. yeah, it's, yeah, a great place, and we'll definitely be the leader among equals, maybe.
-Very cool. [00:08:10] I guess you've been with... Longer than five years you were thinking about it. Yeah. Way, way back. Are there a couple of accomplishments there that you're most proud of? Some deals that were hard to [00:08:20] do?
you got the place and realized, holy cow, this is more work than we thought.
Maybe the whole thing has been that, it's all more work than we thought. I, [00:08:30] yeah, a couple of things. one, I would say is just surviving. I don't think anyone tells you going into business, how hard it is to just [00:08:40] survive, Nonetheless, to grow, but just to survive. and I, when I think of my head back to, the onset of COVID and 2020, we were only, we're a little less than [00:08:50] two and a half years old as a company. and we knew we were raising capital then to survive. man, the amount of kind of sleepless nights and grit to navigate that.
Yeah. [00:09:00] And so that leads me, I think one of the biggest accomplishments is just the team. Like the people that we've been able to have on our team and work with [00:09:10] is incredible, and that have kind of come together with a belief in the concept. It's pretty incredible. And I'm really proud of it because it's, Lodge is a young company and a growing company [00:09:20] and faces challenges all over the place.
And. When you look at, the people on our team and how they work together and just continually solve problems, [00:09:30] I'm always incredibly proud of the team that we've built and what they do both at lodge, developing new properties and our general managers and our team, [00:09:40] it's, Incredible.
So that would have to be, number one for me. And then, number two, I think would be like just getting our first property. open, like we were,[00:09:50] we would go pitch investors and then go, clean a room and then go, obviously after washing your hands, go make a latte and check out surfboards.
I mean, just doing everything. And then [00:10:00] before it even opened, We're out there, landscaping and framing walls and all those things. So just getting that first one open, there's just so many things working against you [00:10:10] to do that. And then, I think the other reason is I used to joke with people all the time when they say, what's your background in hospitality?
I said, actually, I used to have the most [00:10:20] inhospitable. job in the world, I was an infantryman. And so I think, yeah. So coming from that, background and being able to open a place where you can hear the conversations around the fire and people are [00:10:30] just having fun. I think some of those, whenever I show the property, I see guests and like the community gathering in a way that we wanted to happen.
that's when it [00:10:40] just, that makes everything worth it. the team and getting properties open and just anytime I see. our kind of guests and crew, interacting. Those are the kind of the most proud things for me. [00:10:50]
-That's pretty cool. how big is your team now?
our headquarters team, is 17 people. And then, all the properties. full teams of incredible [00:11:00] people from general managers to our hosts and our housekeepers. so pretty good sized team across all the properties. Yeah.
-That's amazing. So what would you say has been the most challenging?
Obviously [00:11:10] there's, everyone's different and the whole project itself is a big challenge. Is there any one thing that says, God, every time we do this, it's a pain in the butt. [00:11:20] yeah, I think I would say communicating vision. Is it's always challenging with every new with every property that [00:11:30] we do every camp that we do, we don't want them to be the same.
We wanted to have similar threads in terms of, the access to the outdoors and gear and [00:11:40] outdoor amenities and the food and beverage, but we don't want them to be the place and the people in that place. And I go to that place. And what we've certainly found is whether [00:11:50] it be, communicating with potential designers or team members or, a lot of folks jumped to what I call the. Google page one result. [00:12:00] And it's so much, it's so much deeper than that. And it takes a long time to truly communicate the vision for what we want a [00:12:10] property to become, because oftentimes what you see, when we're buying it or when we're designing it is so radically different than what it will become, [00:12:20] not only on what the spaces, are, but you know, what they will be, oftentimes we're going to take down walls and so communicating vision is, if you ask me at the start, hey, [00:12:30] communicating vision, where do you think that's going to be in terms of your shot? I would have said Number 580 on the list and it's probably, it's probably number one. yeah,
-that's interesting. And do you guys must [00:12:40] have a pretty detailed onboarding program and all those things for new folks and whatnot? And each property I bet has its own manifesto, if you will. I mean, you write that vision a million times, [00:12:50] probably created a million times.
A hundred percent. Yeah. I mean, you have all the checklists and those really help you kind of onboard and get open. But what we [00:13:00] really try to do and why, communicating vision is so important is I, I am not only my unable to, I shouldn't make all the decisions for the lodge, right? We have [00:13:10] so many smart people, so many great people that all themselves have so many experiences and value add the outdoor. So [00:13:20] we want to communicate vision so that they can under our vision and our purpose, which we talk a lot about as a company so that they can make a decision themselves and they're empowered [00:13:30] to do And so it's just, whether it be on design or operations, the kind of vision and purpose is just so important.
Sometimes I feel like a broken record with how much I talk about purpose, but those are, [00:13:40] it's huge for our business. they're really complex. I mean, I don't care who you are. I mean, if you do a right, it's complex. It's hard. Yeah. Yeah. Which it probably should be. I know it should be.[00:13:50] it's a 24 7, 365 business, right? Yeah, Your experience is shaped at every touchpoint, so it's a lot.
-I think I recently read that you added [00:14:50] Wolf Creek. Tell us about your process for selecting new locations. That's got to be probably pretty challenging as well, I would think.
It is. [00:15:00] And it's definitely an art as, as much as a science,we have, we kind of start big picture and say, Hey, at least in the near term, [00:15:10] this is where we won't be, and we'll have a region and then we'll define, okay, these are the cities and places or areas that, that [00:15:20] we want to be, and then we go there,we go there, we get a feel for this town versus that town, what is the vibe we go to the trails, we go to the, [00:15:30] climbing spots and crags, we go to the ski mountain, we say, like, where does it make sense for us to be, and then oftentimes, we'll just begin talking with people, right?
I don't think there's any [00:15:40] substitute in business for speaking with people, even though I think it's put pretty far. And say, where do you go? What trailheads are most popular? Do a lot of people stay at the mountain or are they actually driving down? [00:15:50] And we have a kind of, maybe more scientific process to narrow it down, to kind of pretty tight regions and then it's going to get on the ground and get enough fuel for it.
And Wolf Creek [00:16:00] is one of those areas, That just has intangibles that we love. I mean, it's,it's not on, it might not be necessarily on the national radar, but it definitely should be on the [00:16:10] regional radar, right? It's, incredible skiing, the most snow in Colorado, but it, to me, it feels like, true Colorado, get off 70, get into the, one of those great climbing, incredible fishing.[00:16:20] and mountain biking, and then obviously the snow. it's one of those places that we honed in on and we absolutely love. I think,again, maybe getting away from a little page one [00:16:30] results of, outdoor places in Colorado, maybe, South Fork area isn't number one, but it should be up there. It's one of those special places that we want to help people discover. Yeah. [00:16:40]
Very cool. A good buddy that I fish with a lot. We used to have a term for that, low getting information from the locals because every time you go fly fishing, the first place you go is the fly shop [00:16:50] because you want to get the local knowledge, right?
You need the local knowledge. We need to know what bugs are biting, what time, where temperate blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. So that there's [00:17:00] nothing that can replace that local knowledge. I don't care where you go in the world.
And that's a big part of, as we open camps, we want to be able to help do that, [00:17:10] For our guests, like help, be that local. And that's part of why, I mean, Locals coming and hanging out on our properties, whether it be for cafes or music or movies or events, like it's a big part [00:17:20] of our business. And it's something that we encourage. Cause there's no, there is no substitute, no matter where in the world you go for that, that ultra local intelligence.
-So is there anything new in the pipeline you can talk about?
There's a lot, we'd to be in, we'd like to be in your neck of the woods, here pretty [00:17:40] soon we're working on. I wish we could say we have something, more firm than what we do. and then, we actually in Asheville, North Carolina, recently bought a place that we're [00:17:50] incredibly excited about. And I mentioned it cause we're, we're really looking to build in that area too, like generally, and, in the Southeast more, and, I spent a fair bit of time in the [00:18:00] Southeast when I was in the army and love what it has to offer outside of Asheville,there's a number of spots that we're looking at. And then, right now, what we're trying to scout for. That's a little bit [00:18:10] tougher. It's just more surf properties. we got a lot of those other properties that kind of get 17 are ski and mountain bike and everything else. And so surf [00:18:20] is a big part of where we found ourselves, maybe lighter in terms of kind of the pipeline and what we're working on. it's not a hard ask to tell your folks on the team, Hey, we need to do [00:18:30] about this market out on the coast, not to go to the beach for a month.
-Oh, yeah, that's cool. Awesome. So will [00:18:40] LOGE always be US based or do you have plans to add international locations?
Oh yeah, no, we're, we are, or are you already in No, in, not, we are working on [00:18:50] Canada right now. Okay. So several properties in the hopper. not as part of that, 17 I mentioned earlier, but we're really excited, to go to Canada first. I think it's a. especially, [00:19:00] we started in the Seattle area and,when I lived up there, going into BC was a really a natural connection. and we also own a number of things in the Northeast. And going up into,the [00:19:10] Montreal area and everything else, those are really natural connections to us.
And I think people that are in the outdoors too, those are, North of the border. There's some incredible places to ski, hike, climb, [00:19:20] fish. And yeah, we're focused on that in the near future. Hopefully. We can get a couple of open next year. That's what we're going to do. Some great areas up around BANFF. One of the, one of the first properties we started looking at, was up there, in Kenmore, which is, outside of, right outside of BANFF.[00:19:40] yeah. Unbelievable. I really hope that we can get something up there.
-Yeah, cool. So let's shift gears a little bit. In addition to running, it sounds like you do all the outdoor activities, right? Anything you don't do? [00:19:50]
Yeah. No, not, I mean, there's a lot of things I don't do well. I feel same here. yeah. I feel like I'm, definitely like the jack of all trades, master of none.
No, I do a lot [00:20:00] of trail running. rock climbing, skiing, back streets. I grew up fishing, in the last couple of years, I've started to fly fish a little bit more. I'd love to do, [00:20:10] I'd love to spend more time doing it. And, I think what I, don't do as much, it's just I don't know what hobby gives is mountain biking.
I have daughters and we're, they're [00:20:20] kind of getting an age where they're excited to get into mountain biking. And so we need to get some new bikes and get out on the trail. But I think I, I do most of them don't really do [00:20:30] any, but I love doing them all. Yeah. That's part of the challenge for those of us that do all the things, It's really hard to be, you could probably be pretty dang good at a couple of them. It's [00:20:40] hard to be good at all of them.
-Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the adventure biz, outdoor biz?
You know, I would [00:20:50] say it, it's a, it goes back to, one of the things I said about is you got to go talk to people.
I think in the outdoor business, there's no substitute for sitting down [00:21:00] across from people and talking to them. I think, the outdoor businesses is a lot more tightly networked than I would have guessed,six or seven years ago. And go to the shows, go to the seals, [00:21:10] talk to, figure out what part of the industry you're interested in and show up and talk to people because.
It can seem like a, tough, part of the business to crack into, but people are so incredibly welcoming if you can [00:21:20] just kind of sit down and chat with them. So I would just say. find the spot that those people are and, get yourself there and with a little bit of a budget to buy some coffee and beer for folks and, you'll find yourself in the right spot pretty [00:21:30] quick.
-Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
I would probably say a [00:21:40] Leatherman. that's a good one. Yeah. it just, you get a good left man for 65 bucks and I don't, it almost doesn't matter what sport I'm doing.
I feel like one with an [00:21:50] arm's reach. Camping, climbing in a, bottom of a,pack while climbing or backcountry skiing or whatever it is. I feel like I almost always have a Leatherman by me and it saves [00:22:00] my butt more times than I'd care to admit.
-As we finish up, is there anything else you'd like to say to or ask of our listeners?
yeah, I mean, [00:22:10] first go explore the place near your home. I think we're, we have this, we, we fetishize, Jackson Hole and Whistler and those type of places, I [00:22:20] think regardless of whether you're in Kansas or Bishop or Utah, I think there's some pretty incredible and overlooked places right outside your back door. And, so I would [00:22:30] encourage people to do that. And I think along the way, if you find yourself, close to the lodge, then go check it out. Even if you're not staying there, we're, yeah, we want to just be a spot for the community to come [00:22:40] together, whether it be to get, that local Intel on what's biting or, just to have a beer and hang out with other people that are like minded.
Those would be, I think the things that I would encourage people [00:22:50] to do.
-Where can people find you if they'd like to follow up?
Probably, email or [00:23:20] LinkedIn. I'm not on, on the socials, as they say, really not on Twitter, Instagram, or, any of those things, LinkedIn [00:23:30] is probably the place where I am the most about all the socials, but still probably not all that much. Probably the easiest place to track me down.
Welcome to episode 403 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Fresh Books. This week Brittany Coleman, founder of a new women’s outdoor and lifestyle brand called Tough Cutie joins me. ToughCutie makes premium women’s hiking socks and has a larger mission of supporting women from the ground up and increasing diversity in the outdoors. Founded in 2019, Tough Cutie has become the first and only outdoor sock brand with a majority women-owned value chain, and joins an estimated 1% of founders in the outdoor industry who identify as a person of color.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes Where did the idea for ToughCutie come from?
The idea for ToughCutie came from the experiences of being a woman in business and the outdoor industry. It's about challenging the idea that women can't be both tough and feminine.
When did you launch?
ToughCutie launched just over a year ago, but the founder worked on the business for several years before the official launch.
Are you a member of the REI Path Ahead Ventures program?
Yes, ToughCutie is a member of the REI Path Ahead Ventures program.
How did you get involved with REI?
Brittany got connected to REI through an Instagram live interview with a prominent figure in the outdoor industry. Several people at REI saw the interview and reached out to initiate a conversation.
What stage of business development would you say you're at, still in the launch phase?
ToughCutie has launched its first product and is now working on the next one. The business is continually evolving and launching new products.
Who does all the design, product management, etc. - is it you?
Initially, Brittany was heavily involved in design and product management. As the brand has grown, she's started working with designers and other professionals.
Why socks?
Brittany's background was in the sock category of the outdoor industry. She recognized the opportunity to create a women's sock brand that challenges stereotypes.
Are there socks for guys in your future?
While ToughCutie primarily focuses on women's socks, men have also purchased and appreciated the socks. There is no specific mention of developing socks exclusively for men.
How many doors are you in, excluding REI?
ToughCutie is in approximately 30 stores, excluding REI.
Who was your first customer outside of REI?
Title IX was the first customer outside of REI. They became a customer after the founder won a competition called "Movers and Makers."
Where is your manufacturing?
ToughCutie manufactures its products in the United States, primarily in the South, and works with women-owned companies in its supply chain.
Tell us about your first outdoor adventure.
Brittany's first outdoor adventure was a trip to Mount Zion with their church, where she did a baptism. It was a significant and authentic outdoor experience.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to start an Outdoor Brand?
Start by understanding your customer and what problems you're solving for them. Build a community and invite people to be a part of your journey. Get feedback early on.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear under $100?
Two favorite pieces mentioned were the Kula Cloth, a pea cloth, and the Lucy inflatable lanterns for ambiance.
What are a couple of your favorite books?
"The Song of Achilles" and "The Outsiders" are two of Brittany's favorite books.
Where can people find you if they’d like to follow up (email, Twitter, Instagram, etc)?
Brittany's email is: bcoleman@toughcutie.com and she can also be found on LinkedIn. The brand can also be found on Instagram and their website, toughcutie.com.
Welcome to episode 402 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Lowa. This week Lowa Ambassador Max Seigal and his race partner Russell Henry share their 1st Adventure Race experience with us as they took 1st place in the recent Expedition Colorado Race put on by Warrior Adventure Racing. The race involved kayaking, mountain biking and running at elevations between 13,000 and 10,000 feet . . . Max and Russell were wearing Lowa’s recently released Trail Running models from their All Terrain Running Collection. The ATR collection represents another milestone in Lowa’s nearly 100 years of product development. Now . . . it’s time to run.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes 00:02:2000:02:27 The Wandering Biologist: "So after college, I actually sorted all the jobs that I was looking for based on location first..."— Max Seigal
00:03:1000:03:14 Outdoor Adventures: "I grew up on the West Coast of British Columbia with Aaron...and my dad owned an outdoor store, Ocean River Sports and started a Kayak company, "— Russell Henry
00:05:2600:05:35 The Power of Nature: "Once you put me in the mountains or and these really beautiful and remote places. It's you just you can't describe that feeling you get. It's amazing."— Max Seigal
00:06:4500:07:07 The Thrill of Paddling White Water: "I find spending time on rivers and paddling white water to be such a full-bodied experience. It's just with, like, you're fully immersed in it... It's the contrast of the whole thing of getting ready for the river beforehand, then you do the crazy thing and you're in there and you're scared and it's thundering, and it's like wet and cooled. And then afterwards, you get off the river, and now it's baking hot, and you take your dry suit off and your love and life, and you're there with your best friends."— Russell Henry
00:08:3300:08:47 The Love for Individual Sports: "Once you're done with your high school sports days, it's like you gotta figure something else out and that's when I really started falling in love with just getting out and, you know, running and hiking and camping and mountain all these sort of individual sports that I still really love."— Max Seigal
00:09:2300:09:41 Trail Running Shoes: "And this new lineup of, their ATRs is is just released this year. It's kind of their more trail running approach. And I've been really excited for this for a long time because, you know, you can only do so much in a hiking shoe of running shoes. Now you're like, you get the trifecta. You can get out and do it all."— Max Seigal
00:11:2600:11:40 Adventure Racing: "Adventure racing, it's kind of, funny sport in that You're basically out in the woods for set amount of time on a really big scavenger hunt."— Russell Henry
00:12:48:04 The Power of Pushing Limits: "Just keep going. Like, I think people think it's amazing that we can do this kind of race or that adventure racers do this stuff. But really, if you're an enough person outdoorsy, just like you'll you can just As long as you don't sit down too often, you just your body will keep going if you keep feeling it and and you can do some amazing things."— Russell Henry
00:18:0100:18:11 Foot Care Regime for Races: "They sand all the calluses off their feet, basically leading up to the race, and then they're moisturizing and moisturizing with salt through the night. basically trying to make their feet as soft as they can."— Russell Henry
00:27:0600:27:12 Struggling with Overeating during a Race: "I think I ate too much food. I'm like, so tired. My stomach hurts."— Max Seigal
00:28:5600:29:03 Altitude Troubles: I just, like, started feeling the altitude so heavily and was not in a good place."— Russell Henry
00:29:4900:29:53 Sleep Deprivation and Altitude Sickness: 'I was a total wreck and then eventually got back on my bike'"— Russell Henry
00:32:1100:32:12 The Challenges of Sleep Deprivation in Endurance Races: "I did not sleep at all."— Max Seigal
00:32:3700:33:01 Sleeping through the pain: "I guess this is over. And we're kinda done. But, Russ, I think if I can sit up and sleep, like, maybe I can get an hour of sleep sitting up and Let's see if that works. So we set our alarms for, like, another hour and a half, and he sat up and somehow he, like, slept for an hour. And woke up, and he's like, alright. I guess we're gonna keep going. And so -- Wow."— Max Seigal
00:37:0000:37:24 Adventuring with Friends: "We just wanted to do something together. We wanted to meet up and go on an adventure. And my new Max was a crusher in the mountains, so I think if I can't remember me or him found the race, but then we just said this is perfect. Let's like because also when we were working together on the ship, week on this polar tourism ship together. Last thing, Max was helping me train for an adventure race that I did in May. So I was running in the gym with him, and he we were doing things together. So it was kinda cool to then get to do one with him."— Russell Henry
00:37:3500:37:42 Scheduling: "The issue is we both live very busy and kind of, opposite lives right now in terms of scheduling."— Max Seigal
00:38:3000:39:15 Top Adventure Racing Events to Aim For: I think having [Expedition Oregon] as a goal to try to do well in would be really cool."— Russell Henry
00:39:4900:40:02 Adventure Racing: "There's so many little adventure racing intricacies of, like, things we've talked about, like, foot care and how do you hydrate and how often do you sleep and how do you sleep and all these little things that you learn."— Russell Henry
00:44:4800:44:59 The Power of Teammate Bonding: "Honestly, to me, the most important thing is having that teammate or your teammates that kind of inspire you, but also that you just have great banter with and kind of love to hang out with...I was just like, what's with my buddy? I was like, here we are. Just chit chatting and walking and biking and having a good time. And, like, that to me made it just so much more fun..."— Max Seigal
00:47:2100:47:34 Adventure Race: "Honestly, it was like, one of the best weeks of my life, you know, just you're discovering things about yourself. You're discovering, like, how hard you can push yourself? How hard you can go without sleep? how long you can bike and run in the mountains. And, you know, chemistry with a person, like, for that much time, it's just so much discovery, and it's a really good feeling to finish up and be like, wow. I just learned a lot about myself."— Max Seigal
Suggestions or advice for someone wanting to do their first adventure race or get into adventure racing
Max: I'd say go for it. Adventure race. This was my first one. Russell had done a couple and he's like, dude, let's try this. I had no idea what to expect, but honestly, it was like one of the best weeks of my life.
Russell: Just look it up. And I think once you look it up, you see that there's actually lots of races around. You can sign up for something small to start. You can do something small to see if you like it.
Favorite piece of Outdoor Gear under $100
Max- the most important things I think are like a good pair of shoes that you can run a lot of miles in and then not get blisters that fit your feet.
Russell- outdoor research sun shirt men's, women's
Follow up:
with Max: www.maxwilderness.com
with Russell: instagram.com/russellfrederickhenry/
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Welcome to episode 401 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by The Running Event. The world is a wonderful place full of exciting adventures. And I don’t let much stop me from getting out and enjoying those adventures. but sometimes . . . the bugs, particularly mosquitos here in the Eastern Sierra . . . can be relentless. So I use natural repellants from PARA’KITO®. PARA’KITO® wants you to embrace this world, to travel, to explore, to enjoy its beauty, all naturally free from the nuisance of insects. PARA’KITO® is your caring, natural, effective protection. And Tracey Brown is with me today to explain how they protect us from the harmful bites from mosquitos ticks and other nasty buggers.
Brought to you by
Show Notes [00:01:38] Malaria kills thousands worldwide each year, now a concern in the US.
[00:06:13] Our 1-inch polymer product slowly diffuses essential oil fragrance for 2 weeks. Waterproof and effective within a 4-foot radius. Amazing.
[00:09:59] Different countries have unique regulations for FDA equivalents, resulting in variations in product formulations, including essential oils used.
[00:13:26] The US military still issues DEET despite its dangers.
[00:18:42] Exciting, natural insect repellant by Evergreenland and French trio. Successful brand solving problems, growing adoption.
[00:20:34] Entry-level opportunities in the outdoor industry can bring joy and open doors, regardless of experience. Embrace any role to get started.
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under $100- "it's the ramp that I use to get my Old golden retriever in and out of my car."
Favorite Books: Sunset and Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine
Check us out at parakito. com. It's P A R A K I T O, and use the code FAMILY for 50% off of whatever you buy on the website.
Follow up with Tracey: at tracey@parakito.com and on LinkedIn
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Welcome to episode 400 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Dakota Lithium CEO Andrew Jay joins us to share how we each have the opportunity to change how our communities use energy.
Brought to you by:
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes Things we talked about:
[00:01:56] Outdoor upbringing on San Juan Island, seeking role models in nature.
[00:04:38] Interesting life chapter: backpacking, Canada, climbing, Africa, stability.
[00:07:17] 7 years working, kids, childhood education, Scandinavian forest schools.
00:7:23 created Tiny Trees Preschool
[00:10:17] Innovative electric bike creator, Hill Topper bikes rapidly succeeds.
[00:14:45] Developed kayak fan generating electricity with solar panel.
[00:18:07] Dakota Lithium really stands out as the longest lasting batteries with 11-year warranty.
[00:21:16] Sales grew during the pandemic, surprising expectations.
[00:24:36] Motorcycle batteries last 10-15 years with warranty.
[00:26:20] Family camping trips, rock climbing enthusiast. Steep, well-protected climbs.
[27:15:08] Andrew's Advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz or bootstrap something like he did?
[00:28:54] Climbinghosen, similar to a German Lederhosen.
[00:29:33] Favorite piece of outdoor gear under 100?
[00:31:21] We're offering a 10% discount code to podcast listeners. So you can use the code OUTDOORBIZ at DakotaLithium. com, and get 10% off your next order.
Follow up with Andrew: "You can find me on dakotalithium.com. You can just search for "energy" or CEO. You can also find me on LinkedIn."
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Welcome to episode 399 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Thrive Market. Is that novel of yours “still” rolling around in your brain? Outdoor Author Chad Adams describes the path that took him from writing articles about duck hunting, hundreds of weekly newsletter editorials, and ghostwriting for executives to his recently published first novel, How To Walk In the Marsh.
Shoot Chad a message over on Instagram, "the first two people that send me a message, I'll send them a code to have access to a free copy of the audio book."
Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes Things we talked about:
[00:01:29] Chad describes a personal connection to fishing and a family legacy.
[00:04:45] Chad talks about his experiences fishing and hunting, particularly duck hunting, and how these activities were passed down from father to son.
[00:08:08] How Chad got connected through his Dad connecting him to a writing opportunity through his social skills, and he started earning as a writer.
[00:10:59] Chad tells us how he worked for the same company for 20 years, starting with writing a corporate newsletter and eventually gaining the confidence to write messages for executives.
[00:15:13] He is open to writing anything, enjoys the process, and appreciates the therapeutic aspect.
[00:19:56] Chad discusses the significance of quiet moments outdoors, passing down traditions, facing adversity, and reconnecting with one's roots. He also hints at a personal story involving his relationship with his father and raising their own children.
Chad's Book
Chad's Advice if you want to be a writer
“Don't delay, start writing and fulfill your dream."
Favorite Books
Into the Wild by John Krakauer
The Servant by James Hunter
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under 100?
We do all of our hunting and fishing, mostly in salt water. So, this might sound simple, but a good dry box goes a long way, man, because shotgun shells and salt water . . . that doesn't mix well, you gotta keep your gear dry.
Follow Up with Chad
Welcome to episode 398 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Thrive Market. This week we’re going to talk about the challenges around critical strategic thinking, disruptive brand story creation, or brand marketing to drive measurable cultivated relationships with Clare Hefferren, founder of Callosum. Clare shares with us how their work can help you solve those challenges and more. Clare tells us how their north star is anchored in collaboration and how they like to work with early and growth stage outdoor brands who are looking to build awareness and revenue focused on the quadruple bottom line: people, planet, profit, and purpose.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by Thrive Market
Show Notes Things we talked about:
[00:03:03] Where Clare's love for the outdoors comes from, tomboy turned explorer, passionate people's champion.
[00:04:56] Neurological term connecting brain hemispheres and branding.
[00:07:20] Branding work exposes the disconnect between staff and company.
[00:11:01] Purposeful work for growth and impact.
[00:15:27] Profit, people, planet, purpose - Quadruple Bottom Line Workshop
[00:20:20] Expansive research, target Hispanic market, and sustainability.
[00:21:21] Mirna Valerio: Author, influencer, inclusivity advocate
[00:26:21] Living in Vail, skiing and mountain biking.
[00:28:45] Positive psychology building blocks promote daily health.
[00:33:53] Determine marketing budget, focus on strategy first.
Favorite Books
How the World Sees You
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under 100?
Mosquito head net
Follow Up with Clare
Website
email: claire@gocolossum.com
Episode 397 with Greg Mazu, Chief Encouragement Officer of Singletrack Trails. Singletrack Trails was born in 2004 and has evolved into six different ventures. Over that time, Greg has shifted Singletrack from a boutique trail construction company to a multi-faceted outdoor recreation development firm. And Greg has shifted his focus with the company as an owner-operator to their Chief Encouragement Officer.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by Thrive Market
Show Notes
Things we talked about:
The Ventures of an Opportunistic Entrepreneur 00:02:32
Mountain Biking and the Evolution of Trails 00:07:05
The benefits of working through a nonprofit 00:09:50
Building Trails with Impact 00:12:27
Scaling Beyond Competitors 00:13:42
Finding Mentorship in Unconventional Places 00:15:35
The Importance of Networking in the Outdoor Recreation Industry 00:19:19
Staying Active and Focused 00:22:09
The Accessibility Challenge of Outdoor Recreation 00:25:09
Blinkist 00:24:15
Favorite Books
Traction by Gino Wickman
E myth by Michael Gerber
Powerful by Patty McCord
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under 100?
Portable Bicycle Pump
Follow Up with Greg
LinkedIn: @gregmazu
Linkedin: singletracktrails
Facebook: @gregmazu
Singletrack trails
Welcome to Episode 396 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Around the Crown 10K Founder Brian Mister. Have you ever been stuck in traffic on the highway and thought to yourself, “I could run faster than this”? This idea is exactly how Around the Crown 10K got its start. Brian is here to tell us all about it.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by The Running Event
Things we talked about
Around the Crown 10K
Pretty Bird Hot Chicken, Salt Lake City
First role in The Outdoor Industry, sort of
Aravaipa Running
Black Canyon Run
Charlotte, NC
Cooper River Bridge around Charleston
Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta
Charlotte Marathon
Atlanta Track Club
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Crab mallets
Noda Five K
Noda Brewing Company
Advice for someone wanting to start a race or get into running?
I think starting early. I mean if you feel the passion that you want to be in it, get your hands dirty and get in the industry however you can. If you stay focused on what you're doing, it'll all fall into place for you.
Work your way into it. Suppose it's race directing, entrepreneurship, and starting your own business, the same advice. Do it. Just shoot your shot and see what happens.
Other Outdoor Activities
We Love camping, and the kids are into it.
I've been building a treehouse for my kids.
Gravel Biking
Mountain Biking
Favorite Books
Right now, I'm reading Running With Purpose. It’s by the CEO of Brooks, Jim Weber
Chip and Joanna Gaines have some pretty hilarious books on parenting and fixing up houses and just kind of different, different ways to live life.
Best Gear Purchase under $100
The thing that I really love that I have to have when I go running is a hat. And we get our hats from BOCO, which stands for Boulder, Colorado.
Here's number two for me. And this is in the camping world. I always like to have one thing with me that's my luxury piece. Maybe I'm bringing a nice chair with me or something cause I'm car camping. But the go-to for me recently has been no matter like what type of camping I'm doing, I got one of those inflatable Sea to Summit pillows.
Connect with Brian
brian@aroundthecrown10k.com
Instagram is @aroundthecrown10K
my personal one is @bmister06
Episode 395 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Christian Bacasa. Christian is a father of two, an entrepreneur, technology sales executive, and a dedicated sportsman.
Following his recovery from Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, he discovered fly fishing, which he credits with his physical and emotional recovery.
He is co-founder of Dupe a Fish, a subscription-based travel booking platform for service providers and anglers, and hosts the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by Thrive Market
Show Notes Tell us about the first fish you caught on a fly.
So first fish I caught on a fly. It was the Henry's Fork. I was with a friend of mine, TJ. He had taken me up to go fly fishing. In actuality, we went up to look at a drift boat.
So he's talking to this guy about a drift boat to buy, and it's a 95 Hyde. And the guy says, it's got a little bit of glass damage to it, but I'll make you a deal.
We get up there, and it's got a hole, you know, probably about this big in the bottom. And you can see the foam.
Yeah, you can see the foam. The phone was starting to rot. And I said, Hey man, that's no big deal. And so he works the guy over and hems and haws them and, you know, classic, this guy, TJ, you know, he's a character, hippie kid from Pennsylvania, but he's a savvy sales guy.
So he talks him down, and we get the boat for a good price. We look at each other, and he goes, you think it'll float? And I was like, Oh, I think it'll float all day.
Yeah. Let's put it in the water. We take her down a river, and I didn't really know how to fly fish very well. It was my first time, but he puts me in front of the boat. I can cast, but it's not very good. It looked good in the park, but I'm slapping these, these caddis flies down on these guys. TJ is a dry fly guy. So he's making me fish dry flies. And I was having some health complications. I couldn't see real good, my reaction times were slow, and I missed a lot of fish. Sure enough, I hooked up on a nice little rainbow. And that was the first one, but it was on a dry fly, a little caddis fly. And we proceeded to float down the river, and I missed ten times as many fish as I caught, but we caught a handful of fish that day and had a great time. And that was my introduction, to fly fishing.
Have you taught your kids to fish?
I have. The way I would describe teaching them is. You know, if anybody's familiar with the Green River here in Utah, it's a spectacular place. Like you can see down very deep. And in the fish per mile it's incredible. It's like a couple of thousand fish per mile or something like that. I mean, it's like looking into an aquarium. You can see the fish. It's absolutely stunning. And if you haven't had a chance to fish it, just go float it, is incredible.
But for the kids, the way I go about it is like, Hey, let's go swimming, and get them in the boat. And we, we fish between the swimming holes and at the end of the day, they're at the swimming hole going, well, can I just fish here? You know, cause they are stoked for the next. So they do pretty well, but they're kids, you know, they're teenagers, and they, they want to hang out with their friends.
So now they know, though, they'll come back to it later in life.
How does one go from a degree in resort management and tourism to working in cyber security, cyber threat, intelligence, cloud computing, and software as a service?
This is what's so crazy about it, particularly for people in the outdoor industry, they're going to just flip on their head. So I was in Pittsburgh. I have a resort management tourism degree. I switched from a Special Ed degree because I just was like, I got to get a good degree and get out of school. I'll do whatever I got to do, but maybe the outdoor industry sounds fun. I could work off hours, et cetera, and cool. And I could sell if I wanted to, blah, blah, blah. So I get this degree. I have to do an internship. Well, everybody's doing these internships down in Florida at these resorts. I'm like, and I don't want to be around this stuff. I want to be outside. So I started looking out West. I got a couple offers, one up in Oregon, one at Keystone, and lo and behold, I found one in Park City. So I went and did an internship for the Marriott. In Park City and I helped with the rec program.
Well, the day I showed up, my manager quit, and they said, you can help with the rec program. I'll help. You know, I'm like this guy making 300 stipend a month. As I'm moving out, I'm trying to find a place to live. So I pack up my little Chevy Celebrity. I lay the passenger seat down. I put all my stuff on it.
So it's like a big bench, and I throw my sleeping bag up there, and I figure I'll eat pizza and live out of my car. If I got to do it, I'm glad to do it. You know. Well, on the way out, I had been working at a high-end golf club in Pittsburgh. And a couple of the members found out where I was going. This guy, Dr. Kreps reached out to me and said, Hey, I have this buddy in Park City, he's got a mother-in-law apartment and I talked to him, and you should connect with him when you get in town. He might have the apartment available. So I drive into town, I go to this guy's house, Mr. Baker, and Mr. Baker says, you know, Christian, I'm really sorry, but we just, we just got into a rental contract, but there's another friend of mine down the road. This guy, Peter, that you should connect with because I think he has a mother-in-law. He's trying to rent.
So driving down the street, this woman comes to the door, her name's Kathy. Hi, Kathy. How's it going? You know, Mr. Baker told me to come down. You might have an apartment, and she looks at my car and has a Trango sticker.
If you remember, the old Trango sticker was a desert tower. She goes, you climb? I said, oh yeah, I climb a bunch, you know? And here I am, like a maybe a hard five 11 climber. I'm thinking I was a cool dude and got all my climbing stuff in the car. And she's like, oh, my husband climbs too. He works for a company called Black Diamond. I said, oh, that's so cool. I'm thinking in my head, like, man, this guy's gotta be a sales rep. He's got a nice house, blah, blah, blah. So she's like, look, I have this woman who's inquiring, she's inquiring about the, the rental. But she'll probably put it off for the summer. She's a teacher. Let me talk to her. So she goes to talk to her. I said, all right, I'll sync up with you later today. So I go to leave, my college roommate calls me and says, Hey, you'll never believe this. But my girlfriend's stepbrother lives in Park City. He said, come on over and stay with him. He's a climber. So I show up, and this guy, Todd, and he says, you can stay with us as long as you need, you know until you can find a place. Okay, cool. We're chit-chatting, and we're sitting down at dinner and talking. I said I met this lady, Kathy, and Peter today, and she said he works for Black Diamond, and I'm like excited, you know, and I'm like, man, I really want to get a job, maybe I can get a job or something with him. And he started chuckling, and I said, what? He goes, it's Peter Metcalf. He's the CEO of Black Diamond. I'm like, you gotta be kidding me.
You've been doing that podcast for a while now, right?
Yeah. So I purchased the podcast from another guy, Greg Keenan. He had been running the podcast for a while, and he was, like most podcasters, an early adopter, and he, you know, he had to build his audience and all that stuff, and he had, you know, he did a lot of hard grunt work doing that, and he created a good name for the podcast. But, you know, unfortunately, along the way, when you don't have much to offer other than hopes and prayers that the podcast is going to grow, people don't want to pay for advertisement because they're not getting the clicks or the, the impressions or whatever it might be. So he was giving away his product for so long, and it's the fly fishing industry. So it's small. And when he started to gather an audience and was going back, they were like, Hey man, you are, you were always giving it to me free. And I think he struggled with being able to monetize the podcast so that he could keep it sustainable.
I have another social media site called dupe a fish, D U P E, like trick a fish.
And we've been in the process of developing a platform that is like a payment processor for guides and lodging services and has some other benefits, et cetera, but a different model than most. And I thought I could use that podcast to market that business. And so I did. I ended up making the purchase, which was a year and a half, maybe two years ago.
You were diagnosed with Stage Four Hodgkin's lymphoma. I can't imagine the recovery must have been devastating.
Yeah, so the best way to describe it is my left lung. If you have a nice healthy lung, it's like, it's like a bunch of grapes. They're all juicy and, but they're empty, and what they do is they collapse like little balloons, and they open up, and it's this real fruitful and just healthy environment.
So imagine those grapes being so soft that when you squeeze them, none of the juice comes out, but they deflate. But as soon as you let go, they just open back up and look like beautiful grapes again. Well, my lung, all those grapes, imagine that they got frozen and covered in expandable foam. So they don't work.
So it's just scar tissue in there. And what that does is a couple of things. One, it doesn't allow your chest to expand and contract like it normally would. So your body shape changes. My right lung has expanded a little bit more into my diaphragm. So it's harder to breathe if I bend over and compress my diaphragm.
You have some pretty amazing entrepreneurial skills. Where do you get those?
Well, I appreciate that. That's very kind of you to say. I think it comes from a couple of areas. I always felt like I wanted to be an entrepreneur at a very young age. I wanted to be an explorer. And I think being an entrepreneur is a lot like exploration. Jacques Cousteau was my, you know, guy. I thought that guy was so cool. And then there were a couple of other elements at a young age that really drove me to that. One was my father was a very conservative guy, and he worked for a guy, and it was a small business, et cetera.
And the guy that he worked for, he mentored me in a lot of ways, but I had a lot of truck time. It was a construction company, and I worked construction and whatnot for the company to make money for school and whatnot. And I remember sitting in the truck with my father, and he was always telling me 'go to school, get an education, make something for yourself', don't be as conservative as I am. You got to take some risks, Christian.
I had an uncle who was a wild and crazy Italian, and he took all kinds of, Insane risks. And he grew up in an era where it was just like, you know, disco mania. He was like my hero. The guy had four Corvettes and like a girlfriend in every state. And I thought he was like the coolest dude on the planet. Big Afro. He was like, Joe, cool. Walked in the room, and the room stopped, you know, and he was an entrepreneur. And my grandfather, owned a radio station. And my uncle took the land.
It was in a rural, very rural area of Pennsylvania. He took the land, and he grew up. He did everything.
I saw all that risk, how he failed a lot of times, but I also saw all the risk in what he got out of it, et cetera, and so, You know, I took a combination of all those things.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to get into the outdoor industry?
The outdoor industry has changed since I've been in it. You can really make a career even at a low level. There's a lot more opportunity because there aren't as many giants, I think, in the industry. I can look back and reflect now and go, okay, yeah, there was more opportunity than I thought, but I was so in love with Black Diamond and that climbing, and I didn't want to move.
I think I know a lot of people still in the industry, and they're very successful. They make a great income and have made great lives for themselves and their families. So I think that's not as much of an obstacle as it was. The things that I would say are niche down, become an expert. Become an absolute expert in a niche environment, and you will be rewarded, and that goes for anything in business.
How about a couple of your favorite books?
Well, there's, there's a couple, there's one book, it's by Seth Godin called The Dip. This is more of a business book, and the concept of The Dip is, you know when you're climbing as an individual in your career path. A lot of people think of it as a linear line, this like line at a 45 degree angle or whatever angle it may be.
But the reality is that line goes up, and then it dips below its point. But then after the dip, it usually gains an incremental amount more so than you would if you would have continued in a static line. And Seth's concept on that is, look, sometimes, and in most cases, you will gain a certain stature or knowledge or whatever it may be in the point of your career.
Take the dip. Go do something else that's going to add value that you have calculated value that you know you're going to exceed where that point is or was going to be. And you'll see incremental growth. So the dip is one of them. The other one from a fly fishing perspective, there is a book by Rick Halfel and Skip Morris.
And I cannot remember the third name (Dave Hughes). There are three guys, and it's called Seasons for Trout. And what I love about it is these three guys. They all have different backgrounds. One's like a biologist, one's like an angler, and another guy has some kind of other fishery degree or something like that.
They're all great anglers, very well-known names. They've written several books, but what they do in this book is they go season by season, and they talk about the different hatches in each season, but each one of them gives their perspective on how they fish it and what their Tactical, technical, and observational standpoints are.
And then the last one would be more entertaining, and that is, Oh, what is the book called? Pirate Latitudes. I just love, they go through the history of the Caribbean and the, the transportation of people from Europe to Louisiana and the whole people trading and, and then this, this commerce aspect and Crichton is like, you know, brilliant when it comes to describing detail, describes the details, but then he goes into.
Did you come up with that piece of gear yet? Yeah. I think the piece of gear I relish probably the most would be my Buff. It is something that has just saved my tail over and over again from a standpoint of, you know, I get sensitive to the sun because of some of the drugs that I'm on for my long-term healthcare.
And then also just keeping out of the bugs, wet it down, and cool yourself off. So, dollar for dollar man, whatever it was originally like that that's one of my favorite pieces of gear. The other I would say is, you know, I've always appreciated having just a really comfortable backpack of all the things I've had.
As we wrap up is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
I would say don't get too enamored with the names in the industry. They're people, and they're some of the most real people you'll meet.
Follow up
If you guys ever want to reach out to me, need some help or advice, you can reach me on LinkedIn. It's Christian Bacasa B A C A S A. Or you can go to the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, DM me on Instagram, D U P E A fish, like trick-a-fish. You can DM me there, et cetera. So it's not hard to find me.
Welcome to Episode 394 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Scott Sorensen, Scott is an artist and loves to create. He creates images, illustrations, logos and more. Scott and I talk about his career and innovative mindset and aptitude for tackling complex business challenges from a fresh perspective and Creative brand stelekon.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by
Show Notes Welcome to Episode 394 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Scott Sorensen; Scott is an artist and loves to create. He creates images, illustrations, logos, and more. Scott and I talk about his career and innovative mindset, aptitude for tackling complex business challenges from a fresh perspective, and Creative brand stelekon.
Show Notes Were you an "action sports" kid?
I was, I grew up in Huntington Beach. One would say sort of the epicenter. But growing up there, you had no idea it was the epicenter. But you know, we skateboarded everywhere. We did BMX, we surfed. Which wasn't only an action sport; it was just sort of that way of life. That was what we did as kids.
You must have been creative from a young age. Is that a family trait?
I have a Great Uncle who is, but other than that, it sort of skipped most of the generations prior to me. I have a first cousin who's very creative. He's also an action sports guy, Taylor Steele, who made, made surf movies and sort of that created that momentum generation. He's also very creative as far as illustrating and video creation production. So yeah, I don't know where I got it from, but it hit me hard and fast, and as a kid, I was always with a pencil.
What was your first commercial creation?
I would personally draw things, and then all through school, elementary, middle, and high school, I was the guy drawing the covers of the yearbooks. And then as a young person, I would do holiday windows around the neighborhood. People wanted Santa painted on the windows for the holidays or Halloween. I would do things like that for some extra pocket money as a kid. I was always repainting all my hot wheel cars, and my brother and I used to like to make those old Revell models, painting those, trying to make 'em look realistic. Mm-hmm. I was always doing, trying to do something creative.
Did you work with an agency before starting STELEKON?
I have not; I never worked for an agency. I take it back, in college, I worked with a very small agency and did a lot of creative work for them as an intern and then a short-term employee, but then quickly started doing my own little agency work.
Anybody that needed creative work I did it to help pay for school. I put myself through college. I originally studied architecture. That's kind of really what I want to do. So you'll get this, I would. I did a lot of overlays for builders, and I did a lot of study models. You know, white study models, architecture models for builders locally to show how intrusive the building would be in the natural environment.
So I did a lot of that stuff. It was just a way to make some money to help pay for school, help eat while I was in school. And, you know, I did logos for everybody. I did everything I possibly could to make some money.
My first big career move was I interviewed at Oakley as a young, fresh college graduate, and while there, I met some interesting people, and they put me together with the other two people that sort of got Dragon off the ground.
Dragon Optical was a sunglass, moto, goggle, snow goggle apparel accessory brand. And I was on the creative side. I did the logo; I did all the ads and all the marketing.
Tell us about STELEKON. How did that come to life?
I think because I'm an artist, I love drawing, and I'm into the creative side of things, I felt classified as a nerd, I would say. Cause I love movies, and I love comic books because I always liked the way they looked and loved the drawing and, you know, was super aspirational.
Have wanted to draw for a comic book company. I go to Comicon all the time. And it's sort of a, you know, it used to be sort of a secret, nerd culture, and I think that's sort of gone away. It's become sort of main mainstream now. And creative and clever, and I've always enjoyed drawing and being a part of that, that sort of, that sort of genre.
I never had an art tag name. I've been an illustrator and stuff. I never had a tag name. And all my friends, you know, that are street artists all have these really cool tag names. Right. And when my son was super young, one Halloween, there was a bunch of skeletons out in front of a house, and he said, dad, look at all the stelekons, and just as a, you know, a, a three-year-old, uh, mistake. And I said this is perfect. I'm going to awesome trade trademark and get the URL and get everything about it because now I have a name and I, you know, all social handles. Cause it's not a real word, but it sounds like a real word, but it isn't. And that was sort of how I got the name started.
What is the inspiration behind the irreverence aesthetic of STELEKON?
I think the irreverent side of things is just really just to be, you know, they've been, I don't wanna say persecuted, but they've been looked at as outcasts. When in fact, there's probably more of them now than there is the hardcore, I bet collectively; they're smarter than the rest of us. And so the references just kind of makes it more fun and realistic. It makes it more human and connected to what they're about.
What I gathered as the key to your superpowers is your innovative mindset and aptitude for tackling complex business challenges from a fresh perspective. How have those evolved over your career?
Architecture is probably right on the border of, or right in the middle between, the right and left brain. Because you're, you gotta be creative, but it also has to work. But I also can use my analytical side too. And I've always considered myself a renaissance cause I was really good at math as well and really good at business acumen and understanding how to get things done. But with a creative hook because I am creative and I've always been a big believer in it's always another way to do this. Maybe even six other ways. Let's look at the different ways to get this, whatever problem, whatever issue, whatever hurdle it is done. Let's find another way to get it handled. And then also, how can we turn this into a positive?
We connected on LinkedIn when I liked a post where you wrote, "I've become fascinated with the new 'know-it-all' but 'never done anything' business generation in the world today." How do you think that has manifested in our society today?
I've come across quite a few of them, and to me, it's maybe a little bit of envy, but also a little bit of, I don't wanna say disgust, but a little bit of like, eh come on.
I think this generation was told they could be anything they wanted. There are no rules. You know, everybody gets a participation trophy, and so they have just this unbridled confidence. And so they can essentially, I'm gonna be a CEO by, by 22 and retired by 30 and a billionaire. Wow. I don't know. That's, that's actually quite a feat. I don't know how that's gonna happen, considering you don't have a job yet, but you're telling me how I should be running my business and you've never even had a job. And then they all claim it. I don't know about you, but I get an email a day and a message a day on LinkedIn from somebody that's gonna tell me how to build my business, they're an E-commerce guru, and I look at their profile and say, this person graduated yesterday right from college, never had a job, but yet he's gonna try to tell me who's got 25 years in this industry, how to grow my business. Now there are some new tactics I can learn. But hey, let's, you know, let's tone down the confidence a little bit.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into creative work?
Yeah, I mean, it's a lot of fun. I've guest lectured at San Diego State and Palomar College and at Southwestern College down by the border about creative stuff and expectations. It's a great field. Obviously, the most dedicated bubble to the surface that just with any business.
So my thought is, I always tell 'em just know as much as you can. How are you improving your skillset? Every day, every week, every month, every year. And I'm not saying that you're taking classes, but what are you doing to improve your Photoshop, your eye? Right. And I'll tell you, the people that come in that have an artistic eye to start with have an advantage.
If you were able to hang a huge banner at the front of one of the tradeshows, what would it say?
Individual, we are strong, United we are invincible
and
Find your path. Ignore the noise. Feed your mind
Do you have any daily routines you have to keep your sanity, health like meditation, exercise, walking the dog, etc
I have a cat. It's my coworker and likes to go in and out the same door every eight seconds, so it keeps me on my toes. I’m an outdoorsy person, so I'm always doing something. Exercise in particular, as we age, exercise becomes more and more and more important. Especially when you try to go back and do the things you did as a youth, you snowboard, whatever it is, and you're like, man, I just don't have the knee strength or whatever it is anymore. So I just try to stay in shape, and my wife and I try to walk every day.
Do you have any favorite books or books you give as gifts?
I wish I could say yes. I don't. My wife is an avid reader. I mean, she's reading books all the time. And I get ripped by everybody in my family that I haven't read a book since college. Not true. But that's the joke.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100
GORUCK
Gargoyles Eyewear
Forged
Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our audience?
Check out stelekon.com
Welcome to the Outdoor Biz Episode 393 with Todd Lawson. Todd Lawson believes in passion, diversity, and the search for freedom outside. He’s an avid world traveler, husband, brother, father, son, writer, photographer, creator, storyteller, mountain athlete, humanitarian, adventure-seeker, and lover of life and all its wonderful ways. Todd is the publisher, producer, and photo editor at Mountain Life Media, Founder and CEO of RISE Outdoor Innovation Inc., and Co-Founder of the Rise and Sean Foundation. His first book, Inside the Belly of an Elephant, launches October 03, 2023. He lives in Whistler, British Columbia.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by
Show Notes What was the adventure or outdoor experience that sparked you to work in the Outdoor Biz? Wow, that's a good banger to start with. I guess for me, it was probably when I did my first travel, and I got my first taste of a real culture shock.
I flew from Darwin, Australia to East Timor, and that was back when it wasn't its own country as part of Indonesia. And then that just kind of hit me hard, and it was just like so awesome and so amazingly invigorating all at the same time and a bit scary. And it was just like, I was like, you know, 21 years old and, but that planted the seed of travel, which has been with me for the rest of, you know, for the rest of my life so far.
And photography and storytelling, how did those come into your life? Yeah, so I was kind of at a crux in my life where I wanted to change what I was doing. I used to be a golf professional. Actually, I was a member of the Canadian Professional Golf Association. It was great because it was kind of one of those sports that you don't really, or careers that you don't really associate with the outdoors necessarily, but it kind of totally is. You're out there outside all the time. It kind of wasn't doing enough for my soul. Always when I traveled, I took photographs, you know, I had a little point and shoot, and then someone was looking at my photos, and they're like, oh, your, your photos are pretty good. They're like, way better than the normal stuff that we see from someone's travels or whatever. I was like, oh, thanks. And it kind of got the wheels spinning. So I enrolled in this program in Victoria, BC. It was called the Western Academy of Photography. It was like one of those 10-month intensive courses, and I was single at the time, and it was like, I'm a Pisces and apparently were creative. And before then, I didn't really have, there was no creative outlet for me, aside from maybe golf or whatever. But then when I got into photography, that was just like, it, I was bit, I was in, I was shooting every single day and just like shooting, and that's when we were like, this is back in early 2000, still Darkroom days. The dark room was open till midnight. We could go in there and just make our own prints and stuff. It was pretty cool. So I just let it go. Your bio says you believe in passion, diversity, and the search for freedom outside. I'm most curious about freedom outside. Tell us what inspires you about freedom outside. The freedom really comes from my brother, cuz he was such a, he wasn't your typical traveler. Like he was the kind of guy that would get in the rickshaw and tell Robert to sit down, and he was gonna take the rickshaw for a while, and then he would take the dude out for lunch. So he was that kind of guy, and he was just, he really like, as cliche as it sounds, he really did live like full on. He lived each moment like it was his last almost, and he was just like one of those full-on guys. So that came over into me.
You are a busy guy, tell us about RISE Outdoor Innovation Inc. That is another labor of love. Um, so one day, I was. On an annual paddle trip, a bunch of us, 20 plus, maybe 30 of us that year, uh, on a paddle trip down the Thompson River here. So we carry all our camping gear and have a great old time. And you know how it goes, you're camping with your spouse, got the chores to do, and it was my chore to take down camp that day. So I had to deflate the mattresses, you kneel on it, and then you lay on it, and you fold it up, and then you roll it again, and you do that, and then you find the stuff sack.
If you can find the stuff sack and put it in there, then take the tent down. It was kind of raining, and I was a little bit hungover to be honest. And you know, you're kind of swallowed in all these like mountains of fabric trying to stuff things in StuffSack. And I was like; there's gotta be another way.
This idea was in my mind to create a better mouse trap. And this idea wouldn't go away, so I started to act on it. I'm trying to bring the world the first rapid inflatable and inflatable outdoor sleep system with an integrated mattress. So everything is just taking away the hassle of setting up and taking down a tent. Because it takes approximately 18 to 30 minutes, depending on how well you even know your gear. To get the tent out, blow up the mattress, and get everything ready. Yeah. And I hope to, you know, it's based on avalanche airbag technology.
Oh, interesting. So I'm gonna trademark the term 'push-button-pitch'. So you push a button, and it's gonna inflate in a few seconds, minute, I dunno. So I'm deep in the prototyping stage right now, bootstrapping my own brand, trying to build the brand, just trying to build some community.
Let's talk about the Rise and Sean Foundation. I love the outdoor field trips concept. What's Rise and Sean? Sean was my brother's name. So when Christina and I came back from our first major trip to Latin America, There was an incredible outpouring of help from people who help you daily. And there's no way in hell that you could, you know, pay everyone back or do something in return. So because my brother loved to travel and he loved kids. He didn't have kids, but he loved kids, and he loved to like goof around with them when he was traveling. So we're like, what can we do that would be educational but travel based? What we started back then was called the Sean Lawson Young Travelers Foundation, which is a bit of a mouthful. So what we do is we take kids from developing nations on extended Outdoor, Educationally based field trips where we take between 10 and 30 kids. We take teachers sometimes, principals, cooks, and bus drivers and take them off on an adventure and a road trip within their own country so they can see what it is like to travel and learn from travel. What travel does to your mind, your heart, and your soul. We've done three of them now. They're, they're always such a, like, mind-blowing success from, from the minds of these kids. Every kid has a, has a dream, right? Every kid should reserve the right to dream, have that dream, and be able to Dream. We just want to kind of fund and facilitate that and give them that spark to let 'em know that, you know, there is life beyond your village. And Mountain Life Media, you produce and publish a lot of content. How did that get started? I couldn't be more grateful for what that's provided to my life, just in general. But what we do, our whole motto and our tagline is connecting with people from all walks of life to the magic of the mountains. And mountain Life was started 20 years ago by my business partner Glenn Harris. It's been pretty cool to see what we've grown. We've been able to do this in the media landscape in Canada mainly. And, you know, in print, we've got a really successful formula in the sense that we have a regional model where we concentrate our entire distribution, editorial, stories, and photography into a hundred-kilometer region zone or radius. And it's free. It's been pretty cool to see what we've been able to do in the media landscape in Canada, mainly. We've grown, and we've prospered, and we've thrived, and we've gone through the ups and the downs and all that stuff.
But Our mountain lifers, as we call 'em, the people that pick up mountain life every time, we're very lucky to have a 99% pickup rate. So because the magazine is free, we recycle any mags, and we just hold back 1% for marketing and mailouts and stuff like that. So, the demand is there, and it's always been there, and the demand has been there for 20 years.
How about future Adventures? What exciting places are you going? The thing that was the biggest pain in the ass about this trip was the logistics. We had to ship our bikes from Vancouver to Dublin we actually shipped them on the plane, and that was pretty cool. It was expensive, but they were like right there when we arrived kind of thing. So then when we came back, our end point on this journey was Portugal and Lisbon. So, again, we had to go through that same nightmare. It's more expensive to ship things from Ireland to North America, so that was a more expensive bet. But they are almost in a container ship, and they'll be here in hopefully sometime in July. They take a long time. But as, yeah, so as for the next trip, we're like, well, we're never doing that again. The nice thing about being in North America is that you can point your wheels south and pretty much go as far as you want.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into creative work? My motto in life is, go for it. So I would just say, look for an internship somewhere that you can be exposed to something every single day. The beautiful thing about photography and digital photography now is that you can shoot as much as you want. There's no like paying for film and developing like it was back in our day; it was like 20 bucks a roll or whatever. So you spend a lot of time editing behind the computer. I would just say find someone you want to mentor you and just like ask questions. Ask questions, ask as many questions as you can, and just act, just do. Just go out there and do it.
If you were able to hang a huge banner at the front of one of the tradeshows, what would it say? Live it up. That's our mountain life tagline. Don't take life too seriously. Do what you wanna do. Do it well, share it with friends, and have a cold one after that. Do you have any daily routines you have to keep your sanity and health, like meditation, exercise, walking the dog, etc? It's my 20 20 20 routine in the morning. So I'll do 20 minutes of body weight exercises. Twenty minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of meditation. And then I also do 20 minutes of reading, so that happens before I even check my smartphone. I try to do that, it's not every day, but that's what I try. Like you said, that kind of keeps me focused, gets me ready and keeps me in shape, and keeps everything going.
Do you have any favorite books or books you give as gifts? My favorite book of all time is called Jupiter's Travels. That's a book written by Ted Simon. He wasn't the first to ride his motorcycle around the world, but he was probably the first to write a really good, serious book on it. And that was a big motivation. In my life and, to continue on with these, these big motorcycle epics cuz he went around the world.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? I have two. One of them is like a Stanley one-click mug. So you just click the button and drink hot, cold beverages. It's just like that thing has been with me for so many places.
And the second one is a duct-tape-wrapped Bic lighter. If I'm going away on a trip with six guys, six people, or ten people or whatever, I'll buy 10 Bic lighters. And I'll pop 'em all in a bunch of duct tape. So that if you ever need duct tape, you can have it. And you also have the lighter, which also helps you not lose your lighter so much. Cause it's kinda got that grip on it,
Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our audience? I would love your support in checking out my book, Inside the Belly of an Elephant. If you're into the outdoors and outdoor life, check out Mountain Life Media, mountainlifemedia.ca, and @MountainLifeMedia on all the socials.
Episode 392 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Stephen Baird, Founder and CEO of TrackFly. The evolution of the supply chain has been exclusive to the largest corporations. At TrackFly, they are making the dynamic supply chain accessible to ALL businesses. We live in an age where high technology goes with us everywhere, in our pockets. Yet, for small to medium retailers, the tools to access the digital supply chain are still far out of reach. Forcing them to jump from system to system just to access basic information needed to make their business successful. There is a better way. TrackFly is building the tools to break down those walls and introduce a fully integrated trade network. Empowering brands to SEE their products like never before and retailers to SELL like never before.
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Show Notes Is there a relatively close place in your county or state where you can get your Fish on, so to speak?
There absolutely is. And is any good fly? Fisher Fisherman knows. I won't tell you all the special ones I know about. One of the things I've really gotten into recently is just getting into the high alpine lakes and streams. Kind of chasing more of the bit harder-to-find species, from grayling to brook trout to cutthroat. And that has just been something I've absolutely gotten hooked on because you can't get away to a quick fishery like the Pearla River here in Utah.
Who took you fly fishing for the first time?
It was the old man himself, my dad. It's something he always did growing up. Um, you know, it was something that he just always was passionate about. And I remember being, and I think, I was probably seven or eight years old. And just begging to go with him to the river.
How has TrackFly expanded beyond its initial industries?
TrackFly has formed a partnership with the fly fishing industry and plans to expand into the cycling industry, ski and snow sports, and outdoor retailers.
What kind of companies has TrackFly collaborated in these industries?
TrackFly has started collaborating with well-known companies in the cycling, ski, snow sports, and outdoor retail industries.
What is TrackFly view on the importance of independent retailers?
TrackFly believes that independent retailers are in a great position to benefit from their technology and emphasizes the importance of servicing these retailers.
How does TrackFly view the resurgence of physical stores in retail?
TrackFly sees physical stores as the backbone of retail and believes there is a resurgence in their importance.
What is TrackFly's mission and focus?
TrackFly is excited about the progress and mission of its technology platform for optimizing the movement of goods.
How does TrackFly address data privacy concerns?
Trackfly prioritizes protecting the retailer's life savings and confidential information. They have been successful in addressing data privacy concerns.
How does TrackFly help retailers in the fly fishing industry?
TrackFly helps retailers navigate the supply chain and ensure they have the right products for customers in the fly fishing industry.
What kind of retailers does TrackFly work with?
TrackFly works with both single-door and multi-door retailers, specifically focusing on independent specialty retailers.
What is the core value of TrackFly and its approach to business?
One of the core values of TrackFly is inclusion, allowing every retailer, including small businesses, to participate and have access to the same technological capabilities as big retailers.
Tell us about your favorite local place to fish; how about somewhere not in UT?
One of my favorite places is actually the coastal rivers up on the Olympic Peninsula. If you've been up there, I mean, just fishing in a rainforest, it's beautiful. It's green, it's lush, and one of my favorite species to fish for is steelhead. The steelhead that comes into those rivers is just so fun, and it's a bit more challenging. You know, you've really gotta hunt them down and work hard for it. But if you can hook into a coastal river, steelhead right up there in the Olympic Peninsula, you'll never wanna leave.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into fly fishing as an activity?
The best advice I could give is to find somebody, find somebody, you know, that's done it. If you don't have somebody, find a local guide. I can't speak enough to how great there are just so many wonderful fly fishing guides. They're all over the place, and you'll be able to go out with them; they'll be able to tell you about different gear. They'll be able to tell you about different methods and whatnot. And they're just; they're just amazing people.
How about working in the fly fishing business?
The one thing I would say that I've seen, that I've been so impressed with in the fly fishing industry, is the power of relationships. Building out those partnerships with reps, with brands. And building out that ability to really lean on and rely on each other. Some of the most successful retailers I've been able to work with and speak to over the last several months, you talk to them about the relationships that they have, not just with their consumers, but with their brand partners, right, with their reps. And when you can lean on each other and have that level of connection and partnership, it just makes it much better to make those decisions.
And then the second thing I would say is the relationship you have with your customer. Building a community that is what gets those customers into your door. Because you have that community aspect because you have that knowledge and that experience.
What is your favorite fly fishing gear purchase under $100?
There's a really cool little product that I came across about a year or two years ago, It was kind of right during the pandemic, actually. It's from South Fork Products. They're actually based outside of Boise, Idaho. It's a small little magnetic fly catch. It has the tacky rubber material on it that you can hook a fly into. But it has got this incredibly strong magnet. My fingers are not great at holding these small flies. And I'll tell you what, I can’t count the number of times I've dropped one, and this magnet has just caught it.
How about some of your favorite books?
Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard
Gary Paulson's Hatchet
Is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners?
Anyone that reaches out can go to our website at www.trackfly.com; let us know that you heard about Track Fly on the Outdoor Biz podcast here with Rick, and we would love to throw something special your way.
Where can people find you if they’d like to follow up (email, Twitter, Instagram, etc)?
Our website is the best www.trackfly.com
Imagine a world in which women no longer doubted themselves. A world in which you believed anything was possible and that there were no fears or glass ceilings holding you back? Sensi Graves loves helping women do badass things.
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Show Notes How were you introduced to the Outdoors? I grew up actually 20 minutes down a dirt road in northern California. So in a really rural town in Mendocino County in Northern California. There are 320 people in my town and 50 kids in my high school.
I grew up on 80 acres and my mom was an avid skier. After she graduated high school, she lived in Utah for a number of years. My Mon and my Dad were ski bums out there, and I've always lived an outdoor life. We weren't allowed to watch TV growing up. I have three brothers and we were always playing outside, always playing games, and thankfully we were taken on ski trips and wakeboarding trips and a lot of outdoor time growing up, and so it's been a part of my blood forever.
How'd you get into kiteboarding? Kind of a roundabout story. Actually, my mom died when I was 16, and after that, my dad was looking for things to fill that void, and he, one summer when I was 18 years old, said, we're going to learn to Kiteboard. And I was like, what? I've never even heard of this before. And he was having us watch some videos, and I was like, what? What are we doing? I don't even know what you're talking about, but he took my three brothers and me out to North Carolina to a place called Rio Water Sports, which at that time and still is the premier kit board school in the US. And we took a week's worth of lessons. I fell in love with it and actually ended up going back there to coach a few years later as a kiteboard instructor when I was a junior in college.
Tell our listeners about professional kiteboarding competitions and how they work. To give listeners a picture, you are essentially wakeboarding but driving your own boat. So you have a harness on your waist, you have 20 meters of lines, and then you have a kite, basically like a big piece of fabric, essentially with an inflatable leading edge. That is pulling you across the water, and you're using that kite to generate power with the wind, utilizing the wind to pull you across the water, essentially. So it's like the combination of sailing and wakeboarding. You're doing sailing tacks back and forth. You're utilizing the wind just like sails do.
And so there are a variety of disciplines within kiteboarding. You have racing just like sailboat racing. You have big jump disciplines, kind of the thing kiteboarding is known for the most, and the awe factor is when people go really high in the sky. But it actually takes a lot of skill to jump really high, and so that's another discipline. Then there's freestyle, which is doing tricks in the air, kind of like behind what you would see behind a wakeboarding boat. Back rolls and front rolls and tantrums and various things. And then, the discipline that I competed in was park riding. And so that is much like on the snow. You have rails and boxes and things; we have those same features floating in the water.
You just recently launched a swimmer brand in 2012. What inspired that? I launched that before I became a pro kiteboarder. I launched that when I was coaching kiteboarding. I was in the water every single day, and I quickly grew tired of the swimwear that was on the market because it was really either one of two categories, really fashion-forward but didn't say put, or really performance-oriented but wasn't beautiful to wear. So I just had this idea to make something that was that combination of both. I had no experience and no business background, no design background, and no manufacturing background. I was 23, and it was, I mean, an immense learning curve.
And how's it going? It's super competitive. The swimwear market's extremely saturated. I believe that a lot of business is innovation, perseverance, and luck as well. Establishing myself as a kite boarder and growing my personal brand, the swimwear company grew simultaneously. So we were the first kiteboarding-specific swimwear brand, and that really enabled us to get a bit of a foothold in the market. We really have an established group that we cater to. And, for us, it's just about keeping consistent, always improving the product, but keeping consistent messaging. Our whole mission is empowering women in sports and in the outdoors and helping women feel good in their bodies so they can do what we all wanna do, which I believe is move with ease in the world and have as much fun as possible exploring this beautiful planet.
Is it sold online only or also in shops? We have swim shops as well, kind of all over the place. It's predominantly through our e-commerce site, though, sensigravesswim.com.
You're also a woman's empowerment speaker. What type of speaking engagements have you done? This is something that I've started doing over the last two years. A kick in the butt from the pandemic when, in the beginning, I was like, ah, is anyone gonna buy swimwear? What am I gonna do? And I've always had this desire to teach.
I taught kiteboarding for a long time. I still put on women's kite camps and retreats. I still lead and facilitate groups, and I know that a lot of people looked at me and said, wow, you have an amazing shiny life. You're a pro kiteboarder; you have your own swimmer line. It looks super badass on the outside. But as we all know on the inside, you're like, wait a second, I'm not enough; why don't I feel badass? And so the more I spoke to that on my social media, , um, the more people really resonated with it and the more I was like, gosh, this message, I not only wanna serve women, but all humans in helping people that look successful on the outside, feel successful on the inside.
And so what I speak on a lot is confidence and feeling worthy in who you are and what you're doing because I believe that it's only from that place of internal worthiness that we can go out and shine in our light and actually make an impact on the world. So, I speak to anyone that will have me, but in terms of niching down people that are looking to overcome imposter syndrome. So people in business and, I've spoken to a couple of real estate agent groups, people in the outdoors, and then, young girls. Women and young women are dealing with a lot of social media. It's. Extremely difficult for high school students.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for anybody wanting to get into kiteboarding? Yeah, definitely, for sure, to take a lesson. If you can find a school that's near you. If you're around any sort of body of water, just google kiteboarding in your area or take a trip to a kite school if you have a little bit of disposable income to spend on that. But you'll wanna make friends with a Kiteboarding school and just learn about the sport. I would say start watching some videos to get comfortable with the terminology, cuz there's so much that when you get right in and you're like, wait, what? People are telling you this, and you have to figure out this. So just start to spend time getting immersed... And then, if you really wanna come in, I would say buy a trainer kite and start practicing flying the trainer kit. That's something you can do by yourself without an instructor. And it is really good to learn how the kite flies, and then you can take a lesson from there.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that costs under a hundred dollars? Yes, I actually do, it is by this company called Vessel. V S S S L. They have this small coffee grinder, so it's a little portable coffee grinder. We actually took it on our road trip down to Toto Santos last year. My husband and I and a couple of our friends were in a caravan down to our wedding. And we used that little thing every day for grinding up our beans, and it's just a cool piece of technology.
Do you have any favorite books? I read a ton. I'm a pretty voracious reader. I have my favorite book list.
How to do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Follow up with Sensi:
sensigravesswim
Welcome to Episode 390 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast featuring XGRiD Campers, founded by Loren Walker, an avid camper, RV’er, and outdoor enthusiast. Shredding a traditional trailer on one of Loren’s adventures sparked the inspiration for XGRiD campers. After a bit of research and connecting with makers of the world’s toughest off-road campers, Loren left his corporate job and XGRiD Campers came to life. With stores in Las Vegas and Knoxville XGRiD Campers is dedicated to helping backcountry adventurers find the Right Rig for their Journey.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes You had a 23-year career in corporate strategy, branding, and partnership, developing software and platform technologies. Give us the Twitter version of what you did there.
Yeah, definitely not too sexy, but it was a good career, really in software, technology channel, sales partnerships, and strategic planning for some big companies. And it was a good opportunity for me, but fast forward to Covid, and things changed. So we decided to go a different direction and kick off with XGRiD Campers. This is much more fun,
How'd you get into the software thing? Were you just a software guy?
One thing left, another more on the, on the sales side, corporate sales side. And then kinda evolved from there, so that was really it. Did a lot of partnership development and ran some sales teams and things like that.
And so, how'd you get into the outdoors? I guess for years, your job kept you basically a weekend outdoor enthusiast.
Yeah, that's what it was. I grew up actually near Yosemite, up in the mountains there.
And, so, always backpacked and hiked and did a lot of fly fishing and that sort of thing. I was definitely an outdoors guy. But what we ended up doing as a family, after I had kids, we started to get into RVing. We had done our camping, and we got into RVs. We ended up buying a 27-foot traditional RV.
And that type of trailer was not best suited for the types of adventures and experiences that we wanted to have. So started to research and looked at the off-road, and at the time, overlanding really wasn't a common term. But now we know the over landing camper market and found that there were some neat products coming to market.
This is back in two thousand, 15, 16 type thing. And so that caught my interest, and that's what started us off on this journey.
Where'd you grow up?
I grew up near Coarsegold, up near Yosemite. So on the western side of the Sierra Nevada, we spent quite a bit of time up through the mountains up there.
I guess the catalyst to leave the corporate job was just to switch gears from a work perspective. How was that?
Yeah, so what happened is we had this idea to start an off-road, overland camping business years ago, but we couldn't do it cuz I had a job.
And so it was one of those things that were on the back of our minds, a business plan was written and got dusty and everything. But, come COVID in June of 2020, I found myself with some free time after some downsizing from the organization I was with. And decided that was the right time to kick it off.
So we had done enough research on the market, had built some relationships with some of the partners, and we kicked off XGRiD Campers. I say we and my wife and I got it going in June of 2020 as the pandemic and things were starting to open back up. Lucky for us, there was a little bit of a tailwind right then. There was a high demand for the products.
We had zero access to the products at the time because of supply chain issues, but it allowed us to start building the brand and start getting some pre-orders in, and so that's what we did. We decided to venture off and start this.
So when we started this venture, What was important to us was to really have a narrow focus on the types of products we wanted to carry. And provide a different type of experience for buyers or researchers, I'll say, that are in the market to potentially buy an off-road camper. It's a different type of product. There's a different knowledge base; there's different technology with them. And a lot of the shops that work in the more traditional landscape, this is a little bit foreign to 'em. And so we went into it saying, Hey, we're gonna focus on this niche. We don't sell traditional RVs, and we just source some of the best products now from across the globe.
Yeah, you gotta be able to get yourself out of a jam. These are basically some of the skills that you need. If you have a flat back there, if something breaks, it's all on you to fix it.
Yeah, exactly. And you need to know you have to understand first what you're going for with a camper, if you're out looking for an off-road camper, really what you're looking to do. So a lot of the time what we do with our customers is we sit down with them, and we talk about their lifestyle. We're actually working with them and figuring out where they wanna go. How long are they going out?
What's the family situation? We're really trying to be their consultant or maybe their trail guide, if you will, right on that journey to try to find the right rig.
That makes sense. We'll get back to that customer thing in a minute. I read somewhere that there was a trip in Southern Utah that pushed you over the edge. What happened on that trip?
So that's when we had one of our traditional trailers and found some really cool spots to go fishing with the family. Got back on a small trail, and frankly, the trailer wasn't capable of doing what was needed for that trail. After getting hung up on some rocks and, bottoming out a little bit and breaking up some stabilizer jacks, scraping up the edges and the side of the camper going around trees, we just decided that we needed to find a different type of trailer to get back into the places that we wanted to go to.
I saw some of the brands you carry; it's pretty awesome. Let's go to the brand thing. What are the criteria for you choosing brands?
All the stuff that we carry has independent suspensions. And so what we do is we look a lot at how it's built, right? So we start with the suspension, we start with the frame design, and then we go up from there, and, a lot of stuff we're looking at, we're trying to stay away from wood. Some traditional trailers they'll use wood in the wall panels. Or sometimes even in the body itself, sometimes within just the cabinetry and that sort of thing.
So a lot of stuff we carry is zero wood. Wow. But really, what we're looking for is how it's built. It's gotta be built in a way that can take very rugged terrain.
And do you get to test most of the products that you choose to sell for most of the campers?
Oh, it's been fun. Yeah, we have a rental line, and so we bring in a camper, a new one, and use it as a demo for a little bit and typically move it over to the rental. We get out there and get to test them, and we have four partners, Australian Offroad Track Trailers out of Australia, then Lifestyle Campers out of Australia. And then also Expedition Trailers outta Salt Lake City, that we are the only dealership in the US, we are the exclusive dealership for those. And so we work really closely with them, as well as our other partners, to help look at what the market needs for the US. What makes sense here? And they've been very supportive of us to provide feedback and continue to build upon them as well.
So someone wants to rent one, they have to come pick it up? Do you deliver it to anybody?
They'd have to pick it up. We started with deliveries a while back, but we've paused on that now. Most people come to our Vegas office, and they'll do the orientation with us here.
We spend about an hour showing 'em how to use a camper. They have to have the right tow vehicle, which we, of course, check on that beforehand. We give 'em some training, and then, when they head out, some people take it out for a one or two-day trip just to test it out, see how they like it if they're in the market to buy. But a lot of people just use it as an opportunity to take a family vacation. You take them out for a week or two and go explore. There are a ton of places to go camping in the West. And we can give 'em some suggestions too if they're not really familiar with it.
So what types of customers rent these or buy them? Is it people that are just like you and me, ready to get away, done with the corporate life? Or is a lot of folks that just want something to do on the weekends? I bet it's a broad variety.
Gosh, it's so broad. We have millennials that are buying and going out and exploring, and we have retirees that maybe have Been living in a fifth wheel or a big class A that are looking to be more remote. And so, really, the demographic of the buyer is all over the place.
But what they share in common is this desire to be off-grid and be away from the campgrounds and be away from the RV parks, but they still want some amenities and some comfort with the rig.
We have customer groups that we call 'em Weekend Boon Dockers; they go out for the weekend or go out for a couple of days and then come back, maybe stay in a campground, which is great. You have the overland enthusiasts, which are out there taking longer trails, longer trips, maybe exploring parts of the country.
And then we have full-timers too. We have full-timers that live in these rigs full time, maybe, homeschool kids or work remotely. And so what we're trying to do is really understand which of these categories you fit in so that we can make sure to recommend an outfit and the camper the right way for you.
And there are all kinds of options these days. There's everything from popups, the old school popups, to some of these new things like Taxa. How do you figure out what works for them? You must go through a lot of questions. Yeah. It's getting into that lifestyle goal.
Oh yeah. If you wanna be more remote and you wanna get down narrow trails, we gotta go small light. Obviously, we're looking at the tow vehicle and what the tow vehicle can handle. If you want the comfort of having a bathroom inside or an indoor kitchen, Maybe a hybrid or a caravan is the way to go. Are you comfortable being outside for doing your business, that sort of thing, and having a composting toilet or maybe a dry flush type toilet? That's important. And then really the types of trails you're going down. Are you staying on fire roads, which is great, or do you wanna be able to go explore and have the trailer be able to keep up with anywhere that you can go? That makes a difference.
And so yeah, we're sitting down, we're talking about that a lot. Size, weight, amenities, and capabilities there. All play a factor as we go through that journey and select a trailer.
How frequently does someone come in, and what they want? They're not gonna be able to tow. So it's driven by their vehicle. Does that happen a lot?
It happens a fair amount. Although I would say most of the consumers in this space they're doing a lot of research. Okay. They really are; most people are very well-researched and educated.
They're spending time on YouTube. A lot of times, by the time they come to us, they've selected a couple of campers, and they want clarifications or they want information that they can't get online. Once in a while, you do have a customer that says, Hey, I want to tow this, and we'll caution them or steer 'em in a different direction.
So how is XGRiD different from other RV dealerships? Sounds like the service level is off the charts.
It's fun. So what we do is we offer an indoor showroom. We're not a traditional lot. We keep limited inventory on hand. A lot of our stuff is pre-order. And so it's more of an experience of coming in, having more of a discussion about the lifestyle, understanding what we're trying to do, and then pairing it up. So it's more of a process like that because we're not trying to sell a lot of inventory off the floor. We're not pushing certain items, but we sit down, have a consultative conversation with the customer, and then build it from there. We're a small business, There are only five people in the Las Vegas office, and we have about five people now in our new location in Knoxville, Tennessee. It's an owner-operated business in both locations. Both of us are partners and are heavily invested in the day-to-day operations. And so when customers come in, they're working with us directly. And it makes for a nice experience. The main thing, I think, is being able to sit down and talk about the different capabilities and options out there and really get into the weeds and details for someone who wants that, for people that don't; great.
Is there a wild customer story where someone came back from their trip, and you just looked at 'em as they're pulling up, looked at the trailer, and said, what the heck happened? What did you do?
We've had a handful. We had a really gracious client; he took one of our rentals out on the Mojave Trail. And, it was actually, it was an Opus OP 4, which has a really good suspension and great frame and beat it up pretty well. Definitely came back with some bruises and everything. But the funny part about it actually is he actually bent the frame on his truck. So the fact that he bent the frame on his truck, but the actual camper came back and others some scrapes and bruises, it was actually sound. So that actually made me happy that my camper was okay. So it's terrible for him, but it just shows you that you can, in many cases, I don't recommend this for a rental, but once you have your own rig, you can get out there and beat it up if you need to.
So you have shops in Las Vegas and Knoxville. Why those two locations?
Las Vegas started cuz it was just time and opportunity. And that's where partners that we're working with, they needed a representation here.
So that worked out well for us at the time. So we’ve been doing that for a couple of years now. And, what was important for us looking for a second location is helping these partners we're importing, particularly from Australia, to get them distributed through the US.
So we looked for another location out east, and that way, we could support them really across the entire country. Knoxville it's just a great community. It's an outdoor community, very in tune with the same culture as our business.
Other than Covid, or maybe since Covid, have there been a couple of challenges in the last two or three years that you guys had to overcome? Supply chain?
Yeah, certainly, during Covid supply chain and high demand and then low inventory, was it. Now for that, though, we do have some inventory. The stuff that we import from Australia still takes a little while, but that's okay. People are comfortable with that. I think right now, the biggest challenge, especially on the consumer level, is understanding the products that are out there. There are a lot of products that are coming to market. A lot of the traditional RV manufacturers are looking to get into the off-road or land space. And so they, they look to make enhancements that might, on the surface, appear, feel like they're designed to be off-road, but maybe they're not. And helping the customer navigate this landscape of all the different options and what's really good and what's not, and really what fits their price point is sometimes the most challenging part.
Do you also carry a handful of some of the more traditional outdoor products? Do you guys go to shows like Outdoor Retailer to buy other accessory-type things? Not only for the trailer itself but also for some of the camping stuff.
Yeah, a lot of our outfitting we do for the trailers gear and accessories for the trailers; our Knoxville, Tennessee shop does have a full retail and outfit and shop too. So rooftop tents, awnings, coolers, power systems, and batteries.
It's really geared around the overlanding market. We don't do anything really with suspensions and truck mods and things like that. It's really around the accessories and components that work with a lot of the campers we sell.
Do you get outdoors much yourself? Do you have time to get outside and go camping?
Yeah, we try to take a trip once in a while. We love doing client events.
We try to do three to four client events a year. So, customers that have purchased from us, we get together on a trail meetup, and so that's a lot of fun. But then, between the expos and the different events throughout the year, to get some quiet time ourselves. But definitely places to go explore, and it makes it a lot of fun because it's work, but it's also what we enjoy.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone wanting to get into the biz? Whether it's just the general overlanding biz or the rental biz specifically?
I think if you're looking to be in the business, in some way, I'd say, find your niche, find what you want to do. I think there's a lot of noise. And do something different. Find that new problem to solve, and then go after that, and you have to commit to it. We see a lot of similar products out there, and hopefully, they last, but many don't. So I think those that thrive have found a new angle, a new problem, solved something different, and are committed to making it work. It takes a lot of work to do this stuff. There's a lot of investment with it and commitment to it. But the people are great. The industry's fantastic. It's a lot of fun. And so you get out there and certainly get the rewards of that too.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars that you like to have on board at all times?
Yeah. It's something I don't sell, but it's been with me for a long time since I was backpacking as a kid. I carry my same shovel, and I've got a collapsible shovel that has never left my side and have used it for everything, and it's in my rig all the time.
Do you have a couple of favorite books? Do you read a lot?
I used to, and I think probably what I've gotten into more than anything is just professional type stuff and developmental type stuff or strategy and business strategy and things like that. I would probably say this goes back a while back to my former days in sales, but I think for someone that is in sales or starting to do that, The Accidental Salesperson, I think had a big impact on me. I read that years ago, and, it impacted me, I think also right now, reflecting, again, going back 20 years probably The E-Myth was a book I read a long time ago. The Entrepreneurial Myth and, now that I have my own business creating the infrastructure and processes for the business to operate on its own, that was something, at the time, I read didn't quite fully comprehend the impact of that. But now, being a business owner, it has stuck with me.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to or ask of our listeners?
Get out there and explore. I think what's fun about this space is you can do a lot, and sometimes people are intimidated by the offroad over-landing space because they watch videos all the time of all the crazy stuff, and even when customers come in, and they're a little bit timid maybe about, I don't do this. And that's okay, whatever you have, if it's a two-wheel drive sedan, just go outside, just explore, go travel where you can. Take your time to build up to things. If you wanna get more adventurous, jump into different outdoor groups and Facebook groups. Go talk to people, go to these events, and you'll start learning a lot. Everyone wants to help people out. and it's a fantastic community, get into it. If you're not, continue to advance yourself if you are, and just enjoy it.
And where can people follow up with you if they'd like to follow up?
So XGRiD Campers.com is our website. Go to XGRiD Campers.com; both locations are listed there. Come visit us in Las Vegas and also in Knoxville, Tennessee, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook.
Welcome to Episode 389 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, another uncut episode recorded from the floor of The Big Gear Show. Today I’m talking with Raquel Velez from Alpine Parrot, Rob Bingham from Adaptive Adventures, and Bryan Wachs from Quiker Stuff!
Hey, be sure and fill out our 5-minute survey about The Outdoor Biz Podcast. I’d love your feedback. You’ll find it at ricksaez.com/2023survey. Thank you, and now let's get to it.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented by Show Notes coming soon
Hello again everyone, I’m excited to bring you Episode 388 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Adam Cramer, founding Executive Director and current CEO of Outdoor Alliance, a national coalition of outdoor recreation advocacy groups breathing new life into the conservation movement by harnessing the outdoor community’s passion. Adam has brought new sensibilities to conservation work that have resulted in hundreds of thousands more acres of protected landscapes and so much more . . .
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes Was there an adventure or maybe a person that inspired you to work in the outdoor biz?
I've had a lot of adventures that have met a lot of wonderful people. but no, to precisely answer your question, there wasn't an adventure or a person that got me oriented in this space professionally, but, had a lot of inspiration from a lot of folks along the way.
How did you get into it professionally?
For me it was through kayaking and living in Washington DC. So I moved to DC 25 years ago right outta law school and, had a ton of law school debt, like a lot of people, and DC's an awesome place to learn how to be a lawyer. And it also is probably one of the best whitewater cities in the world.
I've heard that. I've heard a lot of people say that. Yeah, it's interesting. Yeah. Wouldn't think so, but yeah, it, [00:02:50] so moved here and got into it and have these two kind of pleasantly parallel lives, being a corporate environmental lawyer during the day. And, got pretty deep into the whitewater scene here.
And how'd you get into kayaking?
Yeah, that's a good [00:05:10] question. I was really deep into climbing. That was my jam for years. And I didn't really have any connection to DC at all. but I moved here for [00:05:20] work and I moved here with a girl I was dating in law school. And she had the idea, she said, let's learn something that's new for both of us.
And we're living in a little basement [00:05:30] apartment and, And she's Hey, let's learn how to kayak. And I thought, all right, this is not gonna work out that well. It involves like a lot of gear. and we're in this little place. I'm like, all [00:05:40] right, whatever. So we go and we learn how to go into a pool session where you learn how to roll the kayak in a swimming pool.
and she hated it. And I thought, wow, this is a lot of fun. Yeah. And, And then we split up and I had a lot of time on my hands. Yeah. so I just spent a lot of time kayaking.
What was the inspiration for Outdoor Alliance? [00:08:00]
Yeah. great question. I think, the idea was that, to diversify, the constituency for conservation. And, early two thousands, [00:08:10] this is before my time, before my involvement in outdoor lands, there is this concern that, to really make advancement, for conservation, you gotta bring [00:08:20] more people to the table. And from other perspectives. And the traditional conservation community, environmental community has done so much. for, for conservation and, protecting the [00:08:30] outdoors, but it could be divisive at times.
And, there was some thought that, what other constituencies, what other communities could have [00:08:40] conservation values, but have a different identity, different perspective. And there was, an investment over time with the hunting and angling community to see if, folks that care about [00:08:50] fishing and hunting and, clean air and clean water.
Could find common ground, about broader conservation issues. And that was the genesis for organizations like 50 [00:09:00] or Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and others. And Outdoor Alliance, the idea of it arose out of, arose out of that, like if you could get hunters and anglers to work [00:09:10] together for clean air and clean water.
Was there original plan to just do something different and just evolve or just [00:09:50] feel let's, we need to do something, let's figure it out and do it.
Yeah. Yeah. it was people, this one guy in particular, Mike Finley, who is a career park service guy, really [00:10:00] senior in the park service and ended up, Working for the Turner Foundation, Ted Turner And Sienna. And, the foundation's got this deep commitment to conservation, but also, coming [00:10:10] up with innovative approaches to it and Finley's perspective was that, we need to get other folks involved in conservation.
And it was his [00:10:20] idea to reach out to the member organizations that eventually made up Alpha Alliance and see if they were even interested In working together. and that was, there was a theory [00:10:30] that they would, they, if they worked together and had some support, they could find common ground.
If they found common ground, they could maybe make a go of this. But that was [00:10:40] it. It wasn't like, let's form an organization. Nah, it was, somebody had a good question.
Figure out how to work together and then figure out where it goes from there. That's smart actually, [00:10:50] cuz all the, takes all the pressure off.
who knew? there was a good, really wonderful all the organizations Access Fund, American Whitewater. And the have, really punched [00:11:00] above their weight and gotten so much done for their respective communities and protected different parts of the country harnessing the passion of their members in their broader community.
What do you think it is about those connections that drive us then to protect them? The natural resources? Is it just because we want to be able to go back and show our kids, or is it a little [00:11:40] more, I don't know, raw than that something just drives us, that it needs to be protected for whatever reason?
Yeah,it depends on what do you mean by [00:11:50] protection? do Yeah, that's true. For sure. Like these experiences, when you have an experience there, it becomes, depending on the experience and with whom you're [00:12:00] having the experience. it could be part of your identity, how you see yourself, what your values are, and you know what your identity is and [00:12:10] what's important to you, forms how you spend your time and resources.
There's a lot of different things you could do. but if there's. If it relates to your identity, you're more likely to pay [00:12:20] closer attention. And find people that share that identity and share that, that perspective. So on, on one level, you ha you have an experience in a place [00:12:30] someplace is important.
You wanna you to pick up, you wanna take care of it in a physical way. Mm-hmm. When When I, mm-hmm. When I I, hike out from, pipe back to the car after I'm done boating, if I [00:12:40] see a bottle, I pick it up and put it in my boat.
But then,[00:12:50] all these places that we experience, or many of them are on public lands and public waters. And if you're gonna protect a place at scale in a way that's meaningful [00:13:00] and enduring, it goes beyond picking stuff up off the ground or working on a trailhead.
You got involved in the, and being civically engaged. And [00:13:10] learning, about what conservation means and being involved and advocating for these places. And I think that, that type of work it arises is linked with. [00:13:20] Your sense of identity and your sense of values.
And so you guys do a great job working with small organizations, but they can only do so much in terms of advocacy. How do you inspire them to work together? How do [00:14:50] you get that coalition of everybody working on the same thing?
All right, so it's like the fish, right? The fish, these little fish by themselves, they're doing their thing. But when they [00:15:20] all get together and coordinate and they look like a big, giant fish, that's empowering and you can get a lot of [00:15:30] stuff done.
And I think, these smaller organizations, and the member organizations at Alpha Alliance, they're, some of them are pretty, pretty stout, Big staff and big budget. But [00:15:40] they're, you, they all have a national network of local chapters. But the idea of, of, finding common ground across, other colleagues, it's not just limited to the [00:15:50] outdoor space.
It's like that's how anything gets done In this country, In a democracy, you gotta find consensus. And I think it's a, this melding of passion for place, and whether it's rivers [00:16:00] or mountains or, trails or the shore, it's different versions of the same thing. And everybody within the community realizes that currency, like this connection of place.[00:16:10]
And they, there's also this belief that if we work together now a track record, coupled with that belief that if we do work together, we get more stuff done. You could flex a little [00:16:20] more. You could. informed outcome in a more positive way than if you're just doing your own thing, thinking about, the world from a more of a provincial perspective, right?
There's nothing [00:16:30] wrong with that, but the possibility of getting stuff done that's consequential and in line with your values is very alluring.
So these next [00:16:50] two questions might be, somewhat similar. The first one is about how the outdoor alliance is structured, and then let's talk about the four directives. Talk about the structure first. [00:17:00]
Yeah, for sure. So we're coalition, By, by design and by culture. And the way that we're structured we're, a 5 0 1
We're a non-governmental organization. [00:17:10] And, we're made up of these 10 member organizations. and then in the beginning it was just five, and then we expanded, to welcome in other organizations. So currently it's [00:17:20] the Access Fund, the American Canoe Association, American Whitewater, the International Mountain Bicycle Association, which of wild lands.
[00:17:30] The Mountaineers, Winter Wildlands, Mazamas, American Alpine Club, Surfrider Foundation, and Colorado Mountain Club is our newest member. I think they joined back in 2018. [00:17:40] So we're 10 organizations. We've got a board of directors. Some of the member organization CEOs, sit on the board. they've got some seats that kind of [00:17:50] float with the organizations.
and we have at large board members, so pretty conventional From that standpoint, but we make sure that leadership for the organization for Outdoor [00:18:00] Alliance is informed by, folks that represent the community directly. and then is also, informed by other folks that are not,work at Surfrider Foundation, for example, or, [00:18:10] so we've got a mix of board members.
And, so that's the basic legal structure. and in terms of consensus, there's, I'll look at the world in a slightly different [00:18:20] way, but there's this culture of trying to find common ground. And it takes work. but we're able to find enough common ground. So that we've got plenty of things to do. And [00:18:30] it's like you don't agree on everything, but there's so much we do agree on. Yeah. Focus on that.
How often do you get together? [00:18:40]
So we get together as a board four times a year. Sometimes via Zoom, sometimes in person. And, and the [00:18:50] folks that are, the policy leads and the communication leads for the member organizations they meet on a weekly basis, Keeps everything current. So very consistent. Um,regular contact [00:19:10] amongst everybody within the coalition.
You have four directives, and that meeting every week helps you achieve directive number one. Understand the [00:19:20] issues deeply. If you're getting together that often you can stay on top of them. Tell us a little bit more about what that means.
yeah. So we coordinate and run these weekly meetings with, [00:19:30] recall these, Folks, the joint policy shop, the JPS, and it's basically like a think pa, a think tank of outdoor dirt bags, who also are like [00:19:40] policy geniuses and strategic maestros, right?
They're, it's like the policy and the comms leadership of all our member organizations. they're professionals, they're part of the community, and we bring [00:19:50] them together and we leverage that expertise to see, figure out like what's going on in Congress, what's going on with the forest service.
And what do we think? What [00:20:00] are the opportunities? So that's what keeps things fresh and it enables, consensus and, a collective perspective. Yeah. Yeah.
And meeting weekly just, that really [00:20:10] drives that home cuz you never have time to forget. You're back at it. You back at it the next week.
That's right. It doesn't go stale. That's awesome.
And you build long-term relationships [00:20:20] and trust with all these age people and agencies. How do you do that?
Yeah, with, with meeting with people pretty regularly. And it starts with, [00:20:30] convening the leaders of the outdoor community.
We meet with ourselves most importantly. cuz that builds trust and it builds a, common perspective on policy priorities. [00:20:40] And, if you're gonna get involved in policy and advocacy, you gotta get a sense of what do you want? What are your outcomes? What are your desires?
What is, what does the community want? So we spend a lot of time with the, with [00:20:50] ourselves to figure that out. And then we spend a ton of time working with, policy makers from across the country, like legislators, people that have elected the Congress and their [00:21:00] staff, and. The administration, whoever's in the White House and all the folks that work in the administration and land management agencies like Yeah.
Forest Service and Bureau Land Management.[00:21:10] and we meet with all these folks, like pretty consistently, like I think over the last several years we counted, we had about [00:21:20] 400 meetings Over the last few years with policy makers and their staff. And it's us and. the folks from the joint policy shop and that's what we do.
[00:21:30] In terms of building these relationships, cuz if you, you just show up cap in hand and you're like, Hey, we want this. Yeah. Or
would you consider that? Yeah. You show up every [00:21:40] three months. Yeah. That doesn't work. Yeah. You gotta do it consistently, build a dialogue. They understand your perspectives, who you represent and they know who you are. You guys know who [00:21:50] everybody is with that many times getting together.
And that closeness, that's really the other part of it too, is just you really cement those personal relationships, which makes it [00:22:00] easier. Sometimes tougher, but easier in general, I would think.
And you guys rely a lot on data to inform the approach [00:22:20] to conversation, who's data, whose conservation data is it? It's, I'm sure there's all kinds of people throwing data at you, right?
Yeah, it started with like in the very early days[00:22:30] of Outdoor Alliance. I had a question for the, for the member organizations and it was, Like, where's all this? All the stuff [00:22:40] like where are all the trails, right? The rivers, like I know anecdotally where I go kayaking. And where good mountain bike happens to be. But is it mostly in the Forest Service, [00:22:50] national Forest or blm? Or how important are the parks? And I ask this question because we had to figure out like who do we build relationships with?
Which agencies [00:23:00] are the most relevant? And nobody really knew. That anecdotal information AW. On the other hand AW, did know they had a, they maintained a national database [00:23:10] of River, river, Put ins and Whitewater runs. Aws, American Whitewater, we, American Whitewater. That's right.
And we realized like, we need to figure this out. And, so we [00:23:20] built out this, GIS lab a number of years ago, and the design is that we would partner with entities that have data. That the [00:23:30] user community used like Mountain Project or Trail Works, and, would be able to use and aggregate that data for policy and advocacy purposes.
So we partner with [00:23:40] entities that own the data and they license it to us so we could use it to inform and enhance our advocacy work. And it's been a game changer. So knowing [00:23:50] where climbing routes are if there's a wilderness. Proposed wilderness designation is important.
It has an impact on fixed anchors. and then also if you could [00:24:00] immobilize the broader community to protect a place, to be able to get a sense as to, what the intersection is between a landscape and these different pursuits, and by [00:24:10] extension, these different communities is profoundly important.
Going back to our earlier conversation, it makes it personal, right? We gotta know where the stuff is, We could [00:24:20] sort through all the things that are going on and identify the things that are the most consequential, the most relevant to our community. And those are the things where we could have the biggest impact.[00:24:30]
That must be an amazing database. you guys just have everything in the catalog.
It's fairly complete. Like I don't know. I don't think [00:24:40] there's another entity that's got access to, aggregate. All the human powered outdoor pursuits in the way that we do. That's amazing.
Now it's not consumer facing. Like those, that's where the apps, if you [00:24:50] wanna know where to ride your bike, if you live in Minnesota, like you're not coming to outdoor lines. You go to the apps. But how much mountain biking is in,[00:25:00] the G mug national forest for the purposes of forest planning.
We, that's important. And we were able to get that data and share it with the Forest Service to inform [00:25:10] their decision making. Yeah, It will impact mountain biking, so yeah, that's pretty cool.
And you do a lot to [00:26:00] empower individuals to make a difference How does that happen? you guys get together a lot as groups it sounds like. Yeah. And then people go back and do their thing. Are they [00:26:10] empowered to go take what they've learned or what they know and interact locally? I'm sure you want them to do that.
Yeah, for sure. For sure. And it's a great [00:26:20] strategic value for the organization to pursue our mission and we do that. Because, we're generous with our expertise. And, public policy is complicated. [00:26:30] Yeah. And there's, why should people know about all the nuance? And, but we do. So what we do is we educate the community and, about what's going on and provide them the tools to speak up [00:26:40] and take action.
And community is, They've taken us up on this invitation at scale. over the last several years we've had, I don't know, a quarter million [00:26:50] messages from folks within our community to policy makers, on matters that relate to conservation and sustainable and equitable access. we connect the [00:27:00] dots between what's going on and people's passion.
How to show up and they do. And that tell you, Rick, that's huge. Profoundly inspiring.
So this next question is a little, uh, not sure. I think this came from a buddy of mine actually, but do policymakers and especially elected [00:27:20] officials really care about what the outdoor community thinks? It seems like sometimes it seems like they do, but then other times you look at what the [00:27:30] results are and go, wow, you didn't even listen to what they said.
Y might sound strange, but, look [00:27:40] at the world from an elected official's perspective. Have a little compassion, they got 50 million things coming down. 'em, There's so much going on, and they're [00:27:50] all accountable to at least like six or 700,000 people.
You're a Congress person, right? Let alone a whole state, like California. If you're a [00:28:00] senator and it's a hard job, they gotta make these decisions on behalf of their constituents. You know what's in the best interest of the state and the district. And [00:28:10] there's no way you could know all those things.
So it goes back to these relationships and you're not gonna make everybody happy. it's just the nature of the job. that's not the job, That's not the job. You gotta pull all the [00:28:20] information in and exercise your judgment and whether you do a good job or not as. revisited, every two years you're your congressperson or six years or four years for the president, [00:28:30] right?
But that's the jam. So for them to exercise this judgment, they have to get perspectives and a diverse amount of perspectives and it's perspectives that are informed of people [00:28:40] that know a thing or two about, of protecting the place over what it means. So the, not only do they, they need to listen to us and not just us [00:28:50] to do their job.
To be successful at it. yeah, to answer your question directly. Yeah. They very much do care and more so if you're a constituent. And even more so if you know what you're [00:29:00] talking about. Which is like all of us. Cuz we spend time in these places, from these firsthand experiences.
And a lot of people might be intimidated to use their voice for advocacy and may end up not doing anything cuz they think their voice doesn't matter. How does their voice make a [00:29:50] difference?
Yeah. if you don't show up, think of it this way. You don't show up and don't say what you think. You basically doubled the impact of somebody Yeah. That you don't [00:30:00] agree with. That does show up.
So you could think you don't matter, but there are people who don't agree with you and they're showing up. [00:30:10] And it's part of living in a democracy. It's not just voting, it's, sharing what you think. you're helping these elected officials and, policy makers do their job. that's critical.
But[00:30:20] think from the perspective of a brand, right? You think about your consumers, you think about your [00:30:30] community, and there's no way you could ever capture what everybody thinks. But it's a relentless pursuit. To figure out [00:30:40] what customers want And what they need. You're modeling things out and you're asking people and you're just like absorbing as much information and you're using that to inform business decisions.[00:30:50] So Congress people do the same thing. Yeah. And if you think that it doesn't matter, like a, policy maker doesn't care what you think, that's.[00:31:00]
That makes as much sense as a business thinking that the customer doesn't matter. And the customer's perspective doesn't matter if you believe in that. If you think that's worthy. [00:31:10] Same thing.
And how do you guys champion the idea that for businesses and individuals, it's not nearly as difficult or complicated as people think to get [00:31:20] involved?
It's pretty simple, really. And you can make a big difference. the first thing is, you look at Congress, what's [00:31:30] 535 elected officials. You got a hundred hundred senators, And all these Congress people. But, you've got three in the federal government.
[00:31:40] You've got your congressperson, you've got two senators, and the governor, let's say four. It's four people. It's not hundreds. And you're a constituent. So [00:31:50] that's one way to simplify things instead of just you've heard that, that, that phrase how to eat a whale. one bite at a time.
don't try to eat the whole whale. But if you're able to [00:32:00] establish dialogue, with your elected officials as a constituent and as an informed constituent, with you're an individual or whether you're a business, [00:32:10] it's, it's your superpower. They need to listen to you. Just to break it down a little bit, it's, you don't have to do everything well, you have to keep showing up. back to that [00:32:20] baseball analogy, a player gets, I don't know, a thousand, 2000 at bats to bat 300, so they clearly don't get ahead every time, but you just gotta keep showing up and showing up and dropping [00:32:30] your message, that's how get it done. Being patient, thinking about the long game. Dropping your message, but also like listening To like how they're thinking about [00:32:40] things. yeah. What are their other, what their Cs are, right? Yeah. So working businesses and individuals find an organization that kind of reflects their values and partner with them.
Do you guys have a big long list? You must,[00:32:50]
The 10 members. Those 10. And then they got a big, yeah, they got bigger list. So like I'll, I think. [00:33:00] One, really good starting point is outdoor alliance. We find consensus right.
Amongst the 10 member organizations, but the 10 member organizations, they're all like,[00:33:10] complete ballers in this space. They're amazing. And I think using what's important to you in terms of the different pursuits, the different communities, different geographies or typographies, [00:33:20] use that as a filter go hang out with people that you like. And that do things that inspire you. And that's a start. So Outdoor Alliance for sure. That [00:33:30] member organizations and then each of these member organizations, they've got, networks of local organizations Based on your geography. So you [00:33:40] want to go really local, look at one of the EMBA local chapters or a local climbing organization from Access Fund. you wanna look at the Get deep in national policy, [00:33:50] always where to go.
Tell us about your favorite outdoor activity, obviously kayaking. Do you have another one?
yeah. I love [00:34:00] whitewater kayaking. I compliment that with quite a bit of mountain biking. and as, as wonderful as DC is for, For Whitewater, it's it's not the best for, for skiing. [00:34:10] You gotta go somewhere. Yeah, that's right. Yeah.
Yeah. we've got some local stuff. but, so those are the pursuits, my doing it with people that I care about, my [00:34:20] friends with my kids, that's just what puts it over the top.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to work in conservation?
for sure. [00:35:10] I think like realizing that conservation and politics are like, They're intertwined in this country. You can't really do [00:35:20] one without the other. And that's because, there's so much of outdoor recreation and kind of the outdoors are on public lands.
And public lands are gonna be what happens on public lands. [00:35:30] Whether you can serve these places or develop these places, it's part of a public process. So you can have this desire to protect, but you gotta couple that with a [00:35:40] clear and eye understanding that you know, you gotta get involved in advocacy and.
Specifally engaged. And feel okay about that and realize that you're not alone. There are a lot of [00:35:50] organizations that get this space and find some organizations and people that you like, and the path will be, will be made apparent. [00:36:00]
Yeah. And if you're listening to this podcast, you probably know a number of people that are doing it already.
So you have friends and family just to go help you get in. yeah.
[00:36:10] Yeah. learn what you can. from, after Alliance and the member organizations and whoever is doing work that inspires you. There's a good chance they're an NGO and that they're adept at [00:36:20] working with volunteers and people that care about places.
you talking about the baseball analogy? Yeah. Showing up, not just to show up at a congress person's office, call your local chapter Surf Rider. [00:36:30] Foundation.
That's great. Bonds. Yeah. yep. Yeah, that's how to do it. let's have a little fun now. not that way.
What's your [00:36:40] favorite outdoor gear purchase? Under a hundred dollars.
Oh my goodness. Under a hundred bucks. Yeah. Huh? yeah, I'd probably [00:36:50] say, A Cliff Bar.
Do you have any, do you have a couple of favorite books that are your go-tos all the time? Good with friends and stuff.
I think one of my, one of my favorites, one of my favorites is, I love James Baldwin. he's a phenomenal author. The Fire Next Time [00:37:30] is, I think one of my favorites. It's really short. It's like a, it's essentially a letter to his nephew. It's a beautifully written book and, That's maybe 120 pages or something like [00:37:40] that, Oh, wow. Okay. That's just a, that's a wonderful read. and then I think it came out like you wrote in the sixties and that, and something a little more, but it's timeless. yeah. Anything [00:37:50] by James's Baldwin. and then, I guess more, more recently I read this book, the End of the Myth by Greg Grandlin.
And, It's a kind of an exploration of this [00:38:00] idea of the frontier in American culture and history and, fascinating. I've learned so much. it's
so amazing too, how that [00:38:10] continues, after all these years that this country has been around, how the frontier still drives just something deep down in us that, we just, we all embody it.[00:38:20]
Oh yeah. And how it's not just, it was a physical thing and then it became like a cultural, political thing. And, just a fascinating book. Oh, cool. [00:38:30] and I guess one other, now I'm thinking something I've read recently Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Yeah. She, it. Beautifully written book.
[00:38:40] Fascinating. okay, so those are three. Yes. For one, those are three, yeah. Perfect.
Got 'em. Awesome. We'll link to those all in the show notes. Yeah. as we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to say to, or ask of our listeners? [00:38:50]
Oh, just an expression of, of appreciation for all the folks that we either dipping into conservation and advocacy [00:39:00] or the ones and some encouragement to anybody that's curious, It's a warm and welcoming space.
We need all the help that we could get and, it's a lot of [00:39:10] fun. I was gonna say, there's
a lot of fun to be had while you're doing it too.
Follow up Outdoor Alliance
Adam
Episode 387 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast features Expedition Superstore founder Justin Dowey. Justin has built on his early family outdoor experiences in creating the Expedition Superstore. The blend of an Off-road shop and a Camping store, it brings together all of the essentials you would need to use your vehicle as the base of your adventures ... Overlanding!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes Intro to the Overlanding
One of my first forays into the outdoor world was a four-wheel drive store in Newcastle. We would build rigs that were local and Australian touring rigs. At that point, I had a, 1989 Nissan Patrol, we had a sticker on the thing that says ‘size does matter’ and you’ll just laugh at the next comment. It had a three-inch lift on 33-inch tires.
Back then that was huge. We did a lot of four by four touring set up for customers and vehicle maintenance and all that sort of stuff. So that kind of was the start to how I got to, where I am now.
Was there a trip or an event that just got you connected to the outdoors?
It was really that Australian Safari rally. That thing ran over seven days. It went from Alice Springs and drove through to Darwin. It was all off-road. Back then, they didn't have GPSs. They used at what's called a terror trip. So someone had already been out and mapped the course down to the meter, and your terror trip said Drive 30 meters, turn left. But you didn't turn left at 30 meters. You were lost that fast.
Your business is Grasshopper Trading. That's a distribution company for other brands, correct?
Yeah. So Grasshopper is the brand behind the brands. And really its job is to initiate relationships between the manufacturer of the products or us depending on what product we pick up. It actually sells to a distribution company in the state. So really what it does, is it sources products and brings them into the US or makes them in the US depending on where that's gonna fit.
And then, so a couple of the brands are 23ZERO and the Expedition Superstore.
So tell us about the Expedition Superstore. You said it was built with the influence from Overland stores in Australia; tell us about that.
So again, my background a little bit working for a four-wheel drive store.
In inverted commerce in Australia and then seeing that market evolve over 10 or 12 years, we weren't seeing that same kind of market. There's a handful of stores in the US that do the overland part very well. There are a bunch of stores that can build ridiculously good rigs, but we're finding there's a difference.
You build a, I'm a rock crawler, and that's the store that you go to, right? I'm gonna build a V8 44-inch tire rock monster. And there wasn't much that was doing the other end, which was, I'm really just a family camper, but I needed my vehicle as my base cuz I, I've got a nine-year-old.
If you've got kids, your backpacking days are done, so a lot of stuff is around that vehicle-based camping and that vehicle-based adventure, market. And we weren't seeing that. There wasn't anything here that did it.
I think the term Overlanding was coined many years ago with actually a sheepskin company.
But the Overland movement, which is the way that you could put it, really started, I think it was like, 2010 to 2012 and don't quote me on the window. That's when the first Overland Expo was born. I think that was kind of the birth of our industry, in the terminology that we now see.
Was it more authentic back then, do you think?
I would have to say yes. Because to be at that show, back then, you had to really be into it. Cause, again, there wasn't a choice. You had to be doing it cuz to get there; you had to do it. There was no hotel that was close. There was nowhere else you could stay. No one was showering. You're all on pot porta-potties.
So now it's very much more commercial. which is, which is kind of good.
You have three brands that are made there in Salt Lake City. What are those?
We've got three brands that we import in Salt Lake City. We do manufacture some stuff in the US. We've tried to bring more in, but I tell you, there are some challenges right there that are extraordinarily difficult. Anyone that makes stuff in the US the first thing you wanna do is take your hat off and say, yeah, well done.
And do you guys offer training courses or trips for customers?
So the store, Expedition Superstore, does do trips. We've offered training courses. We actually have a conference room that. Our customers, whether it be a club or a group can actually use. And we'll actually stay open so they can use our conference room.
So what do you think the big differences between US Overlanders and Australian Overlanders?
It's a freshness to the market, I think. Aussies are, are really, ‘she'll be right, mate’, sort of attitude, we've all heard that term before. ‘She'll be right, mate’, that means, alright, I see it's broken, but we're doing it anyway.
You know what, I'm gonna have fun with it regardless. so I think that comes with the amount of time that Australians generally spend outdoors, I think they're a little bit more accepting of environmental challenges. That's about as politically correct as I can get. In other words, if it rains, they're like, you know what? Screw it, it's raining, whatever, we’re here. Yeah, yeah. yeah, there's a bit of rain that's coming in through that little gap. See that little inch gap? Yeah. Little bit. Rain's gonna come through that. How do I stop it? You don't, it's gonna rain, dude. It's an outdoor sport. That's why we're out here.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks wanting to get into overlanding?
if I shared one little piece of advice, it would be . . . be careful f where you take your advice. There are so many, and not to pick on the internet, but unfortunately, there is so much, and I see this because we're part of Facebook groups and all that sort of fun stuff. If you asked Facebook for a suggestion, take it with a grain of salt.
Do you have a favorite piece of Overland/Outdoor gear that's under a hundred dollars?
One of my favorites, and we just actually put this into the store. It's called a “ResQMe.” It goes on my key ring. It has a window smasher and a seatbelt cutter. And it's one of my favorites, it's made here in the US. It's a US-patented made-in-the-US product. It's under ten bucks.
What, what are some of your favorite books?
I do audiobooks these days cause I'm on the road so often. One that I just listened to, which impacted some more stuff that I did, and there are two that are probably the most impactful.
One Minute Manager. Most of mine are self-help business-related books. So One Minute Manager was the last one. Traction: Entrepreneur's Operating System probably made the biggest impact on our entire company.
Is there anything else you want to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
I think it just repeats on the advice is be, is be mindful of where you seek your advice. Be mindful that a lot of the stuff on the internet, whether it be Instagram or Facebook or all of those, there's a pretty fair chance that someone's getting paid. So as you watch that, understand it, take it with a grain of salt that, although the marketing, the all of those things is really good. Someone's getting paid. Take your time.
How can they find you? Where's the best way?
23Zero: info@23Zero.com.
The store: info@expeditionsuperstore.com
You can call the store at 801.871.0569
What's your current rig? What are you driving?
Ram Chop is my current rig. The evolution of Ram Chop started as a Dodge 2500. So we built it, we put an AV lift on it. We put a RSI smart cap, a 23Zero Kabari tent and awning, and all the goods that went along with that. And we ran that for, I dunno, 15 months. So drag trailers all over the countryside. It did all the things we wanted it to do. This year we made some changes to the store, so we upped the game on Ramp Chop. We actually took the back off it and put a Bowen Custom flatbed on the back, we put a Four Wheel Camper, so it's got a Hawk flatbed camper on the back. t's got a 23ZERO awning that covers the entire back end of the thing.
So it's got a massive amount of coverage. So it sits on 40-inch tires, airbags under the back, as I said, flatbed with all the goodies.
Welcome to Episode 386 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, an uncut episode recorded from the floor of The Big Gear Show.
So far, I’ve talked about e-Bikes in the eBike e-revolution space at the show with Spinks from Yamaha , Aidan Kiely from LIV, and Outdoor Element Founder Mike Mojica.
Hey, be sure and give your feedback about The Outdoor Biz Podcast at ricksaez.com/2023survey
Let's get into it!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented by Show Notes coming soon
Welcome to episode 385 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Pete Ashley from BrandKeep and Charlie Wise from The Mountaineer talking trade shows, what's working, how they facilitate buying, the current state of inventory management, retailer challenges, and some other goodies.
Before we get into today's episode, I’ve got a quick question for you . . . What do you want to hear more and less of in future episodes? Go to ricksaez.com/2023survey and tell me the topic you want me to cover or the guest you want to hear on the show or hit the link in the show notes I’d love your input, Thank you, now let's get to the episode.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes Welcome to episode 385 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Pete Ashley from BrandKeep and Charlie Wise from The Mountaineer trade shows, what's working, how they facilitate buying, the current state of inventory management, retailer challenges, and some other goodies. Brought to you by The Big Gear Show!
Trade Shows Are things back to “normal? Charlie
I really think it is, we're going to have the same attendance as we normally would at our primary sort of national show. in the G O A Connect event. We will have two buyers and myself attending the principal's meetings and then, obviously, the buying sessions. And I think travel has settled down, prices notwithstanding. Everything's more expected. But we'll be there for a full slate of vendor meetings, business meetings, and line showings. It's going to look and feel a lot like it did pre-pandemic.
And Pete, you're representing BrandKeep, obviously, give everybody a little background on BrandKeep. BrandKeep will be doing GOA, Discovery Marketplace, and 360 Adventure. That'll be kind of our real hello world. But BrandKeep is a platform designed to help retailers, specifically specialty outdoor retailers. manage all these digital assets and information in one central hub across all the brands in the shop. We're excited to bring this to the trade shows and introduce it to some of these retailers and hopefully get some folks on board and help them make their lives a little bit easier.
And what do you think the greatest benefits to retailers and brands are for shows? Now that we had that pandemic situation where you didn't have to go to shows? What did you miss the most, and are they still necessary, trade shows? Charlie
I think having a chance to sit down with some of the principles of our vendor partners and suppliers it's just really important. We have a relationship, I think, that extends beyond just pedaling their products in our shop. We want to represent their brand well, and they certainly want to understand who we are and the requirements we have as a retailer. And I would say that type of national show, again, Connect is really our primary event and is really important in that regard. We also have a number of charitable events throughout the year, so it's a chance for us to also thank folks that are sponsors of those events in a way that would be harder to do just with our local rep presence or at regional shows.
Pete
Before BrandKeep, I was actually a buyer and general manager for four outdoor stores. And I mean, just it's so important to get in there and make those personal connections. But just being able to like see and touch product when you're making those decisions, that's so important. And again, back to the human connection, you know, it's an energizing thing. That's why we do this. We enjoy each other's company. We have a lot of shared interests. And it's fun to go and, you know, make those reconnections, see friends, and get excited about what you're doing again.
Are there any changes that were put in place in some of the recent Trade Shows you've been to as a result of the pandemic that you feel are working well or differently? Scheduling? Venues? Charlie
We did actually thin out, even our Connect presence through the slightly hairier early days of the pandemic.
Obviously, some events were just impacted and didn't go off, but we had concerns about safety and travel and those sorts of things, and some staff were more excited than others about climbing on an airplane and traveling. So I would say we maintained the connection to the events, but we didn't have the full presence that normally we do prior to and again now.
I will say, and I agree with Pete, that getting your hands on products, seeing it, seeing a line, and putting things in context is super important.
We were, I think, given the pretty narrow slice and pretty specific type of consumer that we serve out of the mountaineer, we actually were pleasantly surprised at also some of the remote levels of support that we saw. That does not ever take the place of a trade show, but I think we were able to navigate, and I think our vendors were able to help us navigate some of the limitations of the early days of the pandemic. In terms of knowing what was going to come into the shop, even if we hadn't had a chance to touch it. But now that we're back, you know, more or less in the clear, we always are going to lean towards having a chance to sit down with the rep, see the line, touch the product, and go from there.
How can the show organizers and brands, and reps maximize value even further at these trade shows? Do you have any ideas on that? Charlie
I think the balance that we try to find as a retailer, and I think this is up to the brands, either in terms of their investment, in terms of presence, or just the shows in terms of facilitating that cross-section of both regional reps and the higher-level principles. Obviously, you want everybody there, right? Right. But that's not always realistic. The one benefit that was also a little bit of an outgrowth in terms of frequency and number of regional shows we attended, was obviously proximity, but also being able to sit down with the same person that's normally coming by our shop or that we know already in our region. That's not always possible at the national shows; we still, I'd say, at Connect, in general, we have pretty good success with having the people we know being on the other side of the table or whatever it is. But I think it's important for event organizers and the vendors, and suppliers, to realize that when we show up and sit down to talk about products, we really do appreciate somebody knowing who we are and focusing in on the parts of a line that actually apply to us. I mean, we're not going to focus on urban dog walking gear if we're a mountaineering store, you know? So that sort of awareness of who we are makes the engagement that much more valuable.
You can't pull that off a hundred percent, but get as close to that as possible without having to sit down and explain to somebody who you are, what your store is, and what you like from scratch when you go to these national shows.
Pete
Interesting thing back in the day, I think it tended to lend itself to the parties and socialization. Lots of happy hours and, I think, too,, with the pandemic and travel being cut back, and that's stayed kind of cut back. I think we're going to continue to see attendance levels rise at these things because it is an opportunity for those brands to really come in and see a lot of people and get a lot of really meaningful work done in a short amount of time. No matter how stressful that can be. But yeah, I think a lot more work is getting done, and I think the show organizers are doing a great job of facilitating the scheduling and all that.
and another change that I have seen, and one of the new things that GOA is doing, is the Discovery Marketplace. Which is really cool or such a working show because now it's giving a lot of these folks that might not be attending these national shows an opportunity to see new brands and open a whole new avenue and that side of the trade show as well.
Charlie
I'll second what Pete said there. I definitely think that the GOA Connect event is doing a nice job of bringing in new brands, exposing the retail members to some different options that they might not normally see, but also walking that line of doing it without the sort of full-blown zoo, you know, massive conventions atmosphere. I think that mix of really targeted business meetings, line showings, and then also some discovery, like just well-curated discoveries is a really nice setup
Do you guys have any thoughts on how a rep or a brand can help you maximize your time in the appointment part of it?. What's the perfect appointment . . . the setup, the execution, the follow-up? Charlie
I'll jump back in, and I sort of touched on this earlier, I think, obviously, if that's a rep you've had some contact with, which hopefully you have, and you know, we've been, as a business, The Mountaineer has been around for almost 50 years, so we have, we have relationships with reps that go back 5, 10, 20 years in some cases.
The ideal sit down is really obviously just a chance to catch up and be social, you know, get, understand what the rep's been up to. What's going on in life? But from there, I think again, knowing a rep, knowing who we are, the type of customer that we serve, and being able to really cut into that part of the line that applies. That's the ideal appointment. And then we can spend more time really focusing on the details of those products. I'd rather be narrow and deep than wide and shallow in terms of those types of meetings.
What's the most daunting aspect of these shows? Is it just managing all the assets, workbooks, and orders, or time management, the travel? Charlie
I'll sort of tie in the brand key part of that. Having digital assets, having digital workbooks in advance, and then being able to take what we've done in terms of annotations or selections from those workbooks and the POs, basically having all those things in one place, is an evolving improvement that we're starting to see through BrandKeep as a utility.
Definitely, the days of hauling back reams and reams of paper in these workbooks, we've sort of moved past that. We also have multiple buyers at the Mountaineer that are interacting with the same brand, and to be able to not have that information stashed away in a manila folder, in a cabinet under somebody's desk, and have it all in one centralized common format is key.
And so I'd say that's one of the big refinements that we've been working on. You know, the travels, the travel scheduling, the meetings, I think again, in the case of Connect, they do a pretty good job of that with their utility. But mostly, it's that sort of post-show. . . okay, what did we just do? So actually BrandKeep is really actually a fairly important part of where we are with that right now
Pete
I was going to say as a buyer . . . even now that we are in the digital landscape, I would show up with a laptop and an empty bag and come back with, good grief, I mean, a full laptop bag, usually like one of those totes that you inherit when you get there full of random printouts and workbooks and swag. My desk was generally kind of a nightmare for about two weeks after that as I sorted through it. So I will say one of the things that the brands and reps could do to that did make my life easier. The ones that were doing it well, were the ones that just had those digital assets accessible. They had links that worked, they were updated. The B2Bs have come a long way. But even if it's just a simple order form, just have that order form simply have it work. Here's your thumb drive. Everything's available, and then beyond that, just communication.
How's business? I know during the pandemic, everybody seemed to be killing it. I’m sure it's backed off from what it was during the pandemic, but is, is it still booming, still good? Charlie
I would say we've been looking back on 22, and 2023 has its own story to tell that's been evolving. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to stay as close to the pace of 2021.
Obviously, the fuse was lit basically midway through the summer of 2020. Outdoor was sort of everything for people that had been pent up right, and needed fresh air. And we as a business, not only in that industry but also sort of in ‘sitchu’ here, literally at the doorstep to the Adirondack Mountains, we benefited from that pretty mightily and that trend, and also just the remote work trend, you know, played heavy through all of 2021. As I talked with my staff, there was that question, what is the back end of this hump look like? Is it gonna steady out and plateau somewhere near here, or are we going to go all the way back down to the valley floor on that? And I would say in general, it's been pretty steady.
Pete
Again, with the shop I was in, we were seeing pretty much the exact thing that Charlie was seeing. We were staying strong, and I think, too, it forced us to, and I think a lot of businesses out there. It really forced them to learn that sometimes you can do more with less. You find creative ways to find new products, to fill in for those that you couldn't get, new creative ways to merchandise, to sell your product, be it online or whatever. Um, So I think those, those lessons carried forward too. And as we look forward to 2023, hopefully, those are hardened in the retailers.
This will drop in June of 2023. So we're halfway through. What's beyond summer look like? Charlie
Summer's big here. We do have a healthy winter business, and the shoulder seasons have continued to shrink. Meaning we've got people here pretty much year-round. But in summer, my real focus is on summer. And candidly, as well as I think we've been doing top line, inventory control has continued to have some challenges, both on the can't get ahold of it, and, on the now have too much of it kind of side of things. So, summer 23 is, obviously, we've got preseasons in for fall and increasingly spring of 24. But that's going to have a real bearing on whether we hold the line on those preseasons if we need to start tweaking or tuning those. So definitely, I like the longer-term perspective. I like the question, Rick, but so much, really, how that's going to feel and look is going to start to shape up in the next 10 to 12 weeks.
And, uh, yeah, continue to, to keep, keep moving forward, keep doing those things
How is fulfillment coming? Are brands fulfilling orders, or are there hits and misses? How's that going? Pete
I'm a little bit removed. It's been a good six months since I've been wearing the buying hat. I'm hearing from brands and from some stores that fulfillment is getting a little bit better, but it's still a challenge. And you kind of have to order accordingly. So for us, a lot of times, it was a lot of over-ordering or ordering a replacement product in addition to that gold standard that we were just hoping was going to come at the right time.
Then beyond that, really staying on top of it because, you know, if it all comes at once and you're not ready? Like Charlie was saying, you either can't get it, or you got too much of it. So really staying on top of those POs, those cancellation dates. Checking your inventory because, again, you might have had to replace one of your best products with something new, and how is it doing? Do I need more of that? It was a constant daily challenge.
I would say that the folks that did the best job, like brands and reps, were the ones that were communicating Letting you know this is going to be a partial ship or if you're getting a ship a month late, giving you a heads up on that. And you, and as a rep and a sales guy, you really can't over-communicate on that.
Charlie
it's funny, I've sort of referred to this a few times, but early in the pandemic, it was a fairly predictable set of ripples coming out from that stone hitting the water. And we were ahead of the backcountry skiing thing and stocked up and ready for that. With each passing year, those ripples have just sort of turned into chop. It's just been a grab bag of different circumstances for different vendors for different seasons. So we definitely, sort of to what Pete was saying in terms of operationally, have tightened the process around really tracking what those ship dates are.
Let's talk about staffing a little bit. Seems like there are a lot of issues around staffing, whether it's inflation and wages or lack of people. How are you guys handling, handling that? Charlie
We were very fortunate. We've enjoyed long-tenured staff, and obviously, for those folks, originally, it was heightened gas prices last summer and then just increasing inflation over the past 12 plus months and just cost of living increases.
So we try to do everything we can. When I do an end-of-year, and I sit down, I say, Hey, look, we can't change this entire game plan, but I can do the best I can to keep you in check with what I know your overhead is, and so I think our staff appreciates that we do what we can from the wages standpoint.
There are some other things you can also do just to ensure quality and work-life balance. We have my full-time staff. The entire set of department heads runs a four-day on, three-day off. So we won't call it a weekend because it could be a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, but that kind of perk, if you will, and just us doing our best to have a solid package and overall compensation plan. That's the best we can do. And hopefully, just maintain a work environment that's fun to be in.
Let's talk about some fun stuff. Charlie, what are you getting out doing these days for your outdoor activities? Oh, man. Well, I am retraining my body from a winter of backcountry skiing into the pounding rhythm of trail running. And that takes me, I've actually gotten a little smarter over the years as to how aggressively I try to make that transition. I'm also getting a little older, so that's new. April is a good month. I had some fun. I did a backcountry trip up into the Chick Chocks on the upper Gas Bay Peninsula and Quebec, which was pretty fantastic with some good, good ski buddies.
And that was all backcountry skiing. And then I doubled down and did some tarpon fishing down in Florida a couple of weeks later. So, I've had my fun, and now it's time to get to work.
Pete
Oh man, I had a really busy summer last year with moving and, and what have you. So I'm looking forward to exploring my own backyard. I live here in western North Carolina, so I got a backpacking trip in Panthertown this weekend planned, and lots of boat trips. I'm trout fishing and just starting to be outside. Get the garden going.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear or equipment that you keep with you or that you like to use? Something that just rises to the top all the time, whether it's a favorite pair of running shoes, a little gadget for when you're not hiking? Pete
I really love my gravity filter. I do a ton of backpacking, and I've spent too many hours knelt over my knees aching and falling in cold creeks pumping water. So I have a big 10-liter gravity filter that I can just dump in and hang. That's probably my most used.
Charlie
Be Free bladder filter. As a trail runner, and somebody sort of looking to carry as little on me as possible, that's just a scoop in the brook screw on the cap and you're sucking five nines filtered water through the, through the top unit. You're not getting 10 liters out of that, but you can get up to a liter at a time.
Do you guys have any business books you recommend for everybody? Maybe one business book that's been particularly valuable to you? Charlie
Let My People Go Surfing
Marketplace on NPR stations. It's an American public media broadcast.
Pete
Value-Driven Management
Let My People Go Surfing
Follow up Charlie Wise
The Mountaineer
Pete Ashley
BrandKeep
Welcome to Episode 384 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, before we get into today's episode I’ve got a quick question for you . . . What is the topic or guest you want to hear about on a future episode? Hit the 2023 survey link in the show notes or go to ricksaez.com/2023survey, no caps, and tell me the topic you want me to cover or the guest you want me to have on the show. That's rick saez dot com slash two zero two three survey . . . . no caps, or hit the link in the show notes I’d love your input, Thank you, and now let's get to the episode . . .
In the early 2000s NW Alpine founder Bill Amos found himself dissatisfied with technical clothing options for alpine climbing. At the tail end of the 2008 recession, Bill was inspired to realize his vision. He believed that the only way we would have a real economic recovery in the U.S. is if we started making things here again and Northwest Alpine was born.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes How did you get into skiing in the outdoors?
I actually grew up in the southwest Chicago suburbs. So not the best place to be for mountain sports. But my dad actually grew up in East Tennessee and he was a big hunter and fisherman and outdoor guy down there. So he got me into Boy Scouts when I was pretty young and we had a really active group. So we did a lot of hiking and camping and all that sort of stuff. So that kind of started to foster my love for the outdoors.
What jobs did you do before starting their business?
After college, I did some teaching jobs, including teaching in the outdoor program at a community college in Gresham, just outside of Portland. I also worked as a ski patroller at Timberline.
How did you start Northwest Alpine Gear?
Northwest Alpine Gear began in 2010. I didn’t have any experience in manufacturing, apparel design, etc. I posted an ad on Craigslist asking for help and found a woman with experience in women's athletic brands who helped me develop the first few products.
I started the business with no budget, doing everything myself including manufacturing and photography. I initially used a small factory but eventually, we started our own factory.
Where does the name come from?
I think the mountains in the northwest and the alpine environment's kind of, unlike any other mountain range in the lower 48. It's just very unique. It's burly, there's terrible weather. A lot of times in the technical climbing the rock is rotten, the snow is rotten, the ice is rotten, it's getting scary. Right? And it's just hard, it's just difficult. So I kind of think that US manufacturing in some ways is the same way. It's hard, but it's worth it
What are the benefits of localized manufacturing?
The benefits of localized manufacturing include being in the same time zone, speaking the same language, and having faster transportation to factories and distribution centers. The core benefits are resiliency and sustainability.
What challenges did you face when moving production from Asia to the US?
Moving production from Asia to the US is a significant investment. It is difficult to rebuild the supply chain due to the limited number of companies making necessary products in the US.
Tell us about the Fortis collection.
The Fortis Collection is a project that I’ve been working on for some time. It uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene known as Spectra or Dyneema fibers, which are strong and lightweight. The initial products received an editors' choice award.
Did you have any previous product design or development experience?
Most of my experience with apparel came from just using it for climbing. After college, I worked at a North Face retail store in Chicago and at one of the retailers in Portland called Next Adventure.
Do you get outside much? Do you get to climb and ski still?
Oh, definitely, but not as much as I would like to.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into the apparel biz?
If you're interested in starting a brand, don't do what I did. You know, start a company with no knowledge, or understanding of what you're doing. It might be good to try and go work at another brand and get some experience.
The other side of that though is that had I known what it was gonna take to do this, I never would've started. Might not have done it.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear under $100?
In our line, we have our Volo pants, which are kinda a super light, and soft, and people use them for hiking, running, and, climbing in them.
And then my friend Pete Hill has a company called Freestone Equipment. They're based up in Squamish and if you're a climber, they've got a little product called the Love Handle. It's just a small, I think it's a $35 piece of climbing gear organizer that's really cool.
What are a couple of your favorite books?
Eiger Dreams by John Krakauer
The End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan
Follow up with Bill
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Last Fall I had the pleasure of meeting Adam Jaber founder of Out of Collective and host of the Out of Bound Podcast. Originally created by Adam, the network is a collective of ski and outdoor industry veterans with a strong passion and knowledge for all things happening in our industry. Yes, we geek out a bit on podcasting but we also talk about gear, trade shows, and plenty more . . .
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes What is a fish lift operator and how did you get that job?
I was an environmental major in college. And one of the jobs that they had as a paid internship was working at a fish lift. Basically, it's essentially just like a water mitigation situation where they have this waterfall and they gotta get the fish back up so that they can go back and spawn. But they also have invasive species that they don't want in the river, that they gotta move somewhere else. And that's kind of how it goes. So they have this little thing set up. You basically just watch 'em through a little fish tank essentially as they go up the lift. And if there's something that's not supposed to be there, we pull it, test it, go out, and put it somewhere else.
You were going to Westfield State. What did you study there?
At Westfield, I actually studied Business Management and then, I was at Holyoke Community College when I went and did the fish lift thing and I was going for Environmental Outdoor. I knew I wanted to be in the outdoor industry in some capacity, and even at 20, I already had, you know, seven years under my belt of working in this space and kind of growing up in this space.
What were you doing?
My family owns a ski shop here in Western Mass.
What's the name of the shop?
Colorado Ski Shop
How did skiing and biking become your jam? When did that happen?
I was playing basketball all throughout high school and a little bit in college. So I never really had the time to commit to skiing. And then I kind of popped into the shop and started doing it more and more. You know, I'd skied as a kid and it was just kind of a recreational passion for me for a while. And then I got into racing bikes around at age 15 or so. Then, got hooked on that whole bit. So bike and ski, I've kind of just been committed to for, I don't know how long, 15 years now, something like that.
What kind of bikes?
Mountain bike racing.
When did you discover podcasting?
In 2018 a buddy and I were working together on some media stuff, doing gear reviews and all that kind of thing. And then podcasting seemed like a thing that was gonna start moving in the direction of the YouTube world. And we kind of were just like, let's start doing it as a gear-based show and talk to the people in the industry that I've made connections with. And then one thing led to another and ended up just doing a bunch of pro talk. It's still crazy to me. Like I get to talk to the athletes that I grew up watching as a little kid. Out of Bounds Podcast
Tell our listeners about the Out of Bounds Podcast. How often do you drop episodes and what's the content about?
So once a week I basically have everybody from the biggest snow sports and bike athletes in the world. It's insane to me to be able to say that.
And then I have people that are professionals in a specific department on quite a bit. I'm trying to do some more of that. As I can, so if people are a specialist in one area, like whether they design ski boots or they design skis, or they go in and they care about snow science, these kind of things are . . . especially now that I've had, most of the athletes that I want to talk to on, I'm at the point where I kind of wanna have a specific, more impactful conversation with people.
Which part of podcasting do you enjoy the most?
I like leaving a conversation and feeling that like rush that you get when you're just so happy with how it went and you're just like, you made a new friend out of it. Those are the ones that I enjoy.
Tell us about Out of Collective, How did that come to life?
A couple of years ago I decided all right, I'm running out of episode slots, and this is really as simple as it was. I'm selling four sponsors every show. I can't grow the businesses if this is all I can make.
And I can't charge a thousand bucks an episode. It just doesn't make sense for our sponsors. I can't, some of them it does, but it doesn't make sense on the regular to sell that kind of volume. And even if I am, what, that's four episodes times 52 a year. It's just not enough money to grow a business.
So I was looking for some people to go in on what we did as we were growing the business into more of a full-on media company. Okay, There are four other days in the week that there isn't a show. Let's fill some of those days. Let's get some other interesting people on to tell some stories. And that has transformed it into what it is now, which is we do full-on gear reviews, we do the YouTube stuff, and we create content for social. We do a lot of stuff outside of just doing podcasting now, but I think having so many people on the team that host shows gives us more content to use and it just increases the audience exponentially because now it's all on the same feed, right?
If you listen to my show, the next show that's gonna play is gonna be Michelle Parker's show. And then we keep rolling from there. So we have plenty of people that just sit on their bike trainer and they'll listen to every show during the week.
What are some of those other shows?
Michelle Parker does a show called Careless Do More, where she basically just sits down for an hour and a half, two hours, talks with her friends, other athletes, and stuff. She's been such a blessing to have and she's so good at it already. She's been doing it for six months and she's better than I am already. It's insane. She's a professional in everything she does. It always impresses me to see the kinds of things that she's able to do while still being one of the most prevalent ski athletes in the world. It's crazy.
Then we do The Pursuit with Adam Saurewine. He hosts on Wednesday. He's a tele skier and van lifer, so he's got some stuff to chit-chat with people about. His and my show are sort of similar, but in a different vein. Then we do Coffee and Van Chats, which is with a professional cyclist name John Crew. And he basically just does like cycling talk and now he's getting into some boat racing and stuff like that as well. It's cool. And then we got two more shows, hopefully dropping the summer.
In addition to cycling, what other outdoor activities do you do?
Honestly, it's mostly cycling. I do all the traditional sports, I was super into playing basketball, playing football, playing baseball. I did all the sports in high school and some in college and I'm still, I try to fill my time with things outside of the outdoor industry. I fish and I hike and trail run and all that stuff, but that's really kind of the extent of it for me.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz?
I mean, just be nice, man. Like just reach out to everybody. You can try to make as many connections as you can. Even if it's just somebody giving you the time of day to say hey. Or even somebody telling you they don't have time for you right now. That's the thing that I think people get so bummed out on, so burnt out on, is just the fact that everything is so yes or no, and being told no is sometimes such a downside, but people remember you. There are people that have told me no before that I've come back to and now we're super tight. So I think remembering that these relationships are gonna last for a long time and that somebody will always move on to a different position.
I can't tell you how many people I've dealt with at one brand that, either went well or it went poorly, and then they go to another brand and it switches. You never know where people are gonna end up. So I think if people are trying to get into it, one care about the sports that you're talking about and you're trying to be involved in, care about the outdoors and, and try to stay committed to actually like making those connections in a positive way.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
I have this little tool roll-up bag that this company, I think called Re-up makes. They basically just make little things out of unused material or previously used material. I have this little kit that I carry with a toothbrush and pencils and all this stuff. It's just a little roll-up goretex, like sheath basically, and it's so cool. They're like 50 bucks or something.
What are a couple of your favorite books?
The most recent book I was enthralled with completely was Powder Days by Heather Hansman, it is such an incredible book. And I usually don't like ski and snowboard or outdoor books at all. I usually lean towards other stuff, but the way that Heather writes is so impressive and the storytelling is so good. I couldn't put the thing down so that would be one that I'd recommend to everybody.
Is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners?
I want to know what people actually care about in the outdoor industry, cuz that's the thing that I'm constantly in a battle with, right? Do people care about gear? Do people care that there are new boas on ski boots? It seems like it, but then does it sell? Do people care that there's a new bag out there that has this feature, that feature? I'm always curious to see what it is that interests people.
Follow Up with Adam
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I began looking forward to this conversation as soon as it dropped on my calendar. Stephen Sullivan and Stio Inspire Connection with the Outdoors through their values and beautifully made outdoor products. We talk about the inspiration for Stio, his outdoor pursuits, and how their Pine Cone logo came to life.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes What was your first exposure to the outdoors?
We packed our stuff up and moved to Colorado and I had been a big hockey and soccer player when I was a kid. There was no hockey in Grand Junction, which I never let my mom live down. Now both my boys are hockey players and I ended up coaching them later in life, but I got into skiing and so, you know, I think skiing was probably my first real kind of entry into the outdoor community and the outdoor world.
How about your beginnings in the outdoor business or the outdoor industry side of things?
That's actually a little tied to my Uncle Joe as well. So his girlfriend at the time, whose name was Betsy Clark. She opened what has gotta be one of the first true outdoor specialty stores in the country. I mean, there might have been 50 or a hundred of 'em at the time, but she opened a store called Lewis and Clark in Grand Junction. When I was 12, I got a job in the back room. I've always been a pretty handy kid and kind of knew how to put stuff together. And so I got a job actually mounting cross-country skis for her, which led to me going out on the sales floor.
What was the inspiration for Cloudveil?
The real inspiration behind that was I had a friend who is still a guide, was an I F M G A guide who had gone over to live in Chamonix for a winter in the early nineties. And he came back and brought me a pair of pants that were made of a Schoeller material, what's now known as soft-shell. I just became obsessed with them and, you know, ended up backcountry skiing in them and just thought that the textile wasn't being utilized in the current market. So the idea that kind of got Cloudveil started was to build a soft-shell jacket.
Somehow I found the guys at Schoeller and Tom Wine Bender, who was the president of Schoeller North America for a long time, who is still, a dear friend. He sent me five yards of fabric and I made a jacket with a local seamstress. I got another buddy in here in Jackson, a guy named Brian Cousins, inspired by the concept as well, and we just decided to give it a go.
And now Stio, what inspired Stio? Well, two things. Cloudveil didn't end particularly well. We had been bought and sold a couple of times and we were owned by Spyder, the ski wear brand at the time. They eventually approached me with the opportunity to try to buy the brand back and I had a really strong financial partner and we tried to do that. We spent about seven months trying to come to terms on a deal and, literally basically got left, at the altar on a deal. I had to non-compete for about a year and a half. So I had some time to really stew on what had gone well with Cloudveil and what hadn't gone well, and what I wanted to do differently.
And there were two things that really stuck out to me, the. The first thing was Cloudveil was a very top-of-the-mountain brand. It was all about really technical outerwear was kind of the forte. And I really wanted to build a brand that covered kind of more of the totality of the mountain life. Not just top-of-the-mountain stuff, but everything you could wear. As we term it here, all the way down to the boardwalk. Because you spend a lot of time in the outdoor sportswear you wear on a daily basis and, probably a little less time in the backcountry. So it just felt to me like trying to find that balance that really just showed off the totality of the mountain lifestyle. That was important. T
Then the second thing that was a real catalyst for me was as Cloudveil grew, we found that the retailers started just segmenting us. Like they did anybody else, and they would say, okay, well here's the allocation of dollars we have for your hard shell, your soft shell, your fleece, your base layer, whatever it might be. And we were developing some pretty cool creative products at Cloudveil. We had, we had some pretty talented designers and, cutting edge at the time too. And the retailers weren't really buying it. They were buying the more standard-issue stuff. But we opened a retail store in the last couple of years we had Cloudveil and we had a very small direct business. And those channels were buying the more creative product. So I really felt like there was this opportunity to be more creative, to maybe bring a little more of a dose of fashion. A fashion element into the line and, and to still make, you know, beautiful technical outerwear, but also make a beautiful sportswear collection.
Then the other thing that really was resonating with me was that I felt like there was a hole in the market that, nobody was purely focusing on the direct consumer channel. And although we're fairly omnichannel now, at the time when we launched the business, we basically put a catalog in the mail, turned our website on, and we opened a retail store all in the same month. And we focused specifically on that direct consumer channel to start. And it's worked out pretty well.
I love the story behind your logo. Share a little bit about that with us.
Our logo is, is a, is a Whitebark Pine Cone. It's a modern abstraction of a Whitebark Pine Cone. And we were going through, an initial study and we brought in some folks to help us kind of build the ecosystem in its infancy and around our value set and the value set that we wanted the brand to espouse. We went through a lot of different logo concepts and a woman that had worked for us at the time was the first one that said, you know, what about a pine cone? And I thought, oh, that's a cool idea. And then we got some graphic samples of that and I said, "you know, I think it really needs to be more of a modern abstraction of a pine cone because I want the brand to feel modern."
But the whole concept was that we wanted something that really grounded us in kind of the place we are in, which is the Yellowstone Ecosystem. And we wanted something that reflected nature. And it turns out that the pine cone is a fascinating thing. Shortly after we launched the brand I went on a family trip to Italy and you can't believe where the Pine Cone shows up. It's on the staff of the Pope. It's got all these incredible meanings. So I think that was just serendipitous that we came up with that logo. But we really wanted it to reflect back on the plight of the White Bark Pine and the Yellowstone ecosystem and around the Intermountain West.
I love how you have the daily reminder idea. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on how we might expand that daily reminder idea to help protect the places we love, maybe as individuals or as an industry.
I think for us as brands and companies in this industry, it's really important to focus on doing the right thing. That's one of our core tenants is to do the right thing. And so, you know, we're trying to move towards a goal of a hundred percent sustainable textiles at some point. One of our core tenants is to do the right thing. So we're trying to move towards a goal of a hundred percent sustainable textiles at some point.
We're in the high fifties right now on that and growing every year. We've been a climate-neutral company now for our third year in a row. We spend a lot of time as a company thinking about how we can get our employees outside. We have a flexible PTO policy. It's very similar to an unlimited policy where we encourage people to take a minimum of three weeks and if they are doing one of those lifetime trips, like the Grand Canyon or going on an expedition or doing some big travel, we would encourage them to do more. We published a stewardship report every year to acknowledge all those efforts. And we launched Stio Second Turn for reusing lightly worn products and reselling them and giving people a discount on new stuff.
So I think for us, the obligation is to continue to show people how the outdoors can have such a terrific impact on your being, your psyche right? And your health, your wellness, and so we spend a lot of time doing that.
What other outdoor activities do you participate in? You still ski a lot, sounds like.
I do, I always have a goal to be on skis a hundred days. That sounds audacious to a lot of people, but for me, that is just a, you know, a quick lap on the King or quick hike up Glory on the pass. It's not like a full ski in the village for a whole day, but I ski a lot. I mountain bike and gravel ride a lot. I flyfish a ton. Those are my big core passions in life right now.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor business or grow their career if they're already doing something in the industry?
I love this question. I've had this one very frequently and I'll be really honest with you. I think one of the best things people can do, people are always trying to, especially kids getting outta college, they've just gotten a degree, and they're trying to figure out what they want to do with their career. They're enchanted with the outdoor industry, but, but it's a big business now. And it's a real business and you need expertise. One of the things I think is the best thing somebody could do to get into the industry is to go work in outdoor retail. I truly believe that it was so foundational to me, and understanding what customers are looking for. Understanding merchandising how to represent a brand effectively to a customer, understanding the marketing, you see it all in an outdoor retail store.
It's where the rubber meets the road and once you understand how all the stuff behind the scenes comes together when that customer's standing there asking you a question about a jacket or a pack, then you understand, you get a sense of how it all is important, each piece of that puzzle. I think it's great preparation.
Do you have any favorite books or books you give as gifts or a favorite podcast?
Podcasts? My favorite podcast going right now. There are two of 'em. I love the Rich Roll Podcast. I hope you've heard that. I think he does a really good job. And I've been really into Mill House lately, which is Andy Mill, who is a former ski racer. He used to be married to Chris Everett, and Andy's one of the preeminent tarpon fishermen in the world. He lives down in the Keys most of the year now. He's got a podcast that's been pretty fun to listen to. He's gotten a real wide diversity of not just, you know, fishing guides and fisherman, legendary fisherman. But he's also had people like Huey Lewis, who happens to be a really avid angler. So I've gotten a kick out of that recently.
Do you have a couple of favorite books?
One of my all-time favorite books was The River Why by David James Duncan. I also really loved the book, The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars.
There's not a lot under a hundred bucks anymore, but I came up with kind of a fun one, I think. I would say ski crampons.
Is there anything else you would like to say or ask of our listeners?
The only thing I'd say to the listeners is just, you know, support brands and products that align with your values. I think it's really important that it's not just the companies, with all the people out there in the world, but supporting your local nonprofits, support causes that are important to you. Some of the things we do here that are just so rewarding are we're a big sponsor of the Doug Coombs Foundation, The Conservation Alliance and Camber Outdoors. I think those things are really important because they help perpetuate the outdoors for all of us.
We will be offering listeners a code for 25% off their purchase. The code is for one-time use and excludes any third-party or sale items. Offer expires July 1, 2023. Code: OUTDOOR2023
Follow up with Sulli and Stio
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Hey everyone welcome to Episode 381 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is hosting the 51st edition of this annual event Memorial Day weekend May 26, 27 and 28 2023! Today I’m talking with Event Director Ian Burnett. Brought to you by The Big Gear Show!
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How'd you get into the outdoor life and more specifically, mountain biking?
I was lucky enough to be born and raised here in Durango. so yeah, I was able to surround myself with bike racing and outdoors and getting to enjoy that. And that's kind of just what this community's all about is bike riding, but also just outdoor activities and really getting to be outside.
So, I grew up doing that and, race mountain bikes all growing up and then ended up racing professionally on the road for a couple of years and then have, kind of slowly. gotten into coaching and, race support stuff. And, this will be my second year doing the directing for the Iron Horse. So, yeah, it's a pretty special race and then it's a pretty special thing that I get to do, for a living.
You're the second generation to, to be affiliated with The Iron Horse. Do I have that right?
It’s kind of had a couple directors throughout the years. the longest-running being, Ed Zink and Gaige Sippy. Ed was the founder and had run it, for many, many years. And then Gaige did another 18-year stint. Then there was a couple of other single-year, couple-year people throughout there. This will be my fifth year being part of the organization and then, my second year doing the full director role.
So for some of our listeners who might not know, tell us about the Iron Horse Classic. How it started, what it is, etc.
It’s our 51st year. The competition of it really started with two brothers, the Mayer brothers, one was a train engineer and the other one was a bike rider. And they bet each other candy bar on who could get to Silverton the quickest, Durango to Silverton. And, so they set that up one day, raced each other, and from there, Ed Zink, our founder, kind of was like, wait, that sounds like a pretty cool idea to, you know, race the train to Silverton every year. And Durango wasn't in the tourism world as much. It was definitely coming out of that mining era still. And so tourism and trying to find something to bring people to town was a big thing for Memorial Day weekend. And, so it's kind of grown from that.
So we can't leave everybody hanging, that first one, who won the biker or the, or the train? The biker. He was very strategic in how he planned it and he pulled it off and, and he actually came back for the 50th last year and rode it.
So what kind of people attend, obviously bicyclists, but I'm sure now it's kind of a full-on event, so I'm sure there are tourists as well right?
Yeah, we bring in a ton of people. Our largest category is our tour stuff that's really going back to racing the train. All the people that race each other and do the race categories, you know, they race each other more than anything. And then the tour stuff is really the accomplishment of number one, getting to Silverton over two mountain passes, and then, if you can make it within the three and a half hours it takes the train to do it over those 50 miles. So, that, that's our bread and our butter and really what we've relied on and what is historic about this event.
What are some of the other events?
We really kind of, started to get back to try and embrace that festival atmosphere after Covid, which really put a dent in our festival side of it.
We brought it back pretty quickly, just the race. But now that we kind of have that clear, vision, we're back to hosting more of that festival side. We're doing, a fun race for packet pickup, there's a bike parade that's part of a brewery. Friday night they launch a Face Pint Ale, which is an Iron Horse specific beer.
So yeah, we just, we have kind of have our fingers in as much as we can to really give back to the community and support the people that support us.
What kind of train was the original? Was it steam-powered or coal-fired?
We're a coal-fired steam train here. They just converted them to some other, products so it's not so damaging to the environment. It's mainly our fire risk they've had. So they're running oil ones a lot, which are, they look the same as the steam. They're still a steam train. It's a state steam train. It's, really the big one for Durango. It's a narrow gauge steam train. So it's the only one the country still running that's on the narrow gauge. it was kind of standard way back when. That's kind of what really draws, The train enthusiasts on that side.
What do you think has driven the growth over the years? Obviously the growth in mountain biking, but is there anything else? Becoming a tourist destination, is that really putting you on the map?
Yeah, that's definitely a big part of it. And, you know, it's had some strong leadership. It's really helped keep it fresh. And just not being stuck, you know, here's the way we do it, and that's the only thing we do, and to be able to kind of have those other fun things.
So I bet you've had some repeat attendees. What do you think keeps 'em coming back?
I think a lot of it's just the community and the excitement of being able to come to Durango. We've started to really keep track of that. We've got two people that have done it 32 times, two people that have done it 29 times, and two people that have done it 28 times. There are some pretty diehard people out there, and I think it's just really, the community, the fun weekend. That achievement of being able to make the ride. Right. You know, if it's a beautiful day, it's a pretty special place to be on a Memorial Day weekend.
Have you had some bad weather?
Yeah, and this year was a big one, the weather's been on, on and off, but, we've had so much snow we've gotta watch out for avalanches or things like that.
That's gonna be our big one really for both the train and the cyclists. The train I think is gonna do okay, but yeah, it is very much a possibility that they could have interruptions due to snow sliding
Does planning the following year's event keep you busy the entire season? Once the race ends and everything's done, do you take it all down, or do you immediately kick back in for next year?
We get pretty close. I'm trying to make it a little more that way. We've definitely relied on our community and our locals. I want to kind of branch out and kind of keep the word out about the event. You know, do more things like this and telling our story to the community through podcasts and other things. And just keep the excitement high
What other outdoor activities do you participate in?
We were lucky enough to have a lot of snow this year, so I got to get out and cross-country ski. Rafting, kind of just getting out to the southwest and be able to, you know, jump on the water, do those kinds of things. pretty open-ended.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor industry?
Yeah, I think, a lot of it comes down to kind of what we were talking about of just like your inspiration and finding that clear vision of what you want your product or your, brand or event to be, and kind of what that represents, as an actual product and, and what people see the company as. And it's the ability to give back or support things or help innovate things.
I think that's the biggest thing that we try to do, is just kind of, look at all those things and, and make it better and try to make the community of events and bike racing better. Continuous improvement.
In all the years you've been doing this now, what do you think on the business side of it has been your biggest learning? What do you think's been the biggest eye-opener for you and the most things you had to learn to make it happen?
Yeah. I mean the process is the process. Knowing your community and what its tolerances are. What they want so you're not at a negative with your community off the start. But I think the most I've learned is really just kind of what your marketing is and what your story is.
So much of bike racing these days or events is getting people to come to them and really depends on you telling the story that. They should come because it's, it's a good story and a good feeling and a good, event. I think that that's the biggest thing I've learned is what story you're telling, what you want it to be.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
For cycling it's a lot of cycling computers have been the fun one. Really getting to explore new things. Having that accessibility to throw your computer on your bike and go explore a new route. Cuz you have that access now and you can wander, but you can also get to explore some new things that you've dug out through the maps and those things. I think that's some of the fun things.
How about one of your favorite books?
David Sedaris, that's kind of one of my, you know, big ones. Me and my wife read him quite a bit and he just came with a new book, so that's been kind of top of mind recently. Happy Go Lucky. And really trying to just stay engaged with the cycling world too, in that same kind of footnote of magazines, you know, all the media. We have, a new media source that just came out through town, so yeah, it's a, it's an amazingly changing world.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say or ask of our listeners?
Yeah, I think just, we're excited to be continuing on past the 50th and looking forward to just kind of having that continued growth and trying new things and offering, you know, the new newest things in bike racing, whether that's gravel or who knows what's gonna be next, you know, so it's a cool, changing world, and we like to change with it and kind of be a part of that.
So, be excited to see anyone come out and enjoy the four corners for Memorial Day weekend. It's a beautiful place.
Follow up with Ian and the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic?
ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
Welcome to Episode 380 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Joe Peters, Marketing Director, Strategic Advisor, and Creative Ideator with Vasque Footwear. Vasque is asking people log outside. And if you're not careful they just might take your phone and make that a formal request! Brought to you by The Big Gear Show!
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Show Notes
How did you get connected to Vasque?
It was 11 years ago. I've been with Vasque in one way, shape, or form for 11 years now. Vasque is the outdoor brand within the Red Wing Shoe Company. So Red Wing Boots has been around for more than 115 years. I was looking for boots online. I was on jcrew.com shopping for Boots. For Red Wing Heritage Boots. Then for whatever reason, I moved to click on the careers tab and found a job in of all things demand planning. I threw my name into the hat for that and that started my career at Red Wing Shoe Company.
How did you get into the Outdoor Industry?
I would say the outdoor industry kind of found me more than I was out to find a job in the outdoor industry. I didn't know it existed before I found Red Wing and by proxy Vasque.
Now you're, after all these experiences, you are the marketing director for Vasque, right? So what's a day in the life for Joe as the marketing director? For the Vasque brand specifically?
That's a great question. I mean, it depends upon the day, right? That's one of the beauties of this job. It's one of the things that I just love about it is, no day is the same. There are elements of my days that are planned and elements that are very much unplanned.
I typically on a general day try to carve out 45 minutes to not be on a Zoom call, or not be in a meeting and you know, journal and think and assess. But I have to be very deliberate with that because if I didn't, I would be in meetings from eight to five every single. The beauty of my role is I need to keep an eye outside of the walls of Vasque. Looking at culture, looking at the outdoor industry as a whole. Looking at everything within the cultural zeitgeist to ensure that this brand is staying relevant.
How much travel is there, is there a lot of travel other than trade shows?
I would say. Yeah, there was a lot, a lot of travel before the pandemic. There was a point where, I've got two kids who are now six and a half, and five Once I landed in Tokyo and my wife sent me a video of my little kids. They were probably, three and four at the time, swinging on the swing set in the backyard. And there was an airplane that flew up over the house and both of them pointed at the airplane and they said, daddy. Yea, so there was a point where I was traveling a lot.
You recently posted something about changes at Vasque. Can you share anything about that with us yet?
Yeah, we're finally beyond the lockdown. So it's a new brand platform for Vasque.
We know through our research that the number one reason people go outdoors is to find a sense of escape from the stressors of our daily life lives. And we did this research both pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic. We found that the average American at the height of the pandemic was spending 12 hours a day staring at a screen. Let that sink in for a minute. 12 hours a day. And while that number has thankfully come down as the world is started to open back up, the average American now as of 2023, late 2022, still spent seven hours looking at screens per day.
With that research, we identified the simple fact that it's possible that screens play a major role in deterring people from going outside.
So the new log outside platform is really out to mindfully change that, and really gently pull people off of their screens if only for 30 minutes a day
So how's it work?
It's kind of a multifaceted approach. We flipped all of our channels with a new aesthetic. We're not telling people to throw their phones away or anything like that. These things have unlocked opportunities we didn't know possible. Right? We're basically trying to illustrate the fact that there are real tangible things just outside the screen.
And we've kind of really flipped most of our channels to be more of a gentle invitation slash reminder that life exists outside this thing.
How were you introduced to the outside lifestyle?
Oh man, I grew up on a small acreage outside of a small town in rural Minnesota. Some of my first memories, I was probably five or six years old, and I was just out. We had some acres and I would just go out in the morning on a Saturday with a backpack and spend the day out there exploring.
How'd you get into cycling? I got into cycling, during college up in Duluth. We utilized cycling as a recovery mechanism. I was a baseball pitcher. And that's what we would do on our days off. We would cycle or we would run, et cetera. So I got into cycling a little bit. Then after college, did a bike ride across the state of Iowa called the Rag Brai.
What other outdoor activities do you do?
We camp in the backyard quite a bit. We're lucky enough to live right above the Mississippi River in St. Paul. And we have a waterfall across the street from our house that runs into the Mississippi River. It's called Shadow Falls.
And you know, I look at my childhood experience of having such easy access. to being outside in a very safe way. I grew up out in the country. My children are growing up in the middle of twin cities. But we're so blessed to have a ton of green space around our house. So I spun up this little Shadow Falls Explorers Club. There are three, well, there are four members counting my wife, so my two children, myself, and my wife. And, we try to get out and become as familiar as possible with our surroundings so they're comfortable. we got all the gear we need. So I do a lot of hiking with my kids. I was a swimmer growing up as well, so I do a fair amount of swimming in the summer and a lot of cycling.
What is, what are your suggestions and advice for folks that want to get into the Outdoor Biz?
I think just being interested in the business side of it, I guess, right? There's no shortage of people that are interested in the outdoors. Having the opportunity to work in an industry that empowers so many people to live healthy lives is super attractive.
It's a great, great place to work. I think, really subscribing to the OIA. So much great research is made available, in bits and pieces from the OIA.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
Oh gosh. We're gonna put the air quotes on gear and I'm gonna do a PSA.
My favorite piece of outdoor gear that's most critical to my longevity and my success is an eight-ounce bottle of sunscreen. Gotta protect yourself from the sun tangentially to that I suppose is one of those big, you know, uh, bucket hats from Outdoor Research that protect your face and your neck from the UV rays that can really get people into some trouble.
What are a couple of your favorite books?
You know, my reading list as of late is, um, really not that interesting. Reports, Spreadsheets, I'm reading the Harvard Business Review collection on Strategy, Managing People, Leadership, Change Management, those are good books, et cetera.
I would say that kind of the first book that I read that really opened my eyes to like the sense of adventure was probably something that's been brought up hundreds of times, but it's a book called Into Thin Air by John Krakauer. Bill Bryson, all of his hits are amazing. So those are some of the few. I’m reading a book right now by the manager of the Grateful Dead. It's fascinating. About the early days, kind of the trajectory of what I'm gonna go on the record and say to be the best band in the world.
Is there anything else you'd like to say to or ask of our listeners?
Oh man, thank you, for listening. Thank you for making it all the way here. I appreciate the time. I would say a plug for Vasque. If you know about us through the years, check us out again. We're definitely evolving the way we're operating. Our products are evolving the way you go outside. And this new brand platform is really, We hope is impactful to the betterment of people's lives. And I say that so genuinely. It's something that we're really proud of, we're really passionate about. The last thing would be if you're outside, good on ya. And if you're not, try to find 30 minutes today and get out there.
Follow up with Joe
@hellojoepeters on Instagram Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin. I'm on all the channels.
My email address is joe.peters@vasque.com
Welcome to Episode 379 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Steve Lee, Hot Chillys Senior VP of Sales. Steve has been with Hot Chillys in one form or another since 1988. From outdoor and snow sports to running and cycling, their high-quality, durable base layer and winter accessories are ideal for staying warm and dry during your favorite cold weather activities.
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Show Notes
Show Notes How'd you get into the outdoors?
Steve got into the outdoors with some friends in high school. They went on a backpacking trip up to Desolation Wilderness and fell in love with it. They then took a 21-day backpacking and climbing course, which culminated in their love for the outdoors.
Where, where'd you learn how to ski? What was your first snow experience?
Steve learned to ski at a Tyrolia Ski School in Minnesota and then moved to Northern California before high school, where they used to go skiing at North Star.
Steve’s first experience with Hot Chilly’s
He was working in the San Francisco Bay area after graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Steve and some friends then moved to the San Luis Obispo area and found work in an accounting and operations role for the company making Hot Chillys.
So you've held a leadership role there since 2006. How has your leadership style evolved over the years?
Steve said he has become more mature and learned to embrace the power of relationships, not just with people in the industry or reps, but also with their salespeople. “I will support them as best I can and not be another cook in the kitchen.”
Over the years, what do you think have been the two or three most significant changes in our business?
The two or three most significant changes in the business over the past 32 years include the introduction of online retail and direct-to-consumer, as well as the consolidation of specialty retail customers and the need for larger retailers to sell sports and outdoor products. Additionally, the eco influence on all aspects of the business is more prominent today than it was back then too.
So your mission for Hot Chillys now is to keep you so comfortable you forget they're even there. How do you deliver on that?
Hot Chillys is the first body fit performance base layer, created by two guys in Southern California who wanted to keep themselves comfortable while skiing and fishing. They partnered up with a guy who was manufacturing running tights for Nike and Adidas and had machines that could do the flatlock stitch. The three of 'em came up with the idea of making a base layer that hugs the body and performs better. The first product they came up with was the original, which was packaged in a can. They focused on sourcing and developing fabrics that are ultra-soft, comfortable, and comfortable on the body, so the focus is on having fun outdoors.
I love your warmth ratings. How are those developed?
The brand name Hot Chillys is an homage to their love of Mexico, and the warm factor thermometer is meant to mimic the mild, medium, hot thermometer found on a jar of salsa. Every product has a different rating.
Do you guys have anything new in the pipeline you could talk about?
We've always been known a little bit more on the Wintersports side and a lot of that product is body fit and comes in a variety of different weights and fabrications. But we've had a few products that have always done well, that were more on the relaxed fit side. So we have developed a line of relaxed fit products, such as Clima-Tek and Clima-Wool. Clima-Tech is made of what we call M T F Moisture Transfer Fiber polyester with activated carbon which make it even softer and perform better, and gives it some antimicrobial properties. And so that kind of launched us into this series of products that are more relaxed fit. They have great performance characteristics but the cut of them and the colors and the styling is very appropriate for like street wear as well. It's not just pure on mountain base layer. It's meant to be something you could wear as a lifestyle piece, whether it's in a crew neck or a zip tee or a hoodie or a jogger or what have you.
What outdoor activities do you still participate in?
Steve gets out and does a lot of skiing, hiking, ocean kayaking, fishing, and camping.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz and/or grow their career?
It doesn't seem like there's as many youth getting into the business as there once was. I think like I said before, the relationships are really key, it requires an investment of time. I don't think that success in our industry comes quickly, you know? So if you're passionate about the outdoors, which is a big reason why I've, I've stayed in the industry. Then you kind of gotta find where does that passion really lie or where is it most well expressed? Are you a retail person? Are you into developing product and, do you know, kind of like to invent stuff? Or are you more manufacturing and logistical minded? What's kind of your path to go down
Do you have any, daily routines you use to keep your sanity?
My daily routines include getting up early, having quiet time, reading and meditation, and taking our small dog for a walk along the beach.
Do you have a favorite book or a couple of favorite books?
Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is one of my favorite books. Recently, I’ve been reading more business-oriented books, such as The Three Chairs and Never Split the Difference, written by an FBI negotiator which is primarily about negotiating to a solution.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars?
Steves favorite piece of outdoor gear is a fanny pack, It is making a comeback. It’s efficient and has everything they need for hiking, biking, and dog activities. It may not be the coolest look on the block, but it is a great addition to your outdoor gear.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
Check out Hot Chillys, it's a brand that's been around since 1985, always evolving, we have lots of new stuff. As I'm traveling, I'll have conversations with people in airports or on the plane and, you know, tell 'em what I do, and they're, oh yeah, I love Hot Chillys, I've had Hot Chillys forever and they know us from, from way back when and there's a lot of new and exciting stuff coming out this next year. So I would just encourage people to take a look at what we’ve got.
Today I’m speaking with Alpine Fit founder Jen Loofbourrow. Jen launched Alpine Fit to be an outdoor activewear brand in line with her customer's values offering fit options for body proportions, odor-resistant fabrics for spending more time outdoors, and making products in Alaska. Raised in Ontario, Canada in a hard-working, outdoor-loving family. She went on to live in Vancouver followed by Galway, Ireland before settling down in Anchorage with her husband, and two children, and they all love the outdoors including hiking, running, skiing, kayaking, and camping.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes In your early twenties, you fell in love with expeditions kayaking the outer islands of Alaska's Southeast coastline. How were you introduced to the outdoors? Was it kayaking?
Well, that definitely wasn't my first time getting into the outdoors. I'd say I got introduced to the outdoors as a child going to my grandparents' little cabin up north in Ontario, Canada.
we called it a cottage, but it was what you would more identify as an off-grid cabin in the woods. You know, outhouse. Pump for house getting the water up from the lake to closer to the cabin for washing dishes. Endless trails to hike through the woods. So pretty remote.
And you have a BS in chemistry and an MBA? Were those degrees intentional?
I felt like I should probably go into the sciences because I was highly more likely to get a job that I'd be able to do after university. And somehow that science career led me to chemistry, which did bizarrely lead me to fabric development and did indeed, create a building block over my career. But, I don't know if I do chemistry over again. If I had the choice.
How'd you get into science? Where'd that come from?
I certainly always liked questions and problem-solving and seeking solutions. And I do remember having one of those nerdy, you know, microscope sets. But I think I really always liked Science and Art. I mean, that sounds like the most diplomatic answer I could possibly give, but I really, really enjoyed both science and art and I think I just picked science because I thought maybe I'd be able to get a better job.
How were you inspired to get into design? That must have been the art side of your brain.
Yeah, definitely. I mean, I always did painting and you know, my mom did a lot of sewing in her younger years and my grandmother as well was a quilter. So I think I've always been around art, fabric, and textiles my whole life. So, it was just kind of a natural fit to pull on those different building blocks of my, upbringing.
And one of your first design-related jobs was as a material developer at Lululemon in Vancouver. How did you connect with Lululemon?
Well, I was going to university in Vancouver, BC, Canada and I needed a job to help pay some of the student life bills. And I actually worked in their stores. This is a long time ago before Lululemon kind of has become what it has become now. So this is like 2007ish. And basically, my apartment was where their flagship store was. We're a stone's throw from one another. It was an obvious, growing, cool vibe of the company at the time. And, it was just a great place to get exposed to potentially different types of jobs behind the scenes in, outdoor and technical fabric apparel. And just by happenstance, I got a job there just as a salesperson that they call educators, and I was such a keen, let's say, fabric nerd. I just loved the technical fabrics that they had and, what they did with their design, incorporating those specific purpose-built textiles into the designs.
And how long were you there? How long did you do that?
Really only two years. I was pretty young and had sort of the call to go backpacking in South America and all that sort of stuff,
And you had a lingerie and swimwear retail store in Ireland. How'd you get to Ireland? How'd that start?
That's another side-tangent, chapter of my resume. Basically, my, now husband, got into school in Ireland. And he got into school while we were on that trip traveling in South America. And of course, it seemed like, Hey, why not? Let's move to Ireland. You're young, you know, the economy's not that great. Let's go do something crazy. And then it turned out that, of course, the economy's not so great. And even though I had this chemistry degree that I thought was. great for getting jobs anywhere. There was no chance of getting your European work visa or Irish work visa. There were no jobs at all. It was happening just as bad or worse over there than it was in North America. So there was no status for anyone, like a spouse or anything of a student to be over there for longer than like a one-year work holiday visa or a three-month work holiday visa, I can't remember. Maybe it was a one-year maximum. And I was like, okay, I gotta figure out a better plan. And it turns out that if you can come up with a business plan and idea and apply to the Irish government for a status called business permission, they will allow you to move over and start the business. Contribute to the local economy, hire EU or Irish Nationals to be employed. Then evaluate you at the end of the year and offer you the opportunity to continue. So that is what I did.
Do you have anybody in your family that's entrepreneurial? Does that come from someone in your family?
I'd say there's a definite trend of an entrepreneurial spirit and, many, many self-employed people in my family.
So then you're back in the States as the operations manager at a Swedish women's brand. Shkoop?
Yep. Skhoop. So Skhoop is a Swedish brand that has North American offices in Anchorage Alaska. They basically make Puffy down skirt s and jackets. So picture a puffy, you've probably seen them. They're really popular in cold areas, right?
They make other types of, you know, they have a spring and summer collection as well as other pieces like base layers and vests and things like that too. But the product that they started with was this sort of puffy jacket skirt version. So you, you can wrap it around, you're really easily, like over your snow pants or, you know, if you're spectating outdoor sports or things like that. You just zip it fully on and fully off, and it can layer over your other layers. Quite honestly in Alaska in the winter, you need that extra warmth.
So by the time, you came around to the idea of Alpine Fit, you had a pretty well-rounded personal experience in education on how to start a business, run a business, hire reps.
I mean, yes, I felt very well prepared. and then only in hindsight or when I was in the thick of the early years, you know, of Alpine Fit, it's been just over four years, in those first couple of years I realized I was missing a couple building blocks. Yeah. Those definitely were the most challenging things.
Who's gonna make it? How'd you figure that out?
Well, that was a rough road. you know, there's not much of an industry.
There's a big outdoor industry, but there are not a lot of sewing products or manufacturing industries. I mean, there certainly are businesses that have come before me. Revelate Designs and the bike packing worlds you know, they, they were there. Right alongside the emergence and development of those types of products. And they're based here in Anchorage, Alaska. And then there are some fishing-related sewing product businesses.
How did Alpine Fit come to life?
Oh, well, it, you've asked me so many questions about those building blocks. It was the call of me wanting to be an entrepreneur again. And then just kind of bringing together all of these passions that I have for all these various things together.
And namely, I mean, the way I like to personally recreate is to spend long periods of time outdoors. You asked me earlier about this first long expedition-style kayak trip that I did. Those kinds of trips are my favorite thing. You pack one very small kit of gear and your self-supported food supply and all of your camping gear, and you go and you go for many days.
Those trips give you a lot of time to think about what you want to have on those, trips with you. And they make you really think about the features you like and don't like about the gear you brought. So basically just to start in refining like these kit of essentials that would be good for these kinds of trips and then also this like fit options thing.
Tell us more about that silver-infused fabric.
So I knew that this fiber existed and I knew what kind of fabric feeling I wanted it to have. I didn't want it to have a plastic bag feeling. I didn't want it to be cold to the touch or hot and clammy to the touch, depending on the season or the condition, not another fleece product.
So, basically, I didn't even have a company at the time, just the business names. And, I literally like, reached out to the fiber supplier and was like, please take me seriously. I have this whole idea, I wanna include this fiber.
Basically, there is an awesome US-based fiber supplier that's working with Silver in wearable application Technologies. And, I knew of them from my time at Lululemon. Fast forward 10 years later when I start embarking on what I'm going to do for this business, they were still top of mind as the leader out there for working on, this sort of antimicrobial fiber technology.
So my first step was to reach out to them. And learn about what they have, and what's possible out there that exists that's not, you know, infringing on any exclusivity that another brand might have. Right. Name Lee Lululemon. Totally unique. Yeah. Yeah. That's kind of where it all began.
That's amazing. do you wanna name that, that company? The fiber supplier company is Noble Biomaterials. I believe they'd probably be delighted if I mentioned them.
What outdoor activities, maybe I should flip this question. What outdoor activities don't you participate in?
Oh my goodness. you're gonna tap into my Alaska Imposter Syndrome. The first thing that comes to mind is like, also the funny thing is, everything is so relative, right? Mm-hmm. I mean, I'm gonna say that I'm not really into something, but then maybe I'm into it compared to other people, right?
I'm an adult learned Cross Country skier. I absolutely love it. And I go at least three times a week in the winter. But where I live is world-class Cross Country skiing, and I literally have friends that are former Olympians. Relative to them. I'm not really into cross country.
It's hard to say what I don't do. I mean, the, there are some things that I don't, that are definitely outdoor recreation that go in the sports realm, but like we do a little bit of fishing. Again, that's not like maybe. Like sport. I would say like, we do fishing, we're not like way into fishing. My favorite, I guess the road biking is not very good. Sorry if anyone's planning a fun road trip, biking trip to Alaska, but I personally think that road biking is not very good here.
The mountain biking is phenomenal. The gravel biking thing is taking off. And fat tire biking is phenomenal. So maybe, I don't know what I'm missing. rock climbing. I love rock climbing.
Backpacking too. And pack grafting. More recently, in the past few years, got have gotten way into pack grafting. I mean this a boat that's basically an inflatable kayak sort of thing, and it folds down to a seven-pound little parcel.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz?
I would say if you're wanting to get into being an entrepreneur of any kind, be prepared to work hard at it. But actually getting into the outdoor world, you probably need to actually still physically go to where people meet in person to build a network of connections in the outdoor industry. So that may not mean you have to travel to one of the big national trade shows. Those, though, are, you know, a very fun place to go and meet your people. You can build a network closer to home. Personally, I have existed as an entrepreneur, sort of flailing in the wind for longer than I should have, and there were networks and communities that I could intersect with earlier that I'm glad that I now have. Mm-hmm. For instance, we've formed ourselves a little Alaska woman-led outdoor product business group.
So there's a handful of us that are geographically based that are doing outdoor-oriented products and we're all women-led businesses. And meet quarterly and we share our challenges, successes, you know, bounce ideas off each other, plan some co co-branded marketing campaigns and just generally try to like, You know, be a community for the unique, challenges and successes that we're facing. So build a, build a network, get some peers.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that costs under a hundred dollars?
Are you meaning a non-Alpine Fit thing or an Alpine Fit thing? The Alpine Fit one's way easier to answer, our little Nordic, we call it our Nordic Anywhere Marino wool hat.
I'll just say the first thing that came to mind is recently I discovered these little, trail mitten things that I'm loving for spring running. They're called run mitts, white paws run mitts. Okay. And they're basically this little sort of fleecy thing that you, it's a thumbless mitten that you just put your hand inside of and it flips over. And then when you're too hot, which happens all the time really quickly in these sort of late winter, early spring runs, especially in cold places like this, you can just flip it open and then push it up your arm like a cuff. So it's like, it's like really versatile.
Do you have any favorite books?
My favorite thing that I'm reading right now is, my just turned nine-year-old daughter and myself have been working through a 13-book series. And it's the Lemony Snickets Series of Unfortunate Events book series. And I have to say that is action-packed with adventure, and it has been so fun.
But the other books that I'm reading at the moment, is Jim Collins, B 2.0 Beyond Entrepreneurship.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
I guess I should tell you how to look up Alpine Fit online. alpine fit.com, and on social media, on Instagram and Facebook at Alpine Fit Co.
And then if you're physically traveling to Anchors Alaska, we welcome visitors. You can pick up our address on alpine fit.com and come and visit us in our workshop space. And we'd love to hear your travel stories here about what you're doing in Alaska and meet more people.
Hey everyone, welcome back to the outdoor biz podcast.
I have an inspiring conversation for you today with an incredible human being, leader, and visionary. High Fives Foundation Founder Roy Tuscany. We talk about his go-all-in attitude, talent for big air, his skiing accident, and the High Fives Foundation
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes: So when did you first put on a pair of skis?
In third grade, my mom gave me a choice that I had to do something in the winter. And at the time I was probably about 46 pounds soaking wet. I was barely four feet tall. I was the littlest kid in my grade, and I grew up in this kind of rural area of Vermont where the two choices were either hockey or learn to ski at the Bolton Night Ski Program. And the folks that played hockey at that time were the kids that were on the opposite side of the spectrum, the ones that like could buy beer in third grade, they had like a full beard, you know?
And I just knew that like the game of “Let's see how hard we can hit little Roy into the boards” wouldn't be that much fun to me. Little did I know, unfortunately, skiing would have some pretty devastating injuries throughout my life. They're probably more devastating than getting crushed into the boards.
Where did you get your talent for Big Air?
Back in the day, I was on a freestyle team and they had this jump that was set up behind a bar. And, we used to get literally paid by the patrons at the bar to keep jumping from like three until the sun went down. We basically would just put on our own little big air shows at Sugar Bush, Vermont. And that's how I got into it.
Why did you choose mechanical engineering at UVM? My dad is a civil wastewater engineer. So my dad designed sewer systems and it just never really appealed to me that you would be designing something that when you went to go test it, you would be smelling well . . . yeah, you can guess it that. And I knew I wanted to be creative. I knew I had a mind that could start with an end result and work all the way back to the beginning to figure out all the steps needed to. So it just hit me that let's try some type of engineering that you don't have to smell poop.
After graduation, you landed a job as a freestyle skiing coach at Sugar Bowl, that must have felt great! You know the wild thing, the head coach at that time, Eric Des Laurier hired me. The guy I wanted to be my whole life from Bolton Valley. He was the head coach there and gave me the job through John Egan. Yeah, I got paid to go skiing every day, that was awesome. And then you had your accident in Mammoth, which changed everything.
So April 29th, 2006, after coaching for two years at the Sugar Bowl Academy, I was down at Mammoth for the annual coaches retreat. And, ended up going 130 feet on a hundred-foot jump, came down from 30 feet in the air, and then the result an impact into the snow fractured my
T 12 vertebrae in my spine and I was paralyzed from there and got life flighted to Renown which is a medical center in Reno, Nevada.
Then somehow found the perseverance to push through all the work it took to get you where you are today.
I mean, for two straight years that's all I did. But it was because the academy I was working from and the place I'm from in Vermont, they came together and they rallied around and raised all this money. All I had to do was focus on myself. To me, I had an obligation to every single person that donated to my recovery fund to be obligated o show up. And I think if there's anything people could learn, is that if you just show up, you're already beating 90% of the population, right? That means you only gotta be better than 10% now. And gosh, like how great is that if like all you have to do is show up and now all you gotta beat is 10%. Like let's go!
Tell us about the High Fives Foundation
In 2009, we kicked off the foundation with the idea of helping one individual every year that would sustain a life-changing injury in winter sports. And now, 14 years later, we have supported over 600 plus individuals and veterans with grants that have totaled over 7 million dollars that are focused in getting people back to sports and getting through the recovery process. And we've evolved from one individual getting hurt in the outdoor sports to now evolving to the idea to focus on preventing life changing injuries, but providing resources and hope because they do happen in the outdoor sports.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks that might want to launch something like High Fives, a foundation or something they're passionate about?
I would say, you've gotta be able to tie it back to something. I always tell people the one reason I was as successful, and there's many, but one really drives back to the idea of these nineties commercials I remember for Hair Club for men, and the guy would end the commercial being like, I'm not only our first client, I'm also the president. Right? And we can use that same pitch. I'm technically Athlete Zero for the foundation. Right. The first person the foundation ever helped. Before the foundation was anything. And because of that I can speak with a massive amount of passion. But then through my education, through just all the things I've done leading up to that, I'm also able to bring in a lot of structure. And a lot of ways to stay organized and ways to become more successful just by showing up
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars?
I would actually say they're these like after surf pants from the brand Rvka, just, they are like, I think they're like 70 bucks or something like that. After I go surfing, I just always put these pants on and I've actually kind of transitioned into wearing them every day, every once in a while, right? Because. I just feel happy in 'em.
Do you have a couple of books?
I am like in love with this book right now. I've listened to it three times and I think I've bought it in the last day for like 14 different people. It's the new book by Ryan Holliday. Discipline is Destiny.
Where can people find you if they'd like to follow up?
High Fives Foundation.org
Hey everyone, welcome back to Episode 375 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. I have a fun conversation for you today with Allon Cohne from Noble Biomaterials. Allon and I wander all over Outdoor history from his early days at Kirkwood Ski Resort in California to his current role with Noble Biomaterials.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes How did you get into the outdoors?
It was pretty easy. I grew up in Utah, so, in the eighties and nineties in Utah, the access there was pretty easy. I remember taking, the public transportation bus to Alta and, you could get there pretty easily right after high school, even before you had driver's licenses.
After high school, you can head up to the hills and, and get some runs in. Then on the weekends you can head down to the desert, get some rides in. So it was just kind of, a natural kind of background, I think, cultural environment growing up in Salt Lake.
How did you get into the Outdoor Industry?
I was fortunate actually to get into the outdoor industry after college. It was just kind of a natural fit for me. Something I could speak to, something I had passionate about. So when I had the opportunity to jump in I did. When I graduated college I thought it would be a really cool thing to be a National Geographic journalist or photojournalist and I was writing for the school paper. I was on the sports beat. Just kind of crafting the writing skills and then you graduate college and you're like, okay, well National Geographic's not calling me. What do I do? I gotta pay the bills. So I moved back to Utah, took a job with Deer Valley, doing guest services so I could get a ski pass. and just doing kind of some, career stuff, whatever I could really to pay rent.
Tell us about Noble. What do you guys do?
We make silver yarn, so that silver antimicrobial yarn may be the reason why you fall in will love with that Lululemon garment or your Athleta, you're Mack Weldon. There are so many different brands that you're like, man, I really love this fabric. And you can't put your finger on it. It's like a go-to piece. And whether you're in ski or outdoor or anything, you're like that. I love that piece. Right. And sometimes you're not actually sure why you love it. I like to, that's really where I've been for the past 20 or so years in kind of ingredient branding.
And so what we do at Noble is we make silver fiber, silver yarn. Silver fabric. Our technique in developing and really specing fabrics and fibers, in, to products using that technology is really unmatched.
And so we have factory in Scranton, PA Really is dedicated to, that science. We sell silver fiber to brands in performance apparel. There's really no match for, silver antimicrobial we've been using it for millennia. It's been around forever as a way to manage bacterial growth. Noble and Lulu started, again 15 years ago together and have grown. What Noble has done with that technology has gone from making it for an antimicrobial purpose in fabric and performance wear too. It's great shielding. It's great, conductive, energy process.
So we are in. biometrics. We are in healthcare for defibrillators and things like that, so, and we're also in antimicrobial for wound care. And so you go beyond that. And then we're also in shielding capabilities. So we help with Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin to build the stealth capabilities because it's also a great reflector.
So you seem to have a knack for making these, maybe what initially are uncool technologies and fabrics interesting. And then understandable for users and consumers. That's your superpower. How'd you learn that?
I think where I've been successful, I've been on calls where, everybody's got a college-level chemistry experience, right? I'm like, no, I didn't get that class either. Right? And so I am furiously taking down notes. And so it's some of those points where you have to really get into what the engineers and what the product developers are really trying to accomplish with their innovation. I think it's more of, all right, so, how are we gonna interpret this or how is the impact going to benefit, the average user? And I think that's where I've distilled information down or feature benefits down to what the one or two things that, that really matter here in the communication or, or that people are gonna experience.
I think the most recent example of that is really when I, when I started at Noble, we had this conversation of dialogue is do we wanna be anti-odor, and we still have these conversations, or do we wanna be antimicrobial?
And, you have to, you kind of have to come with a point of view. Anti-odor is, is pretty, is almost too specific. Right? Yeah. We are antimicrobial. Mm-hmm. So you're killing, You, you're killing bacteria for different purposes, whether it's for, infection, protection, and all these other things.
So let's be the antimicrobial advantage. Because that's really a position doesn't exist in the marketplace. But then we can be broader with, we can be broader, but also more specific with the product use.
Do you have any daily routines you use to keep your sanity? You get a lot of exercise, I'm sure. Do you meditate or walk the dog?
It sounds weird, but taking the kids to school, I mean, we live walking distance and that's really great, or, driving when it's needed.
But I would say that kind. that routine right there is just, trying to keep everything in kind of context of the day-to-day. But, it varies when I'm gonna go for a run, if I'm gonna go for a ride or, whatever. I would say that that routine of just kind of, the morning routine and checking in and, a walk to school is actually a really good routine.
Do you have a couple of books that you've read that inspired the conservation in you or the Scientist in you?
The End of Marketing as We Know It Sergio Zyman
Jim Collins or Malcolm Gladwell
Some of those are just like inspirational and kind of, deep thought as to behaviors and things like that.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars?
The, probably the best way to upgrade your kit is a, is a good base layer.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks want to get into the outdoor business?
I do, I think this, was, I was actually having this conversation with my nephew who was 17, and he is like, trying to figure out what he wants to do, what he wants to do, go to school for it. I would say don't underestimate experience, because you'll get paid for it later and everybody says this, but it's true. And I would say I wouldn't be where I am in my, my career without having spent, six months at retail at REI and I, and I know so many people who are now CEOs that did the exact same thing. So it is the, the pay your dues kind of thing, but you can't replicate that experience because it's firsthand knowledge, right? That you can talk to and relate to somebody about, the experience they're about to have. So, that is that trust, and I think it just, it prepares you. I think the reasons why I got the jobs I did, whether it was in apparel or whether it was in the ski industry, is cuz I was a guest service guy at Deer Valley. I was able to relate to and say, hey, I understand the business a little bit.
And so that when you're trying to get that job, it's great that you have the smarts and the intelligence in the back. But having the experience and, I think my nephew kind of rolled his eyes at me after that. I was like, yeah, everybody says that. I'm like, yeah, yep. The money will come.
Where can people find you if they'd like to follow up?
Twitter- Allon Cohne
LinkedIn- Noble Biomaterials
Today on episode 375 I’m talking with Conservation Alliance Executive Director Nicole Rom. Nicole came into the world with Conservation in her DNA. She is leading a tireless staff of conservationists working to harness the collective power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes First I want to start with how'd you end up attending Bates College?
That's a great question to start off with, I was attracted to a small liberal arts college in Maine. You might not know that Bates has the second oldest outing club. They maintained several miles of the Appalachian Trail and they’re a division one Ski team. I was a competitive downhill racer in high school and, was excited with the opportunity to continue that.
Then most of all, I was able to be the first class that could study environmental studies as a major. So those were the reasons that drew me to Maine and to Bates in particular.
So what was it like to be a Coxswain when on the crew team?
I did that my freshman year for something new. I had never had the experience when I was in high school.
I primarily skied and I'll just start by saying it's a perfect position for somebody who is short, loud, and enthusiastic, and I fit all of those criteria. You're essentially the captain of the boat that you're on. I was often a coxswain for the women's eight or the men's four and you're responsible for steering, setting the pace for the row.
Counting for power motions, when you need to step up the pace when you're in a competition. And obviously one of my highlights was participating in the head of the Charles in Boston, one of the renowned rowing races. So that was a fun experience I did for a year. You're essentially the bow captain. People don't realize you're facing forward. You're the one that can see everything. The rowers are facing you and you're the one that sets the pace, the tone, and make sure that the boat is going straight and, emphasizing when there's time to do power strokes to move you forward in a competition.
How were you introduced to the Outdoors?
I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in Park City. So I learned to downhill ski at the age of three. My parents eventually moved to the East coast when I was in elementary school, but I essentially grew up in a family that really valued skiing and camping, and the outdoors.
I particularly remember every Sunday was spent during my childhood hiking and doing something as a family outside. But mostly I would say my real connection to the outdoors is because I moved from Utah to Maryland to New York, and of course lived in Maine during college. My family consistently went back to Minnesota where my dad grew up in Ely, Minnesota or the gateway to the boundary waters canoe area wilderness.
We'd go there twice a year in the winter and in the summer and it was the boundary waters that really laid the foundation.
I had studied abroad my junior year in Tanzania and was really, moved by the experience studying wildlife ecology and conservation and learning Swahili. And I thought I'm going to apply to the Peace Corps.
Unbeknownst to me, I thought I'd go back to East Africa since I had spent six months there and they ended up looking at my application and said, you've got really great experience in environmental education, we could use a volunteer like you in Kazakhstan. And so of course, first I had to pull out a map and learn where Kazakhstan was, right?
I had never heard of it. And then I, as I learned more, I thought, wow, what an amazing opportunity to live in a former Soviet Republic. I served from 2000, 2002, so it was the eighth group of Americans ever in that country. Wow. Literally eight years after the Soviet Union collapsed, they began sending volunteers every year.
And while I was there, there was still a lot of the legacy of the Soviet Union in terms of weekly lines to get your flour and your basic food ingredients. So, while they were moving into a democratic nation, there was still a lot of that legacy. Russian was the dominant language, which I had the opportunity to learn.
And I was there for two years teaching ecology to fifth through 11th grade. I, helped manage an after-school ecology club for the high school and executed a few fun summer camps. And what sticks out to this day was my connection with students and, Their passion and love for the mountains. Kazakhstan, just so our listeners understand, you've got the prairie step in the predominant part of the country, and then the Tien Shan Mountain range in the south that are the beginning of the Himalayas.
The mountains rise up to 20,000 feet and I was lucky enough to be in the southeastern part of the country in those mountains. So I bought cross-country skis and I took from my kids hiking in the local mountain and we volunteered at the local nature preserve at their naturalist program and interpretive center, it was an incredible experience.
Was there a trip or activity or person that inspired the conservation in you?
Two things come to mind. The first, was when I did an Outward Bound course in Colorado when I was 15, turning 16. It was the first time I did an experience like that with peers and with my parents. And I quickly realized that the outdoors and adventure is a lot more fun when you're with folks your own age than being dragged along. That was sort of a period in time, I think anyone who's a teenager can remember what it's like. During my high school years, there was a period of time where I would take my, then Walkman, now iPod to listen to music, was dragged along hikes that I didn't want to do. And when I had that experience, I realized I really took it on as something that I loved for my own.
And I got into climbing after that. So that was the moment that it became something that I loved and not just something spoon-fed to me by my parents. And the other, person that really sticks out beyond my grandparents was when I was at Bates. I had the amazing opportunity to meet Terry Tempest Williams. Somebody I deeply admire and love and obviously read her books and being born in Utah, understanding Red Rock country and the Great Salt Lake. Meeting her was really, life-changing. We had the opportunity to take a sunrise hike with her while she was visiting and doing a talk.
And I remember specifically the talk that she gave at the school, which connected all of the courses that I was taking at the time, and helped me really realize that I could choose environmental studies as a major and as a career path. And it wasn't just something I could enjoy reading or doing on the side, that it actually could go from passion and interest to career.
And your work and your experience seemed focused on climate, how did that develop over the years versus other, some other environmental subject?
Yeah, so after the Peace Corps, I returned back to the US and pursued graduate school in environmental policy and landed my first job at the National Wildlife Federation, so a large conservation award. I was, really managing their conservation education programming in the Midwest and the Upper Great Lakes. And it was at that time, 2004, 2005 before Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth came out that NWF and a lot of the large conservation and green environmental orgs were starting to realize they needed to, prioritize climate change as an issue and some were wrapping their arms around it quicker than others. And at that point, I had this amazing opportunity. My Aunt Becky, who was heavily involved in the boundary waters, had worked closely with a man named Will Steger. The National Geographic Arctic Explorer, who they had worked collaboratively with on protecting the Arctic Refuge in the nineties. Will was often brought to Congress to testify on issues of the Arctic.
He was starting a new nonprofit focused on Climate Change. She called me and said, Nicole, I think you'd be perfect. Will Steger is starting this org focused on climate change, education, and policy, and, you should explore it. So I came to Minnesota in May of 2006 for an interview. I had never met Will Steger before.
I remember my interview was on his houseboat on the Mississippi River with ducks floating by, and I thought, this is the weirdest interview I've ever done. And he had small grants for $35,000 and this grand vision to really address climate change and no real plan for how to do it. I was 27, going on 28 and I thought, what an amazing opportunity to be the executive director of a new organization.
So I moved to Minnesota from Michigan where I was living at the time, excited to be closer to my grandparents in the boundary waters and literally thought I would be working with Will for one or two years. I'd learn a lot and I'd move on, and I ended up staying in that role for 15 and a half years until I recently left last year and joined the Conservation Alliance.
And so the Conservation Alliance recently announced an inaugural summit this May to advance business-led conservation in partnership with the Next 100 Coalition, Outdoor Alliance, and the Outdoor Industry Association. Can you share a little bit about that?
Yeah. We're super excited to make this dream a reality in 2023.
So all Conservation Alliance members can send one staff member for free. It's going to be held, as you said, in late, may in Colorado. And our goal with the summit is to really celebrate the conservation successes we've had to educate and empower and unite our member businesses and their employees, both old and new, around a shared equitable land and water conservation agenda.
And so themes will include climate. , biodiversity, equity, access, recreation, and of course rural economic development. And for us, the summit's not just a conference and a chance to come together after several years living in the pandemic and, missing that opportunity. It's about engagement and [00:20:00] educating our members, but most importantly, providing a platform for our business leaders to be more effective advocates for conservation.
So how can brands participate?
Well, the first thing I'll say is that any business that cares about conservation can join the Conservation Alliance regardless of industry or size. Obviously, the outdoor industry is core to the organization, to our founding, and to who we are and who will continue to be.
But the organization's continuing to see that we need to increase our impact for conservation. We have to diversify and grow our member business. and that there's power in our collective collaboration and that, collective multiplier. And really we want those who value, the protection of wild places and outdoors to join us. So if a company is doing even less than a million in annual revenue, it costs as little as $500 to join the Conservation Alliance. And it's a way for, member companies to align their brand with an organization that's both funding and advocating for wild places and outdoor places.
It's just a super exciting time to see the impact the Conservation Alliance has had over the last 30 years, but more specifically the last 15 years where we've invested over, a million dollars into some of these key priority campaigns, and now we're seeing the success of that effort come to fruition in 23.
let's talk about what else is new for the Conservation Alliance in 2023. What else have you guys got going on?
One of the exciting things that have been shifting is how we, deploy our grant-making dollars. from investing in a few priority campaigns. As I mentioned, some of those we're just seeing successes on the Boundary Waters and Bristol Bay and the Tongass, and Bear's Ears. Seeing the National Monument reinstated under the Biden administration. All of these were long-standing commitments of the Conservation Alliance, but some of the new things that we are deeply passionate about are equity and access.
Two years ago, we launched our Confluence grant-making program to invest. Historically racially excluded groups to really fund organizations with budgets under 500,000 led by black, indigenous, and communities of color, to bring, more diversity and representation into the conservation movement. so that's an exciting new addition for us. And of course, the summit is a new effort for us to really bring our member community together under one umbrella to unite around, a shared agenda.
As listeners listening to all this, I think it's inspiring to me, what are some things, two or three things that we can do maybe personally or directly in our home hometowns to help mitigate the climate issues?
I often think of actions in three ways. Your choices, your voice, and your vote. How you spend your dollars, the companies that are aligned with your values, and choosing to invest with every dollar you spend, how you spend that money matters and sends a signal.
What's next on your adventure list?
So right before the pandemic, I finished visiting all 50 states, which is a goal of mine. That was really fun. Now I'm always eyeing both domestic and international adventures.
I'm keen to visit all the national parks and several monuments for sure, but what's next on my list this year is trekking in the Dolomites in Italy. I'm a big fan of the Hut To Hut system in Europe. And then, I'm also exploring backpacking in the Wind River range in Wyoming, for a more local adventure.
Do you have any daily adventures or daily routines to keep your sanity?
Oh, I do have a daily yoga practice. Sometimes it's as short as, 15 minutes but it’s at least 30. That keeps me sane because my mind is always going a mile a minute, and that just grounds me. Because I live in Minnesota, I am doing a lot of shoveling.
What are one or two books that you've read that inspire the conservationists in you and might help us?
I'm going to pick some oldies, but goodies. Desert Solitaire by Ed Abbey. It was definitely a game changer for me reading that in the nineties. Anything by Terry Tempest Williams, of course, I love, but I started with Refuge, uh, her book about, breast cancer and generations of women and the Great Salt Lake.
She's just a beautiful writer about natural history and, conservation. And then, Bill McKibben, the End of Nature. He published in 1980 about climate change, and he's written several books since then. But, The End of Nature is a great book if you haven't read it already.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that's under a hundred dollars?
I just got back from Costa Rica and the one thing that I took with me that I was so thankful for, and I always have with me, is my, it's super light collapsible REI backpack that compresses down not much bigger than your fist. I just love that I can throw that in and use it whenever I'm traveling, especially if I'm not taking a larger backpack.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor adventure biz or conservation biz?
I always say start with your own network. Whether it's through college or school or friends, or family. You'll never know where your network can take you. Base Camp Outdoors is a fabulous job board for those who are looking to get into the outdoor industry and conservation. And then the Futurist Project is a really remarkable outdoor leadership program for those looking for mentorship, post-college. But my biggest piece of advice that I would want to leave listeners with is "remember to follow your passions and interests. There's a way to have them lead you into a career that you love."
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
Yeah, I think if you work at a company, check out the Conservation Alliance and become a member. And if you're already an employee at a member company, just want to see you get more engaged with our lobby trips and nominating and voting on our grantees.
You can definitely learn more at the Conservation Alliance, website, but, mostly for everyone else listening, I think while individual actions matter, and I always want to encourage people to do things like I mentioned before about your voice, your choice, your vote, remember that collective action is far more powerful.
Where can people find you if they'd like to follow up?
They can find me on Instagram at @nroutdoors, or nicole@conservationalliance.com and of course, LinkedIn when you think about networking, that's a great place and I'm happy to connect with folks on LinkedIn.
Welcome back to the outdoor biz podcast. You are in for a treat today. Episode 374 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast features my conversation with Yoon Kim and Lucie Hanes from Outdoor Media Summit. If you’re not familiar with the Outdoor Media Summit we’re going to fix that. An annual event where the folks on the media side of the outdoor biz get together to network, connect with brands, participate in educational workshops and more helping move the industry forward.
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Presented to by Wolfgang:
Show Notes Let's begin with a little bit about you. Lucy, How did you get into the outdoor lifestyle?
I was lucky enough to have a very outdoorsy dad who took me on my first hike when I was less than a year old.
I mean, obviously, I was not hiking, but I was nice and toasty on his back. So I grew up hiking, and backpacking and then got into whitewater kayaking through passengers adventure camp in Richmond, Virginia. I think I started kayaking then. So that was kind of my first introduction to adventure outdoor sports.
Yoon, how about you?
I think when I was in college. I had a roommate who was really into the outdoors. I wasn't really into it, but he kind of made it a point to bring me into his sports, which were climbing and mountain biking at the time. And I never really, it's like, for me at first it was just kind of, something that people like me didn't really do. But he, he was pretty insistent about climbing with him on Wednesdays. Marty Combs was the roommate.
So you guys are both now involved with the Outdoor Media Summit. For listeners who might not be familiar, tell us about the Outdoor Media Summit. How did it start? Who attends? What kind of things goes on? The content? Lucy, you wanna take a crack at it? Let's start with how it started. How did it start?
Yoon- Well I can tell you how it started. So back in the day there, there still is, there's a conference called Shift, which is for land managers and it's mostly for land managers and conservation agencies in Jackson Hole. Christian Beckwith reached out to me and said we wanna bring some media to shift. This is back in 2013 when he reached out to me, the first show I believe, and he said, Hey, we wanna bring media to this conference. How do we do it? You and I have heard a lot of people in media and you're doing a lot of freelance writing and know a lot of editors.
So I was like well, have a gathering for media people and, do a separate conference at the same time. It's your conference. He like he, we got some money for some money and you pull together some media folks. And I just wasn't interested. I was doing some other stuff. Then he talked to me a few times and I was like, sure, why not? We'll try it. And so that was the first blogger summit at the time, it was a gathering of like 30 bloggers and
that was the first Outdoor Media Summit. And where was it? In Jacksonville.
And who at it were bloggers to start with now who attends now?
It's pretty much all media from all walks of life related to the outdoors, right? Writers, bloggers, photographers. There's print media and digital media. But we like to focus on, print folks, editors, freelancers, as well as podcasters, bloggers, and Instagrammers. We try to get, the whole spectrum of, of media. It's not just, it's not just words and audio. It can be video, it can be a short form, it can be long form. We're trying to expand the definition of what media really counts as.
And what about the content? Tell our listeners about the content you guys provide at the summit. It's, it's great content, by the way.
So our kind of philosophy on how we deliver content is at two levels. There's the keynote level and the breakout session-level.
The keynote level is a bigger picture, higher level. This is where we're gonna have advocacy themes and like the industry hoorah moments. They get everyone under one roof and let's, think as a community towards, some big high-level talk. So that's kinda at the, at the, the keynote level.
The breakout session level is very tactical, very how-to, and it's really aimed at helping you be better at your job as media or as a marketing professional. So those are our two audiences.
And then we have our group activities, which is a little bit different. That's more of, business development, business partnership, finding, these silly games and silly ways to bring people together.
But at the end of it, we're always, we're very intentional on how we program these things. Because we wanna put media and marketers together and see how they can collaborate to create these business partnerships.
So Lucy, would you add anything to that? Yeah, going back to that point about, the immediate and advanced-level content. I think a, a main point of doing that is that we are trying to be this conference for media by media. So that means that everyone that's presenting is also participating. It's this circular relationship. You're not just, you're not just there to share your secrets. You're there to learn other people's secrets too. Just because you're an expert in one thing doesn't mean that you are in some other aspect of media that could really apply to.
to you and your future. So we want to be able to have content that speaks to people that are experts that have been doing this for years and decades and think that they don't have anything new to learn, but they definitely do right?
Lucy, how'd you get involved with the outdoor media?
Yeah, I mean, it's kind of a funny story. I was I had just quit my job managing a climbing gym and was doing some contract work for Unionized Mutual friend and colleague Aaron Bible while I was kind of in between jobs. Was not planning on taking any sort of conventional job ever Again, turned out that this was not one, but I started doing some contract work for Erin who introduced me to Yoon.
Started working with Yon a little bit, just on the side doing some research and writing for him. We met for the first time in person at last year's summer or met over breakfast, and said, eh, why not? And here we are. But really it was the kind of the magic of creating a community that lured me in and realizing that, there's a way, to create something powerful enough that it's worth any sacrifice.
I think you guys have struck a chord on something different. I mean, we were talking about gathering places and things, and I think we've all been to various trade shows and I think things evolve over time. And if they don't stay fresh, people drop out and go do other things. And I think what you guys bring to the table is a different way of, of that gathering point. Was that conscious or did it just evolve as you created it?
Yeah. It's funny, we had a Dennis Lu on from outside. He compared what Outdoor Media Summit felt like to what OR felt like 25 years ago.
It's one of my favorite testimonials. And I think there is intentionality in creating that vibe, that authenticity. Our steering committee is made up of top names in the outdoor industry, top brands and media. And this is truly a gathering that's designed by our community. We're not owned by private equity. We don't have shareholders and we're only responsible to our community. And that's it. I think there's a real hunger for something different, like you're saying, Rick for a gathering place that is authentic, that is built for us, and something that's also cost-effective, yet hyper-efficient and sustainable.
There's a lot of intentionality in how we build that programming. And it's funny, like sometimes people will realize like, wait a minute, that's why they do that. They'll be like, come up. Is that why you guys do that? Like, yep, we do that.
People have been attending since 2016. What do you think drives the growth and keeps them coming back? Is it that different format? Is it camaraderie and team building? Is it a combination of all of the above?
Lucy, feel free to jump here anytime, I feel like there's a magic that we're trying to capture, which is that authenticity piece, but there's also gotta be that like productivity slash like, I've gotta have ROI on this thing.
You can't just go to somewhere and have an amazingly great time walking around. So we're trying to find that balance, and I think that balance is in programming. And so this week we have a steering committee made up, it's the top names, right? The junkies and they're guiding how we're productive. But at the same time make it more authentic. And then we have these kinds of silly brainstorming games on like, how can we come up with new ideas around this stuff? But the ideas that they come up with are, it's really pent-up demand, right?
This is stuff that they've been thinking about for a long time that they haven't been able to introduce a trade show environment, but an environment like ours, a little bit more flexible. It's also only media and marketers. So like we can do some things, it's not including sales reps and retail.
Right. Distributors and, everyone else involved in the industry. It's just made for marketers at Brands and media. Editors at media. So I think we can create programming that's specific to the needs of those two audiences.
There's a third that we're trying to capture here and that's PR folks, PR folks are such an important part of this media ecosystem. And we haven't done a great job at like building programming. Because I think they are an important cog in the wheel.
You’ve been working with a lot of events for a long time. And we talked a little bit about how they're gonna change. Is there anything else that you think other events might be evolving to? Yoon, you've been involved with some trade shows as of late, the big gear show I think we've all been to, but what about other events? What do you think is gonna happen in the trade show world?
That's a great question. So this is kinda what I'm seeing is it seems like the evolution or, you could even say the disruption in the event. And outdoor for us. And we, we call ourselves outdoor, but there's, there are 38 other outdoor industries that are part of, that say that they're outdoor. So we'll just say that we're kinda the human-powered corner of the outdoor industry. Right. Fish guys, call themselves outdoor. The boating guys now, call themselves all these different guys say they're outdoor. I think we're more in the human-powered direction.
What I saw on bike was, after Interbike went away and the industry needed a new gathering place. They gathered, they rallied around conferences. So first it was people for Bikes. I'm also on the people for bikes events and marketing subcommittee, And that's, that's a really cool volunteer subcommittee position. What I see kind of happening in outdoor is similar to what happened in bike, they may be like five years ahead of us. This trade show went away again because of business proposition. The trade show model doesn't serve brands like it used to. And there's kind of two directions in the aftermath. One is conferences and the other is b2b2c, which is that business to business to consumer. So I see that happening in outdoor where, big gear show and both, kind going for this consumer model, the b2 B2C model. And then there's the conference piece. I think that we're the only real business conference. There are other conferences out there, but yeah, the Outdoor Writer's Conference is pretty business-related from a writer's perspective, right? They go there to meet people where they're gonna create their articles and photography programs and all this stuff for a business purpose. So there are other, other conferences out there, and I think. Really the niche events, the hyper niche-focused events like us, and then the regional shows, right? So in the aftermath of the Old Glory days of trade shows, I wrote a big, long article about this in Outside Business Journal. It's titled of Trade Shows or something. It was a pretty fun piece. Side Ghost wrote it, but Ken Kenji and I wrote it together. And it just kind of, outlays our thoughts on where we think the future of the events industry's headed for outdoor.
And that's kind what we came up with is the old heyday of, everything can be done under one roof, every single type of professional can come together and it's gonna be a super long show. With, half a million dollar expenses from a brand, a two-story double-decker, giant booths, those days are over. The dates of rampant spending and events are now being fractured and going to the consumer model where that can continue. The B2C consumer model and then hyper-focused events and then regional events are kinda where we see the evolution going.
Alright, let's shift gears and have a little fun. Let's go to the lightning round. How about that? What outdoor activities do you guys participate in? Lucy, how about you? I know you run a lot, right?
Yeah. I am a dual sport athlete. I am an ultra trail runner and rock climber. Attempting to take both of those to the semi-pro level. Yeah, that's kind of what I do. It doesn't leave too much energy for anything else.
Yoon, how about you?
I'd say fly fishing is probably up there at the top of my jams with mount biking. I'm in, I live in Bentonville, so by nature of my backyard, there are tons of biking opportunities out here, and I climb as much as I can, and I ski and snowboard as much as I can.
Yoon, how about you all that gear you've reviewed all those years? What's your favorite piece under a hundred bucks?
You know what's funny is, I used to, you're right, I used to get tons and tons of gear right? When and I got to a point where I didn't like getting apparel anymore cause I would just get so much of it, right?
And I didn't know what to do with it. And then I don't know when this was, maybe five years ago, I decided, you know what, I'm gonna wear the same exact thing every single day. And so I bought, 20 of the same shirts and I got like five, the same merino wool sweaters for the winter. And I got eight pairs of Livsn pants.
And I know this is not that sexy of a piece of gear. But it's something that I wear every single day is these Livsn Flex Canvas pants. Like six months outta the year or however long it's, I'm wearing these Flex Canvas pants and I can wear them to semi-formal events. Also, Livsn is based in Bentonville, so I can get away with a little bit more if I'm wearing these. So people recognize like, you're supporting the local community. It has kinda a hometown hero status out here. Yeah. Yeah. Shout out to those guys.
Lucie- So mine is gonna be a little bit unconventional in that I feel like it's the one thing that allows me to do everything else. Because I think that a lot of people that spend a lot of time doing very active things in the outdoors, we put our bodies through some hell, It's not necessarily the healthiest thing that we can do for ourselves to be pushing our body to that extent all the time. A few years ago, stumbled upon this, this business called Physivantage that makes basically supplements mainly for climbers, but outdoor athletes in general.
And using their collagen every day, it saved my tendons from just rigorous damage. As I put them through a lot on the wall and on the trails. So using that every day has been really helpful to me. And that is the main thing. Like it, it keeps me getting out and it keeps me from being injured.
And what's it called again? It's run by the climber, Eric Horst. And it's spelled p h y s i v a n t a g e.
How about books? Are you guys, I think you guys are both avid readers. Give us a couple of your favorite books.
Lucie- I will always keep coming back to Lynn Hill's biography, climbing free or autobiography that she wrote, I mean, many, many years ago. I think it came out in the nineties.
But she is just my ultimate climbing hero. If you haven't read it or if anyone hasn't read it, it's worth a read for sure.
Yoon, I don't know about my favorite book. It's probably gonna be a Malcolm Gladwell, his series. But I'll say probably the most recent book that I read which I just finished up the other day I thought was really interesting. It's called The Tyranny of Merit. It's like a social justice slash political philosophy. More on political philosophy on it's a pretty interesting read. I'm, and I'm not sure if I agree with everything in the book, but it's really challenging.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say or ask of our listeners? So I teased something earlier about this programming that we built for PR folks. So it's two things. One of 'em is still a little under embargo at the moment but it's gonna be cool. It's a specific track for PR folks and we're still developing the programming and that's why I can't talk about it. We've got some partners but it's gonna be really good, but the programming is gonna be specific for PR folks.
And then the other piece is gonna be before the show, have opening night reception on the first night. So before that we're gonna be doing an event called New Gear Speed. And as a media person, you’ll love it. Cause probably what you hate most as a media person is walking around aimlessly in the aisles between half-hour appointments, right? Well, what do, do now for 30 minutes and you're walking around listening, kinda hoping someone asks, calls your name, or run into someone that you know. And then you gotta do that for three days, right? And it's just a really inefficient way to do product. So one of the most common things I hear from media is, man, I wish we could take three days of trade show, just put it into three hours, and just do a speed date of 10 minutes of 30 different brands.
And they just tell me what product they want me to write about, the new product, why it's important, and why I should write about it. And then gimme the best basics of costs and specs. And then move on. And then after meeting 30 brands, 30 products after 10 minutes with each brand, I can walk out and I know the 13 products I'm gonna write about this year and then be done with it. And then they can move on education and focus on education. That's what we did is we created the speed date format. And we didn't create this, this is something that came outta our steering committee meeting, which was cool.
Like media, just being like, yeah, it's my pet peeve. I hate walking aimlessly for the next meeting. Someone, please solve this. So that's our coolest new program.
Rick, I’ve got a question for you. What makes you want to come back to Outdoor Media Summit?
It's a combination of things. One is being new to media and interacting with the media folks, I just learned so much just from the conversations in the halls really, or in the hotel lobby. I'm not a media guy. I've never been a media guy. I've been a sales and product guy my whole life, and even though I interacted with those guys a little bit, the marketing guys did all that, not me.
I was busy selling to the retailers or whatever. So that's what I got most out of it was just that interaction about, listening to what they do and how they do it.
And I feel like my show was designed to share the stories of the people because I think we all have such great stories, such great backgrounds, and many of us have been in it a long time. So it's great, history and experience to pass on. And a podcast is perfect for that. So that's why I go, is to catch those people. I think of all the events I've been to, your event does that the best? I get a lot outta the Outdoor Writer's Association conference too. But the trade shows, they're not for that.
Right? They're for something different. I totally get it. But that's what I get outta your event. I don't think there's one best. There are so many people that do so many great things. But yeah, as far as interaction, like you say, you curate every minute so that whatever you're doing is working. Because every minute I'm not bored, I'm not looking around for something to do.
I'm gonna run into somebody in the lobby. I'm gonna run into somebody in the aisle or walking outta the room, going into another room, or I'm gonna sit next to somebody at the thing I'm sitting at. And just being a new media guy, that's helped me a ton. And I just bought my ticket yesterday, so I'll be back.
As we wrap up here can people find you? What's the best way to reach out to you if they wanna ask questions? Yoon?
Yeah. My email is yoon@outdoormediasummit.com. I answer every email that comes through. I think I do. Pretty sure I do.
Lucy, how about you? Yeah, you can also email me at the same lucie@outdoormediasummit.com or on Instagram at the same @luciehaines We're pretty darn responsive. We love communicating with people. Outdoor Media Summit is intimate and small for a reason and that's so that we can personally interact with everybody, and that's very important to us.
Today on episode 373 of the outdoor biz podcast I’m talking with Travel Creel founder and chef Joshua Schwartz. Joshua and his team love to fish! Their goal is to combine world-class fishing destinations with comfortable accommodations and outstanding dining experiences.
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How'd you get into cooking?
So, my grandfather owned a French bistro, so I kind of grew up in a restaurant as a kid, and he passed away when I was pretty young, and didn't really know how to deal with his passing.
Didn't really understand grief and everyone was really upset. My family, my mom, my dad, my sister were all upset and I didn't really know what to do cuz I wasn't feeling upset, but I didn't know how to deal with it. And my mom's like, you, everyone deals with grief differently, so you just need to choose what you wanna do and how you wanna deal with it.
And I said, well, I'm just gonna be a chef like grandpa was. Oh, cool. And that was really kind of like, I set my sights on it and I never looked back.
So tell us about your cooking career. You cooked at the French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se
Yeah, so I started cooking at 14 professionally and worked my way through some of local restaurants and met a chef when I was in high school, who was an instructor at the New England Culinary Institute, and he worked for Thomas Keller at his original restaurant in New York called Rakel.
He helped me get set up going to the New England Culinary Institute. Which, which is where I went to school in Vermont. And my first externship, from the way that school worked was you did six months at school, six months as an externship working in a professional kitchen. And then back to school for six months and then back out in the field for six more months. And then you graduated. So my first externship was in New York working for David Bouley at the original Bouley on Duane and Houston. And that was my introduction to fine dining.
When did you have time to pick up fly fishing?
When I was working at the French Laundry we started the project of Buchon and me and another chef friend Jeff Cerciello, we were going to be the sous chefs at Buchon. So we, we were helping with that project and everything was going really well, but it was kind of slow-moving, you know, building a restaurant out and starting it from the ground. , it was slow-moving. So we had, we had a lot of free time. I mean, not a lot, but more than normal. And he asked me if I wanted to go up and fish go fish with him up on Hat Creek. Which is, you know, a beautiful Spring Creek in Northern California. I had grown up fishing as a kid. My grandmother used to take me flounder fishing off the dock on Long Island as a kid. And, and then we moved to Pennsylvania when I was a little bit older and we had ponds in every corner. And I used to use my spin rod and catch bass left and right. And that was kind of like a normal summer routine for me. So I loved fishing. But I'd never fly fished before.
And I caught my first fish on a dry fly and that was it. I mean, on the way home, I overdrew my bank account and bought a fly rod a fly. waiters and boots at the fly shop in Redding. I remember it specifically cause I overdrew my account.
Right, right, right. But I was dead set on like, I'm gonna keep doing this. It's, yeah. So it's, it's a great sport to participate in. Yeah. And then that summer, like we took another, like, we, we all mountain bike and we took. A mountain biking trip up to Tahoe. And I remember one day we were, we were gonna do the Crest Trail and I was like, I'm gonna take the day off from biking and I'm gonna go fishing.
And I went out to the East Carson and, and, and set myself up with a bob or rig for the first time and caught my first Subsurface on a fly rod, on a flash, a flashback, pheasant tail. And then I was just like, now I'm in it. So it was very cool. It was pretty awesome. And that was, that was the beginning.
Then a couple of years later, what happened is I went to New York at that point and went to Per Se, and all my fly fishing gear went into a bin.
So what was the inspiration for Travel Creel? How did those two things mesh into what you're doing today?
So, a friend of mine has an outfitting company AC Fly Fishing out of Redding. And Anthony had approached me about helping him with a travel trip going to Louisiana for Redfish, and he said, you want to come along and you can go fishing and you'd cook for everybody?
And I'm like yeah, dude. Like I get to basically go do this saltwater trip for free, right? Get to do some fishing and you know, all I gotta do is cook, like I can handle that. So it was a great introduction to travel and hospitality with travel. And I did it for a few years with him. We would do it every year.
We'd set it all up and so he would just do like one, one international trip a year. It was one trip that I did with him. The whole thing is with saltwater fly fishing, there's no guarantee with fishing. And when you're in the business of creating experiences for people, you gotta work on your controllables.
And the controllables are hospitality and you know, a good bed to sleep in, nice meals. All those things are controllable when the fishing's not right. And that was like the premise behind it. That's what we talked about a lot. And why it worked and it made sense to me and I was able to kind of excel in that world of knowing how to talk to fisherman because I was one of 'em. Right? On top of being able to create a great meal for them. And it just made a really good vibe in, in the lodge, you know? It's great. Yeah. And now Travel Creel came to life.
Tell everybody what Travel Creel is. What do you do?
So basically right around when Covid started, we had a trip to Louisiana planned. And what happened is we had the guides lined up, the lodges lined up, and then the clients bailed out because of Covid. And we kind of hit the panic button a little bit, what are we gonna do? And I was like, well, let me reach out to all my clients.
I had started working at Del Gado and I had a kid and I got married I transitioned into guiding because it was a way for me to go fishing still Right. And make money. And my wife would be like, yeah, yeah, you can go 'cause you're making money. So I bought a drift boat. I learned how to row a drift boat and I started, on my weekends going up to Redding and guiding the Sac for trout and ended up getting a permit on the Trinity River and guiding the Trinity. Then that led to me guiding for coastal steelhead as well. The whole premise behind my guiding business was, I can't guarantee you're gonna catch a bunch of fish when we go steelhead fishing. But I guarantee you're gonna have a great lunch.
So I had all these clients, right? So I told Anthony, listen, let me reach out to some of my guys and see if I can put together this group and we can still go. Literally in like 24 hours got the trip filled up. And that's when it kind of clicked in my head, like, maybe this is something I should be doing. Right. Maybe you know, I could change my role from being just the guy that goes along and fishes and cooks to the guy who puts the trips together. And really step up the hospitality. Take that killer lunch and turn it into a killer experience. And that's where Travel Creel was born.
I wanna create a business where I can create these experiences, not just in Louisiana, but all over the country, and possibly all over the world.
We should let everybody know as we're talking that Josh was out for a walk with his daughter and dog, so that's why you're activity in the background.
So what are some of the most, let's start with most exotic places that you've taken a group to and kind of had to cook, camp, cook kind of thing?
You know, I haven't really done much camp cooking. As far as these trips go, I try to make 'em a little bit more upscale. Where I try to find like a nice place for everyone to congregate. Most recently I think probably the out there place has been San Carlos in Baja for fishing, for Rooster Fish and Marlin.
You know, it's kind of like the wild west of Baja. It's like old school, Baja. And as far as like logistics go for me and putting a trip together, it's probably been the most challenging, but most rewarding at the same time.
So how do you, is it still word of mouth or how do you market the business?
I started with just the clients that I have. And it's, you know, I'm only as good as the last trip I did and every, every little trip I do the word travels and, and you know, I have a client then tell four or five of his buddies and say, you gotta come with me on this next trip. and then those guys tell their friends and it's, it's a lot of word of mouth.
And the other, the other part is I have a really great network of friends that are in the fly fishing industry that are all very supportive of what I'm doing. A lot of independent guides. I mean, you and I are talking today because of Dave Neal, Dave Neal. Shout out to Dave great guide.
Yeah. He's a great friend and independent guide and supports what I do and, and has eaten my food and loves it. And someone like that I can reach out to him with a trip and be like, Hey, listen, I got two spots left to fill on this trip. and if you fill those spots, then I'll throw you a bone.
And that kind of, that kind of stuff is really helpful too. And it's, it's come into play quite a few times, so that's perfect.
Do you work all, do you also work with any fly shop?
I have been working with George Revelle at Lost Coast Outfitters in San Francisco. So he basically puts together all the lists of gear and everything.
I send it out to clients and then they get to contact George directly or the shop perfect, and get all those items they need for a trip. And in turn it's a very simple partnership where he helps me put those lists together.
I promote him and he helps me fill seats.
Do you get to do any other outdoor activities?
No, probably not. You know, my kids have been wanting to go snowboarding this year and we're probably gonna get up there and do that. You know, a lot of everything we do is right here. We live in Sonoma County and we have, we have a big boat that we take out on the lake, or we take out in the bay. The kids like to go be pulled around in a tube or go water skiing.
We try to get out on the boat as much as we can when there's nice weather. And we love bike rides. We do a little hiking here and there.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the fly fishing biz or outdoor biz?
I think just get out there and experience it and get on the water and you don't know until you go, you gotta get out there and, and experience it and meet people and network.
If you're looking to be a guide, get on that water. Learn from the guys that know the water the best. Obviously learn how to row a boat if you're gonna be running a drift boat. Exactly.
Do you have any daily routines to keep your sanity?
I'd say as far as daily routines mine is getting in my truck and turning it on some music and driving 45 minutes over the hill. A beautiful drive over through vineyards and the rolling hills here. In that 45-minute ride to and from work, I accomplish more in my head than I do accomplish when I'm at home or at work. It gives me a chance to clear my head. It gives me a chance to think about ideas. A lot of people ask me like, when do you have time to come up with ideas for some of your new dishes and stuff? I'm like, most of those ideas come to me while I'm driving to or from work.
Do you read a lot? Do you have any favorite books? Books to give as?
My mom was an English teacher and when you presented that question in email, I was like, I can't wait to get to it. I was kind of pushed to read as a kid.
I'd say the most recent book that I read is Lords of the Fly. And you know, to me that that book sucked me right into that story. And I actually got to go to Homosassa last year and meet some of the players in that book.
Since you're a cook, is there a favorite piece of gear that all of us that cook outside should have in our camp kitchen?
Yeah. I think everyone should have, a Japanese Mandolin. They're not expensive. They're like 30 bucks. You can get 'em on Amazon. Watch your fingers cuz they're sharp. But like, it just is a game changer, especially when you're not in the home kitchen. If you're doing some outdoor cooking, then you can slice a slice, a cucumber or carrot, whatever, like within seconds. Okay. And it just adds to being able to work quicker and more efficiently when, you know, chopping onions or shallots or things like that.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners?
I'm just really stoked to be here talking to you about what I'm doing and if anyone's interested in doing a fun adventure and has a passion for fishing and fine food and great company to look us up and check out what we're doing. The website is Travel Creel Hospitality
Are you hungry for adventure and connection? Episode 372 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast features former pro snowboarder and Saturday's co-founder Josh Rosen. As host of Huckberry’s recently launched series DIRT, Josh shares how the show reconnects and inspires viewers to explore the world of adventure, the outdoors, and cooking in the wild, their backyards, and homes. It is currently streaming on Huckberry and YouTube.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Presented to by: Show Notes: How'd you get connected with Huckberry?
Yeah, it's been a really lovely, Experience with Huckberry.
Initially, we worked on a project where, Kate West, who's the content director over at Huckberry, reached out to me cuz she had been in New York when I was there and worked for a nonprofit, bringing kids out. To the beach to surf and up into the mountains to snowboard from the inner city, which was really cool.
And we helped out with that and, in any capacity we could, at Saturdays. And she had moved on and started working in Huckberry and asked if I was interested in doing, it's, they sell a really amazing, product called the, 72-hour shirt. Oh yeah. Which is this, it's. All the bells and whistles, antimicrobials, sweat, wicking, all that great stuff.
But you're gonna essentially wear it and do anything you want for a couple of days, without a wash. So it's a great shirt to camp with and literally anything you're getting into.
So before we get to the show, tell us about your cooking chat. Yeah, sure. Is that why you're there?
it's interesting because the show always starts with meeting a chef, okay? And the chef always asks or has, so far, are you a chef? Okay. And my answer and the first time I was asked that my response was, No. I'm just a cooking enthusiast. I'm a food enthusiast.
So how did the idea for dirt come to life?
So Kate West came to Seattle to do this article for Huckberry with me about wearing the shirt. And we went out for 72 hours. It's the 72-hour shirt. And so that's the deal. It's like a, what can you do with this shirt in 72 hours? And I loved that task because I have always love to see how many activities I can accomplish in a day, so they came out and we went out to one of the San Juan Islands, which is our little chain of islands out here in the sound, beautiful spot.
And it's a special place for sure. . , absolutely gorgeous. And we just, we went nuts. We did, the list is long, but we had these amazing couple of days, and somewhere in, in that time I posed to Kate that I had this idea for a food adventure show where essentially we do what we do on dirt, which is that we go to a place we meet with a chef, or the initial idea could also have been like a, somebody who's very connected to food in that city. And we got some information and that kind of set us off on our journey.
How is this show different than other adventure travel shows?
I think it's interesting. It's like until you work in a, you don't really look at that space that deeply, and after working in this space over the last year and l going around and looking at other adventured shows or on, things like YouTube catching cooks or food, food adventure pieces. It just feels. A lot of those shows and, nothing against them. There are some really great ones out there. We're really about the chef or the host.
So what goes into deciding where to go? Is it driven by the food sources, the sustainability?
It's a great question and I think we started in Seattle with no real distinct plan of where we were gonna go next because it was the trial episode and it was I think it was meeting with the people around, in that first episode in Seattle or at Washington State that we realized we can go anywhere. It was really liberating, right? Because initially maybe you gotta go to these really important big cities or, it was, we, there was a lot of discussions, but really it's we can go anywhere.
We have and we've gone to New York cities, this last one, but we were in Minneapolis, and then we were in New Orleans and then, you know, there's. , there are amazing things happening everywhere. Yeah. It's just about going and looking and so we I think for us, a balance of places that are very obvious, like a New York City mixed with places like Minneapolis that are not necessarily places you like first on your list to visit.
If you have a weekend off then of course like it's important that the product that Huckberry. is selling in the season. I'm very connected to that.
So you don't actually work at Huckberry, but tell me about the brand. Was your perception of it beforehand and after you started working on the show? Did it change?
It was a great beginning to it because I told you, I, I worked with on. Photoshoot with about the 72-hour shirt. I've always been very employee-focused. With my company. I think that the people that you have if they are, and you, I'm sure you experience this, if you go into a place where the employees are not treated well or Oh, yeah. Not respected or not supported.
You just feel it immediately, you can smell it. And then you have these places where you can see that these people are respected and are paid appropriately and all of this. Right off the bat with Huckberry cuz there was a photographer and the producer and these people were on the shoot.
You just sensed that this is a place where people are respected. And it felt very similar to Saturdays in that everybody felt like it was a common goal to deliver something that we're interested in.
I don't work directly for Huckberry. I'm just doing this project for them, but I feel like part of that family and that’s important to how I work in the world. Like any project that I do, I feel like it's really important that we're all passionately pushing a cool goal, and that's outdoors, right?
So can you share anything with us about projects in the pipeline?
So we are headed off, I'll say this, we are leaving the country. Which is really exciting. And I'll leave it at that.
How did your outdoor lifestyle begin?
I was born and raised, in Seattle to two very different parents in terms of the outdoor lifestyle.
My mom is from Oregon, lived in a van, and was a river guide on the Salmon River. And then met my dad who is New York City born and raised. Moved as far away from New York City as he possibly could and stayed in the Continental US. I think he used a piece of string to see which one San Francisco or Seattle was further cuz he hated it.
And this is the sixties, right? And he wanted to just be outdoors. He had this kind of romantic vision of the outdoors. And he assumed, Seattle would potentially have all the things he had seen in magazines, I believe. And he got out here and he had no practical experience with the outdoors at all.
So tell us about your snowboarding career. Obviously, skiing led to snowboarding, and then you became a pro right?
Yeah. So I skied it's interesting cuz I got to a certain place in skiing and then you either go, in my time you were into racing or you went into like mobile skiing or freestyle. There wasn't a big free ski community. And I watched snowboarding come up and it was all free ski. It was like the initial, original free ski. Like they just went everywhere, there were no rules. And I was a skateboarder so that energy, just like I knew it, right? I was like holding onto skiing cause I had done it for so many years, but I was like, that, there's something about that. And then it just looks more, it just felt more like skateboarding, like you were a rebel too. And 13-year-old little guy wants to be a rebel and explore that side of himself. So the middle school I was in had a ski bus and there were some, the cool kids were snowboarding and I was like, all right, I'm gonna try it.
I went to a special high school where I only had to go once a week so that I could so I could take snowboarding as a job. And I started actually snowboarding professionally when I was in High School.
And then you co-founded the surf-inspired brand Saturdays. What was your role there?
So I moved out to New York. My dad's family was in New York City and so my entire life I visited and knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a part of New York City at some point in my life.
And the second snowboarding ended and I realized that was probably a good time to make the shift in New York City I worked in fashion for six or seven years and different components of it, trying to find my space.
What'd you do there?
So I've always been interested in fashion since I was a young kid and living in Seattle, then, and to some degree now it's just not a very fashion-centric place.
It's a land of waterproof clothing and comfortable clothing. And that doesn't lend itself generally to cutting-edge fashion. So going to New York was just eye-opening and there was something about the way people dressed and their independence, the styles they would create for themselves that were just so uniquely them, but somehow looked right.
And when my buddies came to me discussing this idea for a surf shop, I thought maybe that'd be it, right?
So we'd opened the surf shop and then maybe we could design our own. And it was this great experience, the classic New York experience where we came together, we found a little spot in Soho. And this is 2009 in a recession., which is actually a really great time to open something new and unique and I'll explain why.
We were able to find a location very inexpensively cuz a lot of stuff was closing down and because we were so unique to that landscape, we garnered a lot of attention from the press because we were just an interesting thing, without any marketing dollars, does, marketing dollars had pretty much dried up around the city, and we were just filler for these magazines. They're like, oh, three guys opened a surf shop in Manhattan. It was all you needed for attention.
So why did you leave?
I lived at that point in New York after 10 years with Saturdays and then six years of being in New York before that for,15, 16 years and being a kid from the mountains and very connected to that there was a longing that I couldn't block outta my mind anymore. And I just had to come home and be back in my cozy space.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks that might want to get into the adventure biz or outdoor biz?
I think for me it was, it has just always been curiosity, right? And exploration and with the surf shops I have lots of young employees who are, starting their careers as whatever, the beginnings of whatever they would be. And I've had that question come from young people and my answer to them was to find the space you want to be in, and then experience as many pieces of that as you can, because it really takes doing a lot of stuff to figure out exactly. What suits you?
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that's under a hundred dollars that you always have with you?
I love that question. I discovered I mean, I've been fishing my whole life and I discovered this last summer I've seen them in the landscape, but it’s this Tenkara fishing rod.
It’s just a totally different thing. It breaks down into this tiny thing and you can whip it out. And it's this beautiful, its own unique cast. But anyway I had a ton of fun with that and I keep that in my pack.
Do you have any favorite books?
Yeah. I do love to read. I feel like I'm very similar to a lot of people lately where I listen to a lot of stuff.
I grew up surrounded by books and I read a lot as a young person, but I tend to listen to a lot of stuff. But I have been trying to buy Paper books of late. My most recent book I bought was that it was a, it's a translation of the Tao Te Ching by Steven Mitchell. Someone had of course posted an image of one of the pages of the book, and it just landed on me because the Tao Te Ching is just that sort of thing where you could pretty much open it to any page and it's just, it was written 4,000 years ago or something, but it is so wise it still hits you in the side of the head, right?
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
I'd love it if you go watch the show. One cool thing that the world we live in now, if you have any insight into what you liked, what you didn't, or what you can always comment on the bottom and it's encouraged and That's about it.
Links
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@rosen43
On this episode of the Outdoor Biz Podcast, I sit down with Actual Outdoors Founder, Pro Photographer, and Podcaster John Holdmeier. John is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and a fantastic photographer. He loves getting outside, more often than not on a river and you can hear him on the Nature Untold Podcast.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by: Wolfgang Man and Beast Show Notes So let's start off with how you fell in love with the outdoors. How'd that come about?
Yeah. So, it was really early on for me. I, consider myself super lucky in that my family was into the outdoors. And so my dad and my mom, to enough of an extent that she would come do stuff with us but it wasn't her first choice always. Older sister, and then I have a younger brother as well, but all of us were getting outside since my first memory. That looked like the normal travel vacation, hiking kind of stuff, early on, but also a lot of float trips going down to Southern Missouri.
What inspired you to commit to an outdoor lifestyle, or did you learn that through becoming a river guide?
It was definitely those experiences as a kid. My dad was into fly fishing pretty early on, and so I was fly fishing when I was really little as well. And that was the thing. I was so lucky to have all that, all the gear, and all the access to be able to do that. But yeah, it was those early experiences and really what made me feel like there was nothing else in life where I like couldn't wait to go do it.
You weren't burning to be an engineer or an architect?
Not even in the slightest at all. And it was different back then because this is probably nine late nineties that we're talking about here. I was lucky because my older sister worked at a gear shop and, she got to go to OR. I think it was in Salt Lake when she was going and she would always come back with these stories of what Outdoor Retailer was like and all the free gear that she would bring back and stuff. And that kind of gave me a little bit of a sense of oh, there, okay, so there's a bigger industry here.
So did you work in the same shop?
I did a little bit. So I was still closer to St. Louis and our local shop there is The Alpine Shop. That's where I started out.
The crazy thing about my hometown in our area here in the greater St. Louis area in Missouri is that we have a pretty rich history of Outdoor industry companies being located here, and even manufacturing. Back in the day, Kelty and American Rec were based here.
So did you just walk in and apply for a job? Were you must have known somebody.
Yeah. it's a small town, right? I knew several people that had worked out there. And I actually just saw that they posted a position for a product development role. I think Facebook was around at the time and I think they posted it on Facebook. And so I reached out and said, Hey, I'd love to talk about this. Cuz at that point, I had 10-plus years of retail knowledge. And that's really the best kind of knowledge you can get from a product standpoint is figuring out how to learn about all that gear.
It sounds like you enjoyed your time with HKD Global. Tell our listeners about your role there and about that.
I'd say, I've had several of these experiences, in my development through my career journey where they've just been massively transformative. Starting that job at Alps was a really transformative thing to see how all the production and all that happened.
And then HKD, my role there, they do OEM manufacturing. So we made, I think at one point, if not still, I'm not sure, it was something like 70 of the camping tents that you can buy in stores came out of our factories. My role there was a product manager and also a brand manager as we started trying to launch some of our own kinds of internal brands.
It's a Korean-owned company and the headquarters are in Hong Kong. and the manufacturing was in Bangladesh, and then our office was in the U.S. We were a really small team in the US of, I wanna say probably six of us at the time. and so yeah, they needed somebody who understood the product and could design the product and, so it was, I say product manager, but it was really like product manager slash tent designers slash market marketing slash Yeah, six hats.
So then in 2022, you launched Actual Outdoors, a complete shift from product into photography. What was the catalyst for that?
Yeah. So you know, I have, like you just mentioned, I had been making products and on the product side of things for a really long time. so there was a little bit of a burnout feeling starting with that.
you get to a point where you're looking at everything that you're doing and going, there are so many brands making so many products. Yeah. It's too much similar. Yeah. Yeah, I just, I really wanted to shift gears again because I keep having these moments where I see something new and interesting that I wanna learn more about and photography and I would say marketing in general and video and, the visual side of things like brand identity design and logos and colorways and all that.
That was always like, just the most interesting thing to me, even though I had not. Done as much of a deep dive in my career into those things. And so, I started taking photos back in my H K D days because we needed photos for packaging. Oh, So, it was like we'd make these tents for Walmart or Cole or whoever it was, and they're like, Hey, we need a good photo of this
And then we started looking around trying to figure out how much it cost to get a really nice photo. And then it's oh wow, okay. John, can you take a picture? And I was like, I wanna learn how to do this, so. Oh, cool. yeah, so I started there and then I would say like the creative process of that photography and video stuff, nothing has captured me like that, has since.
And you also host the Nature Untold Podcast originally founded by Emily Holland. How did that come about?
Shout out to Emily. She's one of the original outdoor podcasters I believe as well. I wanna say it's probably about a year ago now that I took over hosting.
We’re a show about sobriety and recovery, of all types of recovery in how those things interact with the outdoor industry and the outdoor space. And so my personal journey, I have over eight years of sobriety, so I went. to a rehab facility back in my Alps days. And, quit drinking. And so it was much needed. And by far the best thing that I've ever done for myself in my life. Yeah. it's made such a huge difference. And, I'm always trying to look for ways to be a part of and stay a part of that sobriety and, Sober curious, recovery community.
And, Emily had also recently quit drinking. And she is a podcast person and she wanted to start this podcast about sobriety in the outdoors. And so she started it and I came on as a guest. And then, she did like connect one and connect two, and then she had, just a lot of things get busy in within her life.
And, she's also doing her own new career thing after leaving a corporate gig. And so things started getting pretty busy on her end. And, she asked if I would be interested in hosting and I was like, absolutely I would love to do that. And so I've been hosting for about a year now and,
So without giving away any state secrets, any projects, or future projects you're working on, you can talk about?
Yeah, we've got a few things. We've been going for about a year now with Actual Outdoors and, we've done a few really cool projects this year so far.
One that I would love to give a shout-out to is our project with Illumine. They partner with nonprofits and they sell apparel that has custom artwork for the nonprofit and then a pretty sizable percentage of the proceeds goes to whoever their partner is for that month.
And so we did some branding, with them, brand identity and my partner Lindsay is the other half of actual outdoors, and she's a graphic designer by trade. And so, that's another big part of what we do.
The coolest thing I'm looking forward to this next year, we're just getting into getting some of this stuff out to the public, is, we're working with a good friend of mine, Chev Dixon, who's based up in Yonkers, New York.
He's just the past, eight years or so, he's been doing this amazing work in Yonkers where he's getting people from the community out on the water, on the Hudson River right there in New York. You can see the bridges in the city in the background. It's pretty wild. Yeah. And, they're getting tons of people out on the water. And so we've, we've helped with his website. That will go live soon.
Sounds like you get outdoors a bunch, which outdoor activities do you participate in?
Probably all of them. Yeah, it's a little bit of all of 'em. As I said, was super lucky growing up. We got to do everything, with my dad taking us outside, so I've dabbled in almost, every outdoor activity, but really the two biggest that stuck for me, anything around, like free-flowing water, clear water, rivers, so, whitewater kayaking and then fly fishing are the two biggest ones.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz?
Yeah, absolutely. I would say, however, you can fit in or get into a spot, do it. Go for it. If it's retail if it's as an assistant if it's as some sort of like social media management, whatever, the role that you can prepare yourself to get into it, go for it. And don't be thinking like, I have to wait and wait and then get this amazing engineer dream job that I want, or whatever it is, as soon as you can get your foot in the door, do it.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
So I had to think long and hard about this. There are a lot of 'em out there and I use everything so much. I use it all the time and then it goes back with me through my history. The Sawyer Squeeze.
Do you read a lot, or have any favorite books?
I do read quite a bit and it's hard to narrow down what books have really made a big deal to me, but, going back, I loved reading everything from Ed Abbey. but also, I would say Ego is the Enemy is one of the biggest books, it changed my trajectory. And then, another one that I really loved, I read this past year was Subtract, and its subtitle is, the Untapped Science of Less.
And to go along with that one, Essentialism by Greg McKeown. Stolen Focus is another one that I read this year by Johan Harry. And then the last one, I promise. But if you're in marketing at all, Mark Schaffer has several good books. Marketing Rebellion is a really good starting point for him.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners?
I'd say the biggest thing for me is I'd really love it if people could go check out what we're doing with Actual Outdoors. That's the biggest thing I'm trying to get to grow this year. And, we've been really learning a ton and growing in small steps and trying to do everything the right way for trying to get more people outside and make the outdoors more approachable and more accepting and more inviting. So, I would say that people can check that out and check out our website and reach out if they have any questions. That would be the big ask I have. And the website is actualoutdoors.com.
Actual Outdoors Instagram
John Holdmeier Instagram for any, nature untold questions or sobriety questions or anything, I'm always down to talk to people and have conversations around that, there as well.
Hey everyone, welcome back, today on episode 370 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Outdoor Vitals founder, Tayson Whittaker. Growing up Tayson wanted to be outdoors every day of his life. It called him to explore, regardless of the time of year or the weather. But he didn’t have the right gear to prepare for the elements. By the time he graduated College, he had figured out how to make better gear and was selling no-name sleeping bags to his friends. We’re going to talk about all that and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by: Thrive Market Show Notes How were you introduced to the outdoors?
I feel like I always was introduced to the outdoors but there's just different aspects that I learned over time. I grew up in this small town of, six or seven thousand people and was always able to get outdoors. Whether it was on my own or with friends. Every weekend it seemed like, by the time I was about 10 years old, on my parents would drag this old 1970s trailer up the mountain and we'd go camp for two days. Half the time we're sleeping outside the trailer. cause it's not like it was a big trailer. I just spent a lot of time out there with my brothers and family.
Your profile mentions you were a college student, where did you go to school?
I moved down here to Cedar City, Utah. for those who are familiar with Utah, it's the southern part of the state down here by Zion and Cedar Breaks. I came down here for college, went to college at S U combined a lot of my passions. I really enjoyed business and so I graduated in finance, but more than that, I started the entrepreneurship club here at the school. And every weekend and weekdays it seemed like I was, taking friends out to the caves and getting into ultra-light backpacking myself. And so that's really where all of this started, in my very last month of school I filed for the business name.
And how did you learn to design gear?
I really attribute all of my design skills from the time I spend outside. In retrospect it's easier to look back now than it was when you first starting, but I just always had this knack to me that I wanted to know details and specifications.
I grew up riding motorcycles and stuff on trails and whatnot around here. You could have named any Honda or Yamaha product and I could have told you how much it weighed and how much gas it could fit in its tank and how many inches of clearance it had and these weird specs, right? So I just always loved details. And then when it came to designing gear, I think it was just really natural for me. In terms of specs and what those turn into.
I grew up outdoors, but I didn't grow up backpacking and I spent a lot of time just doing exactly that. I mean, the amount of times I just slept in my backyard, right? Because we started with sleeping bags and so I was just sleeping in my backyard in the middle of winter here in, in southern Utah just to learn as much as I possibly could and really hone in and improve product.
On your website looks like the Rhyolite Pack was your first pack. Tell us a little bit about that and how it came to life.
Yeah, so the Rhyolite Pack was my first pack and really my only pack that I designed a hundred percent myself. And that was just a marriage of what I'd used and what I'd loved. Then thinking about some of the features. The side zipper access, that was one of the favorite features on that piece. Being able to get into the bottom of your pack without fully unloading the backpack. That was really, something that I had seen on other packs, had used a little bit and loved.
What was your, so your testing process back then, was it just you taking it out and testing?
Yeah, so now obviously we can send bags off to get rated. But what we publicly like to claim is that we sleep in every sleeping bag down to within five degrees of its rating. That's like our stamp, and that takes a lot of field time, it takes opportunities that it's gonna be this temperature at this time and we gotta get out there and sleep in this bag. So there, there's some definite field time there, but we will also, take a poll on what things rate at, with the modern testing.
Where did the name Outdoor Vitals come from?
I designed our first logo just on a school computer, honestly, at college, and I'm not a designer in that sense of the word. The name wasn't much different, I guess you could say. just the idea of trying to merge different things that could potentially create a great name, right?
And to me, really the name comes from the outdoors being a vital part of my life. I think it's important for everyone to get outdoors. I think it's absolutely critical in this day and age. Physical health, mental health, emotional health, that is the base. That's what grounds us. And so to me it really stems from this concept of the outdoors is a vital piece what's necessary to keep your sanity, at least for me anyway.
I saw on your website 'opening the outdoors' is your mantra. What do you mean by that?
Probably the biggest thing that drives me is to help people connect to the outdoors. Some of the biggest horror stories I ever hear are when I hear people that say something along the lines of, yeah, I went camping one time as a kid.
I froze my butt off. I'll never go back. They've lost a lifetime of adventure, experience, connection, all of these amazing benefits that I know as a company knows. So opening the outdoors is this concept that the outdoors don't necessarily feel like they're open to everyone. Whether it's from product or whether it's from experience, right? If you don't have someone to hold your hand and take you outdoors, you don't have the confidence. But at the same time, gear really can matter. If you have great gear, you can focus on the experience there instead of being filled with anxiety that it might get cold tonight or that some rain might come through or, am I really prepared? All these types of things. And so we focus heavily on education. What's gonna keep people from getting outdoors really comes down to reducing their unknowns, those unknowns turn into fears, right? Anything that you have fear about is typically an unknown. And so if we can educate people and reduce the amount of unknowns, they build confidence, and by building that confidence in the gear, in their skillset and their knowledge and packing list, whatever we can possibly do, we help open the outdoor. and that just really pulls back to our purpose of connecting people to the vital outdoors.
And how do you guys do that? What kind of education programs do you support or do you offer?
Yeah, so from the very beginning, in fact, there are still videos of me in this tiny, little duplex that I own, and I'm sitting in front of our coffee table on a five-gallon bucket in front of our Drapes. I'm filming how to take care of a sleeping bag, how do you stuff the sleeping bag? How do you store a sleeping bag? How do you wash a sleeping bag? I mean, from the very, very beginning it was just any education we could do primarily through YouTube. How do we pack, what are gear lists? Taking 'em on trail to really showcase all of these, anything that we could.
And so video has been the main media for us. However, that has changed a bit to also introducing podcasts. So we have a podcast called the Live Ultralight Podcast. That's our second medium now. Podcasts are huge. I think podcasts and YouTube channels are must have for business these days. You can do so much with that.
You guys already create, we're creating fantastic gear, but you went through another evolution to create better gear, which you now, I think you now call outdoor vitals 2.0. Is that right?
Internally, that's how we like to talk about it. You just say that to some of our big brand followers and they're gonna know exactly what that means. But really, what that meant is, I didn't have this Rockstar entrance.
I didn't have a house to mortgage. I didn't come from a background of designing product or this is my second or third business startup. I didn't have those connections. And so really from 2014 to 2018 was us building cash flow, building team, building opportunities, learning grow. And we were always offering amazing product at the price points we were offering.
But our own sites started to increase from better experiences, helping people be able to just have so much confidence in their gear outside. And so as those all raised in 2018, We launched our first apparel piece called the Loft Tech Jacket. And the loft tech jacket was something that we launched on Kickstarter and we were able to pre-sell a million dollars worth of that jacket.
Then from that opportunity, I took that and I ran as fast as I could with it. So we went and basically petitioned some of the world's best fabric mills, the world's best suppliers, world's best wool producers, and I just was able to sell 'em on the brand and say, Hey, look, we're a direct to consumer brand. We don't care about price points when we're designing. You're gonna love to work with us, by the way, look at this third party website showing what we're capable of, showing that we've sold this much product on one product and the story that we're able to tell you should work with us.
And we had a tremendous success rate getting into the world's top factories and mills. And so we pivoted off of that as well. At that point in time. design had just outgrown me. I didn't have the time and the resources to put into it and frankly, people that were trained and educated in this were gonna be able to, do things more efficiently and so on, so forth.
So I also at that time, went out and hired our lead designer today. And between, the team growth and our partner growth, it debuted this concept of 2.0 where we were able to take and do things with product that we just simply weren't able to do before, that took a few years of us behind the scenes working our butts off.
So it seems like you get outside as much as you can. In addition to your camping and, product testing trips, what other activities do you participate in?
I still ride a dirt bike just a little bit. I need to ride a mountain bike a lot more than I do, but, so there's those aspects. I think I just love to explore. I love to see new stuff. Right. So whether it's Cross Country travel a little bit or anything related to that. I started picking up trail running a little bit, which has been a lot of fun. But that's pretty similar to hiking, I guess you can say
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz?
I would say like my biggest mistakes that I would advise other people is just, Obsess about product and what you're doing there versus what maybe what you think a business should be doing, where we live in this day and age, where business can get turned on its head in a heartbeat.
Meaning like the old concept of you need 10 sleeping bags, to have a line of sleeping bags, to be anybody who's anybody. . It's just totally false. Now you can have a single product such as that loft tech jacket did for us that can turn a whole business on its head and, be something truly innovative and whatnot.
So in my opinion, if you're wanting to get into this space, just be obsessed about the product.
What are some of your favorite books?
Some of the time I'm reading business books and we are reading those as a team.
So I love Jim Collins and Good To Great and some of those books. I definitely was that era of growing up like on, on just like, Fiction books, like Harry Potter and some of those. I would be that kid, like as a fourth grader, I'd be out there mowing the lawn with a cassette player listening to Harry Potter. But I've also really enjoyed, recently, and like The Terminal List, it's, I guess probably more in the public eye with their Amazon series that they're doing on it. But the books are really good.
Is there anything else you wanna say to our listeners or ask of our listeners?
I'd just say get outside and take people outside, educate yourself.
Where can people find you? What's the best way for them to follow up if they'd like to reach out?
We’ve got a podcast. If you like listening to podcasts, jump over there. It's the Live Ultralight Podcast. Otherwise you can just go to outdoorvitals.com and find anything you'd need.
Today I’m talking with Colorado businesswoman Sheri Tingey. Sheri pioneered an entire adventure sport, while many her age were mulling retirement. Recently, on her 77th birthday, Sheri Tingey finally saw her dream come true. Two decades and dozens of prototypes later, Alpacka Raft launched the Valkyrie. Suited for Class V whitewater, this Packraft is the closest resemblance of a hard shell kayak ever made. It’s the culmination of Sheri’s ambitions since she designed the modern-day Packraft and built the brand 22 years ago. Her idea blossomed into a 50-employee company, making the brand a leader in the outdoor industry and one of the largest employers in the small mountain town of Mancos, CO.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to get your feedback! Contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by:
Thrive Market
Show Notes Let's start with how you got into the outdoors.
You know, honestly, I've been in the outdoors from the time I can remember
I was born and raised in Phoenix. I, from the time I was a very small child, I hated the heat, didn't, you know, didn't want anything to do with that. But there was a camp out of Prescott and my dad would build cabins for them.
I only have a tiny memory of that, but by the next year, that and that camp was everything about being in the outdoors.
And how did you learn how to sew and make things?
I come from the generation that women still, you know, sewed.
My grandmother lived with us and she made all of our clothes, in those days. You know, today it, it is kind of interesting, sewing has become one of these lost arts that's sort of, redefining itself again.
But when I was young, clothing was very expensive and so most people sewed. My grandmother lived in a little tiny cabin out and back and she had a little singer. And you know, she didn't so much teach us as my sister and I would just watch her and she let us use the sewing machine. And so by the time Rogue was five and I was three. We started sewing.
Where'd you learn to kayak?
Yep. I, I had moved to Jackson Hole in 1967, and lived there for many years till we moved to Alaska. And I started kayaking. I got invited on a trip on the Owyhee River. Some friends who were, uh, ski friends who had and you, I'm trying to think, this would be about 1971.
Okay. Something like that. Mm-hmm. 72 maybe. And you know, at that time there were kayaks on the East coast and there were some kayaks in Seattle and Los Angeles, but almost nothing in the Rocky Mountains. Kayaking had not hit yet. I was a water fanatic and I am invited on this trip on the Owyhee River, and there were four kayaks and one raft. And I, of course, was in the raft and I had never seen kayaks before. And I took one look at those things and went, oh my God, this is the way you, you know, all of a sudden you have waves, you have water, it's like the ocean. So the, uh, last day of the trip, the three of us that were in the raft, they traded off and let us play in the kayaks. And I just was, you know, it was love the second I got in and I was like, oh my God, I am home.
Did that also get you in rafting?
You know, I was never a quote-unquote rafter. I think rafts are great, but particularly then, even now, you need a lot of stuff for a raft. You need at least four people and a lot of stuff. You need a good trailer. You need all this stuff. There's nothing small about owning a raft, but buying this world-famous that weighed, you know, what, 25 pounds or something? You could throw it in the back of the car. Looking back I realized, wow, those were dots, that those were the dots in the line of development for building pack rafts that I would've never even remotely thought about. It was this reality that, wow, I don't want a huge raft. I want something I can throw in the back of the car. I want something that, you know, can support my kayak trip.
Share with us the early days from that first boat. Sounds like you made your first boat and played around with it. How long after that first boat did the company start?
Two years earlier, Thor went to Colorado College, which is a school that had an adventure program that gave grants for basically adventure travel. And it was done because one of the previous alumni, Rick Kellogg was a climber and he was killed on Mount Foraker and his parents had a fair amount of money and started a fund at this college for travel.
So Thor won a grant his sophomore year, and there were five of them. And that year they took a, I don't know what it was, like a three-week or a month trip at that point.
So, the idea was always there, but there wasn't a boat. And so long story short, the summer before Thor's first trip, Roman Dial and Carl Tobin had done a thing called heli biking the Alaska Range. They started at the Alaska-Yukon border and followed the Alaska range up and ended up at Lake Clark.
They were gone all summer and they had their bikes and they had these little pack rafts that were made by Sherpa. So that was the year before Thor won his grant. And we knew Roman. So when Thor was trying to figure out what he wanted to do, my ex and I said at the time, you should talk to Roman, cuz Roman just knows so much about travel in the state.
And so Roman kind of put Thor onto making a pack raft, quote unquote work, and do this last third of the trip that they'd done. And so they did that year. And those boats, they bought little $79.95 Sevylors. So with almost every mile, one of the boats out of the five would sink and they, you know, they just repaired and repaired and repaired and repaired.
And so any rate, when he returned from that trip, he said, I will never ever, ever, ever take a Sevylor anywhere again. And so fast forward two years and, and he has a trip again, and there was another gentleman named Curtis, his last name was Curtis. He was a Boeing engineer, and in one of those bust economies, he started building these beautiful little boats, but it was made out of tissue paper practically. He was a high-country lake fisherman, and that's what they were designed for.
Thor was climbing Denali when the boat arrived. And I unpacked this thing and I took one look and I thought, oh my God, you are so toast
You're not even gonna get off the lake in this thing. So I went down to Joanne Fabrics, and in those days they actually had some Pack Cloth and glued it on the bottom, at least to give him something of a floor. Then he got off Denali and heads off on this trip.
And so when he returned, as they say, I weighed that boat and I weighed about three and a half pounds when it left, and it was close to 15 pounds. at the end of the year when it came back and it was just patch on patch on patch. And that's when he said, can you build me a boat and like a dummy I said, uh, yeah.
Are there any future projects you guys are working on that you can talk about?
Well, you know, and what's been fun the Valkyrie, this last boat that just came out. I lovingly call her the bitch because she is the bitch. Dustin and I, and Thor and everyone, we've worked so long on this boat.
There are so many things we learned off of that boat. Uh, just like with all, all of these things, you know, it's that classic progression, right, that you learn a new technique, well then you take back and you know, it drips down to all the others and, oh, we can do this now, we can do that now. And there are so many things I learned off of building the Valkyrie that I can now take forward into some of these other boats that I'm doing that I wouldn't even thought about.
So do you get outside much? Do you get to paddle a lot?
The last two years, to be honest, I've been real active up till about two years ago, and then my chronic fatigue just came out of the closet again. And so it'll, well, It's life. At least I'm functioning again. The most I get out is I bought, I broke down and bought a nice electric bike. I'm trying to ski a little bit this winter, but I'm also starting to get Healthier.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor adventure business?
One, don't be afraid of it. It’s one of the things that happens, and it was a, one of the biggest lessons for me, you know, I had my business making ski clothing. I started in 1968, you know, and went till 1981. And at that point was, when all there were so many little tiny manufacturers like myself and then Patagonia, Chouinard at that time, and North Face and all those guys all of a sudden just exploded, blew up. And all of us in this, in the industry that were little thought, this is the end.
You know, there's, there's no hope. There's no room for anybody else. And what I came to find out many years later is, that's not true because as these companies get bigger, they, you can't be great big and be cutting edge. It just doesn't work. If you, the more people you sell to, the more you have to dumb down your, gears the wrong word, but in a way it's, it, it has to be more standard.
There's always room on the cutting edge. Yeah. If you're gonna try to do something standardized, yeah you might have some problems, you know, then you're fighting the big voice. But if you can make something really good that's out there on that edge that has a market, absolutely you can do it. I think the most difficult thing today is, which didn't used to be such a problem is getting your hands on the fabrics that you need. Some of those companies are not so willing to sell the good stuff, but, you can find your way through it. It you just have to be persistent. You can do it, but just be careful about where you start and you don't need to be a giant. Start small and let it grow, you know? That's perfect.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars that you use a lot that you like?
When I saw that, I chuckled. Several years ago we had moved into Anchorage. There was an article in the paper about a man and his son uh, out in the Bethel area, which is, well it's out in the big delta there. Anyway, it was early June and I, I don't even remember the river that they were running, but they had come around a corner, you know, they're out in the middle of absolute nowhere and the entire river was frozen over and they went under the ice. Long story short, it wasn't too far. The whole thing went under and they broke out the other side and you know, they lost everything. He and his son survived because he had a waterproof lighter. And in those days I always had lighters and I always put 'em in plastic baggies and everything, and never thought that, but any rate, I went down and I bought a waterproof lighter and It's one of the coolest things I've ever owned, and it is such an incredible safety thing to have that, you know, this thing's gonna work. That's a great thing to have.
Do you have a couple favorite Books?
John Kretschmer
Cape Horn to Starboard
Sailing a Serious Ocean
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to, or ask of our listeners?
You know, I would say one thing, but I think it's apropo of this time in particular.
And this is not just alpaca, all of these companies like alpaca, that chose to stay here. People need to understand just how difficult that is for these, companies, to choose to produce in this country. Everything works against you. It's so easy to say, oh, I'm going abroad and I'm gonna get slave labor and I'm gonna get this and I'm gonna get that and I'm gonna make my big bucks.
Any of these smaller companies that choose to do their production at home. They're gonna be a little more expensive. But they give people jobs. They're, there's just so much about them that people need to recognize that it's not all about the darn bottom dollar, you know?
So you save five bucks. Uh, think about where you're buying and why you're buying it, because there are a lot of companies like ours, especially in the outdoor industry now, there's many of 'em, Give him a, a good hard look.
Follow up with Sheri
Just call Alpacka and they will get in contact with me and I will contact 'em back.
Today I’m joined by Chap Grubb, founder of Rerouted. From living in a 1981 Volkswagen Van for 18 months after college to an unexpected transition into the world of professional poker, Chap is now busy revolutionizing the used gear industry helping anyone who dreams of creating their own wilderness adventures do it with used gear from rerouted.
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Thrive Market
Show Notes
Welcome to episode 368 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Thrive Market. Buying healthy food from top-selling, organic brands at wholesale prices make healthy living easy. Head on over to rick saez dot com slash thrive market and make your living your healthy life easy. Today I’m joined by Chap Grubb, founder of Rerouted. From living in a 1981 Volkswagen Van for 18 months after college to an unexpected transition into the world of professional poker, Chap is now busy revolutionizing the used gear industry helping anyone who dreams of creating their own wilderness adventures do it with used gear from rerouted. Oh . . . and they promise to defend and improve the wilderness - as Ed Abbey wished Brought to you by Show Notes How were you introduced to the Outdoors?
Yeah, so, as a kid, my parents were not outdoor adventurers. They were more outdoor enthusiasts.
The most distinct defining memory of my outdoor adventure [00:02:20] history was when we were 13 years old. We sat down and we gave our parents a presentation as to why we felt like we could [00:02:30] go camping. Outside for two days by ourselves.
Your profile also says you're a former professional [00:03:50] poker player. Tell us about that.
When I was in college, I studied English [00:04:10] and linguistics because I knew I wanted to teach something, but I didn't know what I wanted to teach. So I actually had [00:04:20] moved to Moab, Utah because I just wanted to rock climb and was looking for a job in Moab Utah, and stumbled into [00:04:30] working at an after-school program at the elementary school.
So working a couple of hours a week at the after-school program. I was living in my Westfalia at the time and [00:04:40] you know, just meeting friends and I started playing a bunch of cards with the local community there, and all of a sudden all the money I was making [00:04:50] was getting saved and I was just starting to make a good living playing cards just with my buddies [00:05:00] and decided to go for it, and it ended up working out really well for me.
Somewhere I read maybe in your profile you say you have ADHD. Is that diagnosed or are you just like the rest of us that can't pick a lane?
When I finally [00:09:40] submitted to my diagnosis, I did it in college because I realized, with the workload of a traditional post-secondary [00:09:50] education, I wasn't going to be successful. It required too much, just quiet discipline and no [00:10:00] low-energy efforts.
And so I finally went in and I got my Adderall Prescription from the school psychiatrist, and she [00:10:10] looked at me, she said, Chap, I have no idea how you graduated from high school because you're just, your brain is all over the place. But Rick, [00:10:20] when I saw that question prompted, the first thing that I wanted to say was that I've always seen my A D H D as a superpower, right?
The second [00:10:30] I got outta college, I stopped taking my medicine. The second I didn't need that really [00:10:40] high level of discipline and structure to be successful at what I'm doing. That's when I immediately stopped taking my meds and I would [00:10:50] never go back, and I am fairly confident if I was on my Adderall currently, I probably wouldn't have the [00:11:00] creative urge and the motivation and the energy to go be a founder.
What is the inspiration behind Re-Routed?
All of my friends in the outdoor [00:13:30] industry probably know this feeling. Three years ago, my wife Sam, said, Chap, please get all of this stuff out of my garage.
And I thought to [00:13:40] myself, what am I supposed to do with all this stuff? I'd spent 20 years accumulating all this gear. Most of it's still functional, most of it [00:13:50] I'm not using. It's just sitting there collecting dust. So I sat there and I thought about it and I was like, I'm not [00:14:00] gonna sell this stuff on eBay or Craigslist.
It's gonna take me months and I, it's not gonna be worth my time, energy, and effort for the money that I'm gonna make off of it. So I [00:14:10] actually threw it all of my truck and trailer. and I started driving around the country. I went to 15 events in 10 different states, buying and selling outdoor gear. Just [00:14:20] kind of for fun.
Everybody I [00:14:30] talked to, Thousands of people I spoke with said, chap, when are you gonna come to my house and fix this problem for me? Get my stuff right? Yeah. They're [00:14:40] fix this for me, please. So I got home in the winter of 2019 [00:14:50] and instead of having a hundred items, I had a thousand items, because that's the way it goes.
So now I'm sitting there with 10 times the gear, thinking to myself, what really is the problem? Why did everybody I [00:15:10] met say there was stuff in their garage? What is limiting them? And so that's kind of how we've merged into [00:15:20] An outdoor industry tech company and really focused on the uploading experience and [00:15:30] automating and making that instantaneous and zero effort for anybody that wants to sell anything.
Tell our listeners about the Morrison Exchange
A long time ago we met the owner of Morrison Outdoors and, [00:30:10] they're baby sleeping bags.
He goes, Chap, nobody uses these for that long. The [00:30:20] kids grow outta them. And it's not like they're ruining them, right. They're just sleeping in 'em and then they're done. And he said, Chap, I [00:30:30] really need my users to do something with these. I want 'em to be able to return it. I want 'em to be able to, you know, get it back to the next kid so that it doesn't sit around and it doesn't get wasted. And so we created a relationship with him where the people that buy new bags can send [00:30:50] in their bags to us and we pay them directly. And we have a waiting list of over a hundred people. So the Morrison bags [00:31:00] don't even make it to our website anymore.
When do you have time to go outside, do you still climb?
We have found it [00:32:40] to be a huge blessing to be able to. Use the baby as our reason to go outside. So for [00:32:50] for the audience, my son, his name's Archer. Archer is 10 months old now. And Sam, my wife, is our head of marketing at Rerouted. So Sam [00:33:00] and I are both. Really deep in the startup grind. She's been with me since the very beginning of this project and she's been all committed, but when we had the baby [00:33:10] 10 months ago, we looked at each other and said, we can't just sit and work all the time anymore. That's not an option, especially because [00:33:20] it's not like we have childcare on a founder's budget, right?
So we're always with the baby, but he can't just sit and watch us be on our computers all the time. [00:33:30] That's not what we want. That's not what he wants. And so we've been lucky that his first month after 30 days, we went out and did an overnight camping [00:33:40] trip. We got him out on a raft and did a short float on some easy train. At about three or four months, we've been out [00:33:50] climbing with him a bunch. We've been able to go to MoabWe're really lucky that we live in the southwest, that these outdoor adventures are [00:34:00] accessible.
Do you have any suggestions and/or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor/adventure biz?
The outdoor adventure industry, as I'm sure you all know, lives in its own [00:37:40] special world. Cause we're not in Silicon Valley, we're not in biotech, we're not in any of [00:37:50] these Despite the fact that we're almost a 900 billion annual business industry, [00:38:00] it lives in this weird space. That said, if you love the [00:39:00] outdoors, there's no better way to immerse yourself in the industry than going and solving a problem for the industry you care the most about. They always [00:39:10] say, as a kid, do what you love. and I get to tell people every day that I help people buy and sell secondhand outdoor gear, right?[00:39:20] And I love it, and it makes me so happy. And I could give my pitch a million times and I could never stop talking about it. [00:39:30] So if you care about something, there's an opportunity here and people are really willing [00:39:40] in this industry to support new businesses.
So what I would say is, for the people that wanna [00:38:10] start, there are a million unexplored ideas out there. Don't ever be scared that its not gonna [00:38:20] be original enough because there are thousands and thousands and thousands of unsolved problems.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100?
The one that I found that has treated me so well for [00:41:30] so long was years and years and years ago, 10 years ago, long before rerouted was even an idea, I was with some buddies [00:41:40] hanging out, playing in our neighborhood and stumbled across a garage sale, and I bought a $50 Osprey backpack. It's [00:41:50] enormous. It's purple. and it's been my backpack for everything I've ever done. It goes on the boat, it goes backpacking, it goes [00:42:00] when we go camping, we've traveled with it. I mean, I'm biased by the things used. [00:42:10] But you can find things used that last for decades. This backpack, Archer will use this backpack. It's never gonna go bad. It's gonna last forever, and I'll patch it up and continue to use it because that's the way outdoor gear should be used.
How about some of your favorite books, are you a big reader?
So the practical book I'll give, I live by the [00:44:40] work of Seth Godin. The philosophy he brings to the table just is really well aligned with the way I see my relationships with my users, my relationship with my team. The book I'll recommend is Purple Cow. Another one that's a little more off the [00:45:10] beaten path is I read a book by Kim Scott that's called Radical Candor, and it's about how to approach the [00:45:20] naturally difficult conversations that happen as somebody that's in leadership and management. And then my fun book is, I'm a sucker for Fantasy Reads and love Brandon Sanderson, [00:46:40] who writes Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive and is just, he's fun.
Follow up with Chap
Website: https://rerouted.co/
Welcome to episode 367 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Thrive Market. Today I’m joined by Darrel Larson, International Director of Sawyer Products. Darrell is also the founder of Give Clean Water, a non-profit dedicated to providing clean drinking water around the world.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by:
Thrive Market
Show Notes What was your first exposure to the outdoors?
[00:00:40] When I was growing up as a kid, my dad loved fishing. And it turns out my dad when he got outta high school, he actually graduated from Oceanside High as well.
So my dad gets outta high school and he takes a job as a Forest Service ranger up in Lassen Park. Oh, wow. And so my very first recollections when I was growing up as a kid were sitting around, my dad, would take pictures and turn 'em into slides and we had like a slide projector kinda a deal.
And it's all these pictures of my dad up there fishing for like big brown trout and all the stuff that they were doing their off time. So, so from very early on I kind of got exposed to the outdoors and, beautiful places like Lassen National Park.
How were you inspired to focus on clean water?
[00:04:15] Before I was introduced to Sawyer filters, I got training in bio-sand filters, and that was just like, I don't know, it just resonated with me cuz I began to see what a big, giant problem it was around the world.
And so that just kind of caught my attention. I was like, man, this is something we can solve in our lifetime. And so kind of got it, start there with that house building organization, and then from there, kind of moved on and, became acquainted with Sawyer filters and got involved with starting my own nonprofit that work in the country of Fiji.
How did you connect with Sawyer?
[00:05:10] So when I found Sawyer, we had just gotten a lot of our bio-sand filter molds, and I got training in it, got certified in it, and we were gonna bring these filters over to Fiji.
And a couple of weeks before, I was going on this trip, and one of my friends said, Hey, did you see these new filters? It just came out, this company called Sawyer, and this was in 2008. And, so I was like, oh, those look really interesting. So I called Sawyer and I asked them if they would send me a couple, cuz I want to test these out.
Talk a little bit about Give Clean Water. You started that organization, right?
[00:10:00] Yeah, so I founded it in 2008. We were really looking at finding a country where could we go where there was a big water need. Of course, they were everywhere. A billion people need clean water. But I wanted to go somewhere where I had some boots-on-the-ground contacts. And a friend of mine grew up in Fiji and he's like, Hey man, you should come to Fiji and, and bring these filters over there.
So I was like, okay. So we went over and checked it out. I was like dreaming big. these filters could change the world. What if you could change the world? What if you could change a country? Yeah. Fiji's not that big of a country. Less than 900,000 people live in the country, which is like two-thirds of the size of San Diego. So I'm thinking, man, if you could [00:11:20] hit every single village there, what would that look like to change the country and change their lives, et cetera? So that was our beginning.
Sawyer
[00:21:00] Our biggest category is gonna be our repellent. Our Permethrin is, [00:21:20] is the golden standard for spraying on your clothes and your gear. And then our Picaridin is big, that's our topical repellent. It's a derivative of, the pepper plant and, it offers the [00:22:00] same protection as Deet, but it's just not harsh. Our newest filter is the [00:25:30] tap filter. These things just pop right on the end of a common tap. You can, you can even put 'em on a hose bib outside or whatever, but they're just awesome for getting [00:26:20] rid of bacteria for emergencies and then around the world because most of the places where you have the luxury of tap water, you can't drink it.[00:26:30].
What other outdoor activities do you participate in?
[00:28:10] I love hiking. I still love camping and like to play golf. I like to surf and, love biking. So pretty much any of [00:28:20] that stuff. And, then just as something that I just love to do in general, and I actually do it a lot on our trips, is I love photography.
Do you have any [00:30:50] suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz or grow their career if they're already in the industry?
I just find that authenticity and generosity are things that [00:31:50] I love and it's what I really love about Sawyer. And so, I mean, if somebody was looking to get in the business in that kind of way, I don't [00:32:00] know, you want to go in and have a great product for one, but, but those other things I think are kinda the X factors.
Do you have any daily routines [00:33:40] you use to keep your sanity, meditate, exercise?
Yeah, I, have quiet time every morning. I'm definitely, definitely a person of faith and, so I, every morning that's kind of [00:33:50] sacred time for me.
I like to wake up early, spend, 30 minutes or so just in kind of a quiet time reading and, doing those kinds of disciplines, and then, I [00:34:00] love to read all kinds of stuff. but I love fitness. I think for me, that that's like [00:34:10] eating good, and, and having a, a well-balanced diet and, making that kind of a lifestyle.
Do you have any favorite books or books [00:36:20] you give as gifts?
When Helping Hurts Seve Corbett, Brian Fikkert, et al.
Figuring Foreigners Out, A Practical Guide Craig Storti
What's your, favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars?
Oh man. it's gonna sound like a total sales pitch or whatever. . I would've said this even before I was working at Sawyer. So, my best thing under a hundred bucks, my first go-to, I mean, you could get [00:41:30] a squeeze filter, a bottle of Permethrin, a bottle of Picaridin, and Sunscreen for all under a hundred bucks.
Follow up with Darrel and Sawyer
Sawyer Instagram
Darrel Instagram
Darrel Linkedin
Today I’m talking with Pro Angler and Podcaster Angie Scott. Angie is the creator of The Woman Angler & Adventurer podcast. And it's become more than just a podcast. It's a growing community of like-minded women supporting each other through Angie’s Facebook group. It's turning into a movement and the industry IS taking notice!
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Show Notes How were you introduced to Fishing? I started fishing before I can even remember honestly. Minnesota is where I grew up and it's just a culture, it seems like, of outdoors people up there.
And so, my dad had a little aluminum fishing boat and a 40-horsepower motor. He still has that same exact boat and motor to this day, which is pretty unheard of. But, he's mechanical and is able to fix most things when something goes wrong with that motor. But, yeah, so, just grew up doing that.
When did you begin fishing competitively? So I started that back in 2018. I moved to Nashville back in 1999 and had kind of gotten away from it. I moved down to Nashville and I went to college and then got a job in the music business and that really ended up taking up a lot of my time and kind of pulled me away from, getting out there and fishing.
What were you doing in the music business? So I went to a school in Tennessee that has a really good music business program called Middle Tennessee State University. And I was on the business side. They have a production side. If you're wanting to get into like producing records and things like that, then they also have a business side, and that was really where my interests were.
I really had no agenda as far as what I wanted to do in the business. I just knew I wanted to be in the music business.
So did that come from family or how, where'd that come from? Yeah, a little bit. So I had an older brother, six years older than me, and that's my only sibling, and he was just really into music growing up.
So I got this job at Creative Artist Agency and ends up, they're the biggest talent agency in the country. The world maybe.
I did that for 16 years. And I had an interior office for the majority of that time, and that was tough on somebody who really loves the outdoors.
I just getting to the point where I'm like, you know, do I really wanna wake up at 65 and have sat behind a desk my whole life? I love going to concerts and meeting cool people, but I don't really wanna do this for the rest of my life. And so that's when I kind of started thinking, what could I do outdoors-oriented? That was when I started working on my captain's license, and started the podcast.
What inspired the storytelling part of it? I mean, what better way to inspire somebody else to get involved? Then to hear somebody who's out there doing it every day and how they do it, do it. I just think it's a great way to inspire people.
And also be able to preserve their stories exactly for future generations. is another great, great benefit to it.
Do you focus mainly on warm-water fishing? I try to cover everything. So I've had a lot of fly anglers on, salt water, I just had a lady on that fishes out of South Carolina offshore quite a bit. so I try to cover everything. I kind of just by default end up covering a lot of bass and freshwater because that's what I do now. But also, you know, when I'm down in Florida, I end up having a lot of. Florida anglers.
Every now and then I get a West Coast angler on the show. I'd love to get more, more of those. and also Colorado, that region of fly fishing.
So tell everybody about the woman angler. You offer a ton of resources. How'd you, how'd you develop that format? Or did it [00:20:40] just evolve as you kept adding, offering? Yeah, it pretty much just evolved. At the time when I had a six-month break in between careers, I had a lot more time on my hands to be able to offer more things. but now that I work full-time for Freedom Boat Club and fish Tournaments and put out episodes every week, that's kind of been my bandwidth. We've done a few events like we did, a Cape Cod striper fishing event, and then we've got a women's kayak fishing meetup coming up here on January 8th down here outside of Fort Myers that I'm co-hosting with Captain Debbie Hansen, who's down in this area. And that's gonna be a super fun event. But as far as that goes, I'm kind of limited on time to how much of that type of stuff I can do.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks that want to get into competitive fishing? Yeah. See if there's a Team Trial that you can join and start that way. Start as an angler you don't have to jump in as a boat captain. Most tournament formats you have a pro that's in control of the boat. Then as an angler you know, if you're super confident with your boat skills, though, by all means, jump in as a boat captain There are advantages and disadvantages to both. I kind of jumped in as a boater a little faster than I think most people would because I have my captain's license
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that costs under a hundred dollars? I love my Costa sunglasses and they just had a new, new model come out recently this fall called the Jose Pros.
Do you have any favorite books? There's a book out that's pretty legendary. You may have heard of it, called The Four Agreements. And then, kind of on those same lines, there's another book I've been listening to. I think it's Awaken the Sleeping Giant. But my favorite book is a book called You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero.
Follow Up with Angie Website: That Woman Angler
Podcast
Imagine a world in which women no longer doubted themselves. a world in which you believed anything was possible and that there were no fears or glass ceilings holding you back? Sensi Graves loves helping women do badass things.
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Show Notes How were you introduced to the Outdoors I grew up actually 20 minutes down a dirt road in northern California. So in a really rural town in Mendocino County in Northern California. There are 320 people in my town and 50 kids in my high school.
I grew up on 80 acres and my mom was an avid skier. After she graduated high school, she lived in Utah for a number of years. My Mon and my Dad were ski bums out there, and I've always lived an outdoor life. We weren't allowed to watch TV growing up. I have three brothers and we were always playing outside, always playing games, and thankfully we were taken on ski trips and wakeboarding trips and a lot of outdoor time growing up, and so it's been a part of my blood forever.
How'd you get into kiteboarding? Kind of a roundabout story. Actually, my mom died when I was 16 and after that my dad, was looking for things to fill that void and he, one summer when I was 18 years old, said, we're going to learn to Kiteboard. And I was like, what? I've never even heard of this before. And he was having us watch some videos and I was like, what? What are we doing? I don't even what you're talking about, but he took my three brothers and me out to North Carolina to a place called Rio Water Sports, which at that time and still is the premier kit board school in the US. And we took a week's worth of lessons. I fell in love with it and actually ended up going back there to coach a few years later as a kite board instructor when I was a junior in college.
Tell our listeners about professional kiteboarding competitions and how they work. To give listeners a picture, you are essentially wakeboarding but driving your own boat. So you have a harness on your waist, you have 20 meters of lines, and then you have a kite, basically like a big piece of fabric, essentially with an inflatable leading edge. that is pulling you across the water and you're using that kite to generate power with the wind, utilizing the wind to pull you across the water, essentially. So it's like the combination of sailing and wakeboarding. You're doing sailing tacks back and forth. You're utilizing the wind just like sails do.
And so there are a variety of disciplines within kiteboarding. You have racing just like sailboat racing. You have big jump disciplines, kind of the thing kiteboarding is known for the most and the awe factor is when people go really high in the sky. But it actually takes a lot of skill to jump really high, and so that's another discipline. Then there's freestyle, which is doing tricks in the air, kind of like behind what you would see behind a wakeboarding boat. Back rolls and front rolls and tantrums and various things. And then the discipline that I competed in was park riding. And so that is much like on the snow. You have rails and boxes and things, we have those same features floating in the water.
You just recently launched a swimmer brand in 2012. What inspired that? I launched that before I became a pro kiteboarder. I launched that when I was coaching kiteboarding. I was in the water every single day, and I quickly grew tired of the swimwear that was on the market because it was really either, one of two categories, really fashion-forward, but didn't say put, or really performance-oriented but wasn't beautiful to wear. So I just had this idea to make something that was that combination of both. I had no experience and no business background, no design background, and no manufacturing background. I was 23 and it was, I mean, an immense learning curve.
And how's it going? It's super competitive. The swimwear market's extremely saturated. I believe that a lot of business is innovation, perseverance, and luck as well. Establishing myself as a kite boarder and growing my personal brand, the swimwear company grew simultaneously. So we were the first kiteboarding-specific swimwear brand, and that really enabled us to get a bit of a foothold in the market. We really have an established group that we cater to. And, for us, it's just about keeping consistent, always improving the product, but keeping consistent messaging. Our whole mission is empowering women in sports, and in the outdoors, and helping women feel good in their bodies so they can do what we all wanna do, which I believe is move with ease in the world and have as much fun as possible exploring this beautiful planet.
Is it sold online only or also in shops? We have swim shops as well, kind of all over the place. It's predominantly through our e-commerce site though, sensigravesswim.com.
You're also a woman's empowerment speaker. What type of speaking engagements have you done? This is something that I've started doing over the last two years. A kick in the butt from the pandemic when, at the beginning, I was like, ah, is anyone gonna buy swimwear? What am I gonna do? And I've always had this desire to teach.
I taught kiteboarding for a long time. I still put on women's kite camps and retreats. I still lead and facilitate groups, and I knew that a lot of people looked at me and said, wow, you have an amazing shiny life. You're a pro kiteboarder, you have your own swimmer line. It looks super badass on the outside. But as we all know on the inside, you're like, wait a second, I'm not enough, why don't I feel badass? And so the more I spoke to that on my social media, , um, the more people really resonated with it and the more I was like, gosh, this message, I not only wanna serve women, but all humans in helping people that look successful on the outside, feel successful on the inside.
And so what I speak on a lot is confidence, and feeling worthy in who you are and what you're doing, because I believe that it's only from that place of internal worthiness that we can go out and shine in our light and actually make an impact on the world. So, I speak to anyone that will have me, but in, terms of niching down people that are looking to overcome imposter syndrome. So people in business and, I've spoken to a couple of real estate agent groups, people in the outdoors, and then, young girls. Women and young women that are dealing with a lot of social media. it's. Extremely difficult for high school students.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for anybody wanting to get into kiteboarding? Yeah, definitely, for sure to take a lesson. If you can find a school that's near you. If you're around any sort of body of water, just google kiteboarding in your area or take a trip to a kite school if you have a little bit of disposable income to spend on that. But you'll wanna make friends with a Kiteboarding school and just learn about the sport. I would say start watching some videos to get comfortable with the terminology, cuz there's so much that when you get right in and you're like, wait, what? People are telling you this and you have to figure out this. So just start to spend time getting immersed. . And then if you really wanna come in, I would say buy a trainer kite and start practicing flying the trainer kit. That's something you can do by yourself without an instructor. And it is really good to learn how the kite flies, and then you can take a lesson from there.
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that costs under a hundred dollars? Yes, I actually do, it is by this company called Vessel. V S S S L. They have this small coffee grinder, so it's a little portable coffee grinder. We actually took it on our road trip down to Toto Santos last year. My husband and I and a couple of our friends were in a caravan down to our wedding. And we used that little thing every day for grinding up our beans and it's just a cool piece of technology.
Do you have any favorite books? I read a ton. I'm a pretty voracious reader. I have a, my favorite book list.
How to do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Follow up with Sensi:
sensigravesswim
Welcome to episode 364 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by The Running Event. Today I’m joined by Christina Henderson, Event Director for The Running Event. The premier conference and trade show for run specialty retailers. Christina and I talk about the recent TRE show in Austin and the debut of their new Switchback space featuring Outdoor brands.
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Show Notes So let's talk about 2022 overall. Obviously, it was good. Does the whole team feel that way? Everyone truly walked away feeling very good. So, very positive energy and accomplishment. And of course, there are always things that we can work on and do better, but you know, the team walked away. feeling very proud of what we did and as they should.
What were your top three wins from the Switchback space? Switchback at the running event was space on the trade show floor, but it was also networking opportunities. We did a breakfast with the Conservation Alliance and we did a trail cleanup. It truly was an experience and, we walked away feeling very happy with what we accomplished in year one.
What was the feedback from the brands? Our number one objective is can we create a space for business to happen. And, that is what happened in the Switchback space and the TRE space. We have received, very positive feedback from brands in the switchback space and. Saying again, "Hey, we're behind you. This concept is going to work and we will support you moving forward. We found value this year and we believe that there will be even more next year."
Was there anything you were a little worried about that, but came off as fantastic? The first that comes to mind is our education program. We have heard more feedback on our education program than any other year, and it wasn't by accident. I will say the team this year, we were so deliberate and intentional with every piece, and education was a big focus of ours.
So as your first time as the head honcho, how'd that feel? It felt great. It really did. You know being on-site, it's my favorite week of the year. There's no question. Just seeing all the smiling faces, all of the energy, people are learning, and truly, my team thrive.
Follow up with Christina
Website: https://www.therunningevent.com
chenderson@divdcom.com
IG: @cjflenderson
Today I’m joined by travel journalist, author, and snowboarder Tim Wenger. After finishing a BA in Communications from Fort Lewis College, Tim jumped into the back of a Ford Econoline and spent a few years playing guitar in dark bars while falling in love with adventure travel. He's been unable to rest his pen (or his feet) ever since.
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Show Notes I gotta hear about those years in a Ford Ecoline playing guitar in the dark bars while falling in love with adventure travel. Where, first of all, where'd that idea come from?
So basically I played guitar in a punk band for about a decade. A couple of them over that time, but primarily one that was more serious and, we toured around the Southwest, playing bars and now and then when we’d open for a bigger band and we'd get to play in a theater. But usually, it was bar-level gigs and sleeping on people's couches and, trying to imitate our heroes. We never quite became the next Blink 182, but, we certainly tried. I always tell people, playing in a rock band is a great thing to do when you're in your twenties, right? Because you're staying out till 2:00 AM all the time, which you'd probably be doing anyway. You're hanging out at rock clubs, you're getting in a van, driving around. It's fun, but it's not something I'd wanna do now.
So is there a particular story or event from that experience that was maybe uniquely fun or maybe not fun?
I would say that my favorite thing about it, traveling as a musician, was the camaraderie among the other bands. You know, when you are a working band showing up at a rock club in some random place, you have an instant connection with the other people that are there with the other bands that are going through the same things that you're doing. You know, everybody's got a crappy day job back home and, you're trying to be like your heroes.
How did you become a writer?
I went to school for communications. Journalism was kinda my thing. I was on the high school newspaper staff, yada, yada, yada.
And after the band, you know, I started getting a little older, mid-twenties, starting to get into my upper twenties. I didn't know what I was gonna do. Obviously, this isn't paying the bills, so I started looking for writing gigs and ended up getting a weekly gig for a website that paid $50 a week to do a column about the local music scene in Denver. So that was, that was my first actual paid byline that I ever had, was writing for these guys. And that sort of gave me some clips that I could send out to other publications. It allowed me to be out on the town saying, Hey, I'm writing a story about this. Do you wanna talk to me? And then that leads to more connections. So it's a very self-starting thing, very much like being in a band. So I was kind of able to borrow some of those skills and move them over to keep networking my way into better and better writing gigs.
Your Matador bio says that you're the transactional content at Matador. What is the transactional content editor?
Basically, it's a fancy name for affiliate marketing. So I run all of our affiliate marketing content, be that Airbnb roundups or product reviews, or hotel features. I oversee that stuff and I also do a lot of outdoors content. I'm more of the outdoors content, whereas I'm editing the affiliate stuff most of the time.
You write for a number of other folks also other than Matador, right?
Right now I have three active contracts of which Matador is the largest. I also write edited a company called Static Media also, and I'm currently working on the Fodors travel guidebook for Colorado that will publish, I believe, next July. So I'm doing four. I'm updating and fact-checking four chapters of that guidebook.
How'd you get involved with Matador?
It kind of came about through social media. Originally I was working at a music magazine in Denver, that I kind of parlayed myself into through my other gig. I worked at a magazine called Music Buzz for four years, and they folded in 2020. Shortly thereafter, it literally couldn't have been two weeks, I was scrolling through Facebook and an old friend from high school shared an article from Matador on their feed, I clicked on it and started reading that article and then a few others. And that was the first time that I ever heard the term digital nomad, or ever realized that there were all of these people working on laptops, you know, basing their lives living in a van or traveling around Southeast Asia or basically doing all these things. There's a lot of ski bums, there's a lot of people doing the same things I've always been doing, but there was a formal name for it and there's like a community and I knew instantly that I had to be a part of it.
So I signed up for this writing course that they had, and one of their editors reached out to me and was like, hey, you look like you've got some experience. Why don't you try writing this article? And it just kind of progressed from there, that was in 2015. I wrote for them consistently, about Colorado and Denver primarily for two years, and got on staff in 2017.
So tell us a little bit about Matador. What, do they do? How do they do it?
It's, a daily digital travel magazine based in San Francisco, but the team is remote. I believe the only person now actually in San Francisco is the founder, Ross Borden, who says, and he's not wrong. This is the best description I've ever heard of Matador, but he says that Matador is if Nat Geo and Buzzfeed had a baby. You got the adventure travel, the outdoors, the kind of conservation, you know, the sustainability angle to it, but it's aimed at millennials. So the bulk of our readership is millennials, so it's, it's shorter articles, not 5,000-word features like you're gonna see in Nat Geo.
And did they do anything with podcasting?
Well, they didn't until myself and my now co-host, Eban Diskin started a podcast independently and, ran it for a year, and then we ended up selling the rights of it to Matador. Which was under the table. You know, we knew that this was always our goal when we started was to merge with Matador or someone similar, But they did not know that at the time.
We started independently and then wrote them a pitch after we had a year's worth of episodes to show. And that's the No Blackout Dates Podcast. The Unfiltered Travel Podcast.
So you, Rachelle, and Adam gave a great presentation on pitching at the Outdoor media summit, just pitching editors and whatnot. Do you have three tips for listeners when they're pitching editors on a gear review or an idea for an article? Is there anything that you always try to incorporate or do?
Yeah, absolutely, I'll give you, I'll give you two tips and one way to optimize those tips.
The first thing that anybody that works in media will want to know is, why is this piece of gear relevant right now? It could be seasonally appropriate, or maybe it's an upgrade of an existing product that you've made better. Why am I writing about this right now? That's the first thing that needs to be at the top of any pitch. The second would be what specific problem is this piece of gear solving, which I think is overlooked by a lot of gear companies because it's very common nowadays for an outdoorsy person to be out on the trail using a piece of gear, and be like, okay, I wish this piece of gear did this. I'm gonna go make that and then I'm gonna sell it. That's awesome. But you need to hone down your pitch when you are on the trail having a problem. Because that's what makes something newsworthy and, that's what makes something different. Why is yours different? Why is yours solving a problem that split boarders have or that the park snowboarder has? What problem are you solving?
And then to kind of tie those two together, I think it's really cool when a PR person or a brand or a writer, whoever it might be, includes in their pitch some sort of a creative use case. You know, like this could be a trip planning angle, like this is the first helmet that was ever taken on this crazy ascent of this peak in Antarctica or something. Whatever it is that might be like, oh, damn, no one else is doing that. I, I need this piece of gear right now. You know, if the editor is thinking that, you know, the readers thinking that. If you have a good use case for your product that wasn't just, Hey, like I created this new product because I love to go hiking in the backcountry. What is the use? That is demonstrating the problem that you're solving.
Let's talk about the No Blackout Dates podcast. How'd that get started?
It was a pandemic project. So one of the Matador staff writers, Eban Diskin, approached me, I guess it was the summer of 2020, and asked if I wanted to start a podcast with them.
And, you know, I hadn't been on the road in a few months and we were both longing for travel, so we figured we might as well start talking about it at least. So that was the launch of it and, we started interviewing people that summer and launched in October of 2020, the first four episodes. Now we're about to hit a hundred. I think by the end of January or February we should be there.
Tell us a little bit about it
It's travel related, our pitch is that it's the Unfiltered Travel podcast that talks about the stuff that the other travel podcast won't talk about.
So, rather than giving somebody a PR spiel about why they need to visit a place, we'll talk to the foreign correspondent that lives there about what the scene is actually like in that city. For example, we just interviewed a correspondent that lives in Taiwan about how the China-Taiwan conflict, will impact travel. We interviewed, Kevin Kelly, the founder of Wired Magazine about his new project Vanishing Asia, where he traveled around Asia for 30 years and took photos. So we're trying to tell untold stories, through a lens that is not something that has to pass into print publication, not filtered.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks that want to get into the outdoor biz?
The best thing that's helped me more than anything, no matter what I've been doing in my career is going to places and just networking. Like Outdoor Media Summit, you're going to the happy hour and everybody that's there has both a skill that they can offer and a problem that they need to solve, just like you do.
And the more people you can connect with, the more you're gonna realize that you can solve their problems or they can solve yours. And that's the fastest way to catapult your career.
What are a couple of your favorite Books?
I would start by encouraging everyone to read, Let My People Go Surfing by Yvonne Chouinard. I know he's super trending right now, with his recent announcement about Patagonia, but he breaks down the best mantra on not only running a business, but on living your life based on your priorities.
Probably my favorite book I've ever read is Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut, which, it's a little, it's a little abstract, in the sense this being an outdoors podcast, but I really like the way that Vonnegut breaks down his characters and their struggles and how they overcome those struggles in a very self-conscious manner
I also run a substack called Mountain Remote that I would love to have people check out. It's a free weekly newsletter I do as a resource for remote workers who build their lives around outdoor adventures. So if you wanna sign out or sign up, you can just go timwenger.dot net
Follow up with Tim
I’m thrilled to catch up with Rob Holmes today. Rob is the founder of GLP Films, and their mission is to help brands reach sustainability goals, protect nature, communities, culture, and heritage through the lens of storytelling and content marketing.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes How Rob was introduced to the Outdoors My real connection with the outdoors started with my dad and going out on these crazy adventures with him and my two older brothers. The funny thing is my dad was a Southern boy. He's from Tennessee. He knew absolutely nothing about the outdoors. I mean, I, I don't know if he knew anything but someone helped him get the equipment and things that we needed, external backpacks and all that stuff from back then. Honestly, that really, if I had to celebrate my real connection to it. He had two weeks of vacation every year and those would be dedicated to taking his three crazy sons out.
When he picked up his first camera I had a Pentax K 2000, so if that doesn't date me, I don't know what does. But my getting into photography, was really just my passion thing. It hit me really, I think in college, when, you're exposed to a lot of courses. I went to a small liberal arts college in upstate New York, Hobart College. And I majored in environmental studies, and wildlife management. So sort of this odd combination I had to petition the school cause they had nothing around wildlife. I took one photography class and you take that black-and-white photography class everybody takes to get your entry-level photo class. I got, I think a B, but I remember that I didn't like any of the history stuff. I just wanted to shoot the camera. That's all I wanted to do.
The start of GLP Film I pretty much was doing freelance. I did some independent projects with organizations, some nonprofits out of Seattle, and one in particular called the Tibetan Nuns Project. It was a small NGO. They had a project on the Tibetan side of India. So I went there for three consecutive years just to shoot their calendar. They had an annual calendar, but that was one example of a project. But more importantly, I did a lot of solo work. When I was in Seattle, I went to grad school. At the University of Washington, I actually got into the business. So I got an MBA, which again, that was the last thing I thought I'd ever get, but I got an MBA and, after school, I started with a company, in the digital content space, in the outdoor industry.
The inspiration for GLP Films I had these three different sorts of stools and the legs of the stool that I like to look at.
One was this real passion for conservation. I had a real passion for the outdoors. I worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club for five years. Worked for nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy. So I had a real interest in and passion and conservation. That was one stool. I think the other was obviously media, I started in photography and got into video. I think on the video side, the turning point for me was Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth. Seeing that in 2006, I think it was the number-one at that time documentary film of all time. And if you can take a slideshow and make it the highest-grossing documentary film, there's something there. And, it really was just the power of video.
And, it really was just the power of video. And I saw that and I used it to go to the Seattle International Film Festival every year. And I would go to all the documentary films on international. I would just go myself, sit in the back row, buy all these random tickets, looking for the most far-flung countries in the world. So I got really into documentaries. So that was the second leg.
And then the third leg was business. That entrepreneurship bug hit me as a young kid. And I ended up getting a graduate degree. I studied in India and South Africa and Brazil while going to business school. And so for me I wanna combine these three components.
Rob's advice for folks that want to get into photography or shoot films? I will say though, in hindsight, because I do know a lot of very successful photographers is . . . the classic . . . focus on what you do. Find your niche and become the absolute best in what you do. Just make sure that you love what you're doing. Because at the end you're gonna work more as an entrepreneur or small business. You're gonna have to be a go-getter. And, it's tough to have that energy if you don't like what you're doing. So just make sure that you focus on whatever your niche is and your specialty.
And become the absolute best, just make sure you love it. And then I think the other point though, is network network network, really leverage your local regional, national, global audience because that really is going to be the key to how you get your content out there, your work out there, your expertise out there for others to pick you up.
Trade Show Banner Sustainability or Bust
Daily Routines My big thing is getting outdoors. So, I run and have Qualified for Boston twice. So I'm a big runner. I love to bike, I'm in Kennebunkport, Maine. So, I'm right along the coast, I feel very, very lucky where we are. And so I'm running, biking, walking, every day.
Favorite Books I'm more on the newspaper side than the magazine side. I would say on the newspaper side New York times. I mean some of the best editorial content globally.
Magazines- I've always been a fan of Outside.
Expedition Books- Galen Rowell
Favorite piece of outdoor gear MSR Whisper Light
Sustainability Storytelling Competition
GLP Films has just launched its " sustainability storytelling competition" It's a global competition open to all industries, not just tourism. It could be the food industry, could be diversity, conservation, wildlife, tourism, all different sectors. There are six different categories that people can submit under. It's open to organizations, small, large, nonprofit, and bigger organizations. You can submit as many times as you want.
And the cool thing is . . . for the grand prize winner, GLP will come and film your story on location!
Follow GLP Facebook
Vimeo
YouTube
Enjoy this replay of my conversation with one of my environmental heroes Doug Peacock. I was fortunate to meet Doug at an Earth First! Rendezvous in Idaho in 1988. I'm just finishing his newest book "Was it Worth It", from Patagonia Books. Doug and I talk about his many adventures, his love for wildness, and his current work to save the Yellowstone Grizzly.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Show Notes Intro to Outdoors My dad was a boy scout organizer. So he would go up to the woods and lead them and organize boy scout troops operated in the woods. And I would be too little to be a boy scout.
So I got cut loose to just run wild in the woods and catch turtles and hunt squirrels, whatever, everything. And that's how I grew up.
Books Was It Worth It?: A Wilderness Warrior's Long Trail Home
In the Shadow of the Sabertooth:A Renegade Naturalist Considers Global Warming, the First Americans and the Terrible Beasts of the Pleistocene
The Essential Grizzly: The Mingled Fates of Men and Bears
Walking It Off: A Veteran's Chronicle of War and Wilderness
¡Baja!
Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness
Favorite Gear Korean war Mickey Mouse boots, those black things
Advice At Save the Yellowstone Grizzly, actually, we're looking for help. People that can be tablers in Yellowstone National Park, and just talk to people about bears and hand out brochures, and stuff like that.
Writers/Books "You want it dense, really high specific gravity. I remember carrying the Odyssey, Moby Dick, and I carried one of Jimmy Harrison's books out there. And after Ed died, I had to read Hayduke Lives, so I took it out there. Lately, I've just read a book by Joy Williams. And oh hell just three or four nights ago I cooked dinner for Richard Powers and Gretel Ehrlich and David & Betsy Quammen."
Edward Abbey
Books
Bill Eastlake
Books
Allan Harrington
The Immortalist
Follow up with Doug Doug Peacock Save the Yellowstone Grizzly
"Welcome to episode 360 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, today I’m speaking with Peter Driver from Piscari Fly. Peter tells us how he's been fishing since he was a kid, The Piscari Fly Business on the River Nore in Ireland and, the World Class Ireland Trout fishing."
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you this month by Tourism Ireland Also with support from Failte Ireland, Steller, and the Outdoor Writers Association of America Show Notes Piscari Fly River Nore How Peter got into Fly Fishing I grew up in the mountains in County Wicklow in a small village called Rathdrum and, in the village, we had a river running through called the Avonmore River. It's probably one of the most spectacular rivers we have in Ireland for scenery and beauty. It's absolutely stunning, but the whole community was kind of based around the river, and fly fishing was huge in that community. But my dad and all his brothers would've been a big fly fishermen and big competition anglers back in the day when I was only a wee boy.
Tell us about the shop We sell a whole shebang. Whatever you need for fly fishing or fly tying we got it. If we haven't got it we'll, we get it. But we do have one motto. I've always kind of built the business on a personal thing that if I'm not gonna use itself, there's a good chance I'm not gonna stock it. You know, we're very particular about what we stock in the shop. We do have a range from all over the world.
The Inspiration for Piscari Fly It was a simple thing, I was really struggling on getting high-quality tungsten beads over here in Ireland. Here you're buying 'em from here and there and they were Ok. They were coming in different sizes, different colors, different coats, and different weights. And it was really frustrating for me as a Competition Tyer. Sort of on the second time around that. So, I contacted some Tungsten bead companies in China and you know, over a six-month to a year period, we kinda came up with our own chunks of beads and I had to buy 'em in such large bulk that it made sense just to start selling some and, it just started from there and it just built and built and built.
What's your favorite piece of gear under a hundred dollars? Skafars indicator wax
One of the other things that I bought that I would not fish without is my knee pads. A good set of knee pads or shin guards, they have saved my life so many times. And you can find em here for 50 euros.
Follow up with Peter check us out at Piscari fly is the main handle for everyone. So if you put in piscari fly on your Facebook or your Twitter or your Instagram or anything like that, it'll bring you to us. Or just go straight to our website www.pescarifly.com and take a look around. I say our live shows go every Saturday night at 8:30 PM Irish GMT time and, then it goes onto our YouTube channel every Saturday and every Sunday morning.
I recently met Allie Nichols from Osmo Nutrition at the Running Event in Austin, Texas and today Allie shares why Osmo is the best-tasting sports nutrition to ensure the best performance for pro-level athletes as well as us active recreational outdoor lovers.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. Show Notes
Welcome to episode 359 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, tonight I’m speaking with Forloh's Andy Techmanski. Forloh is a relatively new brand in the technical apparel space and Andy is here to share his inspiration and talk about the unique new products and technologies they have brought to market.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. Show Notes FORLOH 01:42 How Andy got into hunting. We were always hunting with three or four generations, of hunters and started as early as I can remember, three, four years old going out with a stick beating bushes and everything, right? Playing bird dog and you know, everything else from my dad and grandfather.
03:03 What was the inspiration behind Forough? You know, spending a lot of money on gear that just wouldn't work all year. So I started to brainstorm the idea and it was something that evolved over five years before I actually started Forough.
04:07 Where's the name come from? FORLOH is an acronym for "For Love of Hunting".
31:30 Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor apparel business? I will tell you this, you know, when we got into this, we absolutely got into it to not hurt any of the other brands out there you know, we were starting something completely different. Made in the USA, using different technologies, so on and so forth. There's a lot of room in the industry for others.
Follow up with Andy Website: https://forloh.com/
YouTube
Today I’m joined by Liza Amlani and Raj Dhiman from the Retail Strategy Group. Liza is the Principal of Retail Strategy Group and Raj is the Chief Rainmaker and Co-Founder at Retail Strategy Group. We got together at The Running Event in Austin Texas to review their Retail Playbook.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe!
Sign up for my Newsletter HERE.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Show Notes Retail Strategy Group The Merchant Life About Us Liza Amlani Liza Amlani is the go-to expert in retail merchandising, product creation, and accelerating speed to market. She is the Principal of Retail Strategy Group: a consulting practice helping brands and retailers dramatically improve profitability and increase organizational effectiveness.
Raj Dhiman Raj Dhiman Ph.D. is the Chief Rainmaker and Co-Founder at Retail Strategy Group. He is an expert in tech sales having sold software for over seven years. He is a respected sales coach and has elevated the performance of hundreds of sales professionals.
Retail Strategy Group Insights Follow up with Retail Strategy Group Email: hello@retailstrategygroup.com
YouTube
Welcome to episode 358 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Iain Miller. Iain is the founder of Unique Ascent in Donegal, Ireland. Iain says they provide fundamentally two services, the first is a unique and extensive guiding service, and the second is a mountain training service in which they provide Mountain Training courses and assessments. Brought to you by Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland, and Steller
I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com or leave me a message on Speakpipe!
Sign up for my Newsletter HERE.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Show Notes Unique Ascent 01:45 How Iain got into the outdoors. Oh, well, I'm 52 now, and I've been, I've been playing outside mainly trekking and hill walking or hiking since I was about 12, and then as soon as I got my first car I was just off hiking on my own around Scotland.
03:05 How Iain became a guide? All the things in life are not planned. It just happens that the more you do something, the more people hear or see that you're doing something. I was rock climbing. I moved to Donegal and I was rock climbing the sea stacks and stuff there. And the more I did, the more people contacted me. Before long I was taking people out.
04:15 Which of your activities are the most popular? The most popular is sea stack climbing. People just want to do something that's different.
18:17 If you could share one tip for anyone coming to Ireland to climb, what would that be? In coming to Ireland, the chances are that they're coming from a place where there's going to be a lot of bolts in the rock that they've climbed. I don't wanna say there's no place, but there are very few places with bolted roots. When you come to Ireland to climb, you're likely gonna be on your own. So having your own gear, getting a guidebook, working with the weather, getting things done. There's more, perhaps more chance for disappointment with weather and not finding cracks, it's just not a big sport, so just, be ready to have a, have a look about, you may not climb, but you'll have a nice day anyway
Follow up with Iain Email: uniqueascent@gmail.com
YouTube
Tourism Ireland
Failte Ireland
Steller
Welcome to episode 357 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Adam Ruggiero from Gear Junkie. We wander all over the place . . . from how he got connected with Gear Junkie to the piece of gear he feels we haven’t quite gotten dialed in yet. Brought to you this month by The Running Event.
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Colin True has held a variety of roles in the Outdoor Biz. and is the founder of Rock Fight LLC and writer and producer of the Layers Podcast by Polartec. He is ALL IN ON Podcasts. We talk about the value of podcasting for brands and retailers, Colin walks us through the Layers Podcast, and plenty more!
Brought to you this month by The Running Event Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!
Ammit Jaipuria joins me from Postcard Travel. Ammit and his team are Inspiring a New Generation of Mindful Travelers Through Storytelling. At Postcard, they believe responsible travel starts with building empathy and educating travelers about the people and places they visit. They invite travel writers, hotels, travel designers, industry groups, and tourism boards to come together and showcase local stories of their people, history, culture, food, nature, and wildlife. They share these stories with a global community of travelers and invite them to book with their partners.
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Today on Episode 354 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast I'm joined by Rachel Dodds the Director of Sustainable Tourism – a boutique consulting firm.
A dynamic, self-starter with over 25 years of international experience across a wide spectrum of the tourism industry.
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Paul O'Reilly from Inland Fisheries Ireland gets us Fishing for Brown Trout at a small lake called Derry Lee in Connemara Ireland with Adam Conroy from Clifden Anglers.
Connect with Paul: paul.oreilly@fisheriesireland.ie
Website: http://www.fishinginireland.info/
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Welcome to Episode 353 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I'm joined by Dana 3 Gleason from Mystery Ranch. He recently got the "Keys to the Kingdom" as he takes on the role of Director of Product at Mystery Ranch.
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Welcome to episode 352 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m joined by Christina Henderson, TRE Event Director talking about the launch of Switchback for Outdoor at The Running Event.
Join us in Austin
Register for The Running Event (TRE) and Switchback at TRE and receive exclusive discounted rates with code OUTDOORBIZTRE. Use this link to register: https://xpressreg.net/register/trec1222/landing.php?sc=OUTDOORBIZTRE
Get in Touch
Have questions? Contact TRE Event Director Christina Henderson at chenderson@divcom.com.
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From Japan to Jacksonville Mark and his family want to show fellow travelers the world. As a family of four who has spent decades living, traveling, and working abroad they appreciate honesty in travel and aim to give that to others to help make the most of their precious travel time and Mark is here to tell us all about it.
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Today I’m joined by Amy Kapp from Rails to Trails Conservancy. Amy has more than 18 years of experience in print and digital content creation, editorial management, and outdoor journalism. Having joined the RTC team in 2014 as editor of Rails to Trails magazine and the TrailBlog, she focuses on telling the story of the impact of trails on America.
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Rory Martin from Strangford Lough Activity Centre joins Rick after a paddle around Strangford Lough, Ireland.
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Duck’s Unlimited Great Plains Communications Specialist Jennifer Kross shares her waterfowl and wetland ecology background and how she communicates what Ducks Unlimited does and how and why they do it.
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Today on episode 348 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast Houdini Sportswear Head of Brand Engagement & DTC Sales Niclas Bornling tells us how an odd band of scientists, artists, designers, and adventurers, are pushing the boundaries of how outdoor clothing is made.
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Noah and the passionate Erem team of gear junkies, activists, and desert rats are motivated every day to produce the best, most environmentally sustainable desert footwear possible. They are also committed to planting one million cactus pear cacti, which have huge potential in the fight against climate change.
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This week on episode 346 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m joined by Ginny Garner from Casper College in Wyoming. Ginny and I talk about her work-life history, why she loves living in Casper, and all the great things going on in the Tourism and Recreation curriculum at Casper College. If you want to work in tourism and or recreation this is a must-listen!
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Originally from the PNW Steven left his career as an engineer in early 2020 to move into a van full-time, and pursue personal goals in rock climbing and traveling around the country interviewing world-class climbers to tease out the habits and routines that got them where they are today. Steven and I talk about some of that inspiration, how he got into climbing, and of course podcasts.
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This week on The Outdoor Biz Podcast we have a repeat guest, we first heard from Ammi Borenstein from Snaplinc Consulting back in 2019 talking about sustainability activities in outdoor product production. Ammi and I spoke a few weeks ago and there have been quite a few changes in those 3 years so . . . he’s back!
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This week I’m thrilled to be speaking with Chris Paparo. Born and raised on Long Island Chris has been exploring the wilds of the Island for over 30 years. As the owner of Fish Guy Photos, he’s a wildlife photographer, writer, lecturer, member of @OWAA and New York State Outdoor Writers, and currently manages the Marine Sciences Center at the Southampton campus of Stony Brook University.
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Welcome to episode 342 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m talking with Outdoor Journalist and OWAA member Rob Annis. I met Rob in Casper, WY at the OWAA conference. In this episode, Rob tells us what it’s like to write for a living. We talk about the travel, the clients, deadlines, and he shares a great tip about getting ideas sitting at a bar with a guidebook open!
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Liza Amlani has over 20 years of Industry knowledge and Experience in Merchandising, Buying, Product Development, and Sourcing with Luxury and Mass Merchant Retailers in both Regional and Global markets and has some progressive thoughts on traditional retail business. We get into a little of that and plenty more in this wide-ranging conversation.
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Andy Palmer from The Adventure Portal made a visit to the Eastern Sierra recently and we wandered around the Upper Owens and East Walker Rivers for four days or so creating content for NIMBL Vehicles and Slumberjack.
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Welcome to episode 339 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Fellow Podcaster, Business Coach, and OWAA compadre Howard Fox drops by to talk about his two podcasts. We also drop plenty of ideas small and large businesses can implement through podcasting to inspire followers and grow revenue.
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Have you wanted to sing the Russian National Anthem . . . with an army general in a brothel bar in Yemen? Or get chased by pirates off the coast of Africa? This week on Episode 338 Patrick Schulte of Wanderer Financial shares those stories and how he and his family live the wanderer life traveling the world!
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This week on episode 337 OrthoLites' newest footwear technology, Cirql, has been making waves in the industry. Cirql technology is aimed at helping usher the footwear industry towards a more sustainable and environmentally sound future and newly enlisted Chief Brand Officer Kristin Burrows is here to tell us all about it!
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I’m thrilled to catch up with Rob Holmes today. Rob is the founder of GLP Films, and their mission is to help brands reach sustainability goals, and protect nature, communities, culture, and heritage through the lens of storytelling and content marketing.
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If learning to sail is on your bucket list you’ll love this episode with Nautilus Sailing founder Tim Geisler. Tim tells us how Nautilus Sailing came to life, what learning to sail is like with Nautilus, and shares a success story of someone who began with no skills and is now a proficient sailor.
Call Nautilus at 800-680-7902 to take them up on their offer of $500 off on any of their week-long live-a-board courses for Outdoor Biz listeners.
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Gary Lenett from Duer Jeans drops by and talks about how the idea for jeans made to move came to life, making jeans out of Eucalyptus trees, and much more in our wide-ranging conversation.
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Colin True has held a variety of roles in the Outdoor Biz and is the founder of Rock Fight LLC and the writer and producer of the Layers podcast by Polartec. He is ALL IN ON Podcasts. We talk about the value of podcasting for brands and retailers, Colin walks us through the Layers Podcast, and plenty more! Brought to you this month by Thrive Market.
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Episode 332 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Kenji Haroutunian and Lance Camisasca from The Big Gear Show. We talk about the success of the inaugural Big Gear Show and what we can expect this time out!
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Welcome to Episode 331 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Geartrade Founder Aaron Provine. Aaron tells us how you can buy and sell the gear you love for your outdoor adventures. Keep your gear out of landfills and give it a longer life . . . it’s the UnNew outdoor!
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Welcome to episode 330 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Stephen Barnes. Stephen recently partnered up with Bryan Wachs and together they’ve recently launched The Outdoor Rec co-op. Stephen and I dive deeper into the central idea behind their co-op which is to put the power in the hands of the employees and engage and incentivize them to grow companies for their own futures as well as the future of the company!
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Welcome to Episode 329 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Aaron Kindle, Director of Sporting Advocacy with the National Wildlife Federation. Aaron is a lifelong Westerner, originally from Wyoming, who possesses a deep appreciation for the West, its people, and its wild country.
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Sara Ellis is a Global Product Specialist within Gore Fabric's Consumer Garments business unit, leading a cross-functional development team to bring new product innovations to market. Gore is a global manufacturer of diverse products, most well-known for its ingredient GORE-TEX product brand. Currently, Sara is supporting development efforts behind a new material platform for its GORE-TEX brand in an effort to continuously deliver high-performing products, while lowering the environmental footprint.
Links:
Sara
Gore
Website: https://www.gore-tex.com/
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Episode 327 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast features Envoy B2B’s Matt Dobrowolski and Gabe Maier from BrandKeep sharing their insights and surprises from the Envoy B2B 2022 Retailer Challenge report, Brought to you by Envoy B2B.
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I get to speak with one of my environmental heroes Doug Peacock. I was fortunate to meet Doug at an Earth First! Rendezvous in Idaho in 1988. I'm just finishing his newest book "Was it Worth It", from Patagonia Books. Doug and I talk about his many adventures, love for wildness, and his current work to save the Yellowstone Grizzly. Facebook TwitterInstagram https://ricksaez.com/listen/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Outdoor Biz Podcast Links Doug Peacock Was It Worth It? Save the Yellowstone Grizzly Patagonia Books
Welcome to Episode 325 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Robin Hall says that her passions are Planet + Kids + Community + Outdoors and she is putting her heart and soul into her startup Town Hall Outdoor Co. She tells us about their kids' outdoor gear and how they are having so much fun!
Townhallco.com
Townhall Instagram
Townhall Facebook
Robin Hall
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30-year glove manufacturing veteran Gary Schloss felt obliged and inspired to bring a protective glove to market and help offer a solution to contain the spread of COVID-19. Gary and his team delivered that solution in the Spring of 2020 and he’s here to tell us all about it.
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Welcome to Episode 323 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Whatsup PR founder Beth Cochran is here with me today sharing stories about her 25-year Outdoor Career, the PR space, we talk about the OR Show, and plenty more.
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I’m thrilled to talk with fellow podcaster Emily Holland on the show today. Emily has been producing, hosting, and editing shows for over 3 years, including The Stokecast and the Nature Untold Podcast. After recently stepping back from hosting for a bit now she helps other podcasters get started or supercharge what they’ve already built.
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Downlite began in down and feather more than 100 years ago and continues to lead in quality and innovation today and today I’m excited to speak with Downlite President of the Feather and Down Division Josh Werthaiser.
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This week I'm talking with Costa Sunglasses new VP of Marketing John Acosta. With more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor and fishing industries, John will now oversee Costa’s global marketing efforts.
We talk about the exciting opportunity in the fishing industry. 2021 marked the best year ever in Costa's history - in terms of sales and performance and the fishing industry is also experiencing the highest growth in fishing participation in more than a decade.
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I'm here today with Stasia Walker, Sablle Scheppmann, Kelsey McGrew, and Carrie Watson from The Futurist Project. They're here to tell us about the project, their leadership training, and I'm sure we'll wander a bit off-trail to some other topics.
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I’m excited to have videographer, photographer, and fellow podcaster Cole Heilborn on the podcast today. Cole hosts the Backcountry Marketing Podcast, you can hear me on episode 79. He loves creating films and says the challenge of making something creative is a challenge he never tires of.
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My long-time friend and colleague Chad Kelly joins me on the show today. Brought to you this month by SmugMug.
Chad began his outdoor career in retail then joined Mike and Sue Sullivan and the Sullivan agency as a rep with brands like Eagle Creek and Ex Officio, and now is the President at eVent Fabrics.
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This week Andy Wynne, TMC CEO and developer of Nuyarn joins us on the podcast. Nuyarn Merino has revolutionized the merino wool industry with its manufacturing technology and has vastly improved the benefits of Merino wool in terms of comfort, performance, and sustainability.
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This week’s inspiring conversation features WANDRD Co-Founder Ryan Cope. Ryan talks about growing up all over the world, how the idea for WANDRD formed around their kitchen table, and launching with Kickstarter.
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I’m thrilled to speak with Dkota Partner and Chief Brand Officer Rob Rosenblum today. The independent explorer spirit is what sparked Dkota Grizzly’s passion to produce the heartland’s most premium and durable apparel. Rob and I talk about their products, commitment to retailers, and more in this wide-ranging conversation.
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Welcome to episode 313 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with John McKinney founder of HR Outfitter. John has built an HR resource and team of professionals with experience in the outdoor industry and a love for adventure! He walks us through how they provide outdoor recreation companies with innovative HR Consulting and Staffing solutions so you can focus on running your business, whichever segment of the outdoor recreation industry you’re in.
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You know what a fan of good coffee I am . . . today I’m excited to speak with Zach Pecha from Hikers Brew. Zach and I talk about Hikers Brew and how it came to life and he shares his and Addy’s mission to promote sustainability within the outdoor and food packaging industries.
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I’m excited to speak with Keith Bornholtz today about his new role as CEO of Gathr Outdoors, Parent to GCI Outdoor, ORCA Coolers, Klymit, and Rightline Gear. Keith and I talk about the recent announcement of their rebrand as Gathr Outdoors, his Outdoor career, and their rebranding process with a new look and trajectory that is very much focused on outdoor.
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Libsyn’s Rob Walch and I obviously geek out a bit on podcasting and he shares tips, small business podcasting success stories and the value publishing a podcast offers small businesses.
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Gareth Richards began his outdoor career as a guide and educator then got into the online biz with planet outdoors dot com before online was a thing. He spent time as VP of sales with Lowe Alpine and Mountainsmith and started Prolink in September of 2004. Facebook TwitterInstagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/ Show Notes: planetoutdoors.com
Lowe Alpine
Mountain Smith
The Teifi River
Prescott College
Cornell University
NOLS
What outdoor activities do you guys participate in, you and your family? "I still rock climb with a bunch of buddies, paddle a little bit, not as much as I used to, and mountain bike and ski."
Gareth's advice to get into the outdoor industry: "Do your homework and align yourself with brands, with companies who have the same values as you."
Gareth's favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars: Grayl water purifier
Follow up with Gareth: gareth@outdoorprolink.com
Outdoor Prolink
Vimeo
Lucas Gilman is one of the leading adventure photographers and filmmakers in the industry for the last 20 years. His powerful and incisive images run in top publications & advertisements worldwide and his love of adventure and addiction to color creates his distinct style of photography and filmmaking. I’ve had the good fortune to work and learn from him on a couple of different occasions.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/ Show Notes Lucas Gilman Nikon
Rich Clarkson
Nomad Charcoal Grill
Advice
I would say you only have one chance to make a first impression. I would say if you're wanting to work figure out who your client is first. If that's National Geographic figure out what kind of portfolio you'd need to build, to impress National Geographic. And I'd say that you need to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. And until you're ready to show them your portfolio. Don't do it. You only have that first chance once.
Show Banner
"chance favors the prepared mind" the old Louis Pasteur quote
Favorite Books
Tim Flach Dog Books
Chris Rainier: Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking
Ansel Adam's In The National Parks
Annie Liebowitz
Tom Mangelson
Favorite Gear under $100
Leatherman Skeleton
10 stop ND filter
Follow up with Lucas
LucasGilman.com
Instagram lucasgilman
Laurel King is here with me today and we have a wide-ranging conversation about her Outdoor Industry Jobs dot com. A job posting service for companies that manufacture and distribute products or provide services that support the outdoor product industry.
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Krimson Klover founder Rhonda Swenson is on the other side of the mic today telling us how her grandmother taught her to knit at age 9 starting her lifelong love affair with sweaters.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/ Snippets
Rhonda's first item she knitted 02:23 - 02:46
Rhonda's favorite gear 17:30 - 17:46
Rhonda's Advice 16:21 - 16:58
They say that if you love your job, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. That seems to be the case for Jordan Hirro, who turned his passion for climbing into a career. Jordan is the Advertising & Sales Executive at Outside Interactive. In this episode, he joins host Rick Saez to share his journey and how his love for the outdoors paved the way to his successful career. He also gives some insight and shares tips for anyone aspiring for a career in media and advertising, especially in the climbing industry. Stay tuned!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Snippets
Jordan’s Intro to the Outdoors 02:09 - 02:24
Jordan’s Favorite Gear 37:37 - 38:00
Jordan’s Advice to get into media 32:14 - 32:45
Seager Clothing wants to be synonymous with grit and ruggedness. Seager’s founders, Elliott Shaw, Case Anderson, and Mattson Smith, created a brand based on their love for the outdoors and toughened by the challenges they faced in building their business. In this episode, Rick Saez talks to Seager’s founders about the great outdoors. We learn how they got into outdoor activities, how their friendship gave birth to Seager, and their experiences growing their business. Tune in for more outdoor adventures and business ideas with Rick and his guests.
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9:56 - 10:07 How did Seager get started? [EP 304]
12:27 - 12:32 Why start with clothing? [EP 304]
17:19 - 17:27 You made up the name? [EP 304]
Living in Boulder, Colorado, a place that almost seemed to be one with nature, it would be difficult not to be interested in the outdoors. In this episode, Rick Saez is joined by Professional Rock Climber Jonathan Siegrist. Jonathan shares how his family influenced him to love the outdoors. He takes us to his journey of making a living out of his passion for outdoor activities, especially mountain biking and rock climbing, and why he decided to live by himself outdoors through a camper van. Join in this conversation as Jonathan tells us his incredible journey of turning passion into living. Tune in to discover how you could make your life brighter too with the outdoors!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Snippets
4:07 - 4:22 being a kid, I kind of wanted to like go fast and jump off things. [EP 303]
14:39 - 14:54 I bet I've spent like no joke, six or seven months in it of the last year. So. I've put a lot of wear and tear on it. [EP 303]
15:48 - 16:05 it doesn't matter if you're a climber or a fisherman or a mountain biker, or you're just like a guy or a girl who wants to go hiking or sightseeing or whatever. [EP 303]
There is a reason behind every event. No one hosts an event just for money. An outdoor event is supposed to be a place where you can connect with nature, with the people you love. If you want to host an athletic event, raise awareness for a cause, or build corporate kinship, partner with Chris Hollingsworth, the owner of Seven Seas Industries. Join your host Rick Saez as he talks to Chris on how they deliver on that while traveling and living in their 4 Wheel Camper Rig. Get started in the event industry by volunteering today and being part of something special.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Snippets
05:46-06:03 We put on events
18:10-18:25 4 Wheel Camper Custom Designs
19:31-19:43 They began in 1972 19:31-19:43
Every additional feature to a custom camper van elevates your trip to make it more comfortable and memorable. Max Rekowski, General Manager at Vansmith, talks about how he brings his natural love for the outdoors and ecological knowledge to custom camper van conversions. Max tells us how they have continually changed and transformed into what it is today. Grown from a team of one to nine in three short years, they take ultimate pride in our Vansmith builds. They use premium materials with an intuitive design that allows for easy-to-use elegance in “Mad-Maxing” your van. Max also opens up how they compromise with their client’s most ridiculous requests and deal with the public’s increased interest in the outdoors because of the pandemic.
Jack Ballard might be the only person to run for Congress with his bird dog as an integral part of his campaign. Of course, there are many other important elements to his platform, such as education, healthcare, jobs and wages, the impact of drought on ag lands, wildfire mitigation, and more. Jack is the consummate outdoorsman, a nationally renowned outdoor writer and photographer who literally wrote the book (two actually) on elk hunting and now he's planning to use his background as a communicator, former farmer/rancher, outdoorsman, and educator to find workable solutions in Congress for all of us. On today’s podcast, he joins Rick Saez as he dives deep into his platform and the changes he wishes to see in the world.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
The unexpected pandemic impacted a large number of businesses, most especially in the outdoor industry. So the question everyone now asks is, how can you future-proof your business with such seemingly fickle circumstances? Today’s guest is Nick Sargent, President of SnowSports Industries America(SIA). SIA is an organization on a mission to help the winter outdoor community thrive by delivering invaluable education, data, and research. Nick joins host Rick Saez to offer advice on how businesses can adapt as the world moves toward a more digital and consumer-centric approach. He also speaks on why it’s important to value diversity, inclusion, and sustainable action as we dive into the future. Tune in to learn more!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
If you’re going to hit the great outdoors, you may need a good pair of gloves, and we have just the thing for you. Hestra Gloves produces some of the best outdoors use gloves on the market today. In this episode, Rick Saez interviews Hestra’s Marketing Manager, Drew Eakins. They talk about Hestra’s family lineage, their design, development, and production attention to detail, quality, and they geek out a bit on Seth Godin. Learn more about Hestra and their amazing gloves by tuning in.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Snippets
01:36 - 02:04 How were you introduced to the Outdoors? [EP 298]
04:44 - 05:15 Tell us about Seth Godin [EP 298]
34:00 - 34:25 Advice for folks wanting to get into the Outdoor Industry [EP 298]
Contributing to a sustainable new world doesn’t have to be a drastic lifestyle change. It can be in the form of even changing something as minor as switching from alkaline batteries to rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Today’s guest is here to share just how impactful that small step can be. Tom Bishop is the Founder of Pale Blue Earth, the battery company that wants you to buy fewer batteries through their USB rechargeable smart batteries. He joins host Rick Saez to share how he got his start in sustainable product development and what factors led to this innovation, such as his outdoor career. Tom expounds on the benefit of using this product and things to consider before making that change. He further discusses how you can reduce waste and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world in our own little ways. Tune in to learn more!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Gender-based violence is, unfortunately, a common issue in any business, and the outdoor industry is no exception. That is why sexual harassment prevention training should become part and parcel of each organization. That’s what Gina McClard, J.D. and Jim Miller are doing. Gina and Jim founded the Respect Outside in 2019 to help provide solutions and increase gender equity through a culture shift approach. They discuss the benefits and the long-term value of this training in helping employees thrive in the workplace and help companies attract diverse and high-quality talent. Gina and Jim also detail the different steps they take to guide companies on this path. Join your host Rick Saez in this insightful conversation on diversity, inclusion, sexual misconduct prevention, and equitable workplace culture in the outdoor industry business.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Today I have a unique show covering a topic many of us don’t give enough attention to, insurance. Rob Martin and Tori Hoeschler from the Horizon Agency are well versed on most things happening with Outdoor Sports Insurance and have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the outdoor industry, risk management, and challenges facing outdoor brands and shops across the country. Brought to you this month by Grammarly.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes How you were introduced to the outdoors Rob? I grew up in Boulder, Colorado for the most part, and was skiing at a very early age and camping every weekend. And continued on at the University of Colorado. Then left in the Vail Valley for five years after that. So I'm born and raised in the outdoor industry.
Tori, how about you? Yeah, I too would have to give all of the credit to my parents. My Dad, who's actually the founder of our outdoor sports insurance program and a former Olympic skier himself, and a major outdoor enthusiast. He would put me in a Jansport backpack as an infant go skiing with me down the hill. So I would say essentially from the point that I started to show signs of walking, I was in a pair of ski boots. It's kind of one of those things where it's hard to be in my family as well and not be an avid out outdoor enthusiast.
Did you have an outdoor job, Tori? Not in the retail space. I would say the closest thing I had to an outdoor job was when I was younger, like high school, I was a nanny for a lot of summers. And then one of the summers, I was nannying in a neighborhood where there were a ton of kids and a ton of other nannies. And we basically joined forces and started what was kind of like a summer camp to entertain all of the kids all at once. We would just do all kinds of things, like go on hikes and go out to the lakes and do events like that. So that I think would probably be the closest thing to my first outdoor type job.
Rob, how about you? I guess my first outdoor job really was out of college. I had an environmental management degree and worked for a fisheries biologist and got to run all over Colorado doing studies on the river and, shocking the river to do fish studies and those sorts of things. That job ended with some funding issues but I went up to Vail for the rest of one season and stayed five years, managing mountaineering shops. So that was what led to this career path.
Rob, how did you actually get into insurance? So my first insurance gig was, was this gig. I met Tory's father, and she's going to talk about Jake here in a minute. But we were at a wedding in California and got paired up on a golf course and I was looking to do something different. He had started what was then the ski insurance, what was the national ski insurance program in Minneapolis. And I took a chance and came up and started working for him. And that was Twenty-five years ago.
Tori? It's kind of funny because I really never had any intention of going into insurance. I have to say, you know, it's not necessarily a typical career path that people are like . . . when I grow up, I want to be an insurance broker. But you know, it is a program that I was effectively raised with if you will. And it's one that my dad started back in the eighties.
He actually went to school out in Colorado and then went to law school at the University of Denver. When he completed his education he had a ton of friends from that area and also from his skiing days. And he saw that a lot of his friends went into the business side of the outdoor sports in the retail space also, in the manufacturing space, but mainly in the retail space. He was seeing a lot of these ski shops, just getting totally clobbered with these crazy frivolous lawsuits. So he happened into insurance himself kind of by accident. But then he thought, okay, well I have my insurance license. I have a law of degree and I have all these friends who are at the business end of insane suits. So that's where he got the idea for this outdoor sports program.
Then I actually got into the insurance side of things about 15, 16 years ago, where I started out as an underwriter on the carrier side. And they say, once you get into insurance, you rarely get out.
What types of insurance do you focus on for outdoor businesses? It's commercial insurance or business insurance. The bread and butter of our program are what we do for retailers and brands, so we are helping the retailers. Obviously, they need affordable insurance, they need the right coverages, but they also have unique exposures to things like rentals and demos and special events. And putting people in outdoor recreation gear comes with its own concerns. We also work very closely with them in regards to providing waivers and risk management training and all those sorts of things.
Then on the brand side, it really is more product liability focused. We write all lines of coverage, but understanding the product liabilities is what we need to do there.
And obviously, we see all kinds of different outdoor businesses from Outfitters to guides, to special events, kind of anything and everything we like to say. We want to help everybody in the outdoor industry, and that's what we try and do.
Tell us about the top three insurance-related issues that many of our businesses are missing these days. This is an excellent question and you kind of hit the nail on the head with what I would say is the number one insurance-related issue that a lot of outdoor sports businesses are still not taking as seriously, or it's just not a line of insurance that they feel like they want to add to their insurance costs any further and that has to do with cyber liability.
Currently, you are 10 times more likely to have a cyber event than you are to experience any kind of property damage, like a fire or something like that. And I think a lot of these businesses just kind of think of this in the context of those major hackings that are in the headlines where all these credit card numbers have been taken and that's what the hackers are after. And that's really not the case. What has really become quite a plague I would say in any industry sector, is this cyber extortion. And any type of business, if they use the internet in any way, shape, or form, they are exposed to this. And as I said, cyber liability is just not really a policy that people care to talk about. Cause they all say, well, we don't save anything on our servers.
In addition to cyber, I would say on the retail side of things typically that we see outside of our OSI program is an outdoor sport retailer could have their standard property as well as their general liability coverage. But what they don't realize is, especially when it comes to the GL side, they actually are probably not going to be properly covered if they are involved with any kind of rentals or any kind of demos, or special events. Those policies very specifically exclude injuries for the people who happen to partake in those types of events. That's what makes the OSI program so amazing is that all of that insurance, all of that coverage is automatically built-in. That's somewhere there's going to be a major blind spot if you don't have the proper third-party liability coverage.
Then with the manufacturers, a lot of times what we see is many of these manufacturers, actually make their products outside of the US, and then they import them in and they don't have the proper international coverage. Any insurance policy is going to say that the coverage territory is on a worldwide basis, but all that means is that the injuries can take place anywhere in the world. But typically if a person is going to try and seek some type of damages, they have to bring the suit back here in our country. And a lot of companies don't realize what a massive gap in insurance that is. There are policies out there that can be properly tailored to the international landscape. We don't see those as often as I think we should. And that's where we certainly can step in and, and help out on that front.
An event could be anything from a clinic where all your employees are in the shop in the evening, and a rep's giving training to some kind of a swap meet. So people have these sales in the parking lot, where they sell stuff or it could be some kind of an event outside. What is the range of events on that? We have retailers that are obviously trying to compete with direct-to-consumer and Amazon and the rest of the world. And so they're trying to differentiate themselves in their communities and be that go-to shop. And a lot of times they're doing that, whether it's a demo day or a Mountain Fest or an educational clinic, whatever the case might be. And they can do those things in our program. We just want to work with them to make sure that we've got a proper waiver in place and that everybody that's involved, like if they're maybe partnering with a local brewery and serving beer or whatever the case might be. We've just got to walk them through that and make sure that they can go have a good, fun, safe event.
And how do these small outdoor businesses handle the cost side of insurance? Because it can be pretty expensive, right? It's a little bit of a difficult question to answer because so many of the reasons why the costs of insurance are so high these days really have nothing to do with the actions of any one policy holder. Basically, it's what's happening in the overall climate and the overall American market overall.
Up until 2005, The United States was averaging, I would say anywhere from six to seven catastrophic events every year. That would be like a hurricane or a wildfire or some kind of insane flood. Between 2005 and 2021 however, that average has now increased to over 20 events a year. And when we say catastrophic events, we're talking about events that cause hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
So the insurance carriers have just been shelling out a ton when it comes to property claims. And then even on the liability side, the cost of healthcare just continues to go up. So that's going to make the cost of a third-party injury suit to be expanded as is the cost of these attorneys.
So the way that we try to set our policyholders up for some type of success and to help us to manage their insurance costs, is we tell them to do everything that they can to mitigate their own exposure, you know, stay on top of your game, have the proper waivers, have the proper training for your employees, help us help them to showcase them as excellent managers of their own risk.
I'll just add too, we've been at this 35 years now. And our program is big enough now we're really unique and don't have a lot of competition out there from the standpoint of we can absorb some of these bigger claims. Whether it be a seven-figure liability claim or a work comp claim or whatever the case might be based on the volume of premium that we have in this program and the relationships with the carriers that we have. We've been with the same carrier for over 30 years on our retail. And there's kind of safety in numbers in a way that we can stick with a client. even if their number comes up and they have a bad lawsuit or they have a bad property loss, we're not going to cancel them. We're going to stick with them. And it's all viewed across that whole program premium, which really puts us at an advantage.
I'm sure there is a handful of future law-related landmines business owners should be aware of, what are some of those? We talked a little bit about the ADA piece, right? The ADA compliance and website accessibility have become this kind of new frontier of petty plaintiff lawsuits. What this involves is where an attorney we would otherwise refer to as the ambulance chasers if you will they will have a day job actually, and so they'll hire somebody who has a visual impairment. And then they'll just tell them to go on to a bunch of different websites, effectively to see if the websites have been set up in such a way where there is the appropriate code that can then talk to the computers of people who have a visual impairment. And if the websites in any way can not accommodate that, then these attorneys just send them a demand letter and say you were out of compliance with the ADA laws and you have caused our client to suffer some type of discrimination. We would like a settlement of like 14 or 15 grand.
And in some cases that they just will send a super generic form, it won't even be specific to the shop. And they're just saying, we've been able to ascertain that you're out of compliance. So that's really been a landmine. And the thing is that is actually an exposure that is not a covered exposure by insurance.
So that's an area where in addition to having really awesome coverages elsewhere in OSI, we really try to educate all of our policyholders and make them aware of these things. Because even though we don't have a solution for you, we still want you to be aware of this and help you sidestep these other exposures, where the insurance won't be able to pick up the tab if you will.
And beyond that, Rick, I think, just in general, on the property side of things, we're all watching what's going on with climate change. Right. Our friends, friends in South Lake Tahoe, dodged a bullet, I think last week. We've got a ton of business in that area, but being able to provide affordable property insurance is going to be the challenge in the future. And then on the liability side, the legal climate out there, we've got these very liberal jurisdictions that are given these jury awards that, you know, were unheard of in the past. And so we've really got to be vigilant to make sure that we've got coverage, and we've got the right adjusters and attorneys defending these claims so that we can continue to provide affordable insurance for these outdoor companies we work with.
You do a lot of business with industry groups, like the OIA and the SIA. Tell us a little bit about that. What we do with those groups is really just be a partner for them so that their members have a place to go to, to find proper, affordable insurance. And we've worked with OIA and SIA for decades. Now we work closely with the buying groups, whether it's GOA or SMC and SSL on the ski side, recently we started working with the BRA, which is the board retailers association. We really liked working with those industry groups so they know who we are and how we can benefit their members. And they've been great partners for us for years.
Do you work with any nonprofit groups, like the Alaska Wilderness League or anyone like that? We do see non-profits that need insurance. A lot of that, again, is circling back to event-based things, whether they are an outdoor education type company, We've got a reasonably big program for the bike share industry. So most of the cities across the country, we'll set up a nonprofit. They want the liability off the city books and we work with those nonprofits. So we see a little bit of everything in the for-profit and non-profit world.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the insurance side of the business? What's that career path? It's a great career, but it's a career that takes a long time to build. When you start off, hopefully, you have a good company behind you that trains you properly and gives you the right resources and support that you need. But eventually, you build a book of business and a book of clients. And hopefully, they're all renewing with you every year and like what you're doing for them.
And, and it's a great career in that you don't have to go start from scratch every year as a lot of sales jobs. You've got that renewal book behind you, and then you can hopefully write new business every year and continue to grow. But there's a lot of education in licensing and things like that, that go into it. But I would certainly encourage anyone that's interested, you know, there's not a lot of people to do what we're doing in regards to the outdoor space and we could use more.
If you were able to hang a huge banner at the entrance of the OR show or The Big Gear show, what would it say? Rob- We're unique and we're best in class as far as the solution for businesses in the outdoor industry.
Tori- Have us do what we do best so that all of our insureds can get back to doing everything that they enjoy doing best.
Do you guys have any favorite books or books you give as gifts?
Rob- I like the business books and Yvon Chouinard's Let my People go Surfing is a book I've given to a few people that need some encouragement, whether it be in the outdoor space or just taking an entrepreneurial attitude towards life.
Tori- I tend to like either real fiction stories or the nonfiction space. I like to do things that have a lot of weird stories in them. So a favorite book that I've been giving out is American Kingpin. It's the story of the guy who founded the Dark website called The Silk Road, which was basically like the dark web Amazon for all things illegal.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100? Tori- Hand Warmers
Rob- Headlamp
Follow up with Rob and Tori Website: outdoorsportsins.com
email: osi@horizonagency.com
Call TOLL FREE: 1-800-491-2858
Snippets
07:01 - 07:41 What types of insurance do you focus on for outdoor businesses? [EP 295]
08:19 - 08:41 Tell us about the top three insurance-related issues that many of our businesses are missing these days. [EP 295]
14:40 - 15:07 How do these small outdoor businesses handle the cost side of insurance? Because it can be pretty expensive, right? [EP 295]
Episode 294 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Jack Wolfskin US General Manager Diana Seung. We talk about how Diana got into the Outdoor Biz, how a sociocultural anthropology major gets into retail, merchandising, and eCommerce, and plenty more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Diana Seung
Jack Wolfskin
Callaway
Show Notes How were you introduced to the outdoors? A very unexpected call from a recruiter. So I had a recruiter call me and say, I have this amazing opportunity with backcountry.com. And I misheard her as like bat country like a bat. I was like, what's Backcountry? I've never even heard of this company. She's oh, they're in Utah. I'm like, oh, no way in hell. I was living in New York City at the time. And I'm like, there's no way I'm going to Utah of all places, I'm a city girl, lived in New York City, San Francisco, like through and through.
She's why don't you just talk to them? Just have a conversation more informal. Yeah, just learn about them. I'm like, I'll be, open-minded, I'll speak to them. So I have a call with them. And at that point, we realized it's backcountry. Not bat country, backcountry was a new term for me too. That's how foreign the outdoor world was.
So finally put two and two together and had a conversation. Crazy enough, I actually had a personal trip planned to go out to park city. A girlfriend of mine had just moved out here and I was coming out to visit her. So I'd mentioned to them, it's so funny that I'm getting this call and I'm speaking to you all cause park, city's never been on my radar. And my girlfriend just moved out there. I'm headed out there in three weeks to visit her. And they're like when you're in town, why don't you just swing in, check out the offices, get to know us. We'll tell you a little bit more about the opportunity.
I said sure, why not that quickly transpired into being an all-day long, six-person interview back to back with a presentation. And then before I knew it, I was flying out here again several weeks later for another interview and got the offer and I thought, gosh, do I really want to move out to Utah and do something totally different in the outdoor industry? At that point, I'd spent seven years in Children's Wear prior to that I was in fashion and I thought, heck, why not? Let's try something different. This could be a really cool experience. And so I packed my bag and moved out here and I thought to myself if I hate it I can move back. But I might like it and five years later I'm still here.
How does a sociocultural anthropology major get into retail, merchandising, and e-commerce? So college for me was about getting exposure to things that I probably never have the opportunity to learn again. So I took that opportunity just to take courses that were interesting. I was like, let me just have some fun here. So I majored in socio-cultural anthropology, which is definitely a mouthful. It's the study of cultures and more indigenous cultures and communities around the world. And then from there, I also did a minor in Africana studies cause Cornell, which is where I went had an amazing Africana studies program and center. Then I did a concentration in Asian American studies. So for me, it was like, let me learn about people and cultures and ethnicities and human behavior. And that was interesting. And I thought to myself if I don't do it in college, I probably won't get the opportunity to learn it elsewhere.
So I did just that and always had the intent of going probably somewhere in the retail route and grew up with that. My father was a small business owner, he had his own small retail shops, jewelry business for a long time. So growing up I would hop in the van with him up to New York and the jewelry, wholesale district. So learned it very grassroots from him.
How did you get connected with Jack Wolfskin? I left Backcountry and at that point, I was searching for a new role, and crazy enough, I was on a family vacation and an old colleague, Russ Hopcus he's the president of prAna had texted me. He said, Hey, look I just got connected to the CEO of Callaway golf. They just acquired Jack Wolfson and they're looking for talent and I gave him your name. I told him you're on the market. And he sends me this text and I kid you not within 24 hours Chip Brewer, the CEO of Callaway is calling me.
He says Hey, I got your name from Russ. Do you have time to connect? And I'm like, sure. So we have an hour-long conversation and we talk about what he's trying to do. Build out a team for Jack Wolfskin north America. Within two weeks I'm flying out there and then a week later I've got a job offer and I'm like, whoa, what did I just sign up for?
In your two years here what have been the biggest challenges? So when we came on board, it wasn't like tools were handed to us and it was just plug and play. Apparel as a business is newer for Callaway. And so we were implementing an ERP system. We had to launch our own website. And those building blocks take time and a lot of energy. So we knew that was always going to be a challenge, but that was the fun challenge. That's what we wanted to all do. And that's what we signed up for. But then to layer COVID on top of that, it's whoa, now we're going to be pushing a boulder up the hill to start. But now we're pushing up five boulders up the hill and COVID was definitely unforeseen by all of us, total curveball. I went out and had a whole strategy and plan of what we were going to do. And then when COVID hit, it was like, whoa, screeching, halt. Let's readjust.
Do you feel like your team has gotten even closer? Because you've all had to deal with that? This team is phenomenal. And they all have their unique personalities. They all gel together play off of each other really well. And so it's very complimentary and very colonial. And I think that's the only reason why we were able to survive COVID right. And get through the pandemic because they all had such a great attitude and just a willingness to just conquer this journey and just get through it and just figure it out, despite whatever challenges came their way.
You're also a board member and were the interim director at Camber. Tell us a bit about that.
For those listening who have never heard of it, it's Camber Outdoors, they've been around for many years. They originally started as a networking group for women in the outdoor industry.
They went from a women's networking group and then evolved to be a 501 C3 nonprofit around equity for gender within the outdoor industry. And that has since evolved even further to more diversity equity inclusion in the workplace in general. So a really great mission, really great vision, and amazing staff.
I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to step in when Deanna stepped down and serve as our executive director. At that point, I had been serving on the board. I think it was my second year in and she just happened to leave Backcountry. So I was available to step into that role. And it was a humbling experience. I have to give a lot of credit to folks who do DEI work day in, day out, and professionally because it's very difficult work.
What outdoor activities do you participate in these days? Moving and living in Utah has definitely opened my eyes to a lot more than I grew up doing.
It was mainly hiking, do some fishing-type stuff, but nothing crazy, skied, a little bit as a child. So coming back out to Utah as an adult, I've gone back into skiing. Which has been a lot of fun. So that's my winter sport of choice. I also own a pair of snowshoes, which I never thought I would. So that's a fun activity for me. And then in the summer you usually find me hiking. I attempted one year to try mountain biking and had a horrible accident. So I've since said no to mountain biking and now have an e-bike. So I'm sticking to the pavement.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoors? Network get to know folks, I think now, more than ever. There is a greater appetite in the outdoor industry to bring in folks who are not from the industry. I think companies are recognizing the value of having folks that come from other industries with that different experience. And, they just come with different ideas and different ways to challenge the business. And that's extremely valuable. Because the outdoor industry has plateaued a bit, and there's a lot of opportunities to continue that growth.
I think oftentimes, especially for women, they look at a job description and when it says must have outdoor experience, they're like, oh, I don't have that, So I'm not even gonna apply. And actually, that was one of the things we took off the job description. And right off the bat, we saw a tremendous amount of more female candidates applying. So just in general, I'd say don't be afraid to apply. Don't be afraid to, get rejected here and there cause that's just how the job searching process goes. But eventually, if you find the right fit, it could be a really great career.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars? I have to say I'm so thankful when I had that mountain biking accident that I was wearing a helmet, and I still have my Smith helmet. It is crushed in at the top and it's got blood all over it and I just saved it. I don't even know why. But thank goodness for that, because it totally saved my life. And I am a true believer of helmets while riding your bike while the ski slopes.
Is there anything else you'd like to ask or say of our listeners before we wrap up? I have to say five years in the outdoor industry, it's been amazing. I think the folks in the industry, what I love the most is just there's this common thread of passion and appreciation for outdoor activities, nature, wellness, health. And I think it's so balanced. I really just appreciate folks being so open-minded to introducing folks that aren't as immersed in the outdoor space like myself and, welcoming me into the industry and into those activities, and showing me how fun they can be. Because without those friends I wouldn't have had that exposure. So I'm so appreciative of that, and that just speaks volumes of the industry that we're in. It's a great community. It's such a great community.
Follow Up with Diana Linkedin
Snippets
01:46 - 02:09 How did you get into the Outdoor Business? [EP 294]
06:01 - 06:19 How does a sociocultural anthropology major get into retail merchandising and e-commerce? [EP 294]
23:02 - 23:24 Do you have any advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz? [EP 294]
We talk about Trade Shows, what’s working, how they facilitate buying and selling, and what we can improve on with Matt Dobrowolski from Envoy B2B, Rumpl’s Patrick O’Neill, buyer Jill Jacobson from Bill & Paul's Sporthaus, and Michael Stevens from sales agency True North.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Welcome to episode 293 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Matt Dobrowolski from Envoy B2B, Rumpl’s Patrick O’Neill, buyer Jill Jacobson from Bill & Paul's Sporthaus, and Michael Stevens from sales agency True North. We talk about Trade Shows, what’s working, how they facilitate buying and selling, and what we can improve on.
Brought to you by envoyB2B
Show Notes Jill Jacobson from Bill and Paul's Sporthaus
Patrick O'Neill from Rumpl
Mike Stevens from True North
Matt Dobrowolski from Envoy B2B
Outdoor Retailer
The Big Gear Show
WWSRA
What are the most impactful shows for your business? Mike Stevens: It seems it always fluctuates. I find that they're all important in different facets. My end goal is to show up and have the best representation for our brand partners. But also meet our buyers and the owners and where they need to be seen and where it's the best opportunity currently, what's leading for us is the regional trade shows.
Patrick O'Neill: We view it in a couple of different ways. Big national trade shows as a small brand entering the outdoor industry have been crucial to getting our footing and making connections, whether with, maybe potential hires, sales agencies, retail partnerships, other brand partnerships at Rumpl. We do a lot of brand collaborations, so shows like OR have been absolutely vital and our ability to create those connections.
Looking forward we see what Mike sees. There's more business, actual transactions of dollars happening at the regional shows. And it's more focused and we can have those one-on-one conversations and spend more time.
Jill Jacobson: As a buyer, I completely agree. The regional shows are where we are working. It's a working show and it's appointment after appointment. It's where we're looking at everything where we're deciding everything. Also, we do have some in-store and there are some showrooms here. We're fortunate, there are a lot of people who in our territory are pretty low key are located very close to where we are so we can do a lot in-house just going to their showroom or going to their house, or they rent a hotel room.
We go to the national shows. It's important for us, for me anyway, that's where I find something that's a little more unusual or different than regional shows,
Matt Dobrowolski: I agree with everyone here in the sense of, the impact of these shows is quantifiable in all aspects. I definitely see, for myself, the national trade shows are the places where I'm going to see the new and up-and-coming brands. The relevance of the A-type brands is less, I think more and more as we're moving forward on these national shows. Their marketing presence is already so strong that, we're seeing less of an impact of them on the trade show floor.
I think on the business end of it, though, the shows that are truly quantifying themselves, as far as, the retailers investing to go, the brands investing today is exactly what both Mike and Jill are talking about. It's working shows where we're actually writing orders. We're actually going to merchandise. Those are the places where business is being made.
What would you like to see for the future of trade shows? Jill Jacobson: I think for us as buyers, the biggest problem we have is, like I said before, scheduling. One shows at one time, one show is at another time. I've got two days I have to be in one state, and then two days later I gotta be in another state. The scheduling of it is very frustrating as a buyer. I don't know how to fix that though. Patrick O'Neill: I think the biggest thing to me as far as improvement as we're coming out of COVID, and this is me speaking personally. This is not a brand statement. I was really pretty upset with the way OR handled COVID. I thought it was extremely poorly done. It's one of the reasons we did not attend. The fact that they did not require masks with Delta surging was extremely irresponsive. It really upset me. We actually ended up attending a show in New York that is outside of the outdoor industry because they required masks for everyone regardless of vaccination status. And so I think that needs to be taken more seriously. Even as we're going into winter OR, the safety of all of our employees, the safety of our industry, and our friends needs to be paramount. And that needs to be the first thing that's being looked at. And so that is the main thing is we're coming out of this.
It's changing so fast. It needs to be planned better for the safety of everyone first and then business, and then whatever the order is that you put after that. But really we need to put safety first.
Mike Stevens: Oh man. I really enjoy all the different trade show shows there are now. So as a brand representative, as someone that's connecting with retailers, I don't know, I don't think there's anything from my side that I necessarily need to be fixed other than the fact that, safety is first.
So at True North, we haven't been to a regional show or to Outdoor Retailer since COVID started. And we've found other ways to represent our brands and meet our customer's needs. So we're excited as a team to get back in person. It's all about people, right? That's why we do this. It's the outdoor industry, but it's all about the people and it's such a great community. Let's just make it be safe and let's get rolling again.
Follow up with our Guests Matt Dobrowolski-matt.dobrowolski@envoyb2b.com
Patrick O'Neill- patrick@rumpl.com
Jill Jacobson- Jill@billandpauls.com
Mike Stevens- mike@truenorthnw.com
Snippets
06:31 - 06:55 What are the most impactful shows for your business? Mike Stevens
12:57 - 13:11 Will you take more people to the regional show and fewer people to the national show? Patrick O'Neill
09:35 - 09:47 What's working for you? Jill Jacobson
Frank Cassidy from Funki Adventures tells us how he got into the Outdoor Adventure Biz, the early days of Funki Adventures, some of the trip destinations they offer.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE brought to you this month by
Show Notes Funki Adventures
Eastern Sierra
REI
Rhino Adventure Gear
The Adventure Portal
Hastings Overland
JetBoil
Titus Adventure Company
hidden San Diego
Wild West Tour- use code OD BIZ Wild West
Frank's Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear Telescope
Frank's Advice Take your trip, it doesn't matter whether it's with us or somebody else. I don't care if you want to go diving in the ocean or up in a hot air balloon, or there's a trip that you were thinking about. I think what we've all learned from COVID is stuff changes and things can change overnight. So don't delay, get out there, do whatever it is you want to do because you just don't know.
Follow up with Frank Funki Adventures
frank@funkiadventures.com
04:56 - 05:06 What did Frank call California?
11:07 - 11:13 Overlanding is what?
47:00 - 47:44 Frank's favorite piece of Outdoor Gear
Welcome to episode 291 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Matt Bennett and ECHOS Brand Communications. In our wide-ranging conversation, we talk about how Matt got into the Outdoor Biz, the REVEAL Global Media Conference, Sobriety, Sustainability, and plenty more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes ECHOS Brand Communications
Matt Bennett
How were you introduced to the Outdoors
Yeah, it's funny, I think there's this idea that if you grow up in Boulder, Colorado, you're just by nature, an outdoor kid. And that's not really the case, there's a lot of people here that just that's not their thing. And it's just a place to live and it was. As a little kid, you think everybody's staring up at the flat irons like you are. And you just take it for granted, but yeah, I grew up pretty close in south Boulder just to the mountains.
We would just walk out and that was the entertainment. You'd walk out and you'd hike up and goof around and you build a Fort or whatever it was. And so that was part of being a Colorado kid. And my folks were into camping and I started skiing at a young age, doing Nordic and then downhill. And obviously downhill, really the speed and the fun of it really caught me.
And then I started like gen one mountain biking when that took off. I was going to mountain bike camps as a little kid, pre-suspension, right? And as a kid going up to Crested Butte for mountain bike camps in the eighties or whatever it was, I had a lot of different experiences. And I love it. It's changed over time. Now the focus is on my kids and getting them out there, but I still have to get my fun in as well.
You have a lot of experience in communications in PR how'd you get on that path?
It's interesting, cause I went to school for international affairs, Undergrad. And then I did a master's degree at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, which is a really small school in California. And so I was on this track for, diplomacy. A lot of the people go into government agencies or the department of defense or whatever it was. And I was on that track and I got my degree and I moved out to DC and was interviewing for jobs. And then I ended up connecting with a public affairs firm out there. And that's really what kicked my career off. They hired me as a writer and I'd always been into the writing and the communication side of it. They say, your first job really sets your career in some ways. And it sure did for me, because I'd been on one track and it took me on a totally different track where all of a sudden, I was like in this, more of a government. Circle doing communications around governments, whether it's legislation or initiatives and obviously that's DC. So I worked for that firm for eight years and two years as a writer and then I started managing programs. We had teams in Mississippi and Arkansas, New York and Vermont.
So it was all these different things going on and a great experience for sure. But it was one of those burn hot types of jobs. Couldn't do it forever, but you could go like hell for 10 years, right? From an experienced standpoint, it was amazing.
Tell us about ECHOS Communications
We are a public relations agency specializing in outdoor and active lifestyle brands. Media relations are a huge part of what we do. We do storytelling, we also do affiliate marketing when it's assigned to that social media, the gamut of communications. affiliate marketing. It's assigned to that social media, the gamut of communications.
We look at what our clients need and come in and design a program, tailored to them depending on where they are. I would say the core, the brands that we really specialize in are those that capture something beyond what would be seen as their endemic audience. So if they're outdoor they also have this broader audience. In lifestyle or in streetwear her or whatever that is. And so we really specialize in brands that have, or want to transcend beyond what would be seen as their endemic audience.
Sobriety has been a pretty important part of your life. Tell us a little bit about that.
I wasn't a huge drinker, but it was consistent, and it was one of those things that I just I needed to change.
I've been sober for going on four years and change now. And, it's interesting because I didn't realize how deep it was in my life until it went away.
The family side of it has obviously been the biggest thing, just because I'm more present. I'm here with my family helping where I necessarily wasn't before. And then on the professional side of course I can show up as I've never shown up before.
I think it's an important thing for us to talk about in the industry, especially now that inclusivity and everything is just such a focus. I do think there's a lot of what we do in the outdoor industry that revolves around drink.
I'm not here to change anybody's mind or try to change anybody's mind. This is my choice and my choice alone. And I can't tell anybody else what to do, but I just, I guess my thing is. I've been to some of the events and I'm like, Hey, do you have anything else? And they say there's a drinking fountain over there. And I guess that would be my first thing is just provide something else. Just provide an option. Cause I do think that's so important in this industry where it's nice to see the conversation happening.
How about the industry events like trade shows, how do you think those are changing and what do you think that means for the future?
As an agency, we fully appreciate and enjoy the industry events, Outdoor Retailer of course. That's been the core. I just think it's going to change a little bit and we’re already seeing it with The Big Gear Show. There've been others in the past, whether it's Outpost or others that have created an alternate and very appealing experience for people.
And I do think the cost at the end of the day is a huge thing that, especially after this year is going to come up. What did it look like last year? And now we're going back? And I think there are a lot of brands that are going to have to really look at that and evaluate, and that by necessity is going to change things up.
Where do we go? Where do we allocate these dollars? But at the end of the day, people love to go to. And it's a great place to have a brand presence. So I don't think it's going anywhere. I just think it's going to look a little different.
Let's talk a little bit about sustainability. That's another thing that seems like we're walking the line of creating a bunch of stuff and calling it sustainable or creating the same stuff, what can we do about that?
I think it starts with the term itself. I think we're getting desensitized to the term sustainability because it's so broad. What does it mean anymore?
What I've heard lately is this, if we're creating something, whatever it is how could that be sustainable? Take LIVSN, I’ve chatted with Andrew and it's fascinating to hear his thoughts on it. Cause he's just straight up and I know he doesn't have 500 skus and that's by design. But how do we cut some of the products that just don't need to exist in the first place and stop making stuff?
I love new stuff, I love it when our brands launch new stuff that's music to our ears because we didn't get to go out there and talk about it. But at the same time, from a sustainability standpoint, it's tough to continue to do that cycle. And that's a hard conversation to have. Can it ever be successful? Can we call it sustainable?
Maybe we start talking about something else, responsibility or whatever that is that takes a different, more realistic tack about if we are creating a bunch of products, whatever those products are at the end of the day, will they ever be sustainable?
What other outdoor activities do you still do?
I'm a huge cyclist. I do road, gravel, and mountain biking, and I just absolutely love that. That's my kind of day-to-day thing. It keeps me feeling great. I run if I have to if I don't have a bike but then skiing, I do Downhill and Nordic. I started doing backcountry last year.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks wanting to get into the outdoor business?
I'm looking at the skills more than necessarily the experience in our industry. If you can write, if you can communicate, if you get what we're doing, then that's more important and worked in the outdoor industry before.
I think and I think for employers, we should be more open to hiring people outside the industry for sure. I know it's tough you get someone with great potential, coming from a similar brand or agency, and that's very appealing. But I do think there are a lot of people who want to be in this industry that would be fantastic. They just don't have experience in what would qualify, roughly as outdoor experience. But I have no problem, in fact, I think it appeals to me for someone that's really excited and wants to be part of this.
What's your favorite outdoor gear purchase? Under a hundred.
Hacky Sack
This probably nails me as a quintessential Boulder kid, but a hacky sack. I have a $10 hacky, and it travels well, it's small and it is just the source of more fun. Whether you're traveling or backpacking or at the campsite or wherever it's just great. You bust it out, people start playing other people join. It's just a riot.
Follow up with Matt
Email: matt@echoscomm.com
Snippets
02:56 - 03:29 Matt's Introduction to the Outdoors
27:21 - 27:58 Matt's advice for those folks looking to get into the Outdoor Biz
29:33 - 30:04 Matts favorite piece of gear under $100
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Welcome to episode 290 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Black Folks Camp Too founder Earl B. Hunter Jr. Earl and I talk about his career with Sylvan, how he got into the Outdoor Biz, and their mission to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, more familiar and more fun for black folks to go camping.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Black Folks Camp Too International Procurement & Distribution, Inc Sylvansport Outdoor Economy Conference Unity Blaze Digital Education Initiative Leave No Trace South Carolina State Parks North Carolina State Parks Oboz RVIA: RV Industry Association RVDA: The National RV Dealers Association Connect with Earl Linkedin Twitter Instagram Facebook Snippets 01:54 - 02:21 Earl’s First Sales Experience
04:37 - 05:05 Earl’s Unique Connection to Sylvansport [EP 290]
33:55 - 34:25 Earl’s advice for those looking to get into the Outdoor Business.
Welcome to episode 289 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Atlantic British Vice President of Business Development and Growth David Newey. We talk about how a guy from Sony Pictures and Krispy Kreme moves on to Valspar, Primaloft, and now Atlantic British.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes David's introduction to the Outdoors I grew up in the Adirondacks basically. It's sort of the foothills of the Adirondacks in Saratoga Springs, New York. And as far as an introduction to the outdoors in general, that's how we grew up, camping, we grew up, dirt biking and off-roading and all kinds of sports in the summer. And then lots of winter sports skiing, ski racing, that kind of thing.
Sony Pictures
Krispy Kream
Valspar
PrimaLoft
Atlantic British
Land Rover
The Land Rover Offroad Driving School
David's advice for folks wanting to get into the Overlanding business These are lifestyle businesses, you have to want to eat, sleep and play in this world. I think it benefits those who are authentic. I would look for what makes you want to get out of bed in the morning? What are you passionate about? Because you're going to be dealing with those people and they're going to see right through you. So, I would say follow your passions and look for those companies and segments that cater to that and dive right in. I mean, there's really no better way.
David's favorite books Business Books
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars any knife from Columbia River Knife and Tool Company
Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Follow up with David davidnewey@gmail.com
Atlantic British
YouTube
02:35 - 03:01 Intro to Outdoors
06:02 - 06:48 How David developed his career
22:58 - 22:38 Advice
Ibex GM Bonie Shupe tells about her Independent design work, traveling with the family bluegrass band, the great new things happening with ibex, and running to fish.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes How were you introduced to the outdoors? I grew up traveling around in a family bluegrass band, and so we spent a lot of our time traveling all over the United States and camping at different bluegrass festivals. And my first experience in the outdoors that I remember is trying to catch fireflies because it was so foreign to me. I grew up in Utah and we were traveling back in the south. And so the fireflies were really, probably the first outdoor experience that I remember. But the one thing that we did do every year, that's probably my first outdoor adventure was backpacking in the wind river and camping.
Do you play an instrument? Yeah, I grew up playing the fiddle, playing the fiddle, and clog dancing is what my parents had in store for me. And I also play the bass and the drums.
How did you get into design? I've always been a visual designer and I've always been really interested in apparel. I think I just followed my passion to get here. The idea of combining fashion and function has always been something that's really helped me become where I become an outdoor apparel designer.
And you've had your own studio for a long time, too. What inspired you to go that route? I started independently right out of the gate. I had done graphic design in the outdoor space for a long time before basically following my passion for fashion. And because I was doing graphic design before, I decided that I really needed to follow my passion too. Design outdoor, and activewear for the outdoor industry.
Then I went back to school and once I finished school, I just followed my connections and ended up getting to design apparel in the outdoor space. I've always really enjoyed working for myself and having my own creative schedule.
How did you get involved with Ibex? I was a huge fan of Ibex for a lot of years. So as an apparel designer, one of my biggest ambitions is to combine fashion and function, to reduce consumption. And when you create apparel that can easily slide from the outdoor space into cities and travel, you're really able to create these multifunctional pieces and reduce consumption overall.
And I think of IBEX as City to Slope before it was cool. They were always creating that. I was just a huge fan and they were always innovating wools. So they're like the original wool innovators. And I remember IBEX as being like the first to innovate wool seamless. They did wool air, they did clima-wool, they did wool denim, right before they went out of business there was the Pursuit Jacket that was a hundred percent Merino wool rain jacket. But even when they started, I have this boiled wool jacket that is so warm and yet, so uniquely set stylish that it's one of my favorite pieces. I like I'm really obsessed with wool.
And I think there's this underbelly crowd of wool enthusiasts who love IBEX because they were wool innovators and I'm one of them.
What, what are some of the learnings you've had in resurrecting the brand, does anything stand out? I would say that balancing small batch, no waste production with demand is a huge thing that I'm working through. I really believe that every garment of Ibex needs to find a good home and I don't want to make so many products that we have to put them on sale. That's not, it's not a sustainable way to run a brand. And so that balance, finding that balance between demand and small batch production and making sure that everything is just beautiful and top quality has been hard to get to. So we've really been focusing on inventory planning.
What has been the toughest challenge of rebuilding relationships? I've had to clear the air.
There are customers who loved IBEX and they didn't want to see a change. They were burned when IBEX pulled out of their wholsale partners. And I'm working on rekindling and building those relationships and then even re reconnecting with suppliers has been a huge challenge when Ibex went out of business, all those connections where we're pretty much dropped at the time.
And so it's been like reaching out and saying, Hey, we're back in business. And everyone's just been a little wary, but I feel like slowly but surely I think people who have worked with the brand have found us to be authentic and really wanting to build IVEX back to where it was.
Do you have a favorite style from the current lineup? I wear the Woolies Tech Top pretty much every day. And then with a pair of Joggers, that's my go-to.
What outdoor activities do you get to participate in? I really enjoy endurance and being strong in general. I try to keep a really good base so that I can do whatever I want during the year. I think in my friend group, I'm known as the solid buddy. So when my friends get wild ideas, they know that they can count on me to be a member of their team on anything they do.
I do a little bit of everything. I'm that Jack of all trades master of none.
I think the latest thing that I've been doing that I just absolutely love is because I live in Netherland and I have a bunch of trailheads with lakes. So I bring my fishing rod and I like to run to fish.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor industry? I would say that you need to let your passion be your guide. This is an industry that you don't get into to make money. You get into it because it's rewarding. It's an industry that you want to be in. So think about what part of the outdoor industry you love, what really drives you as a person, and then if you follow that, I think the rest will follow.
If you were able to hang a huge banner at the entrance to one of the outdoor shows, what would it say? "Buy less, buy better"
I want that to serve as that mantra for Ibex, but it's also a recommendation for the entire show. I think that's what the outdoor industry should be built on, the idea of fewer higher-quality things.
Do you have any favorite books or books you give as gifts?
Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In by Willian L. Ury and Bruce Patton
What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear?
A long-sleeve Merino and Merino socks
Get 10% OFF Ibex Apparel use code outdoorbiz10, that's outdoorbiz, then the number ten. Follow up with Ibex
Ibex insiders Facebook group
ibex.com
01:43 - 02:31 Intro to Outdoors
20:55 - 21:25 Advice
22:03 - 22:34 Banner
Welcome to episode 287 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with LOWA General Manager Peter Sachs, brought to you this month by Wolfgang Man & Beast, Collars, Harnesses, Leashes, and More. Peter began his Lowa tenure after Werner Riethmann lured him away from Raichle and has been with LOWA for over 25 years now. We talk about their many years of success, distribution efficiency and more . . .
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Peter's Introduction to the Outdoors I probably was introduced to like most kids. I was in Scouts and that taught me how to go camping. I rode a bike to get places when I was a kid and bombed around that way. And they learned how to ski by joining the middle school ski club, riding the bus one day after school, each week in the winter. And all of the normal ways that kids get exposed to the outdoors, or most kids anyway.
Connection to LOWA Boots The gentleman in Germany, who is the CEO, Werner Riethmann had been the president of Raichle in Switzerland. And he left Raichle in 1993 and moved over to LOWA shortly thereafter. I used to run into Werner at trade shows, the early outdoor retailer shows in Reno and the SIA shows in Vegas. And he kept saying, hey, come work for me at LOWA. And he and I went back and forth for a couple of seasons and finally, in early 96, we found a path to make that happen.
Early retailers: Climb High, Adventure 16, Hudson Trail Outfitters Blue Ridge Moutnainsports
What do you attribute their long-term or longevity? Product is number one, two, and three. And I think they've just always stayed focused as a mountain group company. They've never tried to branch into backpacks or trekking poles or clothing or any other products that all of our customers sell. And we've had lots of opportunities, in the time that I've been with the company to either license the brand or, or distribute other products and so on.
But LOWA has always just stayed focused on boots for mountaineering and trekking and being outdoors. And I think that's really the key to why the brand has succeeded. That focus. The other thing I think that's always been really important is the brand is privately held. And so we look 2, 3, 4 years out all the time. We're not always concerned with this month or this quarter's sales performance. And that kind of perspective allows you to weather some highs and lows.
Your operational excellence really helps drive distribution efficiency, tell us about that. It's a German company, they're organized. They cross their T's, they dot their I's, everything's in a row or a column they're organized. They've had to adapt to get a container. You'd call on a Monday and it's there on a Thursday or something. And now we're calling four or five weeks in advance for those. The shoe isn't even built, but they know that the plan is to build X and each week and they know that they need containers and four or five weeks out and they've reacted accordingly. Sometimes those containers show up and sometimes they get delayed a couple of more days.
Here we're pretty well dialed in. Everything in our warehouse is barcoded scanned and organized. We can't afford in the United States to have warehouse guys running in circles, looking for products, when a container arrives, it gets put away relatively quickly, and then it gets picked, packed, and shipped to our customers again relatively quickly.
And you guys have done a lot of work to become energy independent. Tell us a little bit about that. So again, with owning all of these manufacturing plants, we use a lot of energy for all the machinery that's required. In Germany, they've put solar panels on all the roofs of the buildings. They put solar panels over the car parking lots. And so that is completely energy independent or at least 99%. We feed it back into the grid and then buy consistent and energy from the electric company. There are plans, and I honestly don't know the current status because I haven't been there now in almost two years, but there are plans to roll that out into the Italian and Slovakian facilities also. But at least for those facilities, now we buy only renewable energy. You go to your electric company, You say, I only want to buy solar, wind power generated energy. And we can do it here too in a lot of parts of the United States and they charge you a premium to guarantee that's what you're getting, but it's one of those things that's the right thing to do.
You guys have a really great resell program and it's all done in Europe. Tell us about that. So we used to have customers with our trekking boots, come to us and say, Hey, can I get these re-soled? And we referred them to some of the cobblers here in the United States that said they could re-sole boots. And then we started to get some complaints because the soles they were putting on were nowhere near the same kind of quality as to what the boot had originally. So the shock absorption was different, the flex was different and the weight was different and negatively different in all those regards.
So we went back to the Germans who I always knew had a repair facility at the factory with all the same machinery and factory-trained technicians. And we started sending boots back probably seven or eight years ago, and it was purely a word of exercise and you had to know the secret code. You know, customers would call us or send us an email and say, Hey, how do I get these re-soled? I discovered that in 2019, we're sending back like 50 or 60 pairs a month. And so we put it on our website and now we're almost double that number per month. We, re-soled about 16 or 17,000 pairs of shoes last year, I think our number was about 750.
But we put back on an original outsole, midsole rubber rand, or tow and heel bumpers where appropriate, repair any stitching or hooks on eyelets that have been damaged. We can patch holes in the heels. People have worn through the inside lining on the heel, then they put new footbeds, new shoelaces, and treat the outer leather and materials for waterproofing and rehydrate and reinvigorate the leather. And now we're sending loads every month back to the factory. We send it by ups. Then they put the finished product back on a container to us. So it takes about three months typically. And that's what it was taking to send your boots domestically to a local cobbler. And we do all that for $125. Customers love it because now they have a three or $400 that they just got a second life out of for a hundred and twenty-five bucks.
What outdoor activities do you participate in? I hiked more in the fall than I do this time of year, this time of year, I'm spending more time on the bike. In the winter I ski, but yeah, I try and get outside a couple of days a week.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks that might want to get into the outdoor biz? That's actually really hard right now because there are not a lot of young people that stick with it. I think really it's somebody who has the passion for outdoors. They have the passion for products, whether it's clothing or footwear or hard goods, or whatever, pursue that passion. Don't be afraid to take that entry-level job and take that crappy paycheck and stick with it.
Show you've got some glue on your feet, stay in that job, and stick with it. And I think that's what it takes in today's world. It is not easy for sure.
I think that as company and retailers I think we are equal in this, we have to find ways not to pay minimum wage, but to pay significantly more than that. And I think that when I read that the Targets and the Costcos and the Amazons are paying 15 bucks an hour. That it's really bad if a specialty shop that's selling really expensive gear and clothing and so on, if they can't match that or better, it makes it tough.
My warehouse guys make significantly more than that, $15 an hour. We have very low turnover. They get a great paycheck. They get a nice healthcare program that the company pays 80% of, they get a matching 401k, paid vacations. And those are the kinds of things, whether you're a warehouse guy in a company like ours, or you're a shop kid and in a outdoor store or ski shop or something, You need to offer those kinds of things to your employees, and you need to be creative on how to do that and get creative about it. Cause it's, I realize it's tough. Everybody's got their expenses and things that the employees keep the whole thing alive. That's where the rubber meets the road and the better your employees feel about the job and the better the job they're going to do.
What's your favorite outdoor gear purchase under a hundred dollars? I have a couple of things that I take with me almost all the time. I've always got a buff, and I've always got a good Day Pack that's got a couple of different pockets. I've got a couple of different water bottles that I use for different things. I have a water bottle that if I fill it with ice and water, I know it's going to stay cold all day. And I think it's those accessories that really make and break a lot of the experiences, you know, and it's also finding these things that just work for you. And all of those are less than a hundred bucks.
Follow up with Peter peter@lowa.net
LOWA Boots Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
01:33 - 02:04 Intro to Outdoors
02:57 - 03:47 Connection with LOWA
35:06 - 36:00 Advice for folks that want to get into the outdoor
Welcome to episode 286 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Outdoor Retailer Senior Vice President and Show Director Marisa Nicholson, brought to you this month by Thrive Market.
Marisa tells us about her experience as Show Director and how they’ve navigated the pandemic and are excited for the Outdoor Community to get back together in Denver.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Marisa Nicholson
Outdoor Retailer
How Marisa got introduced to the outdoors When I was five I was first introduced to skiing and grew up my whole life snow skiing, and moved to Northern California at a very early age of seven and spent many summers up in Tahoe, camping, fishing obviously skiing throughout Utah.
We also grew up in Folsom and near the American River and we'd go rafting, boating on Folsom lake. So pretty much as many outdoor activities that we could possibly do, we would do throughout the year.
You've seen some pretty significant growth in the industry. How has that shaped the Show? I started in 2003 and the show was in salt lake city at the time and it was actually really male-dominated and lacking a lot of diversity. I remember there were sayings like shrink it and pink it and everything seemed very traditional. Over the years we continue to grow and ultimately we outgrew the salt palace as more brands and retailers were emerging. There's been a lot of blurring the lines between what was considered traditional outdoor. We introduced Venture Out, which really helped to bring in that modern, outdoor element. And I think, for me, what's exciting is that next year we're going to be celebrating our 40th anniversary and this is going to help, bring everybody back together, celebrating why we enjoy the outdoors so much and really helping to embrace the value of the human interactions again.
What is it about the show that makes it so special and valuable for the outdoor committee? First, I love that you started the question by mentioning how many years you've been coming to the show because I recall every show that I go to, somebody will be like, this is my fifth show. This is my third or fourth show. So people love to say how many shows that they've gone to. It's like a badge of honor, and it's so fun.
When somebody says it's our first show. Oh, wow. Like you want to live vicariously through them. But I think, for me, there's just a certain magic that happens. Each year when the industry comes together it's really hard to quantify.
So how's the Summer Show shaping up? People are obviously ready to get back together in person? Are they going to be so excited to see each other that they're going to, maybe lose focus on business, or what do you think that's going to be like? There's a real dichotomy where we have incredible support from retailers that are ready to get back to meeting face to face. And, if you think about it, they've been on the front lines during this past year meeting their customers face to face.
So they're ready for this. On the other hand, there's still a lot of travel restrictions affecting both domestic and international brands, which are making it difficult for them to meet this year. That goes back to what I was saying before about this summer looking different. But for our team, we've been just super focused on how do we create an event that meets the needs of those brands and those retailers that can meet now. And how can we provide value to their businesses while still creating a safe environment for everyone to gather?
I was reading about the new Base Camp and Fresh areas of the show this year. What was the inspiration for those two zones? Base Camp is it's the outdoor lot that's been used for several events across the street from the convention center. And so we wanted to be able to provide an outdoor space for people to meet up, grab a bite to eat, and have an area to host some of our evening events outdoors.
Fresh is an idea we've actually had for a while. It's a dedicated space that will be on the show floor and it's really highlighting first-time exhibitors. And we have over 125 new exhibitors for this show. But we had a jury selection to select highlighting brands that would fit into this area to provide an opportunity for retailers and journalists to truly discover new, which is such an important part of the show.
Venture out, debuted with a lot of enthusiasm a few years where you think a few years ago, do you think the same thing will happen for these two? Yeah, definitely. Venture out has continued to thrive. It's obviously a destination for everyone at the show and it's a great space to see the latest in modern and outdoor trends in the outdoor. For this summer we have over 30 exhibitors featured in venture out. So there'll be a great area again to convene. And our hope is for the Fresh zone to continue to have that same opportunity to give new brands, a bigger platform to stand out.
How are others using this show instead of actually writing orders? Retailers are looking for at once products to fill their shelves. And we've seen the demand for outdoor gear, obviously, we were just talking about that. Also combined with the supply chain issues. I think that this August show provides an opportunity for retailers to connect with brands and again, to have those discovery moments to find, the products that they need. Also August does hit at the end of a traditional buying season.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase for under a hundred dollars? I'm going to have to say my camp chair from travel chair. I really take it everywhere. It goes to the beach camping and to the baseball game.
Is there anything else you want to ask or say of our listeners? Yeah. I would say we recognize the world has changed this past year and going forward there may be a need or a want to make changes in the way people show up at the show. Our team is here to support our community as we transition through this year. I think that the outdoor retailer team is a bunch of outdoor lovers. We're biking, surfing, camping, skiing, paddling, backpacking, wakeboarding, you name it. We're out there doing all of those activities and we're so excited to see all the latest gear at the show, just like everyone else. I would say last, we're here to support this industry and we want to help tell brands and stories, and we have different outlets, whether it's our outdoor retailer magazine or the daily at the shows, just reach out to us and let us know how we can help you, get your story out to the community.
Follow up with Marisa and Outdoor Retailer Website
YouTube
Snippets
1:30 - 2:00 Intro to Outdoors
3:07 - 4:01 Growth impacted the Show
17:08 - 17:58 Mentors
Welcome to episode 285 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Divya Brown, President of TAXA Outdoors, brought to you this month by Thrive Market. Divya tells us how she went from the corporate world to the outdoors and how TAXA strives for innovation at every step of the design and manufacturing process, to be a sustainable corporate citizen and lead by example in our industry.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show notes TAXA Outdoors
About TAXA
Divya Brown
Garrett Finney
NASA
Public Lands
Divya's suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into an RV We have a real user group and you can go there and you can learn about the product, understand it,
Divya's favorite book Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Divya's favorite piece of outdoor gear under $100 Camping Chopsticks from Snow Peak
One more thing from Divya We really enjoy sharing outdoor experiences, really understanding why people get outside and how it's important to them. And what meaningful experiences they are having out there, And how do we facilitate that and make it better? I think that's really why we're here and enjoying each other's journey is really the fun part”
Connect with Divya and TAXA Facebook
YouTube
Snippets
03:30 - 03:44 Intro to Outdoors
12:49 - 13:50 Why Taxa Outdoors?
43:51 - 44:14 One more thing from Divya
David contacted me a few months ago with a story I knew I had to share with Outdoor Biz listeners. He tells us about The Nutshell Teams' mission to replace plastic with natural, up-cycled materials and how Nutshell Coolers are Designed to last years, not millennia.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Nutshell Coolers
David Cutler
Intro to the Outdoors I grew up in Seattle, so I really didn't have much choice in the matter, just kind of in my blood. My parents love cross country skiing, for example. And as kind of a punk kid, I, therefore, hated cross country skiing, but to go cross country skiing from Seattle, you have to drive right by the downhill ski area.
And the first time my mom let us out early to go downhill skiing instead of cross country skiing and going fast and going off jumps and stuff, and I was pretty much hooked.
Stanford Design School
Conservation NGO Rare
The Sulu Sea
Lubang Island
What is a Nutshell Cooler It's this Easy breezy cooler. You can throw it over your shoulder and get out there for your picnic, but it also works for a weekend of camping and it just looks great and has this very obvious, tangible material story attached to it. It's really the 30 coconut husks that go into every single cooler.
Suggestions or advice for folks wanting to launch their own ideas First of all, I'd say just do it. It's a great time to launch something new. It's the outdoor industry that feels like it's a super exciting growing segment. People are getting into it. And I have to say on a personal basis, it's been a very welcoming and collaborative space to enter. It's not true for every industry, but we've gotten such a warm and helpful welcome from the broader industry.
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars. A company out of Seattle called Grayl makes this portable water filter for under a hundred bucks. I have one of these two and it's literally a lifesaver, but it's also just this functional, simple piece of outdoor gear that I think everyone should have.
Do you have any favorite books? Encounters with the Arch Druid, Coming into the Country, Overstory by John McPhee
Banner to hang at the entrance of one of the outdoor trade shows "you have to choose it's either nature or plastic"
Connect with David go to nutshellcoolers.com to get on our email list
david@nutshellcoolers.com
Snippets
Intro to Outdoors 01:25 - 01:49
What is a Nutshell Cooler 23:31 - 23:50
David's Advice 27:06 - 27:32
Outdoor Prolink connects outdoor professionals with the best outdoor brands. Those people are guides, instructors, search and rescue, people who work in retail, work for the outdoor brands, etc.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes planetoutdoors.com
Lowe Alpine
Mountain Smith
The Teifi River
Prescott College
Cornell University
NOLS
What outdoor activities do you guys participate in you and your family? "I still rock climb with a bunch of buddies, paddle a little bit, not as much as I used to and mountain bike and ski."
Gareth's Advice to get into the Outdoor Industry "Do your homework, and align yourself with brands, with companies who have the same values as you."
Gareth's favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars. Grayl water purifier
Follow up with Gareth gareth@outdoorprolink.com
Outdoor Prolink
Vimeo
Snippets
02:06 - 02:29 Gareth’s Introduction to the Outdoors
04:02 - 04:18 What is Outdoor Prolink?
25:22 - 25:36 Gareth Richard’s Advice to get in the Outdoor Industry
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/
Jason is a trail runner & founder of New Oceans Digital an outdoor industry marketing agency. He’s going to tell us about their work and what inspired him to start a marketing agency. Brought to you by Coalatree.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes New Oceans Digital
Jason's Introduction to the Outdoors So as a kid, my family would take road trips across America, visiting some of the national parks. And, these, weren't your typical road trips where you're going maybe a day or so away, or maybe even staying in state. If you're in a big state like Texas many of our trips logged five, 6,007,000 miles.
Jason's Favorite National Park Denali National Park
About New Oceans Digital I help outdoor brands radically improve their website performance so that they can make more money online by converting, existing website visitors into customers.
1% For The Planet
National Parks Foundation
Jason's Outdoor Activities Trail Running, Mtn Biking, Snowboarding
Jason's Favorite Books Turning The Flywheel and Good to Great by Jim Collins
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel
Advice 1. Help people in public as much as possible. And you do this by just providing value in whatever field of expertise you have. So just help people, if you're, if you're a marketer, if you're a designer, whatever, just help people in public as much as possible. 2. If you're feeling a bit shy or nervous, just rip the bandaid off and dive in. I'm not naturally an extrovert, at least I don't see myself that way, but, I would say that if you're passionate about the outdoors and you want to work in this industry, there are people out there who want to definitely help you along the way.
Jason's favorite piece of Outdoor Gear under $100 Solomon hydration vest
Jason's Offer for Outdoor Biz Listeners Get a growth audit of your site to get instant clarity on how to grow your revenue online. Including:
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Get a detailed and prioritized action plan.
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A 30-minute strategy call.
you can pay a low price of only $40 bucks instead of the regular $300 for it, OR get it for FREE by making a donation of any amount to the National Park's foundation. So you can make a donation for five bucks, 20 bucks, a hundred bucks, whatever it is.
Go to: www.outdoorgrowthaudit.com
Follow up with Jason Linkedin
jason@oceansdigital.com
Snippets
01:36 - 01:54 Jason’s Introduction to the Outdoors
04:42 - 04:53 Why Jason works with Outdoor Brands
23:45 - 24:03 Jason Advice to get in the Outdoor Industry
Brooks Hansen from Camp Chef tells us about his first outdoor experiences, some of the great technology Camp Chef is bringing to grilling and smoking meat, and a few tips to improve your grilling game.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Camp Chef Camp Chef YouTube Boy Scouts Smoke Control Wood Pellets Cast Iron Top 3 Tips There's a lot of different things. I would say one of my number one tips is don't overcomplicate it. It's as easy as you want it to be, especially with a pellet grill and you're talking, smoking tips, and grilling techniques. There's no reason to over-complicate and overthink it. It's as simple as a set and forget it, follow some of the recipes, there are some really simple ones you don't need to over season, but seasoned liberally, if that makes any sense. It's kind of an Oxymoron. So if I'm doing like a reverse seared steak or something, I'm doing salt and pepper, I'm going to that meat's going to soak up and draw a lot of that salt. So I'm going to season it pretty liberally. But I don't need to add like 15 other seasonings. Sometimes people get all caught up on a little, add a little bit. Sometimes it ends up being more work than it's worth.
And then time and temperature are probably two of my major tips when you're smoking. know your time and know your temperature. Things get done, I've had briskets get done in 20 hours and I've had brisket get done in 10 hours. So you just gotta know where you're at in your cook and know what the temperature's doing and just keep a close eye on it. And the cool thing is you can do that from your couch, wherever with a wifi controller.
Favorite piece of gear under a hundred dollars Camp Chef Carving Set
Klymit Pillow
Follow Brooks and Camp Chef Email Brooks: brooksh@campchef.com
YouTube
Facebook: @campchef
Instagram: @campchef
Twitter: @camp_chef
Snippets
TUE 01:44 - 01:57 Brooks Introduction to the Outdoors
WED 07:30 - 07:47 Brooks Favorite Wood to Smoke with
THUR 11:18 - 11:26 Brooks Tips for smoking meat
Sutton and Kenji tell us how the idea for the show came to life and some of the coolness we’ll see in Park City this summer.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes The Big Gear Show
Darren Bush
Kenji Consults
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Outdoor Industry Association
Lance Camisasca
Outdoor Retailer
The Outdoor Press Camp
Paddlesports Retailer
Rutabaga Paddlesports
A16
John Mead
Park City
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
Connect with Kenji and Sutton kenji@thebiggearshow.com
sutton@thebiggearshow.com
info@thebiggearshow.com
Snippets 04:11 - 04:26 More curated, More focused events
09:31 - 09:12 Inspiration for an Outdoor Show Outdoors
11:27 - 11:47 The Demo is Awesome
Daniel and I talk about how Allied got started, how he got involved, and the great work they do to bring us all those sustainable, comfy, warm feathers for our jackets, sleeping bags, pillows, and comforters.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Allied Down and Feather
Daniel Uretsky
What was the motivation to get a law degree?
Great question growing up. It's just something that always interested me.
I never really necessarily planned on going into the Down business. I liked the idea of being a lawyer growing up as a kid, I was very inquisitive. One of those kids that asked a lot of questions and my teachers were always telling me it'd make a good lawyer. I guess I had a habit of cross-examining.
So it was just something that always appealed to me. I know it kind of sounds funny, but I grew up reading John Grisham books and I love those stories, so yeah, it's just always really appealed to me in the family.
Animal welfare standards
Supply chain animal welfare standards, ensuring that all the down being bought was coming from sources where there was no harm to the animals.
RDS- Responsible Down Standard
TDS- Traceable Down Standard
Track my Down
The hangtag and sewn label will have a lot number, and also a QR code. So either you can scan the QR code with their phone or they can go to the website, ww.trackmydown.com, enter that lot number with the unique code. You can really learn a lot about the down, traceability is a huge component, but also education around the quality of the down and other things like how to wash your down product.
Suggestions and advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz.
Yeah, I find it to be a very open industry. I find that to be very welcoming and collaborative. I would say that for people that really want to get in, if they're willing to learn their way up, I think I would say, just go for it.
I can't necessarily recommend the best study programs to get schooling. I don't know that being a lawyer is the best way. But I would say go for it. It's just been a great learning experience for me. And like I said, I find it to be a very collaborative industry.
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under $100
Handlebar Phone Clip
Favorite Books
my fun reads are from Daniel Silva
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Morality by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Snippets
01:36 - 1:47 Motivation to get a law degree
03:29 - 03:46 Getting into the family business
20:57 - 21:10 Advice on getting into the Outdoor Business
A small spark of wonder ignited into a burning passion to do something meaningful, something that matters for Parks and Public Lands thus Wild Tribute was born. We talk about that inspiration, the people behind Wild Tribute, how they get their cool artwork, and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Wild Tribute
Ben Kieffner
Brian Stowers
Sean Stowers
How Ben Got into the Outdoors I grew up in the state of Kentucky. It was always in the woods playing and in the creeks behind my home and playing with friends outside. And I think that just naturally spiraled into an affinity for being outside and then have the opportunity to move west and live in Denver for some time. That's what really, I think, opened my eyes to the mountain life and more or less just all the adventures that can be had.
4% to National Parks and Public Lands 4% of our top-line revenues, go back to organizations that support our national parks and public lands. And that's really why we do what we do. And so that's always been at the forefront of all of our decision-making and anything and everything we do, specific to a business strategy.
Printed and Fulfilled in the US The product is primarily manufactured in central America and then it is finished in the United States.
Predominantly it should be understood that we get the product, we source it, and then we manufacture it. But then everything is more or less printed fulfilled in the right here in the states, whether that's in Utah, where we're based or some of our partners are in California as well.
Ben's thoughts on how we can educate new outdoor participants about the basics of camping and hiking? So we gotta do our part. Of course. So I think to answer your question, part of its repetitions, I think hopefully more people go out and it's not just this one experience.
I think more often than not one experience takes you to another, but after one, two, three, four times, and these places that are striking you with inspiration and awe, I think it kicks in that, okay, I'm going to take care of this place a little better and clean up after myself.
Advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz. Just like any job, I think you've got to find you got to find a company or a project that you connect to and see where it takes you. And flexibility is obviously I think important for folks that are in an outdoor industry, so they can focus on what they love doing during most of the day, but they also want to recreate Because that's a big reason why I entered the industry in the first place. So flexibility is important, but at the same time, it's also a perk.
Favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100 Arcade Belts
Follow up with Ben Wild Tribute
Email Ben: ben@wildtribute.com
Wild Tribute Socials Facebook
YouTube
Snippets
01:46 - 02:01 How Ben Got into the Outdoors
07:50 - 08:12 Wild Tribute gives 4% to National Parks and Public Lands
22:43 - 23:16 Advice to get into the Outdoor Business
Travis and I talk about his inspiration to help more of you have great outdoor adventures. He tells us about his complete packages that allow you to live the van life for a week or weekend then hand the keys and gear back to him to be cleaned and prepped for the next adventurous folks.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Intro to the Outdoors I grew up here in Colorado. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. And so kind of did everything you might expect a young Colorado kid to do growing up. I was out camping with my family and biking and fishing and hunting and just kind of were what we did.
Fountain Valley School
Crestone Needle
Have Fun, Do Good Our program sets aside $5 for each day a customer rents a vehicle and puts it in our donation bucket. That means every day you are out camping in the woods or skiing you are contributing back to the outdoors you are enjoying. That is Adventure with Impact.
We select projects and partners that align with our mission and fund them one at a time.
Carbon Offset Fleet We have partnered with Colorado Carbon Fund to offset the carbon from our vehicles using regenerative farming practices locally to reduce our air pollution here.
Electric Vehicle Discount Got an EV already? Great, send a photo of you with your vehicle and we will email you with the 20% promo code to be used when booking a trip.
Outdoor Biz Listener Discount Get 15% off rental using code OUTDOORBIZ15 which will be good for any trips booked before June 1 (trip can happen later on)
TAC Rentals
YouTube
Contact TAC
Snippets
00:03:01 - 00:03:31 How Travis Got into the Outdoors
00:05:25 - 00:05:39 What does TAC Rentals do?
00:38:11 - 00:38:44 Advice to get into the Adventure Business
Do you want to get into the outdoor media business? Listen to the insights and advice from Outdoor Writers Association of America members Chez Chesak, Colleen Miniuk, and Kate Morgan. Start your Outdoor Media career today!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE SHOW NOTES OWAA OWAA Website
YouTube
Contact OWAA
Kate Morgan bykatemorgan
Kate's Podcast: Roaring Earth
Apple
Spotify
Connect with Kate Twitter
Colleen Miniuk Colleen Photography and Writing
Dear Bubbles
Workshops and Speaking Engagements
Colleen on The Outdoor Biz Podcast EP 239
Connect with Colleen Facebook
Chez Chesak Facebook
Chez on The Outdoor Biz Podcast EP 052
EP 235
Please give us a rating and review HERE Snippets
00:15:28 - 00:16: 05 Advice- Kate Morgan
00:31:32 - 00:32:01 Advice- Colleen Miniuk
00:37:22 - 00:38:02 Advice- Chez Chesak
Finding Retail Success in 2021 with John Holmes from Bill & Paul's Sporthaus, Mort Nace, General Manager with Medved Running & Walking Outfitters, and Matt Dobrowolski, Sales Executive from EnvoyB2B.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Finding Retail Success in 2021 with John Holmes from Bill & Paul's Sporthaus, Mort Nace, General Manager with Medved Running & Walking Outfitters, and Matt Dobrowolski, Sales Executive from EnvoyB2B.
Brought to you by Show Notes Bill and Paul's Sporthaus
Jon Holmes
Meved Running and Walking
Mort Nace
EnvoyB2B
Matt Dobrowolski
Retain your existing customer base
Brand Awareness Campaigns
Curbside Pickup
Virtual fitting
Get your business online or tighten up your online business
More email campaigns
Interactive brand presentations
Maintain Community Engagement
Appointment based selling
Engaging with new local partners
Still need reps to be hands-on, the buyers still need that touchpoint
Bill & Paul's Location and Hours ###### Located at 1200 East Paris, just south of Cascade Rd. Get Directions Here
Phone: 616-458-1684
Fax: 616-454-4151
Email: customerservice@billandpauls.com
Hours: Appointment Required for Equipment and Apparel Fittings
Book Appointments Here
M-Th 10a-6p In-Store & Curbside Pick-Up Friday 10a-8p In-Store & Curbside Pick-Up Sat 10a-6p In-Store & Curbside Pick-Up Sun 12p-5p In-Store & Curbside Pick-Up Medved's Location and Contact Info 3400 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Get Directions
585-248-3420 Snippets 00:03:01 - 00:03:21 Virtual Shoe Selling
00:20:34 - 00:21:14 Nemo Presentation
00:22:06 - 00:22:22 Still need Reps
Trish tells us how In rural Thailand the seeds for BikeHike were planted, though she wouldn’t realize it until years later. Now, 25 years after BikeHike Adventures’ first official trip (in Costa Rica), BikeHike runs tours in more than 30 destinations worldwide…from their office in Vancouver
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes How Trish Got introduced to the Outdoors Sadly, my mother passed away at the age of 46. And she always wanted to travel the world. She always wanted to get out and do things, but she was raising a young family. And before she died, she said to me, Don't make the same mistake I made, go out and see the world now, because you never know what tomorrow holds. So when I turned 20, I decided I'd never been on a plane in my life. I was really shy and just didn't have exposure to anything, but I decided to move on a five-year trip, traveling around the world and my first stop was going to be Vancouver to work EXPO 86.
I left for a five-year trip to travel around the world and that wasn't an active trip, but after my five years Traveling all over the world I came back to Toronto and immediately I got a job working for a tour operator who said, Hey, what do you think of going to Costa Rica on guide training? We'll train you on how to be a guide in Costa Rica. And then you can live in Costa Rica for the next two years as a guide.
That was the first time I'd ever camped in my entire life. I started getting into rafting and biking and hiking, I thought, Oh my God, this is what I want to do with my life. I love it.
Launching Bike Hike Adventures When I came back I said, I want to start my own company. How do I do it? And he put me in touch with somebody who allowed me to work under his umbrella and learn from the ropes of another tour company who took me under his wing.
But there was. Yeah, there was a lot to learn and they're still are.
Some of the things Trish learned It wasn't marketing, the marketing was something that I had to learn on my own. It was pretty much the operations of the trip.
Pretty much I knew how to design, cause I learned that when I was on the ropes. Put it this way, when I was in the field, I learned everything in the field. So this was like learning what happens in the office. The putting the pieces of the puzzle together, getting the sales, getting the money, booking the insurance, booking the flight.
Yeah, that's pretty much what he did. So I just worked under that umbrella. And then I actually moved a few years later into a bigger company and under their umbrella for another couple of years. And then that's where I learned a little bit more about more of the business aspect of it from the accounting and the IT, the database. They had a bookkeeper, a management consultant which is great because as a small company, just to be under that umbrella and learn from that. That was just so valuable.
Trish's Advice to get into the outdoor adventure business I would say that it was so valuable for me to work for another Adventure travel company before I started because like I said I learned what happened on the ground first. Start working as a guide but then make sure you also get in working in an office so you can see what happens on both sides of the coin.
I love adventure travel and I love being out in the world, but it is just a small part of what I do because if I was gone all the time, it would be hard for the business to actually happen. There are so many other elements to it. So be prepared for that.
Trish's Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear Proviz Cycling, Running Outdoor, Lifestle Gear
Book Your Trip and Gett $100 OFF Anyone who wants to travel with us up until December 20, 2022, we're offering a hundred dollars off per person, a hundred dollars US. Use the code outdoor biz 100 and we can apply that to your trip.
BikeHike Adventures
YouTube
Connect with BikeHike
Snippets
00:03:31 - 00:04:16 Intro to the Outdoors
00:04:36 - 00:05:20 Inspiration for BikeHike Adventures
00:28:21 - 00:29:10 Advice for Starting an Adventure Business
The Tinkle Belle was designed by a group of professional, adventurous women from Northwestern Montana. Their mission was to create a product where any woman could #getoutandGO! And only the perfect product would be good enough to release on the market. With the Tinkle Belle, women have the freedom to GO anywhere the men go. Let Peedom ring!
Show Notes The Tinkle Belle If you have to go, you have to go. Guys just out, find a quiet spot, and pee, it's different for women. The main inspiration behind the product was just having to find somewhere to squat, to pee when you were having fun outside. Any woman can use The tinkle Belle while hiking, camping, road trips, on airlines, winter activities, boating, mobility issues, and in dirty restrooms. Take your Tinkle Belle with you everywhere to make life a little cleaner and easier when you have to go!
Adyn's Introduction to the Outdoors I grew up in Montana, so the outdoors is something that's just inherently part of my life. Hiking, camping, boating, all of those sorts of things are something that we just do, maybe not on a daily basis, but on the weekends. That's something that we always try to take a part of when we can, it's right there for you.
The Tinkle Belle Construction It's an injection-molded medical grade, plastic, silicone, and latex-free. It has two types of material in it, so that it's foldable, but it still has the back edge that's sturdy to use within clothing. It has anti-microbial and hydrophobic built into the plastics so that it sheds excess liquids. And then also it doesn't collapse when you put it into clothing.
The Tinkle Belle Testing That process actually took just about two years. Which kind of surprised even me, because it looks like a simple thing to create, but to get those curves just right you have to get the dimensions, correct. And to get the materials chosen correctly so that they did what we wanted. It took quite a while. And at the time, just to get the engineering and communicate the engineering, not that it's just hard. There are curves involved. The engineers were men, to be honest, they couldn't relate.
One of our Goals We knew we wanted a product that would help women. If there are other products that we can create that helps women, that we can add on down the line, that'd be awesome. So the Tinkle Belle has definitely become a brand and I hope that we can create other cool things that help women in the outdoors.
How to Clean your Tinkle Belle If you have water, I just rinse a little bit of water through it. Or take something like a little disposable wipe and wipe it, or you can just wash it when you get home. It does have the anti-microbial built into the plastic. So it resists building, growing germs, and odor. So if you can't wash it I just fold it and then wash it when I get home.
God Forgives Foundation Our foundation the God Forgives Foundation helps build and sustain orphanages and schools throughout the United States. Currently, they are in India, and we are looking to expand into other areas and help as many children as we can.
Connect with and/or purchase Tinkle Belle The Tinkle Belle website
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Snippets
00:01:38 - 00:02:00 Adyn's Intro to the Outdoors
00:03:38 - 00:04:08 The Product Inspiration
00:10:25 - 00:10:51 The Tinkle Bell Construction
Rugged Rocks & Rugged Routes provides off-road parts, maps communication equipment, and GPS accessories and high resolution maps compatible with Lowrance GPS units for Overlanders and Off-Road enthusiasts everywhere.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Rugged Rocks & Rugged Routes provides off-road parts, maps communication equipment, and GPS accessories and high resolution maps compatible with Lowrance GPS units for Overlanders and Off-Road enthusiasts everywhere. Rugged Routes
Rugged Rocks
Eagle Scout
Lowrance Units
Ocotillo Wells
California State Parks
Bureau of Land Management
San Bernardino National Forest
Arrowhead
Johnson Valley
Glamis
California City
Red Rock Canyon
Spangler Hills
Randsburg
Rugged Rocks: Facebook
Rugged Routes: Facebook
contact Rugged Routes
contact Rugged Routes
00:06:42 - 00:06:57 Inspiration for Rugged Rocks
00:25:52 - 00:26:22 Daily Routines
00:24:29 - 00:24:46 Advice
CampgroundViews.com uses video, data, and photographs to provide Tent and RV travelers with vital information to help them plan their vacations. And with over 40M Americans going camping every year, this is a must-use in trip planning.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Intro to Outdoors My outdoor experience has been long and varied. I originally started outdoors back when I was 13. I started mountain bike racing at a very high level all the way up to racing the world championships in 24-hour races.
So I was always outdoorsy, but our introduction into the Camping and RV space happened about 12 years ago when my wife and I decided to sell everything we own, buy a fifth wheel and start traveling the country.
And we weren't rich. We had student loan debt, the typical stuff, and just felt let's go adventure while we're young. And so we sold everything and bought this RV and headed out on this Epic adventure, traveling the country.
How campground views came to life When we started traveling, we recognize that the biggest problem for other people that would want to travel like us was actually finding a campground. It's a real pain in the butt.
So we ended up coming up with this crazy idea to launch a business called campground views.com and focus on photos and videos of campgrounds and allow people to see it. And as we built that business up, we recognized that the next big problem in this industry, this being the outdoor hospitality industry is that a lot of the owners and operators of those businesses are not the most sophisticated business owners.
They love the outdoors, they want to run a campground, but they don't necessarily know how to do all of that and really provide a good customer experience. And so we believe our mission is to help people get outdoors and experience camping and that if we could help these owners better operate their parks, that would create a better experience for the campers.
So through that, we've focused all of our attention on that experience. And over the last year in COVID times we really ramped that up and we run a few organizations that basically have more members than any other association out there of RV park and campground owners. And we help them by just providing them tons of free content to run their businesses better.
Another Mission Now the big thing for the outdoor industry is helping train all these new people on how to properly treat the outdoors. It's one thing to go camping, hiking, whatever. It's another thing to do it right. And there is definitely a knowledge breakdown there. And I think it behooves all of us to help. Help the newbies come along
This actually goes back to 2020, one of the big things, this was through the efforts we've done. We're talking to the park owners all the time. And about early July we started getting feedback from the owners that they're seeing this massive wave of new campers coming in. And it was great for business, but it was driving them nuts because these people did not know basic camping etiquette there.
I went to the owners and said, okay, what do you want to tell these people? And teach them to do. And so the owners laid out this massive list and we took it. We assigned it to our graphic designer and we created a tri-fold brochure and an infographic. And we put those out there for free. We just said, Hey, anybody, take them all we ask is that you leave our little campground views, the logo created by campground views, but you can put your own branding on it and share it.
We also partner with a number of influencers to help them get the word out because the industry has changed and this is for all the outdoor spaces. There are so many voices that you and I may never have heard of, but the people that are in that space, like those people are idols.
They're the type of personalities, the ones that get the information out. Helping them get the information out is is actually a really good way to educate the audience.
Favorite Campgrounds We used to be able to easily say yes, and it was camping in Springdale, Utah, right at the base of Zion national park. That used to be like our best spot to go. But as we've traveled more and more, we have found that there are so many amazing, unique places that we no longer have a favorite.
For example, we stayed in the Florida keys for a month, camped on sunshine key. And every day we're able to go out kayaking and in those blue waters there around the keys, but then that same summer, we spent a month outside of Acadia National Park, and we're able to go ride the trails.
So that's one of the great things about camping and RV, in particular, is it allows you to go to these unique locations, actually stay closer to them than if you were in a hotel or whatnot, and really get to enjoy them. And there are so many places like you say, how can you have a favorite? They're all beautiful.
New Project
Traditionally, we've been marketers for campgrounds and RV parks. So we help them get people in their parks. And through that experience, we have found that video imagery is the best tool available to help people choose the right campground. And over the last three years, we've been doing standard 360 videos just to help.
And through that, we now know that 360 videos can have a profound impact on a few things. Number one, it gets more people into the campground because it allows them to see it. All that stuff. Yeah. But number two, it actually drops customer service calls into the campground, because many of the questions you want to ask, you can answer on your own.
So by looking at the 360 videos, and so by dropping that demand on their time, on the phone down, it allows them to be more present onsite for the people that are in their face. And a lot of campgrounds, the reason they can't post on social media is the managers may be stressed because they're always on the phone and they just don't have the time.
And so by reducing that phone need and helping the campers pick a better place that meets their needs. We're dropping the demands off camp hosts all the stress and we're allowing the campers to be more empowered in picking their campus sites.
Activities We hike we're hikers and we're bikers. So we have a, my wife and I have a tandem Mountain bike. It's a Ventana, it's one of those It's got eight inches of travel and we've raced that thing. We've had it for a decade now. Just love it.
And so then we'll tow a trailer with our little one and our son is now old enough, he’s got a Scott mountain bike. And so we'll go mountain biking or riding on trails. And then a lot of hiking as you get older, you get a family you're adventures change, instead of going on a five-hour hike, you now take five hours to get going on the hike and then you hike about half an hour.
Connectivity Yeah, connectivity is actually a big deal now. I'll go back. So when we started full-time RV, it was 2009 at that time I had a Motorola no, it was a Nokia flip phone with a keyboard slid out. And my connectivity was a USB top toggle that I attached via USB card. And it was a 3g connection, but that was before the iPhone.
So the 3g connection was almost as fast as a 4g connection back then because was nobody else using the network. And so as time has gone on now, you have all this usage we're now on. We carry with us a Verizon 4g, a Sprint 4g, and an ATT 4g card. We utilize wifi routers that, that tie into those 4g cards within the rig.
We also are now at the point because of our data needs that we actually look for RV parks that have high-speed internet. That's actually a thing now there installing super high speed at RV parks and travel to those locations. So there's still nothing that really works truly mobile, no satellite option or that kind of thing. Cause you get the latency with satellites. It becomes an issue, and the 4g cards they’re the best, and I, you didn't see me do it, but I threw air quotes around the best because the problem is that there are so many people seeking the outdoors and working remotely that the 4g networks are now getting overloaded.
Suggestions or Advice The one thing we didn't do that we should have done is rent an RV and go out, not for a weekend, go out for a week or two and act as if that RV is your home for a week or two. So if you're gonna go full time and live on the road, Do that because it's a big commitment. Then the second piece of advice that we got, and we followed and I think it's absolutely true is to buy the biggest thing you possibly can. Because if you're living in it, when it's raining, when it's crappy weather, you're stuck inside.
The Airstreams look really cool, but most people that full-time in an Airstream, they generally make it about a year and a half before they finally quit. Because it's a small space.
If you're looking just to get into RV camping the same rules apply, go rent something for a weekend. See if you like it, and then start doing your research as to what type of unit is appropriate for you and your camping type. And ask yourself questions about, obviously budget. What can I afford? What's the vehicle that you're gonna be towing it with, is drivable or not, Do you have a place to store the darn thing when you're not using it? So those are some big questions. There's a lot more to ask along that journey. Where are you going to go camping at? How often are you going to use it? Those types of things? The big thing is the RV rentals become very accessible now with companies like RV share over the place.
360 Insider Crowdfunding Campaign: https://www.campgroundviews.com/join-the-club/
Connect with Mark: mark@campgroundviews.com
Snippets 03:57 - 04:17 Our Idea 05:50 - 06:35 How we help Camp Hosts 26:10- 26:56 Advice
You may remember Steve from Episode 206. Our first conversation was about OOFOS and their terrific product, this time we talk about how the pandemic impacted their business, the cool activations they did to aid their community, and how they pivoted to deliver a successful year.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Steve's Introduction to the Outdoors Growing up North of Boston, my dad was really into the outdoors. We spent a lot of time in New Hampshire and he actually climbed all the 4,000 footers in the Appalachian trail in New Hampshire. Yeah, it's funny, you know, you and I talked about this earlier, he kept one of those journals on all of his hikes up to the different 4,000 footers and who we went with, and what, what transpired. I actually haven't done all of them. I want to finish them all. But he did all of them, some even twice. The other family member that did all of them was our golden retriever who is in the book too. My dad actually got the 4,000 footer patch. So it's a lot of great memories.
Things we talked about OOFOS
re-inc: In 2019 USWNT champions Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg, and Christen Press founded re—inc with the mission of inspiring more people to boldly reimagine the status quo. What started as a collection of reinvented streetwear quickly grew into a constellation of products and experiences that offer a new normal. We're in the midst of building a redefined world for conscious living and a new path forward for changemakers. Our gender-fluid fashion, creative goods, and membership experiences invite you to reimagine with us. We believe in relentless and continuous reinvention. It fuels us. We hope that you join us on the journey.
Recovery Footwear
Nichols College
Steve's OR Banner "Do yourself a favor and try a pair of OOFOS. Get a carabiner and hang them on your backpack."
Steve's Other Outdoor Activities Hiking, Mtn Biking, Working Out, lifting weights, Cross Country skiing
Steve's Advice If you're passionate about it, go for it. I mean, and if you can combine, I tell my kids this all the time, if you can combine something you truly love to do, and you're good at it as well. That's a magic formula, you know? And you know, life's too short not to do what you love.
Steve's Favorite Books and Podcasts Mindset by Carol Dweck
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Steve's Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100 Foam Roller
REI Socks
Connect with Steve Steve Gallo- Linkedin
Snippets
01:36 - 01:59 Making People Feel Better
03:52 - 04:19 Helping Specialty Retailers
04:57 - 05:08 Things turned out pretty well
Outdoorpals is for anyone over the age of 18 looking for new adventure buddies! It doesn’t matter your outdoor skills or experience, Outdoorpals is a place for you to find a community, try new activities, or simply connect with other like-minded outdoor people. Let's adventure together!!
Show Notes outdoorpals.com
Josh Tunick
Bobby Meinhold
Spencer Tunick
Kevin Wallace
Grand Targhee Ski Resort
Contact OutdoorPals
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Snippets
01:38 - 2:05 Connectivity
03:18 - 03:55 Why an App
13:17 - 13:53 How to use the app
Climber and Motorcycle Adventurer Dave Garces rode his bike from Quito to Aconcagua, climbed it, and rode back. He tells us about that adventure, his quest to do the 7 summits in this style, and his business Ecuador Bike Rentals.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Climber and Motorcycle Adventurer Dave Garces rode his bike from Quito to Aconcagua, climbed it, and rode back. He tells us about that adventure, his quest to do the 7 summits in this style, and his business Ecuador Bike Rentals.
Show Notes Introduction to the outdoors Well, my outdoor hobby would be motorcycling. Adventure motorcycling and climbing itself started with my dad.
When I was two years old, he basically took me to the highest mountains here in Ecuador, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, over 18,000 feet high. So that's how I started it. Then basically I learned how to ride my first motorcycle when I was 14 and I haven't stopped since.
The Seven Summits I used to work in the oil business since 2006, which basically allowed me to travel around the world. I've been in 83 countries so far. Basically, by me working in one of these countries, I just decided to start these seven summits when I first heard of it. So I've climbed Kilimanjaro for Africa. I've climbed the Elbrus for Europe and recently in 2019, I did Aconcagua for South America.
I'm missing basically four more summits, Denali for North America. Everest for Asia and the Carstensz Pyramid for Oceania and the Vinson Massif for Antarctica.
Riding a Motorcycle to all Seven My plan now is basically to start all over again to make it count and to be honest for one thing. The second thing is I really like to take this opportunity. I mean, I have to ride the world on a motorcycle. So that being said, I have very good chances to accomplish what I'm looking for. The first attempt I had was Aconcagua in December 2019. Which is basically the closest.
Still, it was around 13,000 miles back and forth in four weeks. And also included nine days of climbing.
Aconcagua It was the beginning of the project. If I couldn't have made it, then that was the end of it. It's not the easiest or the hardest either of all seven, but for one it is the cheapest and the second is the closest.
And one thing is physical strength, but the other one is mental strength. It was basically four and a half weeks being by myself, you know, inside of my helmet and then just walking on my own. All of these thoughts, you know, can drive you crazy.
Ecuador Bike Rentals I'm working at the company as a chief mechanic and a tour guide. The company is based in Quito. Ecuador. We have another branch on the coast. So what we do basically is motorcycle rentals, guided tours, self-guided tours, and custom-tailored tours. You tell us for instance, what's your budget and how long you have on the time frame. And then we build an adventure for you.
We have intercoms connected helmet to helmet. So we basically speak with the whole party telling them what they're seeing. If there is anything going on in front of the road. You know, any advice when it comes to riding itself. So that's the guided tour, the self-guided tour we give them a pre-program GPS with all the stops, hotels, and activities are included and the guys just follow the route and just go whenever they want to go and they stop and eat whatever they want to eat and so on.
We'll build a tour for you to go birdwatching. And we have class three and class four-plus rivers and have done some tours for those who want to go kayaking and river rafting.
Advice for getting into the Outdoor Adventure Biz The main thing is, do not procrastinate. That's the worst thing you can do. I was talking to people after March 20th, 2020, and they regretted that trip they weren't able to take. Or that business, they couldn't startup. One of our clients, he was supposed to come and he just kept on the delaying and delaying. The reason he wanted to come and do the trip here in echo was that he had cancer. And unfortunately, he passed away without doing this trip.
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars Gore-Tex socks
Giving back Ecuador Bike Rental is also helping Prosonrisa. So we're basically directing 30% of the revenue straight to these causes. Whether it's for educational material or kids who need organ transplants. Whatever you guys can do to help us out. Come enjoy Ecuador, have the ride of your life. And in the meanwhile, you are helping these people.
Follow up with David
Website: ecuadorbikerental.com
Contact Us
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2:02 - 2:35 Intro to the Outdoors
22:56 - 23:59 Advice
24:07 - 24:52 Favorite Gear
Envoy B2B is a wholesale content and eCommerce platform for your entire team. Their tools and services are designed to help you create dynamic content, increase your speed of sale, and bring you closer to your retailers. The technology you need to empower your sales reps and support your retail channel. Locally helps thousands of stores present their selection to nearby shoppers using eCommerce tactics and we provide users with novel last-mile fulfillment options like in-store pickup and same-day delivery.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show notes Contact Envoy
Contact locally
Jon on Linkedin
Mike on Linkedin
Episode 264 part 1 of our conversation
So let's go back to January 2020. What was going on in your world back then? I'm sure we were all ready for a kick-ass year and had big plans, right? Jon: Yeah, let's see I think in terms of Envoy and myself, we had a team including myself, at OR. I think it was right in January. And I remember that being quite a good show for us, actually. I think we came back with a ton of opportunities in terms of new brands we were talking to. One of the things that's kind of interesting is I think there was a prevalence around this conversation of what is this show good at anymore? What should this show be? What is its purpose? Is this a marketing event? Is it replaceable? Is anybody writing business here? Those kinds of things. I remember being in a lot of those kinds of conversations and I think there was even a bunch of op-eds like almost immediately after it, that was one of the big industry conversations going on. And along with that, I think there were a lot of climate action initiatives at that OR as well. We were in a very positive place for 2020 for sure.
Mike: Same thing. We had just come back from the ISPO. We had a ton of meetings. Like Jon, we walked out of the show optimistic that we were gonna crush our budget, even though it was the first of the year.
I was thinking, Oh man, this is great, we got so many people who are talking about our mission and it was very exciting and the team was excited. Then I remember by the end of the month I remember spending time at home. My wife works from home and she's in the medical field and by the end of January, I remember being in her office, jumping up and down and going, this is really bad. This is really bad. And her trying to talk me off the walls and she was like, you don't know anything about medicine, just shut up. And I'm like, you watch, this is the bad one. And while I did think it was gonna be a lot worse than it is. I mean, in hindsight it was bad. It was terrible, but my sense at the end of January was that this was going to be a run and cover event, it was going to be bad.
Jon: It was until probably Aprilish or around there where it became pretty understood that the market was going to change. Everything was going to change. We started thinking again about, okay, well, what are the things that we need to do to Envoy to become more helpful to our clients? I think fortunately in the B2B space and I would imagine you too Mike, a lot of what we had just became more relevant and more useful. We didn't really have to invent a lot of new things. It was more, okay, well now there's this gap, right? In terms of, we're not going to be meeting in person. So how do we connect? And a lot of brands woke up to the idea. And the messaging that we have been throwing out for years now, which is, well, there's this destination for that. It doesn't replace it, but it is a useful tool to rally connections with your retailers around. So there wasn't this, okay we've got to build a bunch of stuff real quick to be helpful to our brands and retailers. It was more shining a light on here are some ways to use what we've got that will really help you guys out.
Mike: we had been working on solutions that, fortunately, applied to the situation, rather nicely. Between sorting out opportunities with potential partners, onboarding retailers, and brands. And things like that, we were excited to be able to bridge the gap between COVID shopping behavior. And what's really curious now is that we're a year, almost a year past this thing getting started. And a lot of those shopping behaviors have kind of stuck and a lot of the optimizations that Jon's worked on, that we worked on at Locally, other ones that our partners have worked on, those would become kind of the norm for consumers.
Jon: I think the other thing that I think around what's kind of happened. There was this kind of question, these questions circulating around the show in January about what is it good for? And what's the purpose of this? And I think come March. I guess the next OR, when it just got canceled, I guess it was April we all got an opportunity to try that out and answer that question and be like, well, what is it good for? And I think that's where we're at, which is okay, well, it certainly has its place, and I can get into some of the things we're hearing from retailers that suggest that.
But I think we're at this point of well, what do we bring back that we've learned from our time away from trade shows and what do we want them to be and what are they not going to be good at? And what are we going to do with these relationships that have actually gotten stronger upon being more direct and more personal? Between brands and retailers rather than rallying around something that is fun and very community-driven, but maybe actually isn't the most personal experience. I think we've got retailers through surveying is they want personal experiences and that's very easily confused with, well, then we need to go to a trade show. But that's not what it is really. Those aren't personal experiences, the personal experiences they're talking about are the ones that the rep offers by walking in the front door you don't get that at a trade show.
So a lot of the travel is not coming back. And I think this is kind of one of those really interesting nexuses of like things happening right now. And I think as a digital B2B company and Mike, I honestly don't know where you sit on this. I expect that we're in a similar spot, but people expect us to embrace this idea of everything's going digital. We all have to go digital right now. And that really isn't what the research is showing us. They're saying, what I want is personal contact from sales reps. You look at a word cloud of what they want or what they miss right now, based on the market changes and things going virtual, they want. It looks like touch, It looks like see, it looks like feel, it looks like rep. Those are the things that they're interested in. What didn't come up was virtual.
An interesting thing that I heard from a retailer recently was basically brands are over-correcting, they're over-correcting and putting all of this emphasis into, 'well, we have to make our entire sell in digital. And part of that is bringing our buyers into this immersive digital experience. And some are going really much further into this augmented space. Essentially this retailer was saying, well, you're putting me inside of a video game. So this person actually got kind of disenfranchised for the brand, it's actually working against the brand. So I think the premise of our research and what we're saying is actually the brands that are going to do well in this next phase of wholesale are the ones that double down on their rep relationships and personalization. To use that as the bridge to continue, what I think has been reinforced through COVID, is retailers want personal contact. And that's the secret ingredient. And then you look into what ongoing Locally are doing in terms of the level of personalization that we can help a rep provide and that's the angle. It's not a replacement. It's an augmentation and really staying tuned to what retailers want, not what you think you need to do as a brand to connect with them in terms of digital investments.
Mike: we didn't have to take any dramatic steps, but, we were also dealing with lots of existing clients and potentially, incoming new clients that that had a lot of needs coming out of the gate. And it was really cool to watch. And along the lines of, what John was saying, it's really cool to watch the brands that saw the opportunity or the retailers saw the opportunity as being every man for themselves. Versus the ones that reached out and said, okay, well we're all in this together. Brands and retailers have to work together more than ever to ensure that everybody remains healthy or this won't really work. The ones who really just grasped this as an opportunity for me, and I'm gonna do all these things actually, it was counterintuitive. They were the ones that had the hardest time gaining traction. Whereas a lot of the brands, especially the ones that John and I collaborate with those brands were really reaching out and making sure that they weren't siloing the opportunity and keeping it all to themselves. They were making sure that handoffs were occurring to local stores and keeping those healthy. And suddenly we looked up at the end of six months and we're like, Oh, my God, we were expecting half of the retail base to go away. And it was exactly that there was like no one went away. So I think that was really great. And relationships were strengthened and I think that's something we hit on in the last podcast was those that doubled down on their existing partnerships and specifically talking about brand retail or retail and a partner. That's what got everybody through. And now we have a decision to make, what parts of that are we going to augment and keep, or rather cause the converse, what parts of what wasn't working and what we weren't doing do we actually just want to let die on the vine, and what parts of it do we want to reincorporate back into our new model, which is working. And those are tough questions. And inside of all of that, there's this thing happening out there with trade shows, which is, 80% of their revenue of that evaporated and they're looking for ways to exist still. And are they the ones that are going to invent the future? Those that didn't have the model to get through what occurred? I just don't think so. I think they've got a great product and offering, but I don't count on them to make the next big step for us all.
Let's dig a little deeper into that, the current state of trade shows. It's definitely in flux. Everybody seems to think that there are some timing issues and, travel issues and all kinds of things. What are your guys' thoughts on those? Mike: I still think that the larger format trade shows will add value in the sense of bringing the community together of an industry. The broader community. I don't know that the big format trade shows are going to be able to put themselves back into the box of actually taking orders on the floor of trade shows. I just don't see that being a thing anymore. But I do think that there's a reason for community. And then the other thing that is occurring that I think is really powerful is this micro trade show format, whether it's the Grassroots show or whether it's Trek holding like a Trek only trade show or regional rep shows. Or The Big Gear Show like Kenji's offering. I think all of those will gain relevance because they're better curated. They're going to be kind of like microbrewery of trade shows. Whereas very large format, you just get lost in those. And it's very difficult to make personal connections.
Jon: What I hear you saying is a continuation of what we were talking about a little bit earlier. Which is the larger format trade shows, and I think everyone was arriving at the point in January. What's important about this as a community is getting together and doing something as a community. But I don't think that is personal. Those aren't personal experiences. And if what we're saying is what retailers want moving forward is largely personal experiences to help them do their buying, what I love about what you said, Mike is, basically that's happening at these smaller shows. That's the personal experience. That's where that personal buying experience is happening.
Mike: What I spend my day talking about is really simple. About a year ago throughout this whole process, it really dawned on me. What we do as a company, we operate in this B to B to C space, where you've got business to business to consumer, but where really the only thing that matters in this space is the consumer. We can all talk about how we do things and how we love the consumer and if the consumer walked away from that . . . it's over. What matters and what's coming from Locally and what's coming with Envoy is, how do we keep the consumer engaged in a way that delights them? And how do we do that in an environment where it's hard to get to us. How do we get people in the store? How do we make sure that when that person walks in the store, they walk out with a product? That they walk out with the product that they happen to be looking at live. What we're looking at is how do we deliver, personalized marketing that drives the consumer to the local retail store. And why is that a win to the brand and the retailer instead of just a win to the brand or the retailer. It's only a win if the consumer is delighted by the overall experience.
And when you look out there and you look at the most admired brands and retailers in the world today, you think of Apple or maybe a Lulu lemon or something like that. They have completely hybridized the notion of what a brand and retailer want in return. Both brands and retailers need to look at that and say, consumers, are delighted by this experience.
There are opportunities here, that having the right thing in stock, just in time inventory, auto-replenishment all these kinds of things are going to bring in the next decade to retailers. And I think it's going to be a paradigm shift from, the big model e-commerce merchants that basically have unlimited investor money.
Jon: Yeah, I think you're right. I mean, every boardroom, every entrepreneur that started a brand, every CEO at a mid-market brand, every boardroom at the enterprise brand needs to hear that last minute of Mike right there. And now post COVID, retailers even get it more than they did before. They're like, Oh man. Yes. This idea of shop-online, pickup in-store, same day pickup, or any of that? Yes. I'm open to it. Everybody's open to it. Brands just need to step into this place and say, we're going to be your partner on it.
Snippets
30:28 - 30:59 Mike Massey- Delight the consumer
14:43 - 15:38 Mike Massey- The current state of trade shows
16:16 - 16:56 Jon Faber- The current state of trade shows
Outdoorpals is for anyone over the age of 18 looking for new adventure buddies! It doesn’t matter your outdoor skills or experience, Outdoorpals is a place for you to find a community, try new activities, or simply connect with other like-minded outdoor people. Let's adventure together!!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
outdoorpals.com
Josh Tunick
Bobby Meinhold
Spencer Tunick
Kevin Wallace
Grand Targhee Ski Resort
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Snippets
00:30 - 00:50 Josh Intro to Outdoors
02:05 - 02:31 Bobby Intro to Outdoors
05:06 - 05:31 How the App works
Corey Rich says that Long ago he learned the technical part of any job is 10 percent. Creativity, problem-solving, optimism, and surrounding yourself with intelligent, hardworking people is the remaining 90 percent. When you know how to be creative and assemble the right team, that's when all great things come. We talk about how he grew his photo career into prolific creative photo and video offerings that grace much of the media we’ve been drooling over for the past 20 plus years.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes How were you introduced to the Outdoors and Adventure Sports Storytelling and Photography? I was a gymnast as a kid, grew up in the Mojave desert. I was ironically about my daughter's age, seven years old in second grade, My second-grade teacher had an elite gymnast as a daughter and she thought it might be good for me to try gymnastics. I don't know if I was ever hooked on gymnastics, to be honest. I think I just liked the challenge of it even early on, it was hard. And then it became a huge part of my life, gosh, probably for close to 10 years, maybe a little less than 10 years. I became a pretty competitive gymnast who competed at the state level.
So one day we had a pull-up contest in junior high school and I did 35 pull-ups and one of the school teachers took notice of me and invited me to go rock climbing. And that weekend, my brother and I went climbing. We went to the Needles of California, a little spot called Dome Rock. And that was it. I was hooked. I just loved every aspect of climbing, the mental, the physical, the cultural components, the drive up to the needles with two of my school teachers, Bob Porter and George Egbert and I was hooked.
Then the next weekend I'd borrowed my dad's camera. Because I wanted to make better pictures, tell better stories of these weekend adventures. And I realized right away that my dad had a pretty nice camera, but my photos still suck. And I realized that it's not about the camera, it's about how you use it and how you think. So within a week, two passions were born. A passion for adventure, for climbing, and the passion for storytelling.
Where did the storytelling part come from? Do you have any storytellers in your family? I think my dad was always this oral storyteller. He loved yucking it up, like shooting the shit with his buddies, in our kitchen or around a campfire. My dad was a scuba diver, big into back in the day when it was, a little more of the Wild West. Diving off the channel islands and you could actually bring home stuff to eat.
We had so much abalone, like hundreds of abalone shells in our backyard in buckets. He and his buddies every Friday after work, they would take off and they would get on a dive boat out of Ventura or Oxnard go out for two days. And they would come back with, wild tales of adventure and some food to eat. So I think I learned storytelling from him.
He always was a good storyteller. He would come home and tell some crazy tale of a kid blowing up and the sheriff coming to school and the parents having to get arrested, not always doom and gloom, but he could see the light. He understood the highlights of his day. He told even a better story of scuba diving, and so did his buddies.
Tell us about your first Adventure Sports Storytelling and Photography commercial shoot? I started to shoot a ton of climbing. That was my passion. And it's worth saying that I simultaneously was really trying to just become a better photographer. So I started this parallel pursuit. I started working at the local newspaper taking on assignments for the Antelope Valley Press. Then in college, I went to the Modesto Bee and got two internships back-to-back in the summers. So I was learning to tell stories, editorial storytelling for the newspaper.
Then I took a semester off from college and drove around the Western United States, photographing rock climbing. And sent some unsolicited submissions at the end of that semester, one to Climbing magazine and one to Patagonia, the clothing brand. Much to my surprise, both of them called me within a weekend. Those were really my first climbing photographs to get published. One was the cover of Climbing magazine. It was a photo of my super close friend. Rikki Ishoy climbing at the Buttermilks right above your house. The other photo, I don't remember what it was, but it was a lifestyle photograph that published in the Patagonia catalog. That was really the first commercial paycheck I ever received. Those two first experiences really open the door.
I had the cover feature story and inside. And then Patagonia became my first real client because, commercial clients pay so much more, triple or quadruple what an editorial client pays. And Patagonia, I owe a lot to the climbing magazines and to Jane Sievert and Karen Bednorz with Patagonia at the time.
I started getting spec assignments where they would pay for my film and for the trip. Then they would license the pictures they wanted. Then I think you're right, as my name started appearing in magazines and in Patagonia catalogs, the phone just started ringing more frequently. That opened the door to ad agencies calling and other outdoor brands.
How did you get involved with Novus Select? 20 plus years ago, in the early part of my career, I was just a prolific shooter. I was shooting all the time for the magazines and for Patagonia. And I owned all of that work. And so a big chunk of my income was relicensing that the images that I had shot. I might shoot for Patagonia or, for some brand. Then two years later I would be licensing those images again and again. This was the tail end of the heyday of stock photography. I missed the true heyday that was 20 years earlier, in the nineties. But a big chunk of my income was stock photography. At that point, my office was downstairs at my house in South Lake Tahoe. I had two staff members and one of them was dedicated entirely to licensing the stock photography business for us.
At one point a photographer and entrepreneur in the space, Jose Azel reached out to me or sent an email, I think he sent it to half a dozen photographers. And he said he owned a company called Aurora Photos, which had a very high-end stock photo agency. It was founded by a few national geographic photographers. Jose sent this email to a few of us and he asked Would you ever be interested in a brand that focused on outdoor adventure photography?
I was hit up for ideas like this all the time so I responded while flying back to Reno and I wrote a real simple response. I didn't know Jose personally, but I said, "yeah, I'd be interested, but I'd have to have some equity in the company".
I landed in Reno, and I sent a hundred emails that I'd written while I was on the plane. By the time I'd walked out to my car, my cell phone was ringing and it was Jose on the other line. We had this long conversation about, what an ideal outdoor adventures stock agency would look like. Then we did an experiment and a few of us we all kicked in some money and committed some of our photography to create a collection. That was Dan and Janine Patitucci, Brian Bailey, Scott Markewitz, and Greg von Doersten. We all were the founding members. So we all did this together and it was an experiment. Some guys learned it was for them, some guys learned it wasn't for them.
Over time I was the last man standing, it was the right fit for me. It evolved over time into Jose and I being partners in Aurora photos. Then we created an assignment agency that was run out of New York City. That was originally called Aurora Novus. Meanwhile, the economy changed and we watched the ups and downs in our industry and the evolution of our industry. Eventually, it evolved into what it is today, which is Jose is no longer in the business, and Aurora photos sold off the stock photography agency side. Novus Select, which is the assignment and production company side is owned by four partners, that's Wyn Ruji, Lincoln Else, and Andy Mead. We have 13 full-time employees, we have an office and our office address, I love saying this we're at One One One One Ski Run Boulevard.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into Adventure Sports Storytelling and Photography? Yeah, it just struck me recently that I think so often we look at the past what worked, what are the lessons that we can learn from the past, and how does the industry work? Of course, you should do that. You should look at what makes a great Adventure Sports Storytelling and Photographer, understand the craft. And understand what works from a business perspective, but never feel confined by what worked in the past.
Then I think we're truly living in the golden age of storytelling. It's right now. You're no longer beholden to a publisher, that you're begging to publish your photographs. You are the publisher, you own your channel or 20 channels. Whether it's podcasts, photography, books, just do your thing.
I don't have the answer, but it's, that 20-year-old kid coming out of college or dropping out of college right now to drive around in their, sprinter van and take pictures and shoot films climbing. Your career is not going to evolve the same way that mine did. I'm old school now. I was this guy that shot film and had mages published in print magazines, the 20-year-old coming out of college right now, they're going to be leveraging the internet. They're going to be leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They're going to be doing podcasts and they're going to be creating whatever the next iteration of a blog is. You're going to be shooting in VR, using venues on Facebook. And it's going to be more immediate and you're going to figure out how to monetize all of these platforms and you're going to monetize your audience.
So I don't have the answers, but I definitely recognize that this is an incredible moment in time from a business standpoint and from an Adventure Sports Storytelling and Photography selling standpoint the power has never been more in the hands of the content creator.
Tradeshow Banner Put your money and time into the things that you believe in.
Follow up with Cory Corey Rich
Novus Select
0:42 - 11:16 Intro to Outdoors
11:16 - 11:43 Intro to Photography
45:26 - 47:34 Advice
Envoy B2B is a wholesale content and eCommerce platform for your entire team. Their tools and services are designed to help you create dynamic content, increase your speed of sale, and bring you closer to your retailers. The technology you need to empower your sales reps and support your retail channel.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Tell us about your background Jon? I'm going to go a little further back than normal. It started off as a paper, boy, I have that fun part of my history. And from there to music. So there's a lot of variety in my past that I think that has been pretty helpful in what I'm doing now. I did some advertising for a stint there for a few years then software development. This brings me to Envoy, which is what I've been really doing for about a decade now. I think in all of those roles, it's been like, I'm this team guy, when I think back and look at why and how that happened?
As a paperboy I was rolling papers with my family, getting them all involved, getting my mom eventually to drive me around. And I was that team person, in music, the same thing. I was the recorder. The tour planner, the marketer on my space back in that day advertising, the same kind of thing.
I got hired at a TV station, so this was back when there was a lot of, there still are, accounts selling TV ads, and they wanted to augment their TV experience with selling digital media. So I helped them do that but had to bridge the gap between the old school and the new school together there.
So the team thing going on. That's good for development. And CEO right now I really just consider myself our team's champion, I help us get done what we want to get done.
Mike tell us about your background. Probably something very similar. I got started by working for my family. My dad was a professional baseball player, came back to New Orleans after his career ended, and started a small local sporting goods store. And rather than daycare, he put his kids to work and so I spent a lot of time choosing sizes on ordering, things like that when I was a little kid. And I went away to college, got a job, and then realized I felt passionate about specialty retail and my family had pivoted from generalized sporting goods to outdoor sporting goods, forced to do that by the large chains moving into our city.
We decided to start focusing on things like Patagonia and North Face, which were emerging companies in the mid-eighties. And I left my real job and came back to work for my family. I was the third generation involved in the business. My generation was all about email and websites.
I helped the company get involved very early in e-commerce then subsequently was the very first outdoor store to sell products on Amazon. So during that process of learning a lot about e-commerce and starting up like drop shipping and all these kinds of things. I was involved in various organizations with the outdoor industry. With, people like Backcountry and focused on some of the standards that would be used to exchange POS and catalog information and stuff.
My experience with Amazon taught me one thing. It was basically where we were going to go in the next decade, which was mostly online informed shopping. People were going to do almost all their shopping online. And without any local presence, it was increasingly cutting off local stores from any type of visibility.
Locally was founded focused on that one consumer behavior. It became obvious by the late two-thousands shopper behavior was moving mostly to online discovery. Things like open table and, ticketmaster.com and, Airbnb, that was the inevitable future of retail. People would do most of their shopping online and for lucky local stores, they would be able to get some referrals from maybe their vendors or something locally.
And now we do all sorts of stuff. Since we founded the company in 2000 and launched in 2014.
What brought Envoy and Locally together? Jon: It was through research that we were doing for product development. To make our platform a little more retailer-centric. Something that we do at Envoy as a part of our product development process has always been a research component, a really big research component. We're not really inventing things and putting them out there and saying, Hey, do you like it? We do all the research upfront, figure out what people want. It sounds simple, but it's hard to do a really good job of research. And part of what led us to locally was we asked retailers, "what do you want, what are you having issues with?" One of the things that came back really strong all the time was we're having trouble replenishing easily.
Essentially there are open spots on my store shelf too often. And what can we do about that? One of the things we started looking at was how can we get their on-hand information inside of our brand B2B portals, so that the rep can be that proactive champion to say, "Hey, I can see you're about to be out of this."
Here's an opportunity to get the product now before you do run out. In that search, we found Locally and they were doing it already essentially, and they're really good at it. So it made a ton of sense to partner up. With all the progress and, like Mike has been saying just the amazing job they've been doing and innovating this area already. Our solutions came together really well.
Mike: same kind of thing. One of the things on our side, Is that it's awesome to spend so much of our time trying to connect people to a local place to buy merchandise. But just like John said, if the local store isn't aware of what they should have or has holes in their stock that's just a big mess. So we worked with John at the very beginning to conceptualize. What if we could do a better job? Somebody like Amazon or, a big online merchant, they're using systems that can automate, find missing products, fill them in, they're just doing a much more sophisticated job. Our vision was: Hey, we don't want to build a B2B order management system. How do we give what we have to help our retailers be better? Jon, tell us about Envoy We're a wholesale B2B commerce platform. We play primarily in the footwear, apparel, and accessory space. Most of our clients are pretty established brands. We do have a focus on the outdoor space. That's been an interest of ours since the beginning. So brands use our platform to provide, great service to their retailers and support their reps with the tools they need.
Largely we get used for our selling tools for reps to show the line, build assortments with their accounts or let their accounts do that on their own. All the way through, pre-book ordering and replenishment. And then you've got to think content too.
That's a big part of the picture now is this destination for showing the coming line, but also is sustaining that current line. So it's not only content it's commerce as well, a big part of it. I would say more and more though, what we're doing is just helping brands get the right products in the right stores now. That's kinda the big motive.
And try to do that without a solution. It's inefficient, it's almost impossible to do it at the pace you need to do it at to keep up with the trends and capitalize on what's happening. That's really our focus more and more. To get down to it, we help brands get the right products in the right stores. It's ordering tools. It's assortment tools, its line planning tools, its content tools, but more and more, what we're excited about is this data-centric approach, intelligence tools that are the future for onboarding. That makes the most sense.
Mike, give us the background on Locally Our whole mission is to basically transform online marketing tactics that are used by large e-commerce merchants for the acquisition of customers, engagements, transactions, we've duplicated virtually all of that on behalf of any size local retailer.
Our specialty is driving consumers to in-store pickup and curbside. Same day delivery and shipments to store. And we use all the normal tactics. We, we do a good job of winning SEO tactics. We integrate with brand sites, retailer sites, Shopify. Our mission is to drive engagement for shoppers with their local store.
Then to create a path for the shopper to, go all the way through to, buying the item in the store. It makes everything so efficient.
What the major retail spaces that you support? Jon: I think you go a little bit wider than outdoor for us, not another industry, but more of a category that we're specific in would be footwear in general. That's a big segment for us. All footwear brands are more or less becoming head to toe though. So I guess it's just apparel in general as well. And there are some outliers too, we do some business within the toy area. And like kids' games and like that kind of thing. And then also golf is a growing category.
Mike: We're at the epicenter in outdoor and sporting goods. We have fly fishing brands and scuba brands and a lot of snow brands. We're like Jon we're very prevalent in running shoes and also comfort shoes. We've got some foothold in electronics and baby and hardware. So it's fairly wide. Consumer behavior is similar across almost every retail space.
It's the synergies between Envoy and Locally that feel like where the real value is. Give us the basic value props of your integration. Jon: The first thing is to get an understanding of what we do together, for retailers that approve, we bring their on-hand inventory into Envoy, into the brand's B2B portal. This is the B2B portal where reps are using this to sustain their accounts. So it's a very helpful bit of information to have. Oh, these accounts are low on stock. That's the perfect thing for a rep. And to do that is really simple, but it hasn't happened until now.
It's one of those simple things that are the bedrock for some other really cool things that locally brought to the table. I mentioned we help brands get the right product in the right store. It's this functionality that does that. With Locally, we really have what we're calling "consumer product demand intelligence". What we mean is we can show brands which of their products are hot in different DMA's or market areas. And then cross-reference that with their product that the retailers are actually carrying.
Simply put, we can empower a brand to say, Hey retailer. You're not carrying these top five products that are in demand around your store and you should carry those. And in doing so, all these cool things happen. Now there are a lot more visible to that retailer as a pickup point for same-day delivery or shop online, pickup in-store, or any of those kinds of experiences when a consumer is on that brand's DTC site. For example now, instead of having to have it shipped to your door, there's an opportunity because they're on trend with what's hot in their area to get that product that same day, or just go in and pick it up. It's this kind of leveraging market data or consumers' interests and saying, okay, retailers in that same area here's an indication of what consumers around you like and what you should consider carrying these products.
It's a really powerful data point to give to reps and a really powerful set of data to put in front of retailers when they log into the platform. Honestly, for them just being able to see an Envoy B2B and say okay, What products of this brand are hot in my area? That's gold.
Mike: There are so many different types of retailers that as we have built this system, there's going to be, obviously there are early adopters that are gonna, come in and go, Oh, I'm going to use any additional market intelligence I could possibly get. The standard at this point is just national market intelligence that's 60 to 90 days old. And we don't really think that's tremendously relevant for somebody who's trying to stock their shelves today.
The forward-looking vision of the way this would work is that retailers get to the point where some type of automation is occurring that keeps their shelves filled with stock. Perhaps it's a roof rack and it keeps all the right parts in stock. The system is somehow aware of emergent trends. It's looking at the vendors available to sell inventory in the warehouse, mashing that together with DMA-specific and business intelligence. And, the goal is a collaboration between the brand and the retailer, rather than everybody doing it for themselves.
We've done things where everybody does it for themselves and the cavalierness of every industry, not just the outdoor industry. The problem is that you're not really competing in that world anymore. Consumers are online 24 seven doing product research, and you need information in order to be able to be competitive. And you give them information, from around the country, the world basically. And it allows them to be more efficient.
And the thing here is that while there's always going to be early resistance for the truly independent retailer, the reality is that the larger format brick and mortar retailers are already using these types of technologies. They're not sitting here scratching their head about filling in their shelves. If you go to an REI, they do a really good job of keeping the pegs filled. They do a really good job of keeping all the sizes in stock. And smaller retailers now have access to very powerful tools to optimize their inventory based on what consumers near them are doing online.
Jon: I wanted to say something quick about competition, you mentioned how you keep up with the competition.
I think there are two things that are really simple that I would say at least for brands, retailers, and suppliers . . . Community, that's just one right now. Your community is everything and secondarily, Availability. And to that, what we're talking about with Locally, you've got to share what you need from a retailer's perspective and the tools are there.
Mike has said it's not the time to be scared of them. It's the time to embrace them. You're not losing your independence by embracing technology. It's what you need to compete right now. And specifically availability, that's what it comes down to. Make sure that as a retailer, you are easily showing what's available in your store.
It's that simple, consumers are looking for it. If they can't find you, they can't come in and get it. And same from the perspective of a brand. Availability, share with your retailers. Really it's just, it's all about forging this kind of data-centric relationship moving forward. That's the future, it's that simple.
Look at how a ton of these communities just took it to the next level over the past, several quarters of challenge. The community will engage with the new kinds of technologies that you bring to the table. They're ready for it. And they want it. And in fact, they understand now more than ever, why it might be valuable to them. So it's time.
This isn't going away. This is here and it's a great piece of technology that represents a ton of opportunity for both the brands and the retailers. Now's the time.
Mike: Yeah, and one of the things John, that that I think about, and I talk about all the time is, today, none of us think twice about how we're going to go see a movie. Even though movies have been a little bit, not as popular lately. But none of us think twice about checking a movie time online, maybe buying our ticket, maybe even our seat, like figuring out what movie theater to go to. Could you imagine if somebody says, Oh, now we're just going to go back to getting our movie times out of the newspaper.
This was a good experience, Walmart crushing it with curbside pickup, and the thing is, is it giving consumers more control over how they shop is, it has never been about that and it never goes backward.
Who was most excited about this. Was it the rep? Was it the brand? Was it the retailer? Mike: I think that sales reps were the very first group to realize, Hey, this is literally creating foot traffic in stores that are, trying to create foot traffic. And they realized that just giving consumers addresses of locations is really not enough to get them to go down to the store. We just don't, especially now don't operate that way. But the reality is that we weren't operating that way for a long time. It was already really broken.
The initial brand response typically under COVID and really even leading up to it was, Hey, this is a tremendous opportunity for us to sell direct to consumers. Who'd have figured out, that by and large brands, aren't very good at selling to consumers without wholesale networks that generate all of the enthusiasm and Goodwill for a brand? And then they're able to take advantage of the extended inventory assortment and, new types of logistics. If you haven't built your brand at all, it's very difficult to go to market with a consumer-facing brand and build all of your enthusiasm and Goodwill right out of the gate.
Even big brands that are, we think of as, ubiquitous these days, like Yeti. Really spends a lot of effort on how do we get people to go to local stores, despite the fact that they ship coolers. So what they want to do in the end is make sure the customer buys their products somewhere.
Consumer Lifetime Value, not just this one sale needs to be on my quarterly income statement in this one, vertical business unit. That makes a lot less sense these days. It's repeat customers that are the holy grail.
Jon: brands really need to see this as the retailers out there are creating that amazing experience and helping the brand. As you said, Mike efficiently and in an exciting way, bring their product to market. It's this part that needs to close. We need to close that loop and say, okay, thank you retailers for helping us do that. Now I'm going to help you stay replenished and I'm gonna help you stay on trend with what's selling around you.
Because you've done such a great job building that excitement up and being that local pickup area or that same-day delivery area. Now we're going to close the loop with you and help you with even more sales. Funnel some of that excitement back to you.
What's the number one thing brands can do to support retailers? Jon: Here's some stuff that I'm seeing given the current conditions that we're in and whatnot. I think brands need to acknowledge that, They did it, they made it, they're currently making it through this. And it wasn't a trade show package, it wasn't a new virtual reality experience, it wasn't a bunch of these things that get thrown at you. It was you and your retailers doubling down on your relationship and working together. I think that's the picture of the future. A more data centric approach with your retailer or from a brand perspective your retailer, from a retailer's perspective your brand. That's what we're learning out of all of this that you don't need to look too far.
You already have it. It's already available and you can do it with the right partners.
Mike: I would say that the best thing that a brand really could do at this point is to take a more global and holistic view of how they partner, local retail is a thing that still represents almost 90% of total retail sales. And it's a critical part of every brand's solution. Making sure that you're truly partnering with local retailers and using tools that empowered them rather than creating these various silos that treat local retail as a competitor is I think a really smart tactic for every brand.
Links Envoyb2b
Locally
Follow up with Jon
Follow up with Mike
Snippets 06:45 - 07:34 Research
32:16 - 32:59 How Brands can help retailers- Jon Faber
33:59 - 34:33 How Brands can help retailers- Mike Massey
Robert Glenn Ketchum is a pioneering conservation photographer, recognized by Audubon magazine as one of 100 people "who shaped the environmental movement in the 20th century." He tells us the stories of his photos and influential work from Mexico to Alaska and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Introduction to the Outdoors When I was very young, my dad was a hunter and a fisherman and spent, a portion of his life, leaving his office and going with his friends to shoot pheasants in Nebraska or something. He didn't take me hunting, but he did take me fishing. And we did some stream fishing and I grew to love that process and started to really like being out of doors with my dad.
First Camera Half of my dad's business was based in Honolulu because he helped rebuild the fleet after he was in industrial auto parts manufacturing, and he distributed for all of the Eastern manufacturers. He distributed their parts on the West coast. And so when Pearl Harbor occurred and the Navy got bombed out and they had to rebuild the fleet, my father opened an office in Honolulu and help the Navy rebuild their fleet. And so he was in Hawaii oh, I dunno, six months a year doing all of that. And he when I was five, I think, maybe seven. He flew my mom and me over and said, why don't you spend the summer with me. And they didn't know what to do with me. So they brought me a brownie box camera and let me wander around in the Kahala Hotel garden and take pictures of random leaves. I had no idea what I was doing.
The Daily Bruin
The Whisky
Limekiln Creek
Two questions I asked myself:
- "What are you doing? And my response was, I don't really know and what am I supposed to do? And the comeback was, what do you want to do? And I said if I could be Elliot quarter, but be out in front of these incidents rather than after the fact when they've already occurred, I would do that in a heartbeat."
- "This was really interesting because the next question was. Would you do it if you were never famous? Rock photography is about being famous. And so the question was what would you do if you were never famous and I was like, if I succeeded, I would do it as long as I succeeded."
Elliott Porter
In Wildness Is the Preservation of the World by Elliot Porter and Henry David Thoreau
The Place No One Knew - Glen Canyon on the Colorado
National Park Foundation
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Tongass Rainforest
Pebble Mine
Alaska Conservation Foundation
Advice I've been a conservation environmentalist, my whole life. It's frustrating. I think we have to be very wary of the idea of compromising, which is what Elliot Porter's book on the Glen Canyon pointed out. The compromise was the Grand Canyon gets saved, but Glen Canyon gets drowned. When I met with Elliott in his house, and I asked him about it and I said, "your book has inspired me, do you have any laments about this?" And he said, yeah, "that I couldn't do it before the project got started, and that everything I did was after the fact." And that inspired me to be in front of issues like the Tongass Rain Forest and the Pebble Mine so that they never even got traction and we shut them out before they got started.
International League of Conservation Photographers
Trade Show Banner: "Get outside and have fun"
Favorite Books: Regarding the Land Robert Ketchum, and The legacy of Elliot Porter, Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100: Patagonia Zip Turtleneck
Connect with Robert peace2rth@mac.com
Roberts Books
rbtglennketchum.blogspot.com
www.robertglennketchum.com
https://www.instagram.com/rbtglennketchum/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbtglennketchum https://www.pinterest.com/rbtglennketchum/ https://www.youtube.com/user/RbtGlennKetchum **Snippets**
1:03 - 01:45 Intro to the Outdoors
19:34 - 20:40 Advice
55:43 - 56:26 Favorite Books
Jeremy Puglisi and his wife Stephanie are publishers and hosts of the RV Atlas podcast and website. Jeremy tells us how they literally stumbled into the RV world, their RV journey’s and the terrific resources they deliver on the show, through the website and books they’ve published.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes The RV Atlas
The Idiot's Guide to RV Vacations
Roadtrippers the popular travel app
Florida RV super show
Podcasters Workshop
Books- Outdoor Adventure Guides; See You at the Campground; Where Should We Camp Next The Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor
Tradeshow Banner- Is it built to last?
Favorite Piece of Gear- North Face Recon
Advice- it's a really amazing time to get in the Outdoor Biz. I think that the next four, eight, twelve, twenty years. Are going to be a fascinating time to work in the outdoor space, whether that's the camping industry, the RV industry gear, et cetera, et cetera.
Follow up with Jeremy:
YouTube
Ben Bohline consistently noticed that after a day in the field, putting a wet, dirty dog into a kennel that had blankets for padding caused problems. The blankets ended up stinky and filthy. And more importantly, it made traveling unsafe for his dog Punch. Thus Dry Dog Kennel Mats was born and in this episode, Ben tells us about the process from idea to launch.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Dry Dog Kennel Mats
Bass Pro Shops
Cabela's
Ruff Land Kennels
Gunner Kennels
Contact Page
Snippets
01:48 - 02:29 Favorite Gear
19:40 - 21:22 Favorite Books
16:51 - 17:33 Advice
Lucas Gilman is one of the leading adventure photographers and filmmakers in the industry for the last 20 years. His powerful and incisive images run in top publications & advertisements worldwide and his love of adventure and addiction to color creates his distinct style of photography and filmmaking. I’ve had the good fortune to work and learn from him on a couple of different occasions.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Lucas Gilman
Nikon
Rich Clarkson
Nomad Charcoal Grill
Advice I would say you only have one chance to make a first impression. I would say if you're wanting to work figure out who your client is first. If that's National Geographic figure out what kind of portfolio you'd need to build, to impress National Geographic. And I'd say that you need to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. And until you're ready to show them your portfolio. Don't do it. You only have that first chance once.
Show Banner "chance favors the prepared mind" the old Louis Pasteur quote
Favorite Books Tim Flach Dog Books
Chris Rainier: Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking
Ansel Adam's In The National Parks
Annie Liebowitz
Tom Mangelson
Favorite Gear under $100 Leatherman Skeleton
10 stop ND filter
Follow up with Lucas LucasGilman.com
Instagram lucasgilman
Snippets
03:02 - 04:20 Intro to Outdoors
41:33 - 42:21 Favorite Books
43:00 - 43:26 Favorite Gear
Barney Scout Mann tells us about his thru-hiking adventures and his new Book "Journeys North", a compelling tale of six hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2007.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Introduction to the Outdoors You would not have predicted it if you'd looked at a little Barney back growing up in West Los Angeles, Culver City, and looked at his parents who were not campers. My parents slept in the outdoors, I think camped out five times their lifetimes. They are now both in their nineties. But what they did do, is starting at age 11, they took me to boy scout meetings and I'm sure I'm not the only one that that's where they got their introduction. I was lucky to have some wonderful men, I'll say their names again, cause I just loved doing it. Mr. Massey, Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Metcalf. And they lead me in the outdoors when my first backpack groups in Culver City at the age of 13. Not even weighing 80 pounds and more than 35 pounds on my back.
Connected with writing in the outdoors I always had a deep connection to the outdoors. If you plop me down in the middle of anywhere, whether it's desert or high mountains, I feel more, more home in the outdoors.
And out there you get the kinds of you don't get in the city. And in fact, the first one I wrote that got published a couple of years for the backpacker remains unique. It's the only April fools hiking story I've ever seen, it was great. It lit up the internet. And people asked Oh, is this true? Is this really true? Tell us about, yeah, it was fun. I also, in addition to these contemporary stories, I've a real strong interest in trail history.
Your book Journeys North is about hiking the PCT end to end in 2007. That was a much different adventure 13 years ago. What do you think the most significant changes are today? Well, the answers people expect are usually is that there are way more people and that is true. Maybe 300 folks set out with the intention to through-hike the trail. Last year, 2019 we had real numbers more than 10 times that, over 3,500 people.
But the answer that I give. And the biggest difference I would say is electronics. That's across the whole spectrum in 2007, and this will sound funny today. It was still, it was the tail end of the year when you were embarrassed for others to know that you were carrying a cell phone on the trail in your bounce box. But you can sort of keep it hidden. 2007 was the summer that in July Apple announced their first iPhone and these days it's just like you had a woven blanket electronics weaves its way to everything.
Advice
Mentor, mentor, mentor. Look for folks, whether they're contemporaries who have jobs, you'd like to have or folks who have jobs where you'd like to be 10 years from now. Meet them at a conference, reach out to them you know, you can easily find them on Facebook and just say Hey, I'd like to get started. Show them that you've done a little bit of homework. And reach out to 10 of these people and maybe two will respond and all of a sudden. You'll have a friend on the inside.
Favorite Gear Petzl E-light Headlamp
Journeys North
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Appalachian Trail
Arizona Trail
Trail Angels
Connect with Barney
Website
Journey's North
Snippets
28:52 - 29:17 Favorite Gear
27:11 - 28:06 Advice
Chase is helping future outdoor leaders navigate their paths into outdoor careers and building a comprehensive collection of catalogs and other documents from the early days of the outdoor industry and more.
Show Notes Intro to the Outdoors I'm from Utah, born and raised. It's hard to not get into this industry. I have parents who took us out. Camping is what we did. I have a mom who was perfectly fine with taking us out of school to go skiing. And that family time and the outdoors is always the most important thing. So when you have parents like that, who are willing to get you out of school to go play that's a good thing.
Utah State University Outdoor Product Design and Development Utah State University started this Outdoor Product Design and Development program in 2015. And a year after it had started, they advertised a role for someone to do industry outreach for the program. And I thought, okay, I could work for one brand or I could go work for a program where I get the chance to talk to brands across the industry.
So that seemed like the dream and to be able to go back to my Alma Mater and work with students and be a part of that, and being a part of the campus atmosphere was really interesting. So I made that jump. And that's what I do full-time is our industry outreach and marketing for the program.
Outdoor Archives The archives grew out of that program. The program has a history of gear class and the faculty member that runs that, and our special collections team are at the university and do all the archival work.
We got together and just thought, wouldn't it be cool if we had primary documents and print materials that the students could actually study instead of just talking about the outdoor, the history of the industry. Actually, see it and study it in the archive. And so we started reaching out to some of the industry contacts that we had built and just started asking if they had old stuff that they wanted to be preserved.
Connect with Chase Facebook
instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive
@usuoutdoorproduct
Chase.Anderson@usu.edu
Snippets 01:51 - 02:15 Intro to Outdoors
35:00 - 36:00 Favorite Gear
In November and December of 2020, I got some input from a few business leaders in the Adventure Travel space on when and how adventure travel will come back. I asked them their thoughts on travel as the world slows the spread of the Coronavirus, will it bounce back immediately, improve slowly in 2021 or continue to struggle until 2022, and why.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Stephanie Jones of Blacks in Travel and Tourism
Andy Levine, founder of DuVine Cycling and Adventure Company
Praveen Moman from Volcano Safaris
Shannon Stowell from The Adventure Travel Trade Association
Speakpipe
Transcript [00:00:47] Welcome back, everyone. At the end of 2020, many of us were curious as to when and how adventure travel would fair in 2021. So in November and December of 2020, I got some input from a few business leaders in the adventure travel space on when and how adventure travel will come back. I asked them to give us their thoughts on travel as the world slows the spread of the Corona virus, will it bounce back, immediately improve slowly in 2021.
[00:01:11] We're continuing to struggle until 2022 and why? This is also unique episode in that I did not interview them. We communicated over email and the answered the question on SpeakPipe. An online tool I use, if you would like to respond and give us your thoughts, you can go to speak pipe.com/rick SAIS and record your input to the participants are Stephanie Jones of blacks and travel and tourism, annual Levine, founder of divine cycling and adventure company.
[00:01:37] Purveen moment from volcano safaris and Shannon stole from the adventure travel trade association. You can find links to their businesses and the show notes and be sure to listen for them on a future episode in 2021. To get us started here. Stephanie Jones of blacks in travel and tourism. Their mission is to ensure black travel and tourism businesses are full participants in the travel industry and to help build more diverse and inclusive destinations, there is still much uncertainty about when travel will fully resume.
[00:02:06] Although there are some people taking advantage of cheaper air and hotel prices, and the fact that resorts are not full so they can social distance while traveling. A large majority of travelers are awaiting a vaccine or for the number of COVID-19 cases to decrease consistently. Unfortunately, our nation does not have a handle on this pandemic.
[00:02:28] So hopefully a new administration will bring a new way to deal with COVID-19 so that the confidence in travel will increase among those who are looking forward to the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally. If we have a new administration in vaccine, We can only hope that travel will begin to improve slowly during the latter part of 2021, but not begin to come out on the other side of this pandemic until 2022.
[00:02:56] However, it will take some time for the industry to bounce back. Since most industry segments will need to rehire or staff up operations and ensure that the proper safety protocols are in place tested and proven to guarantee the safety of travelers and cruisers. Next up, we have Andy Levine, founder of divine cycling and adventure company.
[00:03:19] They design and lead award-winning luxury bike tours in the world's most amazing locations. Hey, it's Andy with divine cycling and venture company. Thank you for having me. I hope you're all doing well, asked to make some predictions or crystal ball stuff. And sadly, I think we're going to have some lockdowns, like we see in the UK, hopefully this will help us get more of a handle on the pandemic.
[00:03:43] I'm going to continue to ride my bicycle outside. Like we've seen people do really buying every bike is not available in stores now to go out and ride their bicycle. So depending on the holiday season, what's open and where we have trips planned with, with our, with cycling and outside. So we're optimistic.
[00:04:02] And then, you know, once the warmer weather ticks in around March, April, I think, um, we're going to have a better handle on this. Pandemic, uh, with testing and vaccines and whatnot, and mostly exhaustion of this, people are just gonna want to really, what's important is seeing the world, you know, connecting with people, being healthy, you know, real people can take an account of what they want out of their life.
[00:04:26] And I think, you know, being outside for me, it's riding your bicycle and eating good food and health and wellness is a, it's a great way to live. So being optimistic, positive, I'm looking for a better future is, is the way I'm rolling. I hope you all stay well out there. Go out and travel. And third up, we have volcano safaris, founder, Praveen moment.
[00:04:48] Volcano safaris has been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997. Well, it's always very hard to predict what the future will be, but at the same time, uh, for those of us involved in travel and hospitality, Uh, it's important that we do have some idea, um, of where we are going with this difficult situation.
[00:05:14] So I'd like to talk about 2020, which is of course almost coming to an end. And what I think 20, 21 and 2022 hold for us 2020 of course has been a very tough year for everyone. We'll be happy to see the end of it. For those of us, um, whose families or friends who have been caught up in the pandemic, it's been very tough for those affected economically.
[00:05:42] And for all of us, who've become isolated, um, and restricted in what we can do. And for those of us who wanted to travel and it's been difficult to do so, and for the wildlife was protection has weakened. And most of all for the communities who live around the national parks, whose livelihoods depend on tourism and conservation.
[00:06:07] So for all of us in different corners of the globe, we really have had a challenging year, but of course, once you're able to realize the challenging episodes in life on a normal, and we should expect them and not always expect that things will go as we want. So 2021 as we come into 2021, we, of course all want to be hopeful and optimistic about where that will go, especially with new vaccines on the way and new understanding of the virus.
[00:06:39] I think it's also important to be realistic and practical things are still unpredictable and volatile at the moment. In many countries, the virus remains an issue lives are being affected. Jobs lost. And there are many restrictions in place. So I don't know. I think this is going to magically disappear on January the first, first, I think from what we can see today, the 2021 until the spring will still be erratic and unpredictable and possibly go in different directions at once.
[00:07:13] At the same time, I think we will see. As the virus comes under control in certain areas, as understanding increases as vaccines come out, that some destinations will open, uh, and we will be able to plan travel more. And so things will slowly begin to open up. But at the same time, we must be ready for reversals.
[00:07:37] We must be ready to reverse, uh, our decisions on travel and be flexible and careful about where we go. But generally I'd be hopeful from the first quarter of 2021, but I certainly don't see things being normal. Then I think as many experts have said the second half of 2021, we should see clearer, positive trends, possibilities, and greatest stabilization.
[00:08:03] And that's what I would hope we will see. Um, so by the end of 2021, a better graph, a better trend. Mo greater confidence about what we can do and not to. And hopefully then when 2022 begins, which seems a long way away, but actually the way things are, it might come, might come quicker in our minds than we think.
[00:08:27] I would think that's when we'll be able to really think, okay, things are now beginning to normalize in a consistent basis. And I think now we can stop to travel. So that would be my suggestion today that we be patient during 2021, we be alert. We be ready to change our approach and our attitude. And hopefully in 2022, we'll be into travel as we used to.
[00:08:52] In a way that we only recently had to give up. And that's when I hope we will be able to welcome you again to the land of gorillas and chimps to the volcanoes lodges in Uganda and Rwanda. And I do hope that one day that they will come sooner rather than later. Thank you so much. And we'll finish things off with Shannon stole from the adventure travel trade association, the global trade network supported sustainable adventure travel markets worldwide through adventure, travel news, research events, networking, and more.
[00:09:25] Hey there, Rick, I, uh, am here to chat about adventure travel and what it will look like coming back. I think that 2021 is still gonna be a choppy year. I think the domestic us market will do great. We already know that from this last year that rafting and hiking trips, a lot of lodges did really well. So I think that domestic market's going to do wonderfully in 2021.
[00:09:53] I think the international market is still going to be really rough because not only are borders going to open and close, like Christmas lights on a Christmas tree, but also there's going to be economic fallout. The good news for the adventure side is I do think it's going to come back first and strong.
[00:10:09] My own personal belief is we probably won't see real meaningful recovery till 20, 22. And hopefully by then we'll have vaccine and rapid reliable testing to make the whole process work better. But I think it's going to be really choppy for international travel in 2021, but adventure travel. That's the way to go because it's small group open air.
[00:10:34] Nature health. These are all things that are going to be important to the traveling public. So I do think our prospects are really strong, but it'll be surviving the gap until we can get to the other side of it. Thanks so much. Well, I want to thank everybody for their ideas and thoughts on what's going to happen in adventure.
[00:10:53] Travel in 2021 and participating in this unique episode, stay safe out there and get outside. Thank you for joining us on another episode of the outdoor biz podcast. Be sure to visit our website, the outdoor biz podcast.com where you'll find show notes with links to everything we talked about and more.
[00:11:12] Subscribe to the show on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. So you'll never miss an episode. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, we'd appreciate a rating on iTunes or spread the word and tell a friend about the show that would really help us out to be sure to tune in every week.
[00:11:30] And thanks again for listening to the outdoor biz podcast with Rick Saez.
Kris spent a decade in TV news before starting Tight Line Media in 2006. Her first book, My Place Among Men, is available now and her most recent film Ocean to Idaho capturing the migration of thousands of salmon on their return from the Oregon coast to the Idaho wilderness premieres this Summer and you can see the trailer at tightlinemedia.com.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Tightline Media
Ocean to Idaho
My Place Among Men
OWAA
Intro to Outdoors I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Wasatch mountains were my playground and I always felt comfortable outside. I didn't grow up hunting with my dad. I didn't grow up fishing with my dad. I grew up hiking with my dad. And my dad is forever lost. He doesn't have an internal compass. My mom says I don't have a danger gene, which is probably true, but my dad doesn't have an internal compass. And so we would wander endlessly and he would never admit he was lost. But, I found that by following his dusty frame down a little trail forever and ever, that I learned patience, persistence, resilience, and all those things helped me do my job today. I would just follow him when I was little. I didn't question if we were lost, but I knew darn well we were, and as I got older, I figured that out, but I still knew lost or not that I was comfortable outside. That's where I feel at home.
Advice All right. So when it comes to the outdoor business, I have a pretty interesting take on it. And it comes from two and a half decades of watching our industry shift. And I'm just so impressed by what I see within our industry as things shift and what matters now, and the way to come at this business. If I were coming at it now would be to look at it from the user's perspective in every way. And that is because the way we value our natural resources has made a dramatic shift in the last century. And you can see it in the way that outdoor users lay out their expectations and those users are your customers. So a century ago we were, we were mining, logging. Resources to us were, what do we get out of them? What can they do for us with a dollar sign? Now, look at where we're at today. They're still mining, logging, drilling, developing a little bit of damming and all that still going on, but you know what? Now there's a seat at the table for that natural resource as it is. Natural resources hold a value for what they offer us as they are. Or in many cases that you see today as they will be, as they're put back together, that has a value. Now our natural resources hold, hold value beyond the dollar. And when your customers start realizing natural resources, hold value beyond the dollar, The way to connect to them is to also value those natural resources beyond the dollar.
Favorite Book Oh the Places you'll Go by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Outdoor Gear My favorite piece of outdoor gear pushes the hundred dollars mark, pretty hard, but I think it's still worth it. It's trail running shoes. So, I've tried different brands. And it just kind of depends on what kind. I think it all comes down to cushion. I used to run barefoot, so I'm a minimalist.
Kris' Ask Stick your feet in the river, any river, the closest one you can get to. People say they don't have the access to the outdoors, but you know, don't you drink water and that water is coming from somewhere. It's fine. Find flowing water and stick your feet in it. It just makes that connection to our outdoor world.
Connect with Kris: Tightline Media
09:18 - 09:23 Mon Teaser
01:43 - 02:38 Intro to Outdoors
41:18 - 43:09 Advice
Transcription
Welcome to the outdoor biz podcast. Your home for inspiring conversations with outdoor insiders each week. Author speaker adventurer and outdoor industry veteran Rick Saez. Rick talks in depth with iconic brand founders, sales and marketing pros, product designers and industry rising stars. Listen in when Rick's guests offer actionable advice to land your ideal industry gig and grow your outdoor career.
[00:00:27] Catch us again when the conversation shifts to the hottest outdoor products destinations and the latest industry insights. And now here's Rick episode, 256 of the outdoor biz podcast with Tightline media CEO. Chris Milkie brought to you this month by audible crisp in a decade and TV news before starting Tightline media in 2006.
[00:00:50] Her first book, my place among men is available now at her most recent film ocean to Idaho capturing the migration of thousands of salmon on their return from the Oregon coast to the Idaho wilderness premieres. This summer, you can see the trailer@tightlinemedia.com. Welcome to the show, Chris. Thanks for having me.
[00:01:06] Yeah. Good to chat with you this morning. What's happening in your world today? Uh, today the sun's out. We have snow on the ground, but, um, and it as we should, this time of year in Idaho, so yeah. We like that. That's a good thing. Yeah. That's a good thing. That means is there's a little moisture to fill the rivers again, as the cycle goes.
[00:01:25] Yes. As it goes, we want those rivers full. Yeah. We need that hair too. I'm in Bishop and it's a pretty dry land of little rain as Mary Austin dubbed it. What, uh, what triggered your love for the outdoors and adventure that started at a young age? From what I can tell through your bio? I grew up in salt Lake city, Utah, the Wasatch mountains were my playground and I always felt comfortable outside.
[00:01:53] And I recognized that at an early age and I, I didn't grow up hunting with my dad. I didn't grow up fishing with my dad. I grew up hiking with my dad. And my dad is forever lost. So when you like, yeah, that's a direction a right. Yeah. He doesn't have an internal compass. My mom says I don't have a danger gene, which is probably true, but my dad doesn't have an internal compass.
[00:02:17] And so we would wander endlessly and he would never admit he was lost. But, uh, I found that by following his dusty frame down a little trail forever and ever. That I learned patience, persistence and resilience and resilience and all those things helped me do my job today. Yeah. But yeah, I would just follow them when I was little.
[00:02:41] I did question if we were lost, but I knew darn well, we were, and I, as I got older, I figured that out, but I still. New last or not that I was comfortable outside. That's where I feel home. That's very cool. Do you have any, what did you get in any really major, uh, lost events like you had to spend the night or, you know, it took you all night to get home any of that kind of stuff?
[00:03:02] Um, I think, well, as far as last goes, I kept, I don't remember. I was like needing a rescue now, uh, on a trail race recently they pulled the flags ahead of me and yes, I did get legitimately lost and it took. Uh, some, some people on the ground coming to find me, cause I went in the wrong direction, but when I was little and there was nothing serious like that, I do remember.
[00:03:27] Hiking in the high you winters. And there was nobody there. And we came across in one day during one hike, um, this metal with about five bull moose laying down in it. And I've always remembered that thinking, this is it. This is like what you're going to see every time you hike. And that's not the case.
[00:03:46] Right. But, you know, thank goodness he was lost. We saw amazing things and I have no idea of how to get to that spot now. And he probably doesn't either, but yeah, because we kind of wandered, we found some amazing places and in that same trip, we also got stuck in the pouring rain. And I remember throwing everything.
[00:04:06] Into the truck soaking wet and leaving in the middle of the night because we were drowning lost you, you find some pretty cool stuff it's getting lost is not always a bad thing. Yeah. And so your bio also says, uh, you had a fear of men and beards talk a little bit about that. So I spent a lot of time hiking with my dad without that danger deem that my mom says I don't want to have.
[00:04:35] My dad did not have a beard growing up. It was a clean shaven household, but I, uh, as long as I've been comfortable outside, I've always also been afraid of beards. It's just like being born left-handed I was born and as I got older, I kind of figured out why I was painfully shy and I didn't want to talk to anybody, but with a beard.
[00:04:57] For sure. It was out of the question. Yeah. And now that I'm older and I've had time to kind of think through it, I've figured out what it is when I was younger, I studied people. I wanted to know what made them tick. What, what worked in there. Speaking of style. What did it do? You know? I knew I was going to be a storyteller and as a storyteller, I needed to be able to ask questions and get over being shy.
[00:05:21] So I would study people. So when I was shy and I would look away because I didn't want you to look at me, I would still study you. And if you had a beard, I couldn't see your facial expressions. And so, uh, as a child, you have to realize what that means. Just like the kids that are dealing with faces that have masks over them.
[00:05:39] Now, a beer to me was kind of like a mask and I couldn't read that person's character. I felt like they had something to hide because they were hiding under hair. And so that made me think that there was something hippy. No, no. I run around with beards in the woods all the time, and I realized that the beard does not determine the character, but when I was little, I thought they were hiding something with all that hair.
[00:06:03] Yeah. When you're a little kid, it's interesting how you respond to some of the different, you know, looks or facial expressions too. Sometimes it just doesn't mean what you think it means. That's interesting. Yeah. Yeah. And so much of that is lost, you know, if we get into this pandemic and like, okay, we can make these adjustments, but.
[00:06:19] Much lost in our face when we can not see half of it when we have a discussion. Yeah. Yeah. So much is lost. You see a lot in the eyes, but not all of it. You got to eat that whole face. Yeah. Have you tested how much you have to smile with a mask on before your eyes? It's ridiculous. Yeah. I find myself smiling a lot more to just a guy getting my eyes sparkle, you know, so people know I'm not mad at them.
[00:06:42] Right. If you were to take that mask off, it's a goofy grin. Right. Fully showing exactly what it to meet your eyes. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. You have to put a big old smile on that's, right? Yeah. Yeah. How did your writing career get started? Did that start at a young age? Yes, I started writing. Um, yeah, I remember even in elementary school I could always write, I like English.
[00:07:03] I understood sentence structure. I understood what worked and how to break it apart and make it work even better. And then through junior high and high school that kind of carried through and you take that test in high school that says here's what you should be when you grow up. Right. And of course, mine said communicator, and of course, Everyone laughed at that.
[00:07:20] How was the shy girl going to be a reporter? That's ridiculous. Yeah, but I knew what I was going to be. And I was going to figure out how to get over all my quirks and had to be a storyteller. So I knew my major when I went to college, it was broadcast journalism. I was going to tell you stories on TV and the 10 o'clock news.
[00:07:41] And I never, I never wavered from that. I could always write. And that was my strong point. I learned to shoot. I learned to read script in a voice that sounds like we're talking and not reading or there's all these little nuances to it. Yeah. And then I worked for TV stations for a decade, one TV station, another around the country.
[00:08:00] And the whole point was to get to a bigger market. And, you know, I came from salt Lake city. That's a big TV market. I wanted to get back there. Yeah. And then as I moved around, well, you know, my job was great, but my lifestyle sucked and I worked at 11 o'clock at night and yeah. You know, my husband didn't like in us, some of the places that we live.
[00:08:18] And so right about the time that the internet was, you know, born, I realized all the mediums were going to mesh. And so after 10 years of TV contracts, I went freelance. And what that did for me was instead of just working for one TV station, I could work for all of them. And I could work for newspaper magazine, radio, web.
[00:08:42] I could work for all of them. Because I could always write, I could write for any medium and because I could shoot, I knew how to frame up a shot for video ads for photo and what needed. I understood the specs for laying it out in paper versus on screen. And so everything kind of translated really well for me.
[00:09:03] But the basic was, I always knew how to write. I have an obsession with words I'm terrible with numbers. Don't make me do math, but I can write you an essay all day long. And I'm always playing with words in my head. And so, uh, my brother and sister always teach me that I have my own alphabet and I have, since I was little.
[00:09:24] So that's kind of been my saving grace, where I could always write about anything for any medium. And that has kind of evolved into where I'm at now with Tightline media as a freelancer fortunate too, that you you'd recognize that early on. I mean, that's huge too, to know that. Yeah. What inspired you to pick up a camera?
[00:09:43] The inspiration for picking up the camera came. When I realized that while I had all of these words and I could put them in perfect order, there was a visual component. I wanted to see what went with those words. And that's why I chose the video TV medium. When I did right from the get-go video is my base.
[00:10:00] That's my primary world. And when you see nowadays, there's a lot of films with a lot of slow-mo in them. I think the reason we're seeing that slow Mo happen in film is because you have a lot of still photographers shooting videos, and they're shooting those videos with a still camera. And they're used to thinking in a single frame of still interesting.
[00:10:22] And I come from the brain, that's used to seeing action and I want things to happen in real time. And we don't move in slow mode. So rarely will I put Mo in my videos. Right. And then. Having that base of video be my world. It was a pretty easy transition to learn how to shoot photo I've shot video for twenty-five years, I've shot photo for 15.
[00:10:47] And I had, I had no problem taking a class from a professional pre-talk photographer to teach me how to use my camera in manual mode versus auto mode and the class wasn't about framing. I already knew how to frame up subjects and what, how to tell that story. It was about how to use the. Different apertures and shutter speeds.
[00:11:07] Yeah. You know, some of that translates between a video camera photo, but not everything. Yeah. Yeah. So I picked that up, but I've always wanted to see what you were showing me and what that means in a story is on video. You know, that the guy that I'm in the fishing boat with is wearing a blue jacket. When I write that for a newspaper or magazine, I have to tell you he's in a blue jacket.
[00:11:28] Right? So the writing style is a little different. That's interesting that you picked up on that visual. Where do you think, what do you think triggered that? Is it just the actual experience you had it in telecom? I think that I chose the visual medium right out of the gate, because I've always been.
[00:11:46] Obscenely aware of what's going on around me. And I knew at a young age back clear back when I was studying faces that I had that visual, a desire to see what's going on versus spell it out. I've always liked to write, but I didn't want to have to always spell out everything. I wanted you to see it right.
[00:12:06] And I can see that in my own kids. Now, you know, when our, when our boys turned 12, they each get a trip with me when they turn 18, they get a trip with my husband. So. When the oldest one turned 12, he chose San Francisco because our boys play hockey and he wanted it to see the black Hawks play the sharks and San Jose.
[00:12:26] And we stayed, we stayed in downtown San Francisco in the financial district and he looked just like you and I was little, we walked around downtown. And when you're in a big city, people put on blinders. They don't look at the time. He was probably gobsmacked by all that. It blew him away. And I think that's one of the reasons we do these trips.
[00:12:44] We live in Idaho falls. It's pretty small. I want them to be exposed to all different kinds of lifestyles. Right. And you have to go to a different city to get that. And so he was blown away by what he saw. And he said on the first day he said, mom, There's no one looks at each other. There's cement everywhere.
[00:13:06] And the only bird I've seen as a pigeon. And so he, I can see that that was totally me. When I was little. I was really aware of how people were not connected with each other and not connected with the world around them. Yeah. Yeah. Still, still to this day, even more so maybe in some places. Yeah. Yeah. And so that's, that's how I was when I was a little and it's really neat to see that in my kids.
[00:13:29] That's very cool. Yeah. Where does your entrepreneurial spirit come from? Are there entrepreneurs in your family that I don't have a danger gene, but I might have a crazy gene. What it is. I will say this. Um, my father is. By far the proudest workaholic I've ever known. And I pick up my workaholic, workaholic tendencies from him.
[00:13:56] What did he do? Um, he is, uh, you'll love this. My father is an architect, but of a very specific genre. If you walk into a building with my father, he will always look up. And he always looks up because he's looking for the sprinkler heads. Okay. Gotcha. My dad makes sure your building doesn't burn down.
[00:14:17] That's good. Yes. And, um, there were several times growing up, we had it, he had a dad in our basement and time and time again, he would start businesses on his own and try to have his own business of sprinkled fire, sprinkler design over and over and over again. And I remember growing up with that. And so when I decided to go freelance, I honestly, I was really hesitant to start tightlining media because my dad had tried so many times to start and I did not want my family relying on me and then me not being able to really start.
[00:14:56] And so to be at the, be at the Mark where Tightline media is turning 16 years old. Yeah, I had made it through the recession and the pandemic by the skin of my teeth sometimes, but, but, um, that's significant to me and I also think it's significant to my father. Uh, but I'll bet. Yeah, you started then you're and you're, you know, you haven't finished yet, but you're still going there.
[00:15:20] I mean, you got it off the ground. That's I can relate to that with, we talked about this before we turned the mic on about the podcast. I mean, it's in my, I get mine from my grandfather. Same thing. He started, he was always Twinkie, you know? Tinkering with ideas and started this and started that so I can totally relate.
[00:15:36] Yep. That's where it is. Interesting. And so tell our listeners about what we've talked a little bit about your TV news career. What did you like most about that? Oh, the storytelling, what I like most about TB was the storytelling, but in TV news, um, I had to learn, I had to learn early on that I needed to create an instant rapport with strangers.
[00:15:59] Yeah. You have to have a rapport with somebody before they will talk to you. And if you don't know them, I mean, I'm meeting people, new people every day, and I've got to do a story for live, live story for the five o'clock six o'clock, 10 o'clock, and there's gotta be at least two interviews in that story.
[00:16:15] That's six new people a day that I had to develop an instant rapport with and get them to tell me their secret, that easy, you know? And so I liked, uh, I can, I'm intrigued by challenge. I think. That's something that becomes pretty obvious in me. When you talk to me about my work, when you look at my stories, I'm pretty obsessive about what I do and I can, are you out with my, uh, overeager sense of being when it comes to covering the outdoors and doing it in a proper, proper storytelling manner?
[00:16:50] And so the idea that I could tell a story. And frankly, tell that story in two minutes, because of a newscast it's gotta be within two minutes, pretty phenomenal. So you don't waste words, you get right to the point. Yeah. That's a great skill. So even when a magazine will say, we need you to write a thousand words, that's a lot.
[00:17:10] And a book, 50,000 words, that's a lifetime to me. And when I come from a world of two minutes news, I'm not going to waste any words. So even if you put me on a thousand word magazine story or a 50,000 word book, every single word has purpose in there. There's no fluff because I come from two minutes of news where you did an add any extra fluff.
[00:17:35] So do you think it's harder for you to write, like in those big, long magazine articles and books and stuff because of that, or you just have to work harder to, you know, make it a detailed story? I find that writing, um, length longer than 500 words is harder for me. And I know why it's harder. It's because I come from where you did quick, fast turns.
[00:17:58] Yeah. You shot at wrote edited the same day, probably within a two to four hour timeframe. And I'm used to that pace. It's hard to get me to slow down and work at a longer pace. Uh, even while magazines that might have, like, you know, they're planning a year out right now. Yeah. If you give me an assignment right now, I want to work on it right now.
[00:18:20] I don't want to work on it in may or an August issue. Right. So I've had to learn to pace myself a little better. And I think that's been a good thing to learn because as I've learned to pace myself, I've also learned to tolerate the pieces. And there is no doubt that was in a lengthy piece. You are a stronger writer because you add to it things that you can not fit into many
[00:18:47] Yeah. Yeah. I was going to say, yeah, the story is more important because you put more detail in it. You don't just put fluff in it. It's, it's relevant, very relevant to the story. Whereas a lot of people write these things. It's like, well, you could have said that in three words, you know? So when I wrote my place upon bed, I sent him my first draft and it was 15 one, five, 15,000 words.
[00:19:10] Oh, I'm spent, that's like the most I've ever written because the Austin, my editor cut that in half, sent me back. 8,000 words said not good enough. Dig deeper. Yeah. And I had no idea that I had deeper in me, but I did. And it strengthened my writing to a whole new level. That was so obvious that the year my book came out, which was last year, um, all the outlets that I was working for, we said, wow, Your writing has advanced so much.
[00:19:43] And I knew exactly why it's because I had to push to reach 50,000 words and make every single word count. And then your writing goals to a whole new level, when you have to meet that type of challenge, and it shows up in all your other work. Yeah, boy, it sticks with it. Yeah. Once you do that, I'll bet he wrote everything.
[00:20:01] You're right. Yeah. Well, good on the editor. That was awesome.
[00:20:06] So I can take a criticism and then I just suck it up and move on with it, but we'll do it dig in. Yeah, I hear you. Yeah. We're willing to do that in the show notes. That's I look forward to getting that book. Sounds like a great story. Is your time in TV? The inspiration behind Tightline media is that where that came from?
[00:20:23] My timing TB was. In a roundabout way and inspiration for Tightline media working, um, you know, about two years at a time under contract for one station or another, I worked for every station, but CBS that's kinda just how it worked out. And so, um, you, you learn a lot about the industry. You work in small markets where you have to do every job from running the teleprompter to editing your own stories, to whatever happens.
[00:20:50] It has to happen up by you because small markets, that's how it goes in bigger markets. Everyone fights about who has to do what, because no one wants to do anything. And so that was weird to me. I just wanted to work. I just wanted to tell stories and yeah. And TV. I had to cover crops and crime and whatever else was on the police scanner for the day or down at city hall.
[00:21:10] And, uh, I would, I know that from the very beginning, I was always shoving outdoor stories into people's TVs. There was not an outdoor beat, but I wanted there to be. And I know that those stories mattered. It doesn't matter if you hike, bike, hunt, fish, whatever it is you do outside. The reason that opportunity exists is because something's going on, that's conserving our natural resources to the lab to make it so that you can recreate.
[00:21:37] And so those stories really matter to me. So I would shove them in your TV anyway, under, and I'd figure out how to make them the top story of the night. It was some kind of news hitch. So by the time I decided to go freelance, Yes. I knew video was going to be my base, but instead of being general assignment, I niched out 95% of what I do is outdoor related.
[00:21:59] And that's a conscious decision when I went freelance. It was because I didn't want to cover crops in crime anymore. Yeah. Those still come into my stories. You know, if we've got crime, it's used to poaching wildlife trafficking crops, certainly that matters. We've got deer running through corn fields, right.
[00:22:15] So. Those elements still matter. And I liked having to learn how to cover every possible beat. But I wanted to really hit the outdoors. So I, I niched down to that when I started testing. That's pretty smart. That's pretty smart. Yeah. That's uh, they say the riches are in the niches, so it's, you know, I haven't experienced that yet, but it's coming.
[00:22:37] I don't think I've experienced it either, but if I wanted to make a lot of money, I would, I had a fatter wallet if I'd had done something else. Well, yeah, we're, we're on the outdoors because we love it. That's for sure.
[00:22:51] The flexibility of my lifestyle. Yeah. The opportunity for fresh air that, that you can't be placed with just a fatter wallet. If I have a bad day and I start to gripe, my husband will just quickly say, you know what? We can shove you back in a cubicle. Do you want to do that? Find that there's problems.
[00:23:11] Yeah. Yeah. That's, that's a, that's a good thing about the outdoors. We can just go out and blow off some steam and. See everything and anything we want to see. Yeah. And I, but I do think there's a, on the flip side of that, everyone thinks it's just fun and glamorous to work outside. I'm telling you right now, a 15 hour day in a wildfire where my nose bleeds all day and hundreds of miles from decent food and a bathroom.
[00:23:35] Those are not glamorous days. Right. And there's a lot of work that goes into those shots. You know, the guy that's fishing, he's having a great day of play. Me trying to shoot footage of him. Fishing is not play. It is work. Yeah, no, it is. It's all work. I think that's the thing that we all, whatever you chose choose to do as a vocation, there are going to be parts of it that are work.
[00:23:55] I don't care how much fun most of it is. You know, I, I have two degrees in recreation and, you know, made a choice early on to make the outdoors, my vocation. But there are days when is your sales guy or you're a product guy or whatever that they're, it's work and just the nature of the beast, I think. Yeah.
[00:24:13] And I think that there's a real tendency by people that want to especially get into the outdoor work that will do it for nothing. And I worry about that because this isn't a hobby for me. This is how I feed my family. And I have to make money or I have to do something else. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. There was a lot of that.
[00:24:32] People are selling their services for lower amounts and I think that they are doing it, the service through a lot, a lot of the outdoor pros. And eventually they're going to find out that, you know, there. There is they're going to come to a point where they're not going to go to that lowest bidder because they want to make some money too.
[00:24:47] So it's you muzzle start out making a decent, you know, charging a decent amount so you can continue, but that could be a whole nother. Maybe that should be a whole nother episode. Actually. That's a good one. That leaves a good one. Then I think a lot of the reason you'll see that under cutting of. Value across the industry is people are doing this on the side of some off of other office jobs.
[00:25:08] Yeah. Or they just want to break into it and they think that's the way to do it. Yeah. Yes, yes. You know, I helped mentor my neighbor's grandson. She came over to the day and she was so excited and she's like, he graduated, he's out of college and he's writing for this newspaper and I'm so glad you helped him.
[00:25:23] And I said, Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. I'd love it. And she said, yeah, he's getting paid in beer. I said, Oh no, that's not how this goes down. He is not going to be able to feed his family on beer and the beer is going to wear out, you know, pretty quickly. Yup. Yup. Beer and gear. You can't, you can't make, make a living and feed your face beard gear.
[00:25:44] So yeah, you need dollars in there somewhere. Folks. We're going to take a little break, give some love to our sponsor. Hey, do you love to read, but don't always have the time to sit down with a good book on the same. And sometimes I just feel like having someone else tell the story. Well, if you use audible, then you know, if not you're missing out, it's like having a library in your phone.
[00:26:04] And I use it a lot. Auto helps a mile slot by when I'm on the road. As I'm enjoying great books I discover or recommended by friends. Get your free audio book, download and a 30 day free trial@audibletrial.com slash the outdoor biz podcast. There are over 180,000 titles to choose from. Go to audible trial.com/the outcrop is podcast and start your free 30 day trial with audible today.
[00:26:26] And now back to the show. So he talked a little bit about your new film ocean to Idaho. I saw the trailer this morning. That looks pretty cool. Oh, I'm glad you saw the trailer. I it's very likely you're the first person to see it because I just finished it. It's kind of coming. Like everyone is going to learn soon that it's out.
[00:26:45] So I'd love that you got to see it. Um, okay. So the, that comes out in 2021 is ocean to Idaho and it follows salmon migration from the Oregon coast to the Idaho wilderness and the magic behind all that actually started. In early 2020 when I went on the road to follow that migration route. So it's a multi-year project and that's an unusual for me to spread something out like this.
[00:27:12] But I wanted one year where I actually shocked that migration is how it had to be done. And then the next year is when it comes out. Because by the time the migration is done, we're into snow and people don't want to watch. Something like that. And they want, I want them to watch this story when the salmon are moving through the area again, and it's the longest piece I've ever edited for videos.
[00:27:35] So it's, it's quite a crunch on time, but the reason so many people know about ocean to Idaho already a year in advance is because I let them follow me virtually on the road trip. Smart. Good, good. Yeah. And so everybody was at home. You know, I knew this was what I was going to do. I said, I'm going to follow salmon migration from the ocean to Idaho.
[00:27:57] I said that October, 2019, by March of 2020, my plans were down the drain. And I said, I'm going to follow the salmon migration from the ocean to Idaho. That Dennett be damned. And so what I had to do was dump all my plans and figure out how to follow these fish because we were not moving, but the fish still work.
[00:28:18] Right. And I wanted to follow them safely and responsibly. And that meant living out of a truck and a camper all summer, following the migration route through Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Did you do that? Solo solo all by myself, I had masks. I had a temperature chart. I had to take my temperatures for several weeks in advance before I even stepped foot in Oregon.
[00:28:44] And. Um, I started following the migration in June and I've finished with the last few dozen Chinook salmon that make it to mile 850 in central Idaho wilderness in September. Wow, very cool. And it was, it was, uh, alone. There is one stretch within that 850 miles. That is all wilderness and there's no road.
[00:29:07] The only way to navigate that as a raft. And I, I navigated on a raft because somebody that I know in Idaho picked up a permit because everyone from out of town could come use the tags they drawn. Yeah. And so there was that 80 mile stretch of the 850 mile route when I wasn't alone because my family was with me and we run a raft with other families on their rafts and we did whitewater rafting through that wilderness stretch.
[00:29:33] Well, that's cool. Other than that I was alone. And, um, I shoot with five cameras and I shot the five cameras by myself. I lived out of a Toyota Tundra and a four wheel camper on top of that. I had to learn how to run everything in one day and when everything kind of fell into place and I said, I'm going, and I'm going to have to do it in a way that isolates me.
[00:29:58] Toyota stepped in with, with wheels, but will camper stepped in with the house on top of the wheels? And I knew I was going to go and I just, yeah. Needed somewhere safe to keep me and my gear and to isolate no one was allowed inside my camper or my truck and I wasn't with anybody unless I was interviewing them.
[00:30:19] And then they were six feet away. I was totally self-contained. I didn't go into any, that's a story right there. And it's in and of itself. Are you going to tell her how you're going to tell that story or is that part of the film? That's that's a great question. Is that, do I tell that story in the film or not?
[00:30:34] And right now, Here's where I'm at, letting people virtually follow me while they were stuck at home. During the pandemic really caught fire people really liked seeing what was going on in the world. Through someone who has to cover it accurately and fairly. And yeah, I don't, I don't paint it pretty. This is what's happening.
[00:30:59] Yeah. Yeah. Well, we all like to live vicariously through others sometimes. So that was, yeah, I think during the pandemic that people really attached to that. And so I quickly took that road trip and morphed it into what became a kind of its own standing identity. There's this whole library of episodes and they came out twice a week.
[00:31:20] People watched. I had a biomarker for miles zero to eight 50. And I'd say we're at this mile. Marker. Here's why we're here. This is the first of eight down. That's why we're right here. And then that would be on Thursday and on Tuesday it was behind the scenes. Here's my temperature chart. Here's my masks.
[00:31:39] Here's what happens with my camera breaks. Here's what happens when I fall out of my camper and. You know, here's what happened. This is why my face is taped up on camera at the end. It's cause I have stitches in my face and know that got to like live all that with me. That you can't plan that. No, that's, that's, that's a story too.
[00:31:57] That's a film too. That's I think my thing. So, so I've made all those episodes and people kind of seem to like the idea of binge-watching those now that they're all together. So that's fun. Yeah. But when I started to edit the film and I had 25 hours of footage, And I needed to fit it into a 26 minutes show.
[00:32:15] It takes some serious prioritizing. And as a journalist in the truest sense of the word, there is no I story perspective. Yeah. Yeah. And it's all about every person I have. Every person along that migration route and what that water means to them. And what's going on here that helps fish what's going on here.
[00:32:38] That hurts fish. You have to involve all looks perspectives. I wanted everyone's perspective in this issue and I took it as my responsibility to cover it fairly accurately balanced. You know, you start talking about dams, should they stay or should they go, you damn well, better get both sides of that story.
[00:32:59] So I decided in the film itself, I pulled myself out of it as a personality. And it's strictly coming from the perspective of everyone that lives along the migration route. And then I'm going to create a director's cut that, pulls it out and says, Oh yeah, here's the spot where. I broke my camera. This is what happened that day.
[00:33:22] Right. And here, Oh, let me tell you about these, you know, this part here I showed up. At mile eight 50 was stitches Haggard. Yeah. God, I can't imagine. Yeah. Yeah. I think that'd be a good story right there too though. I think there's a lot of people that like to know, you know, the behind the scenes and that just got verified validated by all the people that followed you.
[00:33:42] Yeah. And I think, you know, it's pretty uncomfortable to watch yourself fall apart as you're watching this fall apart. And at the end, the fish died and I didn't. And so now I have to decide how all that gets to roll out. The film itself won't have me in it, but the director's cut. Well, the road trip episodes definitely have in them.
[00:34:03] Wait to see it. We'll link to that in the show notes too. It's called ocean to Idaho and there's a trailer there. That sounds super fun. I'm looking forward to that. Yeah. I got to go to the bank film festival a few times, um, back when I was with Eagle Creek and it just, all those kinds of films that you're talking about, and I really was inspired.
[00:34:20] Not only by the film, but then some of the backstories when you got to go back and talk to the, the director and the filmmaker. And so I think there's, there's an opportunity to do both of those things. Yeah. Yeah. I'd agree. And I think even more so now the one thing that social media has done is it has changed the expectations on the audience's side.
[00:34:38] Yeah. Yeah. You know what I was in news, I could do a live shot at 10 o'clock and tell you what happened on the TV screen. And you would watch me in your living room, but you couldn't tell me anything. You could call the district. If you wanted to complain or say, I need to know something else about this, but with social media, you can actually connect with that person more.
[00:34:57] And so your expectation grows. You want a more personal connection with that journalist. Yeah. And I realize now that that, you know, halfway through my career, That was a significant shift and I needed to be open to the idea that people wanted to know what it was like to cover this story and not just know the story.
[00:35:15] They're more advanced now. They want more than just the story they want the backstory. Yeah. I think they've realized they can get it now. Right back in the day they couldn't get it. They had no way. Well, I shouldn't say no way, but very few ways to reach out to the producers and the filmmakers. But now, like you say, it's just, it's right there.
[00:35:32] It's on social media. Just call them up, you know, send him an email, you know, whatever it might be. Yeah. Do you have any desire to make a feature length film? Do I have any desire to make a feature length film? I thought hard about this question for a long time. Uh, you know what I mean? When I say I come from two-minute news, the longer things get.
[00:35:54] The more of a lifetime, they feel, but they also, the challenge intrigues me. Uh, of adding lanes. I honestly didn't think I could pull off a book. I do not have the attention span to sit down that long, but honestly, I broke my leg in three places, coaching kid hockey, and I was on the couch for four months growing bone around a rod.
[00:36:22] And I had to sit down, I was on drugs that made my muscles hold still. And so. You can crank out a pretty decent chunk of word count when you have to do that. Yes, you can. Now I don't want to do that to create a feature film, but, uh, 26 minutes for ocean to Idaho will be the longest. I have ever produced.
[00:36:43] When I produce shows Freido public TV, they are for a half hour format, which is 26 minutes. Most of my other films have hovered around the 10 minute Mark, you know, uh, on the internet. Shoot. I still turn out two minutes movies. Yeah. That's what people want to watch then all the time. Yeah. But you know, as we talked about the audience expectation growing, I think that when someone says that they're going to make a feature film.
[00:37:08] Your first instinct is to think, well, no, one's going to watch that it's too long. But think of the other side of that, our audiences education level and expectation level is growing. You know, they will sit down for it. Even if it's long is good enough. Well, they will. And they do. I mean, look at the explosion of Netflix and Amazon prime video and all these places, YouTube, where we watch all these things, especially now in the pandemic.
[00:37:31] But even before the pandemic people, I think they liked the story part of it. Like I was saying about the, the backstory, the director's cut, if you will, of, of ocean to Idaho, that's going to be a phenomenal story. That could be an interesting film. Yeah. And I think that there's the, the intrigue of a feature film.
[00:37:51] But I think it's only there for me now because I've grown into it. Yeah. There was no way back when I was doing two-minute news that I could have seriously considered a feature film. And now I've cranked out 50,000 words for a book. So Hey, maybe feature film might be the next lane. There you go, folks.
[00:38:11] You heard it here? Well, let's sit with the 26 minutes. I haven't come out yet. Yeah. Let's see how that goes. Yeah. And one thing at a time. Yeah. Okay. Let's get back to some other questions. Um, so you, you do a lot of outdoor activities. Do you have a favorite, favorite outdoor activity? Something that you, and when you're not filming, when you just need to go out with the kids or just blow off some steam, do you go fishing to go hiking?
[00:38:37] What do you do? Fly Fisher. I am a trail runner. I am a rafter, a hiker, a biker. I'm all those do it all. Yeah. Yeah. If I get a day off and um, I want to get out, it's not so much about what I'm doing. It's where I'm doing it. That's what matters to me. The farther away, the more rewrote mode it is, the more enticing it is to me.
[00:39:05] And I think you. Even if I'm there like a high mountain Lake, you're not going to catch a big five-pound lunker and you're going to work your butt off to get up there and you're going to catch maybe something as long as your hands. Yeah. But that fishing to me is so much more rewarding because I worked so hard to get to it.
[00:39:21] And there's nobody else around. Yeah. I tend to do okay. Farther away. And Trevor means the same way. I'm an ultra. So I run distance. And man, you get me back in there on the continental divide, which is deep wilderness in the Idaho Montana borders. Uh, I'm gonna, I'm gonna really feel like I'm in my element because no one's around me.
[00:39:42] Whereas other runners, particularly women, they feel more comfortable running where there's people. Well, I feel better running my there's no people. Yeah, I'm the same way. I, I, I do better when there's, I mean, I've been this way. My parents have, since I was a kid, I don't talk to anybody. I don't always play by myself.
[00:39:59] I still do that. I still find that I would much like Bishop. There's a bunch of places that I can go fishing, but I don't like to go there cause there's, you know, you gotta find an open piece of water. I want to go somewhere where I can just go fish and, uh, or hike or whatever it is. So it's interesting. I never heard it put that way though, but that's.
[00:40:17] Crystallizes it for me too. Yeah. Yeah. You'll see. You'll see me doing any of those activities. Yeah. Uh, I, I work in the hike and bike world and the hook and bullet world. So I've got to be pretty versatile for all of it. Um, and my kids have been exposed to all of us. They're little river rats. They, the ones that heck of a runner, he is so much faster than me now, but I can go farther than him.
[00:40:40] So there you go. That's good. Yeah. So, uh, let's shift gears a little bit here. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz or grow their career or the filmmaking biz? Ooh, which one do you want to hit? Outdoor? Um, let's do outdoor height. Let's stick with outdoor.
[00:40:58] Cause that's pretty much what I ask everybody. And do you want to get into outdoor outdoor as a business? Well, yeah, outdoors of business. I mean, I think outdoor, I think a lot of folks, you know, that listen to this show, they listened for the stories, but they also either are in the business or looking to get in the business and, yeah.
[00:41:18] All right. So when it comes to the outdoor business, I have a pretty interesting take on it. And it comes from two and a half decades of watching our industry shift. And I'm just so impressed by what I see within our industry as things shift and what matters now, and the way to come at this business. If I were coming at it now would be to look at it from the user's perspective in every.
[00:41:51] And every way, and that is because the way we value our natural resources has made a dramatic shift in the last century. And you can see it in the way that outdoor users lay out their expectations and those users are your customers. So a century ago we were, we were mining, logging. It's really pretty cavalier about the other space.
[00:42:20] Yeah. Sources to us were, what do we get out of them? What can they do for us with a dollar sign? Now, look at where we're at today. Yes. They're still mining, logging, drilling, developing a little bit of damning and all that still going on, but you know what? Now there's a seat at the table for that natural resource as it is.
[00:42:40] Yeah. Natural resources hold a value for what they offer us as they are. Or in many cases that you see today as they will be, as they're put back together, that has a value. Now our natural resources hold, hold value beyond dollar. And when your customers start realizing natural resources, hold value beyond dollar.
[00:43:03] The way to connect to them is to also value those natural resources beyond dollar. I like it. Yeah. That's a good point. And that's a good thing. As we, as the world gets more populated and you know, these places get more crowded, it becomes more important to think about those things. I think. Yeah. You know, it was amazing to me.
[00:43:23] I don't live very far from the DMV in Idaho falls, Idaho, and, um, It's downtown. Everyone passes by downtown, but it was amazing to me to see how many out-of-state plates were in the parking lot of the DMB, getting licenses for Idaho during the pandemic, California, Texas, Colorado. Plates from everywhere coming here.
[00:43:44] And I live about an hour and a half from Yellowstone. So we already get an influx of travelers, but the people, the, the travel, you see the people on the river and they're usually tourists and they stop and they visit, and then they moved to Yellowstone. But the people in the parking lot at the division of motor vehicles, all those out-of-state plates were coming to stay.
[00:44:03] Yeah. And so, yeah, you're starting to see that push there's that, you know, the animals. Start to shift with climate change. There's that whole shift in the migration routes is the temperature shifts. But you're also seeing with humanity, they're pushing into places that have space to have resources. Yeah.
[00:44:23] You're starting to see that. And even if people don't realize that's what's going on and that's what it is, they're pushing them to safer places to be. Yeah. Yeah. With more space. Yeah. I think you're right. And people are leaving in the country too. Yeah, that's a, we see it up here. In Bishop, but more from a recreation perspective because the land is all pretty much owned.
[00:44:41] You can't, there's no, you know, they're not going to build more. The city and Bishop can't get a lot bigger because the land is around them as already owned by department of water, power and, and other folks. So that can't happen. But, um, you see them out here recreating. That's interesting though. I never thought of that.
[00:44:57] I never, you know, I haven't been to a small town. Like Idaho falls. So that makes sense though, because you've read about it in the news and people are talking about it all over. People are looking to leave the country, leave the state. I mean, they're itching to get out of California because it's crowded and you know, the, whether you believe or support the politics or not, it's just weird.
[00:45:15] So yeah. You know, you see all those, the devastating wildfires in California, you may want to run away from that. Right. Well, when you get a fire of that size in Idaho, wilderness, no one lives there, right? Yeah. It's it's it's, uh, I mean, it's fired a grand scale and I happen to more places in California. The problem in California is that people live there and hopefully it won't, it won't impact.
[00:45:40] I'd hope people will not miss more people go there. We gotta make sure that we don't let them live there. They shouldn't live there in my opinion, because it's a tricky thing. Yeah. It's tough. So, but, but, so he's got to call it right. Someone's got to say, no, we can't do this. You know, and we let him, we have these big fires in California and then.
[00:45:58] The burns all these places now that we rebuild them right. Where they were. And it happens again, it's like same thing on Florida with flooding, same thing. You're not supposed to build in this zone. Don't rebuild in this. Don't you think that would make sense, but you know what, someone's home. It gets crazy.
[00:46:14] I get it. It's their home. Yeah, you're right. And some of these places in these, in these, you know, remote towns and stuff, people have lived there for hundreds of years. So it's in their ancestors home, you know, I saw a bumper sticker the other day, uh, you know, the whole, it was the shape of Idaho, the state with the pan handle.
[00:46:34] And it said fr we're full. A lot of folks are saying that, yeah, a lot of folks are saying that as California. And so, you know, I mean, the world said that the U S and the pandemic, they don't want us, you know, coming in. So they. Wouldn't accept passports. And I'm sure States are saying that to you for the same reason, similar reasons.
[00:46:53] Anyway. Yeah. It's definitely going to make things interesting. And there's so much that has shifted lifestyle wise because there's a lot that people aren't seeing yet. And that's one of the things I think people aren't really quite seeing. Yeah. Not just visiting the river and the trails as they pass through there at the DMV getting a license, they're staying right.
[00:47:16] That's going to be a different farm. Yeah. Um, how about favorite books? Do you have any favorite books or do you have a book? You give us gifts, your book? Of course, I give my book a lot. I find that writing a book puts you in this whole new realm. My place in my man is decades of the most dynamic. News stories I've covered with my perspective added to it.
[00:47:39] And so I know that people like to read that. So when you read my place among men, you're reading a legitimate news story with the perspective put into it, that shows you what it's like to be in that moment. Right. And that can apply to every age, race, gender. And so people are really, I mean, I've got 12 year old, little hockey kids reading it, and I've got my neighbor that's 85 reading it.
[00:47:58] So it's cool that, that matters. And if you can make a book like that, I'm drawn to those, but you know, an editor's going to tell you that that's not the best way to write if you niche down and it sells better, I'm already in it's down. Cause I'm in the outdoors. So there's some of that. If I have to pick, you know, if I'm going to pick a book that I want to give to someone, honestly, it's not a classic novel style book.
[00:48:25] It's a book that fits more to my two minute attention span. And that's all the places you'll go by Dr. Seuss. Oh, cool. I love it. That's a good one. Yeah. I loved the way he plays with words. I love the way he breaks all the rules on what we think, things look like and sound like, and that he does it in about two minutes.
[00:48:46] He was an amazing writer. I mean, you know, to a P to get a little kid, to sit down and write a book like that. And then even adults, like you say, some of those books, you read them as adults. Like, ah, never S I never read that before. You know, I never interpreted that way before. That's cool. How about your favorite piece of outdoor gear?
[00:49:03] Under a hundred dollars. My favorite piece of outdoor gear pushes the a hundred dollars Mark, pretty hard, but I think it's still worth it. It's trail running shoes. So, um, I've tried different brands. And so there, it just to kind of depends on what kind of, I think it all comes down to cushion. Yeah. I used to run barefoot, so I'm a minimalist.
[00:49:22] I want as little as I can get on the bottom of my feet. I like to feel the ground and, uh, I don't run barefoot anymore. I think after 15 miles, that's not a smart idea. It's be hard on the knees, but here's what I find about trail running shoes. I wore hiking boots forever. And when I, my leg in three places, one of the breaks was the hockey puck hit my shin and then just kind of shattered the bone in every direction from there.
[00:49:49] And so where a hiking boot rides up higher on your shin, that's a total no-go for that seam where rods and screws are inside my rebuilt Lake. Yeah, I can do it, but I don't like it. So I stopped wearing a high rise, hiking boot. And I had trout runners in my closet because I run trail. I started wearing that instead, and now I wear my trail runners when I'm not running.
[00:50:14] My old pairs are my mowing shoes. I go through several pairs a year. And so, uh, the bottom wears out before the top. So I just following them. But I find that I'm also. Uh, we went scouting for elk a few weeks ago and I wore trail runners and we weren't, we weren't even on a trail and we were bushwhacking and I found a hole, the hole, I found like a moose graveyard.
[00:50:38] It was like the whole remains of a moose and it's racking, everything. Wow. Totally undisturbed. And so we were way off trail and I was only in trail runners. So. A trail runner with a Gator guard to keep up the gravel. Yeah, I find is so versatile and works in so many situations. If I need to get in the river, they dry out quick.
[00:51:00] So I picked trail running shoes because they. Are versatile way beyond trail. Yeah, no, I agree with you. I don't wear hiking boots, either stiff souls or any of that stuff. Nope. I wear lightweight and oftentimes trail running shoes just because I have really bad knees, but I agree with you. I mean, it's lighter.
[00:51:16] It's, it's, you know, less work on your leg and if you can get a good trail running shoe, you get the support you need. So I totally agree with you. Yeah. And I would say that maybe with a heavy pack, you know, a multi-day backpacking trip where you've got your house and your back, or my camera pack on my back for extended time.
[00:51:32] Maybe that's not the best idea with powered ankle support, but by and large, I'm doing fine without wearing a big, heavy, stiff, clunky hiking boots. My mother hit mom the same. Yep. Um, as we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to say to our audience or ask our audience? I would ask you to do this.
[00:51:52] Stick your feet in the river, any river, the closest one you can get to people say they don't have the access to the outdoors, but you know, don't you drink water and that water is coming from somewhere. It's fine. Flowing water and stick your feet in it. It just makes that connection to our outdoor world.
[00:52:10] That much more important to you if you can connect with it. And that's a simple way to do it, you don't need a lot of expensive gear. You don't have to drive far. Yeah. But just find a way to connect. And for me, that's the sticking your feet in the water. Perfect. I love it. That's a good one. That should be a t-shirt.
[00:52:24] Maybe I'll make a t-shirt and if people want to reach out to you, where's the best way. Where's the best place for them to find you the best way to reach willing to all your social? Yeah. We'll link to all your social feeds. Yeah. So the best way to find me would be to go through my company website, Tate line, media.com.
[00:52:44] Okay, cool. We'll link to that in the show notes too. Well, it's been great talking to you. I look forward to seeing you at one of the OWA events soon, and whenever we, whenever we get back together, we will. That's coming. And if, and if there's an Orr, we got to do that, we should for sure. Make sure that there's an in-person event where we can actually see people we got to meet.
[00:53:05] Yeah, we will connect. Definitely. Well, thanks, Chris. I look forward to letting you know when this goes live and, uh, talking to you next week on the webinar, maybe your next month, I guess he was on that webinar. Yeah, thank you. All right, thanks. Have a good day. Have a good holiday. Thank you for joining us.
[00:53:21] On another episode of the outdoor biz podcast, be sure to visit our website, the outdoor biz podcast.com where you'll find show notes with links to everything we talked about and more subscribe to the show on Apple podcasts. Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. So you'll never miss an episode. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, you'd appreciate a rating on iTunes or spread the word and tell a friend about the show that would really help us out to be sure to tune in every day.
[00:53:50] And thanks again for listening to the outdoor biz podcast with Rick Saez.
Dan Nelson has a job many of us would love. He is a gear tester and editor with Gear Institute.com, a veteran outdoor journalist, and author of numerous guidebooks. We talk about gear testing, some of the products he's worked with, and more.
Dan Nelson has a job many of us would love. He is a gear tester and editor with Gear Institute.com, a veteran outdoor journalist, and author of numerous guidebooks. We talk about gear testing, some of the products he's worked with, and more.
Show Notes Gear Institute
OWAA
Hells Canyon
WSU Edward R Murrow College of Communication
Washington Trails Association
Washington Trails Magazine
Adventures Northwest
Mountaineers Books
Intro to the Outdoors I grew up in Eastern Washington and my family is all Minnesota natives, but we moved to Eastern Washington when I was a tot and grew up in a little farm community in Southeast Washington, right in the corner of the state, by Idaho and Oregon.
Down in the blue mountains, which most of your listeners aren't going to know. If you know where Hell's Canyon is, we're not too far from there. The Blue Mountains form the Western edge of that. So anyway I grew up in the mountains and the foothills and out along the snake river breaks riding dirt bikes and hiking and that is where I started fishing.
When did you become a gear junkie? In the small farm community I grew up in we had one of those old school mercantile type stores where it was a hardware store, but they also sold clothing and kitchenware and household knickknacks and basically anything you would need on the farm. And they had a corner of their hardware section dedicated to hunting and fishing gear. And when I wasn't outside playing or inside reading, I was in that store pouring through the fishing lures.
Which product category are you seeing the most innovation these days? The easy answer is tech things like personal locator beacons and avalanche beacons performance tracking tools. I think in terms of core gear. I think for the most innovation I'll go back to sleeping pads or sleep systems may be evolved a lot in the last several years from that one and a half pound self-inflating pad to three or four-ounce air pads that are just as insulating as back in the day.
Which product category do you think could use more creativity and innovation? What are they missing? Looking back on a lot of the changes I think Tents maybe. There's been a lot of great innovation in materials. But really there hasn't been any change in the structural innovation.
Dan's Advice for getting in a career in the Outdoors It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work. I wasn't outdoors testing gear, I was indoors writing about it. So I was putting in a hundred plus hours a week at times between, writing and designing magazines and actually out testing gear. I would say plan on hard work, really find what you want to do, and focus solely on that.
Favorite piece of gear under a hundred dollars I will say that the one thing I purchased and purchase at full retail and I've got multiple pieces of it is again, going back to getting older and our bodies starting to fall apart is a flip, focal magnifier. It's a clip-on magnifier that clips onto your hat brim. It got to the point where I was starting to fish bigger and bigger flies just because I couldn't tie on the right size.
Follow up with Dan Instagram at dan.a.nelson
Google me and look for some of my writing, I use my byline which is: Dan A. Nelson
Snippets
00:01:59 - 00:02:40 Intro to Outdoors
00:07:10 - 00:07:58 Become a Gear Junkie
00:42:59 - 00:43:27 Favorite Gear
00:39:28 - 00:40:04 Advice
One of the most influential outdoor photographers in the industry Scott Markowitz talks about his career, some unique shooting experiences, and tips on how to become an Outdoor Photographer. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Intro to Outdoors and Photography My stepping stone in, was, as a skier and becoming a professional skier and then moving onto the other side, from one side of the lens to the other, basically. I was a freestyle skier for oh three or four years competing on the pro mogul tour and then skiing in various ski movies and skiing for various photographers in the day.
Intro to Photography I always had an interest in it growing up. I remember when I was really young, I had one of those box cameras and always enjoyed just shooting. But I guess my first, SLR cameras probably, I got just out of high school, and I would take photos of friends and just carry a camera with me just as a hobby and, make prints and things like that.
That was my first camera. And then my first First real pro camera, I think one summer I decided, I was going to move into this profession a little bit after spending a lot of time in front of the camera, I figured I had a pretty good eye for it. And I thought it would be some fun to try and keep me skiing. So I bought a camera and started shooting and then, spent that a winter kind of half being a pro skier and half being, trying to start to shoot. And, that was kinda how I got into this business.
First outdoor commercial shoot Actually, my first outdoor commercial shoot was for one of my ski sponsors for Elan Skis. So at the time, I was skiing competitively for Elan. And I had a small portfolio of images. So I basically went to them and said, Hey, here's some of my photos that I'm shooting myself and they're like, Oh, great. Do you want to shoot something for us? So it was a natural progression because I already had my foot in the door and had good connections in the industry. It was a pretty easy move for me, fortunately, so that was, having like I said, having the connections in the outdoor industry and in the ski industry definitely helped me move up pretty quickly.
Advice I think If you're going to get into it, you really have to develop your skills and become an excellent photographer, not just a good photographer or videographer for that matter. I think you have to be really on top of your game, try to develop your own vision.
Don't just copy what's out there, think about what it is, why you want to be a photographer, and what it is you want to photograph, and really try to develop your skills to a high level. And try to find a niche that's gonna work for you. Cause it is a challenging business and definitely not getting any less challenging.
I would say also, as a photographer, I think it's important to shoot photo and video to have those dual skills, especially if you can develop good editing skills. I think that's important as well. But yeah, if you can have, a good overall package you can offer to a client, that's definitely a bonus.
Books I'd say growing up one series. I liked to read was Carlos Casteneda. I always liked his books growing up. And I think that definitely influenced me.
One book I heard recently that I thought was really good was Trevor Noah's Born a Crime. It's really good, it was an audiobook and he was reading it. I just enjoy him so it was cool to hear him read it.
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100 Dakine wind stopper gloves. Someone gave me a pair as a Christmas present and I use them for trail running, mountain biking, I just use them all the time and they've held up really well.
F-Stop Deal For the first 20 people who, want to pick up a new F-Stop pack. There's a 20% discount that F-Stop is offering and the way they can do that is contact me directly at my email, which is Scott@scottmarkewitz.com. And then I'll send them a code, which they can use on checkout on the f-stop website.
Connect with Scott Website
Instagram: @scottmarkewitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.markewitz.9
Scott@scottmarkewitz.com
Snippets
01:15 - 1:44 Intro to Outdoors
25:42 - 25:26 Favorite Books
27:19 - 27:42 Favorite Gear
20:35 - 22:02 Advice
Hey hey everyone, dropping a Holiday episode on you and wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Arbor Collective just crossed the 25-year anniversary mark and I had the good fortune to sit down with founder Bob Carlson and talk about their history, the early days of skateboarding, and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Arbor Collective just crossed the 25-year anniversary mark and I had the good fortune to sit down with founder Bob Carlson and talk about their history, the early days of skateboarding, and more.
And we’re going to give away an Arbor Skateboard on the show this week. Listen to my convo with Arbor Collective Founder Bob Carlson! In celebration of Arbor's 25th Anniversary, they are giving away an Arbor Skateboard to one lucky Outdoor Biz listener! The deadline to enter is January 22nd at noon Pacific time. The winner will be announced Monday, January 25th.
Show Notes
Introduction to skateboarding and snowboarding. When surfing sort of started growing in Southern California, one of the big scenes in LA was State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, and in the seventies, a great single fin shaping tradition began there around a shop called Natural Progression. And a lot of great surfers came out of that era and that zone through the sixties and seventies from Mickey Munoz right on through shapers like Robbie Dick. And I kind of grew up in the middle of that, loving it, loving sort of just the whole outdoor life around the beach and surfing, and the culture and the people aspects of shape and art and color really captivated me. And probably I don't know, it's gotta be around the middle of elementary school I started skateboarding.
How did you meet Chris Jensen? I knew Chris in junior high. We became good friends in high school. And Chris was an amazing individual, you know, he woke up in the morning and the adventure started, he was always in the pursuit of fun. So he was that guy you wanted to be around because whatever he was doing was going to lead to good times. And he had a magnetic personality. He was a total charmer and he was just, he was a great friend. And we spent a lot of years traveling up the coast and down the coast. His family had a little piece of property on the beach North of Santa Barbara, that we used to camp out all the time. I still actually do. And so we were just good friends. Through that early part of life, a group of us went on a lot of adventures together that really kind of forms those lifelong friendships.
Hawaiian Koa Wood
The Sustainability Idea- I remember the trips up the 395 from Venice to Mammoth and talking about our business and what we were going to do next. And the idea of making snowboards came up. We could do koa top snowboards, no one was doing koa tops. No one was talking about sustainability at that time in snowboarding, everything was oriented towards the teenager, you know, bright, heavy graphics, big rock star athletes, and ambassadors. Fashion play baggy pants, really the focus on sort of urban culture. And as young environmentalists, but moving into our work lives, there was really not a lot out there for us. For people in this group of snowboarders that were going into their twenties and thirties and forties. And there was nothing oriented towards the non-teenage customer, the customer who was looking for a little ethos in their product or was looking for a different sense of style. That was cleaner, more craftsmanship oriented. And we, so we clearly knew that there was something to be had had there.
So, at some point I said to him, look dude, Go make one board, go make one snowboard. And if you can make one, I'll be in. And he went out and he had a top sheet made and he went and found this guy, Michael Lish, who was running a little snowboard factory in the Valley. I'll never forget the day he walked in the office and held it up and I was just like, okay, that's life-changing now.
Follow up with Bob
Venice store
ArborCollective.com
@arborcollective
@arborskatebords
@arborcollective
@arbor_bc
Travel Blogger Gary Arndt talks about the Travel Biz, Photography, Podcasting, his career and offers great advice on getting into the Travel Business through any one of these mediums.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes CreativeLive
Jack Black Dragon Ice
Everything-Everywhere
National Geographic
Suck Less Motto- the motto I always have is from when I would coach debate. I would always tell my kids. All you have to do is suck less. You don't have to be good. You just need to suck less than whoever you're debating, you know, competing against. So the goal was always just incrementally suck less than you did before and to just get better.
Advice
The best time to get into this was probably 10 years ago. And the second-best time to do it is today. Right? So you just need to start doing it. And you really do kind of need to, you know, get an obsession for it. The first year that you're doing it, If you look at most podcasts, for example, they never reach episode seven, right?
They just give up and most blogs are abandoned. So people have these dreams, they don't see success right away and they quit. And if you look at an exponential growth curve, there's this period where it's flat for a very long time. And then it turns up and it becomes almost vertical. And that flat part really sucks because you don't know how long you're going to be in the flat part.
I was just reading an article yesterday about, this guy with a tech newsletter, stratechery I think is the name of it. And it's become really successful in the last few years, he's making a lot of money from it. And I didn't realize he had been doing it for. Basically a decade. And you know, there were years where he's been doing this and it didn't get a lot of attention. And then all of a sudden it just kind of became a big thing. And there's a lot of things that kind of work that way, where you have to do it for years, photographers have the same thing, you know, that you suck at the beginning, but then as you improve your photography, people continue to follow you and like your images more.
Favorite piece of gear under $100
I don't even know where to find it because I got it for free. I went up to, Churchill, Manitoba to photograph polar bears, and the company that runs the excursions up there Frontiers North gave me a hat, just a plain old stocking hat, except it has an led light built-in. So you just like, press a dot on your forehead and then it turns this light on. So it's like a headlamp except it's built into the hat and it pops out and you can charge it via USB. So there are no batteries. I use that all the time and you have a flashlight and you could pop it out if you want and use it as a handheld flashlight. It's just the niftiest little handy thing, and I don't even know where you can buy them, but it was the best swag I've ever gotten.
21:49 - 22:11 Motto- Suck Less
22:50 - 24:40 Advice
38:03 - 37:09 Favorite Gear under $100
Gary's Blog: Everything-Everywhere Instagram Facebook
During the days, you’ll have set checkpoints to reach and challenges to complete, and it’s up to you and your teammates to come up with the best way to get stuff done. During the evenings, you’ll be toasting your success and swapping the day’s stories with your fellow adventurers from all over the globe." And boy, will there be stories. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Show Notes
Large Minority exists to provide you with the best gosh-darned adventure holidays in the world! From driving tuk-tuks across Sri Lanka and Cambodia to sailing in the Philippines and exploring the Amazon Rainforest, we make the surreal, real. We’ve put in the hard work and organized most things for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy the adventure. Checking a map every now and then is encouraged, but ultimately optional.
Large Minority
Tuk Tuk
Cambodia
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Italy
Piaggio Ape
Advice
I guess a couple of things, for me, it's gotta be passion over cash, if you can It sounds very idealistic, but I think that really if you're going to make something work, the passion has got to be there. And you've gotta be not put off by not immediately making a bunch of cash because then you've just got to be realistic early on. And then the second one is really kind of researching. And I say this because I do it. Really researching what you want to do and, and making sure a hundred percent that you've almost got something or you're going to do something that's a little bit different because there's a lot of really great people out there in the space and they do amazing stuff. They might've already done something and you can maybe collaborate without having to do it yourself.
Favorite piece of gear under $100
It's a cool little question. I think mine, it's a fairly boring response, but my Leatherman. My uncle was a pilot and going back to like growing up in Kenya at boarding school, we were a bunch of seven-year-olds running around with either a Swiss army knife or Leatherman. It was part of our school uniform at the time. So we always had it.
Get 10% OFF your Tuk Tuk Adventure with code LMNoutdoorbiz at checkout. Go to largeminority.com and book your trip today.
05:53 How Large Minority began
29:06 Advice
30:27 Gear
LIVSN creates versatile and sustainable apparel designed to last longer. Andrew is dedicated to values of sustainability and conscious capitalism. He truly believes business success and social progress go hand in hand and he has built LIVSN on these ideals from day one.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors
CreativeLive
Jack Black
Things we talked about
How Andrew got into the Outdoors
I grew up here in Fayetteville and the Arkansas mountains. Fayetteville itself is a really hilly and woodsy area. My dad always told me when I was a kid, well, you know, we're living in a forest. That was after I was complaining about spiders being in my bedroom. I never got rid of that, we're living in a forest. As a kid, I was in Scouts and we'd go out with my dad. At the time he was a loan officer for chicken farms, which took us out into the backwoods a lot and out to these farms. He'd take me with him and I'd go explore, everywhere has its own natural beauty.
The thing I really love about the Ozarks is there's these really just enchanting little hollows and micro scenery areas where you just get into this little Valley, these little hollows, rock outcroppings and caves, and creeks. And as a kid, I would just wander down into those. It was pretty much ingrained into me. I had a bike when I was five or six and basically, Fayetteville became my playground.
Arkansas master naturalist
That was something that I got into with my wife and then also my dad. It was a radio ad on NPR that said become an Arkansas master naturalist learned about the flora and fauna of your state and get involved in conservation and education. And that spoke to me. So I looked it up and showed it to my wife and my dad and said, Hey, you do want to do this? And they said, yeah. So we were really into that as a decently intensive education program where you learn about the geography, the flora, the plants, and the fauna, the animals of the state and the region of what makes it unique and what are the ecological drivers of the area so that you can go out and educate and translate and be an active part of the environmental community in the area in Arkansas.
First Outdoor Job
Fayettechill was probably my first professional job. I’d say that in the sense that it was a full-time job, but before that I had worked as a raft guide for the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Tennessee. I spent a season doing that and I would consider that probably my first outdoor job.
Fayettechill
Small Business Revolution.org story
Why LIVSN
I wanted to be in the outdoor industry for the rest of my life. I spent a brief time in the tech industry as a CMO of a tech company and raising money, going to Silicon Valley and saw the backside of that industry. And it was ugly. It was everybody's side hustle had a side hustle, right? You can never tell what someone's real passion was. And in the outdoor industry, it's not perfect, but it's not that. It's people that are really passionate for the most part about what they're doing from a lifestyle design point of view, wanting to be there. The strategic and I guess the philosophical side of it is I wanted to be proud of what I built, the way I set goals in life. But the way that I get there is every bit as important as getting there. And so it was this idea of building a company that deserves to exist. Building products that deserve to exist. And so I wrote down basically a series of essays, which are pretty much still on our website. This is like, how we'll be, right. This is our values, our mission, what we're trying to live pretty much like a manifesto. It was just perfect. We're going to build products that deserve to exist that are differentiated, that are high quality.
Advice
I would focus on creating something that is purely your own. We've been hiring lately and the ability for someone to say, look at this, that I built, and that doesn't mean a thing. And then I have to build an actual product or a physical thing, could be a podcast for example, a work Podcast, a portfolio of work photos, a blog, even your Instagram, like it could be a tool. It's showing that you're the personal initiative that you are the right kind of person. Cause a lot of times, especially for me when I'm hiring, I want to know who you are. It's a big part of it, especially the first few hires at a business. That's a big part of your success is going beyond your personality, how well you mesh. And if it's just a resume that says, I worked this role at this business, you know, I did this and that's all that it is, job functions that make work. But really what's going to work is saying, here's that, but here's me. And it's something I built, and this is how I'm gonna approach this. And so if you want to get into the outdoor industry somehow capture that.
Favorite Books
To a God Unknown by John Steinbeck
Travels with Charlie in Search of America by John Steinbeck
The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
Show Banner
“make less”
Favorite Gear
Nightcore USB Rechargeable Headlamp
LIVSN DEAL: Get 10% OFF LIVSN Gear: go to our website and use the code outdoorbiz10 and get 10% off your purchase
Connect with Andrew and LIVSN
LIVSN Designs
You Tube
Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts
Greenbelly makes stoveless backpacking meals for those of you that don’t carry stoves on your outdoor adventures. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors Eastern Mountain Sports
Tee Public
Things we talked about
How Chris got into the Outdoors
I grew up in Georgia and my dad got me camping when I was really young. On family trips and we'd go car camping. We'd pull up the car to a state park and make dinner right by the car and set up the tent right by the car and all that stuff. And to get fishing on the lake nearby. When I was a kid and I always liked being outdoors, but the real kind of hiking and backpacking exposure was in Boy Scouts, which is kind of a common tale I guess. I came to boy scouts much later than most people, I was 14. And I had the idea to be an Eagle Scout. I really wanted to get my Eagle Scout. It seemed like a positive thing to do. So I got my Eagle Scout and I think in pretty record time. I got in, I think, about three years. Wow. So that was big deal. And one of the merit budgets, I think at the time was you needed to sleep outside 2o nights. So part of that was doing lots of hiking and backpacking. I think that was really the exposure to backpacking was boy Scouts.
Why start a food company
Well, as I mentioned about the process of elimination, not really wanting to go back to accounting. It wasn't that I hated it. I just thought, what else could I do? So I've been traveling for nearly two years, mostly adventure travel and doing the Appalachian trail, as well as bicycle touring, New Zealand. I was doing long durations of high-intensity travel, hiking, 20 miles a day, or cycling a hundred miles a day. I was really burning a lot of calories. And I was typically pretty far away from any sort of resupply point for food. So as you know, just like with hiking, you've got to be very mindful about maintaining high levels of consumption caloric and making sure that you can keep your pathway to a minimum because you have a long way to go until you have your next resupply.
So a lot of the products on the market, I mean, I was eating peanut butter, olive oil, all honey, all sorts of like real high fat, high sugar stuff, just to get calories. And I started thinking about doing something that would be a little better, a little different in the States. So there were bars, bars were 200 calories and everybody was low calorie, low calorie. And we're like, uh, no calories and we wanted high calories. And the add hot water meals were, I'm not going to say all of them, but a lot of them had very processed ingredients and they took time to set up. You had to boil that hot water and you had to set up your stove or something. So I thought that their kind of could be an overlap between the bar and the meal ideas. And so I started thinking about that product.
I came home and was actually living with my parents after traveling for that time period. I just finished up with the trail, that was the last thing that I did. And I came home and was pretty familiar with the gear market, what all was out there and what people were using. And specifically with the food, what people were consuming and thought, you know, why not? I have an idea, hell, I could throw this at the wall and maybe it'll stick. And again, the same mentality as to why not quit my job and travel? Why not start a business now, I really didn't have that much money to lose. And the worst case was I'd go back to accounting.
Advice
I say one thing that's probably more relevant to today than ever. I feel like being authentic is pretty huge. I think that a lot of, especially maybe a few years ago when I was starting off, I saw, I wouldn't say dirty tactics being used, but definitely less than authentic things going on. Occasionally somebody does some stuff. And I think that with the rise of social media, transparency is pretty big and, has subsequently made authenticity even more relevant.
Show Banner
"Eat More Calories"
Favorite Gear
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
Connect with Christoper and Greenbelly
chris@greenbellybar.com Instagram: @greenbellyfoods Website: greenbelly.co Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts Snippets 1:29 Intro to the Outdoors
34:07 Advice
36:00 Favorite Gear
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Sufferfest is a beer company that grew from a desire to enjoy a more refreshing post-race . . . or post sufferfest . . . . depending on your endurance activity of choice . . . beer. Caitlin Landesberg tells us all about it.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Brought to yo this month by Eastern Mountain Sports and Tee Public
Show Notes Sufferfest Beer
Sierra Nevada
FKT
Fly By Pilsner
Mozilla Firefox
Strava
Jeff White, CEO of Sierra Nevada
Mule Days
David Foster Wallace, Commencement Address This is Water
Thoughts on how those of us in the industry outdoor industry can help mitigate the impact we're seeing in the outdoor space?
"I think it's like, what skill are you good at and lean into that. If you aren't going to be skilled at actually helping to repair and maintain part of a trail that you use yourself, you could give back to then get your network of friends and put together a small fundraiser. If I'm not really good with a shovel and an ax right now, or shovel and a pick, lean into your skillset, whether that's connecting people, bringing in financing."
Favorite Gear- Ultimate Directions Fast Draw 300
Connect with Caitlyn and Sufferfest Sufferfest on Instagram Caitlyn on Instagram
Eric Hanson from Epic Trails TV tells us how he stumbled into quite possibly one of the best jobs in the Outdoor Biz.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors Eastern Mountain Sports
Heliconia
Tee Public
Things we talked about
Heliconia
Epic Trails TV
Wilderness Therapy
Backpacker Magazine
Ken Whiting
Advice
I think the general advice is to go do the things that you love. If you want to find a career in this, certainly actually becoming a really competent outdoors person is important. So going and doing adventures, whether it's climbing or going backpacking or things like that are great. I think that people should take a job somehow that gives them some level of credibility or expertise. A lot of that can look like guiding, that's probably the number one way to get some credibility. There's a lot of people who, maybe reached out to me on Instagram or something and say I love hiking can I get a job somehow? I say well, there's a lot of people that love hiking and they need to do something that I think differentiates themselves as more from different than an enthusiast.
There's nothing wrong with being an enthusiast of course. But if you want to work in it, you probably need to get some guiding certifications or some mountaineering skills or something like that or becoming a river guide or a mountain guide or a mountaineering guide.
Then I would also say, find your way in the room with the people who are decision-maker type people. So what I did was I got basically a grunt job with backpacker magazine and that allowed me to go be a part of the Outdoor Retailer Show, which is something we haven't talked about, but it's an event that typically happens twice a year where everybody in the outdoor industry gathers to conduct business.
So then when you're in that room, you're talking and interacting with the marketing directors and the publications. And that's the room where all of the people who are really running the outdoor businesses are, and by being in that room and being able to socialize, drink a beer with those people, or, you know, just meet them has opened up a lot of doors for me. That has been really powerful. So find some way to give yourself some credentials, maybe producing a film, even if it's entirely self-funded or getting a guiding job, and then find a company that might be in your area or your state, and see if you can do something for them on their social media or, some way to get into the circle and that can then open doors. The other thing is that it takes a long time.
Show Banner
"Protect our wild places" Favorite Gear
Grayl Water Purifier
Connect with Eric
Instagram Website: Eric Hanson TV Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts Snippets 1:38 - 2:20 Introduction to the Outdoors
10:40 - 12:29 Introduction to the Outdoor Biz
39:43 - 41:00 Favorite gear
35:02 - 36:56 Advice
Kirk is a master at connecting people, connecting brands, people with brands, and so on. We talk about his experience attending numerous outdoor shows, what he’s up to these days, and plenty more . . . Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors Eastern Mountain Sports
Tee Public
Things we talked about
Straub Collaborative
Outdoor Retailer
Junto
Super Pacific USA
Speedy Moto
Weekly Outdoor Group: Outdoor F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Camber Outdoors
Trew Gear
Paiute Palace
Advice
I've mentioned that I came to the outdoor business later in my career. Most of your guests will talk about either being a rep or working in a local outdoor gear shop. I think that's a really good first step. I think you're gonna learn about the industry. You're going to meet people. If you pay attention, the reps are gonna talk to you, and then conversations happen. And then that gets parlayed into the next step. That to me is a really good way. Something else when talking about the OR shows as a first-timer or something, someone young in the industry, I think going to the sessions is going to set you apart. And I think going to the different talks is going to set you apart. As we mentioned, it's so easy to just show up for the happy hours and you're going to have great conversations, but going to some of the talks and the breakout sessions, you're really gonna see who's leading the industry. Who's going to be a good mentor who can answer good questions, et cetera, et cetera.
Show Banner
"Welcome back friends"
"Show me your oldest reusable cup, mug, or bottle, and the first beer is on me."
Favorite Gear
Hammock
Connect with Kirk
Linkedin Instagram Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts Snippets 7:19 - 8:46 Introduction to Outdoors 44:56 - 46:56 Advice 53:32 - 54:01 Gear Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Malvin Young from Heliconia talks about how they help brands and destinations share their story on the top TV and streaming networks in the U.S.
Show Notes Things we talked about
Heliconia
Ken Whiting
Brendan Mark
Epic Trails TV
Cotopaxi
Reveal
Advice
I would say for anybody looking to get into any industry out there, I would always say, align yourself with the culture first, make sure that you get to be you, and that you are respected within that business or industry. I just think the outdoor space is one of those spaces, and one of those industries where you see it a heck of a lot more. I love doing these zoom calls because I'm in people's offices from my video camera. And I haven't met one that was dressed up in a suit yet.
Show Banner
"opening the door to the great outdoors"
Favorite Gear
Socks
Connect with Malvin
Email: malvin@helipress.com Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts Snippets 1:24 - 2:39 Intro to the outdoors 8:43 - 10:43 About Helliconia
43:22 - 44:16 Gear
41:05 - 41:46 Advice
Christine Peterson Christine has been covering outdoors for the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and other publications for almost a decade. She makes her home in Wyoming with her husband and young daughter where they spend every available moment looking for the peace of wild things and wild places.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors Eastern Mountain Sports
Tee Public
Things we talked about
Casper Wyoming
Casper Wyoming Star-Tribune
Mentors
Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA)
Colleen Miniuk - Photographer and Author
Matt Miller- editor of the Cool Green Science blog
Kris Millgate
Michael Furman
Mark Freeman
Christine's clients
Cool Green Science blog
Bugle, Rocky mountain foundations magazine
Trout Unlimited
Backcountry Journal
Advice
It's a tough one and, and you'll read about it and read about how it is. The media landscape is changing so much, but I also think that it's very possible, And this is going to be the sort of same cliched advice that you would give in most professions, but just get started. And that's something that I think just getting going is the biggest hurdle. The nice part about right now is that there is a media landscape where you can write things and put them out and have people read them.
Like, start writing regular Facebook posts. Have a blog like Colleen, who we talked about a little bit earlier. She writes a weekly advice column on photography called dear bubbles, it's very popular. And she just started doing it right. And put it out on our network and people come to rely on it. I think that's something that people can do and they can do today. They could listen to this and then think, okay, darn it. I'm going to start posting pictures regularly, or I'm going to start writing these articles, and I'm gonna do it regularly and I'm gonna offer it up and then I'm gonna see where it goes.
And then my only request is that when somebody starts, when publications approach you and want you to write for them, you being their listeners, don't do it for free.
Show Banner
"nature and everyone in it has a story if you listen"
Favorite Gear
Coleman two-burner stove
Favorite Books
Fishing Through the Apocalypse, by Matt Miller
My Place Among Men, by Kris Millgate
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson
Connect with Christine
Instagram: instagram.com/she.will.roam/ Twitter: @PetersonOutside Website: christine-peterson.com Email: petersonoutside@gmail.com Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts Snippets 6:05- 6:50 Become an Outdoor Writer 28:30 - 30:10 Books 35:08 - 36:34 Gear 22:22 - 24:09 Advice
10Adventures founder Richard Campbell explains how they share the best human-powered adventures on earth.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes 10Adventures Chamonix
French Alps
Austrian Alps
Swiss Alps
Himalayas
Lake Louise
The Canadian Rockies
Richard's favorite trip is the GR Five in the French Alps
Advice
Yeah, so I think it's more general advice, you know, I'm new to the adventure biz. Um, but working with people who do what they say they're going to do. And so no matter, you know, what your role is, whether or not you're in marketing or in business operations are a guide. If you're really reliable and to meet your commitments, that's always somebody people love having around.
Connect with 10Adventures
10Adventures.com Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin Snippets 5:22 - 6:30 How I Launched 10Adventures
7:22- 8:27 Favorite Trip
26:25 - 26:55 Advice to get into the outdoor adventure biz 26:06 - 27:57 Favorite piece of Gear Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or anywhere you get your podcasts
Joel Hartter Director of the Masters of the Environment graduate program at CU Boulder talks about leading the new Outdoor Recreation Economy Program.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Outdoor Recreation Economy: www.colorado.edu/menv
3 Faculty positions (full-time, 10 month) in Outdoor Industry Business & Leadership, Public Lands Policy, and Economic Development: https://www.colorado.edu/menv/2020/09/24/menv-hiring-new-instructors. Close November 1, 2020
Introduction to the Outdoors
I have been in the outdoors pretty much since I can remember. We always heard about what my parents did for their honeymoon and they did the atypical honeymoon. They went backpacking and camping on Isle Royal in Northern Michigan. You don't often hear about that as a honeymoon destination. I have three brothers and because we're a family of six, we didn't fit nicely into one motel room and my parents were didn't want to buy another motel room. So we went camping. We grew up outside of Detroit and my parents always believed that the Canadian side of the upper Huron was prettier. So we grew up camping and going all around Michigan and camping everywhere we could, my parents made it a priority.
Advice
I'll give this generally to students and folks who want to present themselves professionally and move up in their careers. I think there are three great things that were told to me that I think I want to pass on. Cause I think they're really, they're really important.
One- be a global citizen, try to have international experience and international awareness, and understand what people are doing outside of not only your own locality but outside of the US, I think that's really important too.
Two- I wish I would have heard this earlier in my career is understand business or take a business class, understand some business fundamentals, no matter if you're starting a nonprofit or working in the outdoor industry where we all have passion. Understanding how business operates is really, really, really, really significant.
And the Third thing I will say is this, that having a job, moving up, yes, it is about people you know and people in the connections you make, and you have to have skills behind it. I think that the folks that come to our program are so excited and enthusiastic and just want to dig in immediately, but enthusiasm will get your foot in the door, but really have skills and expertise behind that. And I think that it is really important and we try to impart to our students. They may lead with enthusiasm and they have to have something to back it up with.
Outdoor Activities
Trail Running
Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear
Nathan Trail Running Vest
Banner over Trade Show Entrance
*"Make your passion, your profession"*
Crafty Mama Face Masks by Rachel Hartter
Connect with Joel
joel.hartter@colorado.edu
web: www.jhartter.weebly.com
Outdoor Recreation Economy, CU Boulder Snippets 1:38 - 2:26 Intro to Outdoors 13:07 - 14:44 How'd you get to Boulder 18:42 - 19:50 Outdoor Rec Economy 42:10 - 43:05 Advice
OMBRAZ launched a new sunglass line after a pair of aviators snapped on a camel safari in the Thar Desert.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors Coalatree
Wolfgang Man & Beast
Things we talked about
OMBRAZ
Indiegogo campaign (gotta watch the video)
Thar Desert
University of Redlands
Pono Ranch
Juki Industrial Sewing Machines
Advice
Jensen- read Shoe Dog, and read Let my People go Surfing. Shoe Dog is Nike's account of how Phil Knight started Nike and Let my People Go Surfing has kinda been our North star and it's how we operate. It's Patagonia's philosophy on business. I would also say build up a strong mentor base of people who have been successful and done similar things or create had success in their life. Because you don't have to steer the ship yourself. You just find smart people who you respect and that you know and want to help you and you can pick and choose their advice to help navigate those uncharted waters. That's been extremely, extremely beneficial for us. And we're super thankful to our mentors who have helped us pave the way for success and put out fires and deal with that adversity. That's inevitable in owning and starting your own business.
Nikolai- don't be afraid to do everything yourself at first. I think it's really important to learn all of every aspect of your business so that you can understand what works the best and how did you everything. Then find the most talented best people who are passionate and, and excited about what you're doing and are better than you at that, to help you execute.
Connect with Ombraz
Facebook Instagram Snippets - 1:16 Jensen's Intro to Outdoors
- 3:09 Nikolai's Intro to Outdoors
- 28:34 Doing good for the World
- 45:10 Jensen's Advice
- 46:56 Nikolai's Advice
Today we’re talking with Colleen Miniuk. Colleen has a new women’s photography workshop called Sheography. We talk about her writing and photography, how she got into photography and she offers some great advice if you want to become a writer or photographer. She is also if offering ODBP listeners 10% off Colleen's Guide Books with CODE OBP2020 through the end of the year, go to http://analemmapress.com/ . Brought to you by Coalatree.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please subscribe on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcasts HERE Show Notes Sponsors Coalatree
Wolfgang Man & Beast
Things we talked about
Intel
Chandler Gilbert Community College
Stanford
University of Michigan
Colleen Miniuk Photography & Writing by Colleen Miniuk
Sheography
Dear Bubbles
Outdoor Writers Association of America
Acadia National Park
The Colorado River Grand Canyon
Advice
If you don't want to be a starving artist, you have to treat it as an entrepreneurial endeavor, you have to treat it like a full-time business. And so, understanding, sales, understanding, marketing, understanding how to come up with a business plan, how to do accounting, all of those things, unless you're making enough money to outsource the. You're a one-person show, you run the circus.
Favorite Books
Get 10% off Colleen's Guide Books with CODE OBP2020 through the end of the year, go to http://analemmapress.com/
All My Rivers are Gone by Katie Lee
Ravens Exile by Ellen Malloy
The Secret Knowledge of Water by Greg Childs
The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko
Favorite Gear under $100
Northface Down Booties
Connect with Colleen
1:34 Intro to Outdoors
6:01 Photo Course Hooked me
27:50 Advice
33:00 Favorite Books
35:51 Mitigate Impact on Outdoor spaces
Life Coach and Outdoor Guide Kai Roche talks about Guiding, Outdoor Degrees, Wilderness Therapy, and more from Puerto Rico.
Show notes
Things we talked about
Sojourn Consulting
Second Nature
Evoke
Villa San Carlos
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Favorite Gear under $100
Leatherman Surge
Connect with Kai
Sojourn Consulting Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Todd shares his thoughts and solutions. about the increase we've seen in Backcountry use and how it might affect Winter 2020-21.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Todd shares his thoughts and solutions. about the increase we've seen in Backcountry use and how it might affect Winter 2020-21.
Sponsors Mountain Hardwear
Fiverr
About the Winter Wildlands Alliance
Winter Wildlands Alliance was founded 20 years ago. We're celebrating our 20th year this year. We were founded to represent backcountry skiers and human-powered recreation on America's public lands. And that means cross country skiers snowshoers, these days fat bikers, trail runners, you name it. We're an Alliance of grassroots groups and organizers, environmental advocates, backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and people who are devoted to protecting and preserving and sharing the quiet places in the mountains. And when you talk about the backcountry, the backcountry is available all four seasons, but we are truly focused on winter. And that goes down to forest service planning and over-snow vehicle use and places people can get out for that true solace and enjoy winter for what it is in and on the lands, you know, moving under their own power. There's just that reverence that we all have for that. That's why we head into the backcountry.
Things we talked about
Winter Wildlands Alliance
Winter Wild Lands Blog
Winter Wildlands Alliance Insta
Todd Insta
Backcountry Film Festival Insta
As a former DJ for KBUT in Crested Butte and KRBX in Boise, I try to get an updated playlist going weekly...here's a good one to chew on from a while ago: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mVHSkJUREFI0ZNXr1BiAx?si=GfO6MEDOQOeTtijSEIdp3A Outdoor Alliance
NEPA- the national environmental policy act
The Ambler Road, a 211-mile gravel highway that's proposed through the Brooks range.
Backcountry Film Festival
Snow School program
Rest Stop
Wag Bag
Ski Kind- it goes back to recreate responsibly. And it's a little bit more approachable because the whole ski kind idea is just really simple, and by ski, we mean anything you do sliding on snow in public lands. It doesn't matter if you're on a freaking lunch school tray, a blowup unicorn, or a thousand CC snow pony (Snow Machine) be kind and ski kind.
Favorite Gear under $100
Foam Trucker Hat
Voelkl Ski strap
Wrangler snap shirt
Connect with Todd
twalton@winterwildlands.org
Today's guest is Emmy Winning Television Producer and Host Lisa Ballard. She is an award-winning Outdoor writer, photographer, and champion skier… She also paddles, casts a fly rod and shoots straight. We talk about her career, how she became a writer and she has great advice for anyone looking to begin a career writing and photographing in the Outdoor space.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Today's guest is Emmy Winning Television Producer and Host Lisa Ballard. She is an award-winning Outdoor writer, photographer, and champion skier… She also paddles, casts a fly rod and shoots straight. We talk about her career, how she became a writer and she has great advice for anyone looking to begin a career writing and photographing in the Outdoor space.
Show Notes Introduction to the Outdoors
I was born into it I think. I grew up in Lake Placid, New York, and the Adirondacks Saranac Lake. My dad was really into doing stuff outdoors, like skiing in particular, but you know, we hiked and we went fishing now and again, and we were just doing what all other families are doing? We'd go out on the lakes paddling or we'd water ski. I went to summer camp and, it was just our lifestyle and it's a lifestyle I've embraced my whole life.
Things we talked about
Dartmouth College Outings Club
US Ski Team
ESPN
The Travel Channel
Ski New England
Wildlife Journal -PBS
Outdoor Writers Association of America
OWAA Conferences
OWAA Scholarships & Fellowships
Birds and Blooms
Wyoming Wildlife
Colorado Outdoors
New Hampshire Wildlife Journal
US Ski Hall of Fame
Mountain Health Co-Op
Trade Show Banner
Get outdoors!
Advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz or into, or photography
So a lot of people do it through a university degree, which is fine. If you had that opportunity, great, I did not. I got into it by being outdoors. But the key is no matter how you do it, and especially if you do it by the route that I took, which was literally on the job training. You really have to pick your mentors and really learn what you want to do. You might like to take pictures, let's take photography. You might like to take photos, get some good gear, take some training from somebody that you really like, what they do photographically Same with writing. You might think you write well, but read a lot of other people's writing and really try to get your work critiqued. There's nothing better than a writing critique or a photo critique in a workshop because you learn so much and you can't do it in isolation. I work as a freelancer and I spent many hours in the outdoors and also in my office by myself, but that time with colleagues and other people, whether it's in a workshop that I'm leading or a workshop I'm giving or at an OWAA conference or another conference. That's really valuable time because you can't do it in a vacuum, even though a lot of times you are by yourself. So that's my biggest piece of advice is really look at what other people are doing. And, and especially those people that are successful and that are similar. As a writer or as a photographer, you still have to learn the basics. You still have to know how to write with good grammar, and then you can take your poetic license.
It's unlikely that you're going to get published in national geographic your first time out, or outdoor life or whatever. You want to try to get stuff locally or regionally. They're not going to pay as well, so don't give up your day job yet. But as it grows, you'll find your path. It's just like anything, you have to build your portfolio. I think I've learned the most by really trying to understand what successful people are doing and, and understanding the craft, from that basic level.
Rick Saez is a participant in various brand affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Shareasale, Sovrn, Kit.co, and CJ Affiliates. Affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other brand and product sites.
Favorite Books
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by J R Tolkien
Books as Gifts
Hiking the White Mountains by Lisa Densmore
Gasparilla by Lisa Ballard, an early chapter book for kids
Favorite piece of Outdoor Gear under $100
Headlamp
Connect with Lisa
Website: lisaballardoutdoors.com Facebook: lisa.a.densmore
Today's guest is Chez Chesak Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
Chez has an impressive outdoor and travel career with previous stops at the Family Travel Association, the Intrepid Group, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Today's guest is Chez Chesak Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
Chez has an impressive outdoor and travel career with previous stops at the Family Travel Association, the Intrepid Group, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Show Notes
Sponsors Mountain Hardwear
Fiverr
Introduction to the Outdoors
It came from a single ski trip. I grew up in New England and always loved being in the outdoors. I grew up in a rural part of Massachusetts and was always skiing when I could and things like that. But, it took a ski trip out to Aspen. I had a girlfriend at the time and her high school buddy had become a chef out there and we went. It was my first time really getting out West and I was just blown away. On our flight home, she and I were just talking about, how do we make the outdoors our life? And the first stop was REI. We got part-time jobs at the Bailey's Crossroads area outside of DC. And just started getting into the gear side of things and retail. I just absorbed all the training I could.
And while in Washington, DC a friend of mine said something about his wife working at the American Hiking Society. And I'm thinking, well, wait, she has a full-time job working for a hiking group. And he said, yeah. And they're hiring a fundraiser. I said I can do that. And so that was my first gig in the outdoor industry, which then led to a stint at the American Alpine Club, which then led to winter Wildlands Alliance. I took a little trip to Iraq with my national guard unit, came back, and started working for the Adventure Travel Trade Association and got into the adventure travel side of the industry from there.
Things we talked about
Outdoor Writers Association of America
OWAA Conferences
OWAA Scholarships & Fellowships
Izaak Walton League of America
Society of American Travel Writers
recreateresponsibly.org
Trade Show Banner
"Outdoor Media Here" with a big arrow
Advice
When we say we're really trying to help mentor the next generation, we're not just talking about young people. If somebody is looking to make a career change, maybe they've always had a passion for photography, videography, writing, whatever it might be. And they're also a passionate outdoors person, we actually have a membership level for them. It's called an associate member. It's basically exactly the same thing as a regular membership. You're just not an official member, so you can't vote on things. You can't vote, you know if our board wants to change the bylaws or something like that, but all those other resources are available to that person. The magazine with all the professional development content, webinars, the different events and things like that, all the discounts and everything that we provide our members. And various opportunities, you know, we're always pushing out calls for submissions and needs. The whole concept is that somebody who joined as an associate member, our goal is that at the end of those two years, they're qualified to join as an actual active member.
Connect with Chez
info@owaa.org
Office Phone: 406-728-7434
Mark Tsigounis and I talk about where he got the idea for an Adventure Flask, it's functionality, and how the Hibear Adventure Flask came to life.
The Swiss Army Knife of Insulated Bottles: Unmatched versatility to pack less & do more. Back their Kickstarter Project HERE
It’s been a couple of years since we caught up at Outdoor Retailer right?
Yeah, it was Summer OR 2019. That was my first outdoor retailer show, and completely eyeopening. If anybody's in the industry and you haven't gone yet, you need to go it's amazing.
It's pretty phenomenal. And you were just kind of walking around, you had a sample, just getting feedback and stuff. How did that go? Obviously you got a lot of positive feedback, so here you are.
Yeah, I mean, I felt like I was almost like pirating the show. I didn't have a booth. I kinda like went rogue. I plopped down next to the cafe downstairs and was just trying to show what we had created to as many people as possible.
How did you get introduced to the outdoors? You did a lot of stuff in the Navy I'm sure. But what was your first outdoor experience like?
Well, I grew up in New Jersey and I don't think most people think of New Jersey as being an outdoor hub. Most people think of, you know, exit 10 Elizabeth and all the refineries out there, or the second city to New York. But North Jersey is actually a pretty beautiful place and we have 80 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through there. So my dad used to bring me out there and when you're a young kid, it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that this trail actually goes from Georgia to Maine. And I said . . . wait, so you're telling me if I keep going North, I'm going to go all the way up almost to Canada? So I think that always resonated with me.
What made you want to hike the trail?
I think that too much time in a desk job when you're a free-spirited individual, you have these ideas that were planted in your mind start to grow roots. And I think that's just, just something I couldn't get out of my head. I think it was in 2014 that my desk job just started wearing on me and it was just time for a change. And that was kind of like a rebirth. So I wanted to leave my desk job. I had worked in finance for 12 years at that point
That'll do it. You have an impressive adventure background. Was that the inspiration was to hang up the desk job and go play, or did you grow up doing some of those things with the family?
Yeah, I grew up, spending a lot of time on the Jersey shore. My dad brought me camping a few times, but I never really loved it. I loved video games. I used to always play manhunt in the neighborhood and I’d ride my bike everywhere for sure.
Where did the idea for an adventure flask come from?
When you're a through hiker on the Appalachian trail, you're used to carrying everything on your back. And you learn that the stuff that does more are the things that you value a lot more than the other things, like multipurpose stuff. I spent some time in Africa where I got an insulated bottle. So when it's 115 degrees outside, it's pretty amazing that you can have ice cold water all day. And I had no idea that this thing existed. And back then I had an Amazon business for a little bit and the writing was on the wall that I needed to start my own brand.
I lived by coffee, right? I was just always working and led by coffee. Originally it was a French press and then we were thought, well, this is kind of boring. An insulated French press idea led to let's do something a lot cooler. So we came up with this idea. This concept of one flask with seven interchangeable tops. We did a bunch of 3D printing and we'd get all these parts. We had about 140 parts delivered to us. And we thought this is totally not going work, for a lot of different reasons. I mean, can you imagine just having this mechanism in your backpack and how much space that would actually take up? It's just not rational. So we took the summer and really thought about what it is, what we were trying to do with the seven interchangeable tops.
We took the best of the best of all of that and integrated them into one, just beautifully designed flask. And I think there was this aha moment as I'm walking down the beach with my father. My father says, you know, I think it would be really cool if you took that top and you just turned it upside down and then you could do like coffee with it. And I was like, dad, that's absolutely brilliant. So that was the focal point in which we designed everything else around once we figured it out that one design feature transformed into the Swiss Army Knife of flasks. I mean, it's a cocktail shaker, it's a coffee maker. It keeps your water cold. It's really cool.
Take us through how the product actually came to life. All of that, you had to do a number of iterations, I guess, right? 3D printing and whatnot. What was that process like?
After we more or less figured out what the design was going to look like and we had our rendering, and I think a lot of creators, might stop and think, okay, we need to go out and fund this on Kickstarter. And I think that was the case was in the early days, right.
You're right. A lot of folks spend a lot of money on the first round of samples that end up being the 10th round of samples. When they could have saved a ton if they had done more design and more 3D printing work like you did. That's smart.
Yeah, exactly. So a lot of those iterations have taken us a long time to try and figure out. You're obsessing over every quarter of a millimeter on this and stuff that the end-user will never ever know. But at the end of the day, you just want that to just be part of their experience and the fact that you have noticed it makes that design better.
How did you get that done?
It's just a combination of different companies. Shapeways is a decent company where you can just upload your solid work files and they'll send you the parts. But 3D printing is a little bit different, more difficult in terms of getting everything to work together. Working with a manufacturer that has prototyping abilities before you move into sampling is really nice.
Yeah. You got to get all that right before you get to that step, otherwise you just spending money. How did you find your factories? Did you go on Alibaba or what was that process like?
It was like a combination of everything. It was like the mish-mash of sourcing agents. Going into town and talking to manufacturers that that would help find another type of sourcing agent. I went on Alibaba. We had come up with this portfolio of different manufacturers and ended up going with the one that I actually found on Alibaba for a number of different reasons. And number one is, is that they had the most amount of experience. They had the largest factory and the pricing was about the middle of the road.
Now, if I had to do it over, I would definitely use our quality assurance company to help do the sourcing as well. Simply because they have a lot more boots on the ground. They're a lot more familiar with the different areas where manufacturing gets done.
And they probably have a really tight process of QC and production once it's done. So you mentioned going into town, did you go into Reno? Where did you go look, are there people in Reno that do this?
Yeah, there's a company in Reno.
I really love how the whole thing functions and works together. Did you come up with the ideas yourself? Obviously, your dad came up with the idea of flipping it over and doing coffee, but was there a bunch of family and friends or, where did the ideas come from?
Yeah, it definitely culminated out of the French press. In terms of coming together with all the people, I don't have a solid-works background. I'm not in the industry, I'm not an industrial engineer. My background's in finance. So we have an industrial design firm called Tech Collective out of Slovenia and they just do amazing, beautiful work. To the point where we collaborated for about a year and a half on this new design just trying to work through all that functionality. At the end of the day, all of our efforts have been validated this year when we were awarded a red dot award in product design.
Congratulations. That's exciting.
How about mentors? Who has been some of your mentors in the development of High bear?
So we're attached to an incubator that's a startup in Reno. It's a portfolio of coaches and mentors that are experts in their own silo that I can just lean on for expertise trying to expedite the process of getting high bear from ideation to market.
You must be outside all the time. Tell us about a couple of your favorite activities outdoors.
Yeah, Part of the reason that I live in North Lake Tahoe is the trail running around here is absolutely amazing. There is a race once a year called the Castle Peak 100K and it's like the greatest hits album of trail running in Truckee. It goes through Prosser, it goes through obviously castle peak, and then there's a section called the Palisades where there's rope set up. So it's a course and you're almost mountain climbing over that shale rock or the decomposing granite. If anybody is into running it's probably one of the best-kept secrets in running around.
We'll link to that in the show notes for all your runners out there, go do it. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks either wanting to get into the outdoor adventure biz or start a company as you did?
I would say that if young folks are trying to get into the industry, they should, number one, read your book because it's the best way to get a sampling of so many different experts from all different walks of life on the outdoor industry.
From my perspective, I came in as an enthusiast with a business background. But if I was a younger person trying to get in, I would certainly say just be a guide. Start out as a whitewater rafting or climbing guide or whatever it is that is your passion and get into it that way, you know, have some fun with it.
That's good. And just so everybody knows that book is Trails To The Top and it's available on Amazon. I appreciate that. Thank you.
That's why I asked that question because I think learning from those that have come before you is so important. Anything you can do to learn from all those folks that have already been there or are going through, it's a great way to go.
What is your favorite outdoor gear purchase under a hundred dollars?
I would recommend everybody have an all-day adventure flask as part of their everyday carry.
If you could have a huge banner at the entrance to the OR show, what would it say?
I would really like to say hug someone today on the outside, but it's definitely not appropriate for the times right now. So I would say just be generous today, do something for someone, and expect nothing. Because something like that has as a multiplier effect and it's infectious.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you want to say or ask of our listeners?
Yeah just stay curious, fight the good fight and keep creating. It's a very divisive world right now and, we all just need to be part of the solution. The second thing is to invite somebody for tea. In the last few months we've been conditioned to isolate ourselves and we need to an excuse to break out.
Where can people find you if they want to follow up?
email: mark@highbearoutdoors.com
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
find the All Day Adventure Flask on hibearoutdoors.com
We're coming to Kickstarter in early September and we're really, really excited about that. Our page is beautiful.
Kristin Carpenter is back with us talking about the recent launch of Verde Brand Communications Multi-Channel Marketing Academy. We review the benefits, how the idea came to life, and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Things we talked about: Verde Brand Communications
Channel Mastery Podcast
Multi-Channel Marketing Academy
Podcasters Workshop
Online Marketing
James Wedmore
Amy Porterfield
Stu McClaren
Tim Ferriss
Pat Flynn
Chase Jarvis
Camber Outdoors
Camber Pitchfest
Scott talks about his first Op-Ed piece for SNEWS, his thoughts on how we, the industry can help mitigate some of the issues related to the increase in outdoor visitation and plenty more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Sponsors Smugmug
Grammarly
Introduction to the Outdoors
I didn't have particularly outdoorsy parents but grew up in a time and place where, you know, kids were kind of sent out the back door in the morning and you came home when you were hungry. Uh, so I kinda, you know, developed this love of the outdoors.
And then during college, I had a buddy who got into mountain biking and I borrowed his mountain bike for an afternoon and just kind of fell in love with it. So mountain biking was really how I sort of got into the outdoors in a more professional way.
We did a little bit of camping, some fishing, ran around on our BMX bikes, all that kind of stuff. But, really when I discovered mountain bikes and I thought this feels like my thing. And from there I got a job in a bike shop for a year to have that experience and learn as much as I could about it.
Things we talked about
formidable-media.com
Onion River Outdoors
Pale Morning Media
Ski Magazine
American Rec
Allied Feather and Down
OR Banner
Be conscientious of the things that you're doing while you're here.
Advice
Make a bunch of money before you do, but seriously it's a great industry. I can't imagine working anywhere else. If you're passionate about the outdoors, if you enjoy a community of likeminded people, I don't think there's anywhere better to work. So s far as advice, getting started in retail I think is a fantastic introduction. You'll meet awesome people on both sides of the counter. Your coworkers will turn you on to Outdoor activities that maybe you aren't into, you'll get peer advice and experiences and all this great stuff. And then obviously the people coming in the front door and getting to chat with them and understanding what their needs are and expectations are and what they like to do and helping them get the most out of their outdoor experiences is super rewarding. And then from there, the door is wide open. You're in at that point. And it's just a matter of what you want to do, getting into sales or going in house at a brand or doing design work or marketing PR sort of there's a lot of options. Once you kinda got that that retail background it really gives you a good understanding of how it all works.
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
I think it's the stuff that you wouldn't really even consider like a new pair of bike gloves or maybe running shoes, you're flirting with over a hundred bucks there. But some of those simpler items that get a lot of wear and tear that you burn through pretty quick, just getting into just getting that new pair is great.
Connect with Scott
formidable-media.com
scott@formidable-media.com
Welcome back to the Outdoor Biz Podcast, Today’s guest is Derrick Nehrenberg from TerraQuest. Terraquest is a mobile app you can use to create trail routes with audible-turn-by-turn directions and fun virtual races of all kinds.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sponsors
Smugmug
Grammarly
Introduction to the Outdoors
My mom, she didn't like me being inside a lot of time and we always lived out in the sticks. So I spent a lot of time outside by myself. I loved being outdoors as a kid. There was no place I'd rather be. And then, I was in the military and I was in a jungle warfare unit. We spent almost all of our time outside. And then I became a mountain biker and I've been a mountain biker ever since.
Things we talked about
Crested Butte
Mountain Biking
Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association
Fly Fishing
Parachute Adams
OR Banner
"Go further. You're stronger than you think you are."
Advice
"I think connecting is the reason I'm in this game. I finally realized that we would never have a pill or a genetic therapy that would be more beneficial to human health and just getting outside a little bit, connecting with nature. And you know, there's solid research out there that just getting outside has positive benefits for people above and beyond just exercise in a lot of ways. We're animals, we evolved to move in nature and be in nature. I'm probably preaching to the choir with your audience. But I would just encourage people to get outside, connect with nature, and take care of it."
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Parachute Adams
Connect with Derrick and TerraQuest
terraquest.com/contact
This is episode number five of the special series I’m doing with Spencer Houser and Peter Williams. We have been following what it's like to develop a new product from scratch and launch a new brand.
We talk about how they came up with their idea, what the initial steps were, and all the wins and challenges along the way. Be sure and go back to the previous 4 episodes if you haven’t heard them. These are “must listen” to anyone thinking about launching a product or brand.
Today we talk about the initial prototypes they received, user feedback, and plenty more in this step of their journey.
Be sure to subscribe to The Outdoor Biz Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, or wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can always ask Alexa to “play the latest Outdoor Biz Podcast episode and she’ll queue it up!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Introduction to the Outdoors
Spencer- I grew up in rural upstate New York, in an old farmhouse with 60 acres of land. So outdoors was just part of life. I just spent all my time outside, you know, making forts in the woods with my buddies and BMX tracks and, and camping out all summer long. Then in high school got into mountain biking and rock climbing. I was always into skiing.
Peter- I grew up in North Carolina, outside of Raleigh. We lived on some land, the back doors were like a pasture, with a couple of Ponds and a bunch of woods. Outdoors was kind of like the default setting, and after school go outside and when it was time to come in my mom blew a whistle. We would also go down to the beach in North Carolina. We spend a lot of time poking around the outer banks.
Things we talked about
Hard Shell Roof Top Tents | SuperPacific
Roof Top Tents
Entrepreneurs
"provide jobs for quality jobs for people"
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Channel Mastery
99% Invisible
American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman
A Finer Future by L. Hunter Lovins
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Houdini Jacket
Kinco Hydro Flector gloves
Connect with Peter and Spencer
spencert@superpacific.us
peter@superpacific.us
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Today I’m speaking with Photographer Jim Herrington. Jim’s celebrity portraits include Willie Nelson, Morgan Freeman, Dolly Parton, and his images have appeared in magazines like Rolling Stone and Esquire. He has a fabulous portrait series of many of the climbing legends such as Ricardo Cassin, Royal Robbins, Fred Beckey, and many more in his acclaimed book The Climbers which was awarded the grand prize at the 2017 Banff Book Awards. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Jim Herrington.com
The Climbers Book
When did you pick up your first camera? How old were you? Well, there was an old Argus, twin lens reflex that was rattling around and family. Probably a 1950s model with a leather case. I remember getting my hands on that, playing around some, but then, I got a Kodak Instamatic around 1972 or something when I was a nine. The first significant camera was a Pentax K 1000. And I got that when I was about 12 or 13. And actually that's kind of the way I measure it back to when things really started. I ended up photographing Benny Goodman on that camera. When I was a young teen and I always call that ground zero of where it all began. You’re pretty much self-taught then I guess? Well, yeah, I mean, people say self-taught, but that just usually means they've gone and sought out really good teachers. I did go to school briefly. It wasn't for me, but I had intentionally picked out really exceptional mentors, people I wanted to learn from and, certainly tons of books and movies and going to museums and just really looking. So I guess in a way I taught myself, but you know, you're learning from somebody somehow. I guess you're more picking how you're taught if you do it that way. You're kind of looking at how they get that and how they do that and figuring it out on your own. What kind of things did you shoot as a kid, did you just shoot everything or did you have a specific photo or image in mind? You know, of course, I shot the dog and stuff like that. There were these old life magazines around the house and I think my father was kind of casually collecting from the thirties and forties. And you know, they had these big, full-bleed, black and white photographs. from World War two and Paris and Antarctica, Brigitte Bardot, and all these amazing things to look at. I can remember my earliest memories were laying on the floor in the living room, just going through those pages and being taken somewhere to these places. And it was a while before I thought, Oh, somebody is taking these photos. I was so young. I didn't even know someone took these photos. They were like pictures. I didn't know where pictures came from, but then it dawned on me that someone was taking them. And then, later on, I realized these people are getting paid to take these pictures and it just immediately became my obsession. This must be the best life possible, traveling around the world and encountering these people, places, and things, and sort of showing your little creative version of it. That's the way my mind could put it together. I mean, I didn't realize there were people like the great photographers Dorothy Lange and Walker Evans. But that's who a lot of those people were. So it was a good early place, just kind of the first place where I saw good, interesting photography. What were you shooting? I was trying to mimic that lifestyle probably. I felt like I did have kind of a serious approach to it, even if the results didn't show it. I was definitely influenced by that stuff. We also had an old 1950s encyclopedia Britannica in the house filled with stock photography to illustrate whatever entry was. But, you know, even that stuff had this kind of, Jobie craft to it. Even if it wasn't art there was a kind of beauty to some of these. I remember looking up the Sierra Nevada and just seeing some black and white photo of it with a red filter probably on it, so that you've got the dark sky and just this classic Sierra image and immediately thinking, well, this is where I have to go. Walker Evans would have turned into kind of an artistic style and statement, which wasn't that far from just a guy shooting stock photography in a way. So I kind of liked that approach early on. Just finding these things that had their kind of inherent, quiet, coolness. And a lot of those shots back then versus now seemed like they were more artistic and more crafted as opposed to looking through magazines these days. And granted there's a lot more magazines and a lot more images, but some of them just look like stock photography. These days it just looks like somebody who's out there firing off snapshots. Those shots, those shots back in those magazines were art almost as well. A lot of it was art. It was beautiful. Back then you had to know what you were doing. You, you had to learn how to operate a film camera. You had to usually know how to work in the dark rooms so that the learning curve was of a certain, you know, distance and math. You couldn't really just pick up a digital camera and futz around in Photoshop and end up with something. So there was a kind of base-level ability to those people. Looking at it now, anything shot on a big format camera, even if it wasn't so great holds a bit of weight, looks a bit serious. People now it's, just such a different playing field, there are so many photographs. We, as a culture, as a world, the humans we've seen so many photos were so burnt on everything, we've seen it all nonstop. And that was a certain naivete back then. People weren't burned out on photos. There was a lot of newness. It just wasn't that not everybody could do it. In the first 10 or even 20 years of my life, there were certain jobs that I got, simply because I owned a camera. I'm not joking, you know, “who do we know that owns a photographic camera?” Uh, well, this guy, Jim Harrington knows, in fact, he even knows how to operate it. It just was true. You know, I got a lot of jobs that way. I remember in the nineties, I would get weird jobs in North Dakota or somewhere. And it was just because we didn't have as many photographers. Now you could pick the tiniest village in North Dakota and there's probably 20 guys with a website or girls, you know, cause they're a photographer. Tell us about your first portrait shoot. Was that the family dog. Did you have the dog sit for a shoot? Was it a family member? First portrait shoot, where I thought I was actually doing something? Well, that shot I did of Benny Goodman, wasn't a portrait sitting. It was him live. And my dad turned me on to Benny Goodman when I was like, practically a seed, very young. I love that kind of music. And at one point Dad said, “Benny Goodman is coming to town. Do you want to go?” And I said, yes. I had that first FinTech and I shot a couple of frames, I was very scared, walked up to the stage in front of all these people. That felt like I was actually doing something, trying something, and actually got something out of it, but still portraits. I'm sure it was just one of my friends that I grabbed where I was trying something that was a little more considered that I'd seen and in some kind of art book or photography magazine and just attempting it. Was there a first paid portrait shoot that was kind of like, Ooh, this is important. I gotta make sure I do good. This is so sad that it's noteworthy and telling. But there, I don't guess this happens anymore, but in the old days when I was young if you were some sort of celebrity, maybe an actor or actress or musician, and maybe you had gone a bit beyond your prime. If there was, for instance, a new appliance store opening in some town, you would appear at the grand opening. And sure enough, this early friend that I'd made, an older guy and he'd lived in London, kind of exciting person. I met in Charlotte and he had been around the music scene of London. He was managing this tiny, mid-century kind of mall, like a prototype of a mall. And there was an appliance store in it. And Eileen Fulton, I don't know if anybody's going to recognize this name, but she was a big soap opera star in the fifties and sixties and seventies. But I think by like 1981, she was probably a bit washed up. Still glamorous, but you know, a little past the due date. And she came to be an appliance store celeb. So I got paid $40 to go photograph Eileen Fulton at the opening. Ah, humble beginnings What inspired your quest to photograph all the famous old climbers? Well, it still kind of goes back to the life magazine stuff. And later on, I don't know if you want to call it journalism documentary, it's a little of both. But you know, it slowly started growing out to these more cerebral types of documentary street people. Gary Winogrand, Friedlaender, even Diane Arbus, Robert Frank, Cartier Bresson, you know, I just started really getting into the whole world and the history of this stuff. And, being very influenced by these people I had a real hunger for the history of photography and the great people that had done it through the decades. And I did start shooting the music scene early on, kind of the punk rock, new wave, et cetera, scene of Charlotte and I kind of felt like I was documenting that. Then I moved out to Hollywood pretty early on and started seeking out the current scene. But I was definitely interested in finding some of these kinds of older obscure people, which I did throughout all my music photography. And in fact kind of really got into that. As years went on, really finding a lot of these kinds of roots in America, a blues country, Jazz, R & B, whatever. Especially if some of these people had kind of disappeared and that became a bit of my schtick for a long time and I built up a big archive of that. And with climbing, it was kind of the same thing. Cause I got into climbing, and everything kind of happened around the same time. The early mid-seventies when I started hearing about stuff and I'm into exactly what I was into as a kid. And climbing. I mean, especially, in America in the seventies, the California influence, you know, kind of driven by the Sierra, even the, you know, just the Chouinard catalogs, just that whole thing. It was like propaganda and, um, or even the, um, do you remember the, uh, save mono Lake poster? Yeah, I was going to say even that the Sunset magazines and AAA, all those things had photographs of Yosemite, Death Valley. All that stuff. There was such a strong California propaganda to me, as a guy that had his antennas up, certainly for the climbing. But yeah, Sunset magazine, the beauty of that stuff. And even like I said, that encyclopedia Britannica just seeing the Sierra Nevada. I mean, you know, just the trees, the way the whole place looked like a Japanese Zen Garden, it all made sense to me. And I particularly got super into the history of it and reading about it. And so, around the mid-nineties, I decided, well I knew that Glen Dawson and Jules Eichorn were still alive. And they were about the oldest people I could imagine, anyone else older would have died already. So I just thought, well, I'm going to go find these guys and photograph them and meet them and that's that, right? And so I did, I ended up, this is in the pretty early days of the internet. I don't even know, this was before Google. I don't know what I would have even searched on back then, but I actually somehow found Doug Robinson's phone number. I mean, this is like a primal search. I have no idea, but suddenly it came up on the screen, Doug Robinson, here's his phone number. I thought, really this easy huh? And I just immediately called him. I'm just going to completely, this is probably not the way you're supposed to use the internet, but I'm calling this guy. And so he picked up, we talked for like two hours and just kind of really hit it off. And I told him, I said, you know, I think I'm going to come out. So he thought that was very cool. And then somehow that turned into him and I climbing together and photographing him, Cause I love Doug's writing, I was deeply impressionable and fell under the gaze of Doug's. It was just part of the whole stew that I was digging, you know? And so I went out there and I got Glen Dawson down in Pasadena and then I drove up to Owens Valley and met Doug and we had this amazing two weeks together. We did a first ascent in the Palisades. We went all over the place, went to the needles, a really incredible trip all the way along. And then after that went up to the Bay area and shot Jules. And so, boom, I had these three guys and, it felt kinda cool and it's like maybe I should continue and get these Sierra Nevada guys. This will be a cool little project. So I did, whenever I got the money, you know, this was just a personal project and I was living in Nashville at the time. So I had to keep paying for plane tickets, just all that. That was always a thing. But I slowly got Royal Robbins and Chouinard and got more of these people. And so I thought, maybe there's a little Sierra Nevada series. Maybe it's, I don't know, Outside magazine did a spread, but then at some point, it just kinda grew. I got Bradford Washburn on the East coast, which suddenly it wasn't a Sierra project anymore. Okay. It's an American project, but then a couple of years, three years later or more, I ended up getting Ricardo Cassin and Italy and suddenly it was international and nobody gave a damn about this thing. Really. It was just, people thought I was crazy. It was climbers like some really smart, interesting climbers thought, well, why are you doing this? Like you're shooting like young, hot climbers. It's like, really don't fucking get this at all. I just, it's so obvious to me. I wouldn't want to be shooting young, hot climbers. Like these are legends man. And they're sitting around in their living room. Some of them just waiting for someone to come visit. It was like a dream job and nobody recognized it. That's awesome. It's amazing. You went all over the world doing it and for a personal project! That has gotta be some expense involved in that, but you got some great portraits. I love it. And I love some of the stories you were telling when you were here in Bishop about how you got some of those guys, I forget who it was, you were photographing at his kitchen table. And that story was just, that had to be a great experience. I mean, unbelievable. It was crazy. I started getting very bold in my penniless travels, putting myself way out there without a way home with my camera and my bindle. And it was, I mean, I've always traveled, you know, since I could, since I was young, but it was definitely an experiment of just how far out on the edge you can go with an idea and no money. How about the inspiration for each individual? Did you have a person that you just wanted to, get on the list or you wanted to meet him? Did you have a recipe or an idea of the shot before? You know, again, the early recipe was the Sierra Nevada. The fact that I got Bradford Washburn who was amazing and also his photography was amazing. I just thought, how can I turn that down? That kind of made me turn it into, okay, it's an American thing. I didn't really want to be this big about it, but it's getting big. It also, while it made it more difficult, it also made it easier without the restriction of just the Sierra Nevada. Now, if there's these other people that it's going to make it bigger and messier, suddenly I know I can get this guy and this guy. It's a mixture of guys that I knew and respected. I did have to start thinking about well, I don't want to get too many from one area. You know, this thing's becoming global, then I want to diffuse it out a bit. Sometimes it was all about the person. Sometimes it was wanting to represent an area or scene, obviously the Alps or the Calanques, you know, outside of Marseille. There became these sort of little mini reasons. Obviously I wanted to get some Sherpas, there were all these many reasons. Some people died that were really heartbreaking that I couldn't get, and got so close to that was a super big bummer, but I had to philosophize that and how to keep myself sane. And ultimately I had, and I liked the reasoning that I used, which is this book is a representation of an era. It was never intended to be a who's who complete encyclopedia. That would have been too big anyway. It would have been a really unwieldy book. It would have been just too much so, and that's true. And also it saved me from going insane for the people that I did miss. So I do feel confident that I represented the era very well, which is the 1920s to 1970s. I think if you'd had just tried to get everybody, then all of a sudden it becomes too much like an encyclopedia or library book or something, and it loses the emotion. I think that you've captured the emotion of the era as well as the stories. It's great. And the book is a good size. It's not too big. There are 60 climbers, 60 portraits. I think that's just about right. Any more than that and they sort of lose importance. It may make you skip a couple of pages and keep looking. What were the years photographing the musicians like that had to be pretty wild too, cause those were some wild years. Well, that was fun. I mean, I'm still doing it. I never really quit, but you know, it's a different playing field now. Well, certainly with COVID, but who knows what's going to happen. I’m a huge music fan and grew up loving, I was kind of a product, I guess, of the punk rock years. But I was a big, again, I love big band, Benny Goodman, the stuff my mom and dad turned me on to early rock and roll and jazz. So just everything good. I was into, good as subjective, and I just wanted to document it and I did kind of force that one along. It was great, you know, it was, it was fun to start getting published and getting my name on album covers and magazines and getting paid. But it really was, these were my people. I was an only child in a small town in North Carolina and I didn't feel like, it felt like I had to go out in the world to find this world that I related to. I felt like this was where I should be. And I just had to go find these people. These were friends I hadn't made yet is the way I felt about it. And it turned out to be true. And I think it's the same for those people too. Everybody wants to find their people. I got to be friends with a lot of them, many of them. I mean, And the same with climbing you know, Doug Robinson's one of my best friends. I mean, it's weird cause he was this legend in my eyes. I have to call him today, check up on his new hip. So yeah, I always just felt it was, you create the world you want to be in and that's the world I wanted to be in and it was comfortable and I understood it. And I felt, I kind of felt like I was doing a public service documenting these people. Like maybe you don't realize it now, but one day you'll look at these pictures after this was all gone. And it was pretty adventurous of you to go travel around the world. And even as a youngster doing this stuff, are there adventurers in your family or where did that adventure bug come from? Well, this is something I think about a lot. I had to learn how to do that. I mean you know, my dad turned me on to it. I remember I sorta had the blueprints in our humble little living room. We had a globe, you know, an old fashioned globe. We had an Atlas, we had these life magazines and we had an encyclopedia. And that was like the only four things I remember. It was some kind of visual stimulus, but it was everything. If something came on the news on TV, you know, dad would always show it. We'd look on the map. It's like, Holy shit, what's that? The middle East? What are those people, I want to go. So I had are very early on, but the thing is the Herrington's, um, where a burgeoning grocery empire in the tiny town of Salsbury, North Carolina, My dad's dad who kind of inherited the three very happening stores and a fish market, that my dad's dad's dad's dad had started. But then my grandfather, my dad's dad, he seemed to be some kind of traveling Playboy. As I heard it told he would only come home long enough to get my grandmother pregnant, then take off again. But we have a passport stamped with Tokyo during world war two. And I can't figure out why in the hell . . . we also have papers that he was on the Graf Zeppelin from Rio to Europe. And they used to say, well, you know with the grocery store you would have to travel. You would have to go to Cuba to buy bananas and coffee. And I believed that for a few years. But then I got just slightly older and it's like, no he's not! I mean, at best he would go to Miami, but there are distribution points. He's not going to Cuba to pick out bananas. Cuba to talk to Castro, maybe. So, I don't know. But, um, I guess it's a Herrington thing. My dad was a traveler. There's definitely some restless stuff in the DNA. What about favorite people, who was the most fun to photograph? Oh, there's a bunch, there's so many, you know, Dolly Parton, I always mention her because I think everybody kind of loves Dolly Parton. You know she plays the dumb blonde act. I think most people, you know, that it's actually an act. She's not really acting. She's just kind of effortlessly amazing. I mean, she's truly got an aura around her of super cool, super funny, razor, sharp, smart business. She writes all her songs. She's just like a fully formed, complete human being. I really loved her. Keith Richards, he's a good guy. There's a lot of them. Morgan Freeman was great. Was anybody specifically challenging in a unique way? Couldn't get them to engage? Yeah. I don't like to give them much press, but I've definitely had some dark moments with some people that are definitely good bar stories. I'll tell ya. We'll save that for when you come to Bishop, we'll have a beer somewhere. I sort of, I talk about Warren Harding in my slideshow. That's a long soliloquy, he was . . . we'll call that challenging. Our friendship was over the phone strictly, and things fell apart before we actually met. But, but it did make up a good long story for the slide show, which is kind of dark and funny. I was talking to Greg Thomsen as I was preparing for this interview. And he was saying, he thinks of you as the Anthony Bordain of photography and climbing history, but way more alive. What do you say to that? Well, I'm a fan of Bordain. I will accept the compliment and I met Bordain actually. I was doing a job shooting, Kris Kristofferson, and basically just around him for the day in New York City. And he had to go to the David Letterman show for a couple of hours to do a little thing. So we went to the Letterman show together and, you know, you just hang around backstage for a couple of hours before you do your bits. So I was there, Joan Baez was in a room. It's very low key and quiet back there. Steve Martin stopped by for a bit, but basically it was just kind of boring. And then I passed this one dressing room on the far end and poked my head in and I was like, wonder who's in there. And it was Bordain. Just sitting by himself, watching TV up on the wall, near the ceiling. He kind of looked over and nodded. So I went in and we ended up talking for an hour, he was that guy. I like him, very sad to hear him gone. Have you photographed the Thomsen brothers yet? You know, I should do the kind of a formal thing with them because, they're the other guys that I had heard about early on out of California, these guys doing stuff. And in fact, on a photoshoot, I ended up becoming the defacto model for some Wilderness Experience stuff that was shot. I actually got a free Wilderness Experience pack in the early eighties. But yeah, I knew of those guys and, you know, they did such great work. It's been cool to get to be friends with them. And Greg has done some wonderful things for me, for the book, like really super great stuff. So I'm in debt. I'm glad I've gotten to be really friendly with them over the last couple of years. Hi boys. Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone wanting to get into photography these days? Well, that's a tough one because I guess I would need to know what their reasons were. Why would you want to do this? It’s so challenging, it always was. I mean it always was a hard thing to get into and no doubt, but God, there's just oceans of photographers. Now everybody has a nice DSLR and the learning curve, the progress is so fast because they can get good results and Photoshop. So that just makes the playing field thick. But also it's, the magazines haven't raised their rates in a long time. It's really, you know, digital has hurt everything from the record industry to publishing. So those people, a lot of them are just disappearing or they don't have the budgets they used to have. So it's a, just a battlefield everywhere, but it's also invented a lot of new opportunities, which I'm still sorting out myself. Like what, what are they. I guess my thing, and it's only my opinion, but I would definitely go kind of crazy deep into the history of photography. I do meet a lot of kids, young people who asked me this and I discover that they're not really learning about any of the past great people. I guess that's fine. Is that fuddy-duddy? I don't know when I was a kid I was obsessed with the history of it and these great people, and I think you can learn so much. I just think it's important to know the arc of it all. Then that will inform your craft and style so much. And I think just having a point of view is also the hard thing. When I see younger people there, sometimes they're kind of lucking by luck, falling into some good stuff, but, just developing a style and a point of view that is kind of replicable, or not copying, but have a unique way, develop yourself as an artist and have a reason for doing things this way. And don't be haphazard, really be serious about it Everything takes a certain amount of pain, you know? I sound like an old Catholic nun or something, but, like practicing guitar, practicing piano, or just being a painter, if you really want to rise above, there's going to be late nights, you're going to avoid your friends. There's going to be a certain amount of pain and hard work to kind of rise above. And I don't think that ever goes away. In any craft, sport, art, all of it. If it's too easy, you're not doing something right. Do you photograph every day? Oh, no, absolutely not. I'm thinking about it every day. I mean, even if it's in my mind, I'm working on it. Why am I doing it? What does it mean? What is the new stuff I have? My archives are so huge. It was really depressing the other day, I was looking for something and it just dawned on me. If I don't take another photo, the rest of my life starting now I have enough to keep me busy. That just put me in a funk for the rest of the day. Because if I choose to not do that, Oh, screw that I'm going to keep producing new work. Well, that means I'll never get to the old stuff. Or if I choose to just not do new stuff and only focus on the old stuff, then it's just that, I'm just catching up. Either outcome is kind of like, wow. Yeah, don't stay on that too long, go out and go and create. You've got to create, I find the creativity part of it is a huge part of it. I agree. But you know the whole thing that I do is kind of like this. I mean, the climber book was in a way going through the archives. Cause I did a lot of the photography, it was going back and putting this stuff together. Which I sort of feel like is a part of my archives is well I gotta get it while the getting's hot. You know, I take the pictures. I experience these stories, put these things together, but I can't do anything with them right now. So I'll keep accumulating. And then the other half of the equation is putting it together later. Does the inspiration for the project though sometimes comes later, I guess. And then once you're in the project, like the book, once you've got that started and you realize you want to get some other climbers, but sometimes you've got all this archive of work and the project doesn't come to you until you take this one photo and then realize, Oh, wait a minute, I've got all this, that, and the other, this could be a good book or presentation or whatever it might be does that happen? It's weird. I'm now officially an author. Who's done a book. But before that happened, which was only in 2017, I never had a book and to me, books were the, be all end all, I just really fetishize books, especially art photography, well-designed beautiful books. And I considered them better than a museum show. Like a really good book, is it? But you know, I was probably intimidated and knew that I wanted to do one, but could I do one, would it be good? And finally, I was able to do one, which I'm really happy about, and it was so much work. Does the project derive itself from the archive or an image? I guess it's kind of both. As the climbers, when it was the Sierra, I thought, well, maybe it's just a cool little magazine spread I can sell to somebody that's interested, look at the old Sierra climbers. I guess the way I go through life is just thinking this stuff's important. It's worth getting, I don't know what I'm going to do with it. But as I worked on the climbers, it was becoming apparent, okay, this could definitely be a book if I were only so lucky to get a publisher and money and blah, blah, blah. And now it's unbelievable that it came together. But it kind of morphs in importance and outcome as time goes on, it's kind of like a lava lamp in my brain of possibilities. You know, doing the stuff and then what the outcomes could be and how possible that is. Cause, if you're a, I don't like calling myself an artist, but I guess, people in this kind of world, you need some word for it, a person that does stuff like this, you're always doubting and wondering, and until you've actually done it, it takes a lot of shapes in your head of what it could be. Speaking of books, do you have any favorite books or books you give as gifts? Favorite books? I love Nightmare Alley by William Lindsey Gresham. I'm always terrible when people ask these questions, cause my mind goes blank. I love the writing of SJ Perelman. He was a neurotic Jew that really influenced Woody Allen. Actually I think Woody Allen's neurotic Jewish stick came very much from S J Perelman who was older and before him. He wrote for the New Yorker and things like that. But just these short, very funny, I think, stories that had an incredible vocabulary and he didn't become as big as Robert Benchley and some of those humorous of the same era. I actually thought he was better. Actually think I learned a lot from Perelman. I somehow found him when I was in high school. Jim Thompson, the pulped novel writer, Daniel, Farson Never a Normal Man, his tales of the postwar London art scene. Then there's a book that I recommend if I ever have a photography course with students, I think my textbook might be Photography Until Now by John Sarcowski, who was the great curator of photography at the museum of modern art. Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear you always take with you under a hundred dollars? Gadgets? Well, I go through periods of a favorite knife and especially since I've been finding these knives that I get in Spain, for some reason I keep coming back from Spain, Northern Spain, from the Pyrenees over to Bilbao. I just come back with knives. I'm not even one of those knife guys. They land in my possession somehow. I can be such a weirdo romantic. And I think of like some kind of old pictures, I saw people in the mountains high in the Swiss Alps, breaking for cheese and salami in the sunshine. And I think of the knife itself, as it cuts through it, just kind of a beautiful, simple knife, cutting out little chunks to put on a piece of Cracker or bread. So think of having a nice knife in the top of my pack. So when it's lunch break, slicing through a hard cheese cause there's nothing as good as that. If people want to follow up, how can they reach out to you? I'll link to your website, Jim herrington.com. Is that the best place? That's H-E-R-R, not the other spelling. Jim Herrington.com. And then Instagram is the same at Jim Herrington. Perfect. We'll put, we'll put links to those in the show notes. Please rate and review us HERE Thank you!
Alycia Cavadi from Momentum Media PR talks about how digital changed the landscape of PR in the Outdoor space.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Adapt and Evolve, The changing landscape of Outdoor Media and PR with Alycia Cavadi How were you introduced to the outdoors? I was really introduced to the outdoors by my dad, which is pretty unlikely. He grew up in New Jersey and not fancy New Jersey. So any exposure he really had to being outside was probably limited to playing in the streets. They're very close to Manhattan. And then when he started his business in Boston, so the White Mountains of New Hampshire really became his respite. He raised me from a very young age skiing up there, spending weekends skiing up there, occasionally hiking in the summer. So anytime I'm outside, I'm just really especially grateful and aware that, my dad really stumbled into the outdoors. He was a commercial real estate developer in Austin for decades. I think he really hammered down during the week and loved to escape to the mountains. I feel I was really lucky because I don't think he understood the passion that he was sparking in me at the time, it really shaped my life. Tell us how Momentum Media PR came to life. Momentum's inception was complete serendipity with a bit of a twist. So my first outdoor industry job was as a shop kid on the retail floor at Eastern mountain sports up in North Conway, New Hampshire in the white mountains. I also went from that kind of corporate retail setting to working for an independent specialty retailer, Bugaboo Mountain Sports. At the time it was owned by Kai Shane, who I have to mention she was my most benevolent employer and friend. Just a really amazing role model women business owner. So I had some retail experience under my belt, both, in bigger corporate retail and this mom and pop shop. We were all college kids spending time in Yosemite and the Sierra on the weekends. Eventually, California ran its course because I'm an East coast kid. And I decided I was going to go back to Boston. Moving back to Boston I was thinking, I really want to stay in this outdoor industry, but wondering what else was out there beyond retail. I have always been passionate about writing. I really enjoy writing and that communication style. So I was looking for that intersection and I did move back to Boston and I started freelancing. Doing some contract work for some PR agencies in the Boston area. So I was getting a little bit of PR experience. I was going to the OR shows and passing my resume around. And a friend of mine who was working for Polartec at the time, Ruthann Brown, was in the Polartec booth and this woman walked in with her resume and passed it to Ruthann. Ruthann ended up passing it along to me. She said, Hey, this woman works in PR. She lives in Boston. And maybe you can get in touch with her. Maybe you can collaborate on some projects. Maybe she has some work for you. It turned out that this woman lived literally one block off the street behind me in the neighborhood of Boston I was living in. So I gave her a call. I said, Hey, you know, I'm working in PR too, I'm working in the OR industry that's my passion, maybe we can work together. We sat down for coffee and she said, you know what, I'm ready to transition out of PR. I'd like to give the two clients that I have right now, a good strong referral, and refer them at least to somebody that can, that can take over and, she was just absolutely handing over the account. I said, okay. And one of them was Eastern Mountain Sports. How has your role evolved over the years? It's been a great ride. I think one thing I always touched back to was the woman at the cause-related PR firm I worked with, she introduced me to the concept of the entrepreneurial myth that entrepreneurs get into. They start their businesses around something that they love to do. And I loved PR I loved the communications. I love media relations. I loved getting results for our clients and seeing those grow. Then you become a business owner and you kind of go through this growing pain of like, “Hey, I didn't get into business to be a business owner. I got into business to do PR”. We all do the books, Manage people and, and become better at all of those things. So, fortunately, managing books can be outsourced. But your role really evolves into, business development, client service, business owner prospecting, all of those things. And I was raised by two entrepreneurs. So I feel like learning on the job is really the only experience that I've seen, and you know, we're all still learning and refining the skills in our roles. We started in Boston. We're now really based in Boulder, Colorado, where there's much more of the industry is centered, where more of our media is centered. But we really started with clients that were very endemic to outdoor, kind of those core outdoor clients. And as an agency, we have evolved into a broader consumer market space. And so what we've proven successful at is, bringing these outdoor brands, but also some more crossover brands and active lifestyle brands like Icebreaker from what started in the outdoor market to a much broader consumer mind share by reaching those more concentric circles of media where there's just a natural crossover. We've grown from being an outdoor endemic agency to really being an active lifestyle agency. The lifestyle crossover has been coming for some time. I remember speaking one media, editor, in particular, I've known for a long time, but it was many years ago. It was over a decade ago. When all of these sorts of more lifestyle brands were joining our space and lifestyle was kind of like a four-letter word a bit back then. I remember this editor looks at me and says, “you know, like it or not, this is the way the industry is going”. And we already had a couple of lifestyle clients on board and absolutely it has been great. I think it's added a lot more inclusivity as far as market share and hopefully bringing more people into our space. So 20 years of evolution in PR and branding, what are some of the other changes you've seen in PR? It's been a lot. Speaking with my coworker and basically my business partner, Bethany we talk about it a lot. When we got started in PR, she's also been in PR for 20 years and she's been with momentum for 10. There was a big delineation between paid media and what we call earned media. Now the lines are much more blurred. Brands are turning out their own content, creating their own content, the lines between advertising and editorial are very blurred, there's advertorial. And now we have affiliate marketing, which I'm sure is working out well for a lot of our media partners, media outlets and brands as well. So the landscape has really changed and evolved. Digital changed everything and everyone had to adapt and evolve. And so what we've found is it's been great because we're working a lot more collaboratively and a lot more closely with our client's marketing teams to make sure all those moving parts are aligned. And what are your thoughts on the future of events? We're learning by the seat of our pants. We knew at the inception of this event, this digital media showroom series, that this was going to be something that we would keep doing, even once we're able to gather in person again. So it will be another media touchpoint throughout the year, it won't eclipse in-person events, but it will be a hybrid model of moving forward where we're absolutely doing both. Are you seeing anything exciting on the trade show side of things? I haven't attended a virtual trade show as of yet. And as I mentioned, you know, when we're speaking to media, they often want just the highlights. So our digital media showroom series is a much shorter format. I think the most exciting thing that I saw coming out of our event was engagement. There was actually a lot of banter going back and forth. There was a lot of humor injected. It was very conversational all while the work was happening. So it'll be interesting to see how things that try to mirror a longer form conference pan out. Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks wanting to get into the outdoor business? I think from my own experience and how one connection led to something is one thing. But as then a thriving business for us for two decades now it is working hard, work hard at networking, be a connector, and be real about it. If you're asking for someone's time, I get a lot of like, I'd love to pick your brain and you know, then offer something in return. And know that you do have something to offer, and finding good mentors, and mentoring others, and really believing in the power of stumbling into something, or for the stars aligning so to speak. It can be that singular connection or that singular moment that launches something amazing. What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars? I'm using a Stanley COFFEE MUG WITH CERAMIVAC™ every single day, with their ceramic vacs. If you could have a huge banner at the entrance to the outdoor retailer show, whether it's physically or virtually, what would it say? It would say what's next? Next is here, right? And what I've observed as our industry has been trying to have this conversation about what's next for, for years. And 2020, however, we think of it in every way. It's a catalyzing year, no matter how you look at it. So things are gonna change and they're gonna change much, much faster than our industry has typically evolved. Or sometimes we were willing to, and there's not much more time to talk about it. So I think right now, with everything that we're seeing in our political climate, in the outdoor industry, trying to embrace inclusivity, we have so many reasons right now to finally take real and meaningful action. Inclusivity is just a must, doing things the way we've always done them, like events, and like how we reach customers and consumers, that's in the rearview doing things the way we've always done them. "So the moment and the opportunity to move forward is here right now." Please rate and review us HERE Thank you!
Jenna Celmer from the Outdoor Dream Jobs Podcast and I talked about her role at Gearmunk, the Facebook Basecamp Group, the future of tradeshows, and much much more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
It was an accident, but it happened really fast and hard actually. My husband said, let's get into backpacking, let's get into camping. And this was at a time in my life when I was thinking, absolutely not. If there is no chandelier, I will not be attending. So I was really a different person. Then, I started powerlifting, which gave me so much confidence. And I think the reason I didn't want to go into the outdoors with him at first was that I just didn't see myself out there as I've heard many people say similar things. I just saw so many, you know, athletic, white men climbing and stuff. And I was like, I can't do that. And that seems so unattainable. I don't want, what if I have to pee outside? What does that even mean? And it just didn't, I didn't know what was going to happen.
And then all of a sudden I did the powerlifting thing and I'm, okay, well wait, if I can haul all that heavy shit over there, I can do stuff. So we went for a couple of hikes. We went RV camping at first and I was just so immediately hooked. And I think what happened was I thought, wow, I'm actually really present out here, which is not the norm for me. I'm usually doing 25 things at once. And I'm looking at a little screen or a medium screen behind it or a big screen behind that. And all of a sudden I was looking at things that calmed me down and I thought, all right, this is, this is my gig, I'm into it. And I was all of a sudden, fast and hard all about the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Facebook Basecamp: Outdoor Job & More
Gearmunk
Thin Air Show
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
Ali Carr- Outdoor Biz EP 139
Outdoor Dream Jobs
Audioboom
Audacity
BombBomb
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, Overlanding
Advice
I answer this question all the time. I feel like, especially for people that are really getting out of college and things of that nature, it's a super-saturated market right now. So my advice right now is maybe a little different than usual. So a lot of people have gotten laid off. We have these crazy, amazing, talented people that are seeking jobs, competing with everybody else. So you need to network like it is your full-time job. You need to go on LinkedIn and find people that you might want to work with and you need to reach out to them and you need to ask them for phone calls and ask them for connections because here's what you're doing. You're raising your hand and you're letting people know I want to work in this industry and I am persistent and I am, I'm going to do a great job.
But the more important thing is the more you network and the more you talk to people, you find out what they need. And if you don't know what someone needs, you can't help them get it. And the real trick to this is figuring out what somebody needs and then proving you can do it and proving that you can provide that value. So for instance, if somebody is like, Oh man, I'm so busy at work. I need to start this podcast, but I have no time. And then I roll up and I'm like, Hey, by the way, I'm really good at producing podcasts. Here's an episode I did. I would love to help you. Somebody busy might be like, absolutely. Please help me. And it could just fall in like that, but also in you just apply through the traditional means, which I also advocate for.
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
FireBiner
Connect with Jenna
jennacelmer@gmail.com
JennaCelmer.com
Andy Selters and I got together at the Mountain Rambler Brewery here in Bishop awhile back and Andy entertained us with Stories about Norman Clyde and his Eastern Sierra backcountry hiking and exploring adventures.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Andy Selters and I got together at the Mountain Rambler Brewery here in Bishop awhile back and Andy entertained me with Stories about Norman Clyde and his Eastern Sierra backcountry hiking and exploring adventures.
Introduction to the Outdoors
I went to college and, and like three days into college at Humboldt state, I went to a meeting of the outdoor club and they were going to do a winter ascent of Mount Shasta. I'd seen snow once in my life before, and I had done a lot of hiking in Southern California that year so they helped me go. I'd never experienced cold or snow or anything like that. And I came real close to the summit. I turned around right near the top, but basically I went back next year and did another winter ascent, this time it was successful and I was like, yeah, I was ready to do it.
Things we talked about
Norman Clyde
Eastern California Museum
Spotted Dog Press
Wikipedia
OwensValleyHistory.com
Eastern California Museum Exhibit
Adventure Journal Historical Badass
Norman Clyde: Legendary Mountaineer of California's Sierra Nevada by Rober C. Pavlik
Norman Clyde of the Sierra Nevada; Rambles through the range of light; 29 essays on the mountains, by Norman Clyde
Connect with Andy
AndySelters.com
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you!
In July of last year, 2019 Adam Donahue Business Director over at Dometic and I had a great conversation about Dometic's business and how Overlanding or Vehicle Supported Adventure is growing.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up sailing and was fortunate enough to get a job working in the marketing department of a small roof rack and truck rack company called Track Rack. That company was acquired by Thule, which led me into a path of the core outdoors. I quickly found my way into cycling, surfing, and mountain biking. I really dove sort of head first into the outdoor industry in a more significant way. There wasn't a sport that I wouldn't try at least once and I sort of became obsessed and filled my garage up with gear.
Things we talked about
Dometic
Dometic Ambassadors
Thule
The Adventure Portal
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing and Cycling
Advice, tips
The key in the Outdoor Industry is it is an incredibly friendly community. I think being a little bit bold and reaching out to people and asking for connections and advice to me is really the easiest, quickest, and most resourceful way of establishing some of that tribal connection. It's a little insular too in that people shift from one company straight to the other. If you're in the Tent category, there are a dozen Tent companies that you can go to.
People also tend to spend their careers in the outdoor industry. One, I think they're passionate about it, but two, there's just lots of opportunities for growth. So I would say for people that are interested in it, certainly taking advantage of internship opportunities. Internships are something that we're actually working on at the Dometic, developing something that allows college students to get more involved in our business and provide opportunities for awareness.
I would also say going on LinkedIn and finding people who are in this industry and saying, Hey, what can I do? Are there opportunities that I can help with? And obviously there's that sort of tech rep path where you get into an entry-level and sort of work your way in. But for those that don't have those immediate connections, I would say everyone that I know in the outdoor industry will be willing to at least spend 10 minutes offering you some advice and just don't be afraid to reach out.
Favorite Books
Scrum- The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland
Fingall by
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Surf Pad
Connect with Adam
adam.donahue@dometic.com
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Steve Casimiro, publisher of the Adventure Journal tells us how they produce fine journalism delivered daily through AJ. I particularly enjoyed his comments about how they stay true to their values and goals of ethical publishing and delivering inspiring stories and high-quality imagery.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
As a suburban kid, I grew up outside of Washington, DC. And in those years kids just spend more time outside. It was just, that was the lifestyle. I had a bike and I had a skateboard and there were parks and we did whatever. And I was in Boy Scouts and then when I was like 11, my parents bought this rundown cabin. And so I spent a lot of time outside there. So you know, we'd be car camping, my parents weren't super outdoorsy but we did car camping. For me everything kind of came into registration when I was, I think about 14 or 15 and I did like a mini Outward Bound course for a week or 10 days in West Virginia.
We did a canoe trip on the New River and backpacking and climbing, technical rock climbing and all that. And so I was able to actually have some guided education and exposure to it and I loved it. And then I got my driver's license and you know, had a bit of money in my pocket from working and was able to get out and do things. That's where all my energy went, I was kind of self-empowered at that point.
Things We Talked About
Adventure Journal
Outward Bound
Powder Magazine
Bike Magazine
National Geographic Adventure
Snowboarder
George Mason University
Historical Bad Ass Criteria- 1. They have to be dead 2. It has to be badass
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Cycling
Body Surfing
Advice
I think that you just have to be self-directed. It's hard to know exactly what you want and why you want it. But I think that you just have to have a clear idea about you and about what your goals are. And I think that you need to be professional and honest and ethical and network like heck. And be rigorous in looking at what your competition is. Whether you're starting a magazine or trying to break in as a blogger or a photographer. Those are all really hard things to do. But I think just trying to be as objective as you can about why you're doing it. And then looking at the other side is looking at people who might be hiring you or buying your product or whatever. Why would they want to do that? And you ultimately are selling yourself in one form or another. What you're doing has to make somebody else's life better or easier or in some way. And whether it's getting a job as a rep or working in PR or being a photographer. I think that's probably the mistake that I think most people make. And it's difficult if you haven't worked in the industry, but putting yourself in the shoes of the person who would be hiring or buying your product.
Favorite Books
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams
Dog Stars, The Painter, The River by Peter Heller
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
The Leatherman Free
Connect with Steve
Adventure Journal Contact
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Today I'm speaking with Roy Notowitz, President of Noto Group Executive Search. Roy has spent nearly his entire career in the Pacific Northwest.
His work includes founding the Generator Group, he spent time in recruiting at Nike, he’s is a recipient of the SGB 40 Under 40 award and has his own podcast How I Hire. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Show Notes How'd you get introduced to the outdoors? What was your first outdoor experience like? I feel really lucky. I grew up in upstate New York in a small town called Manlius, the Manilius Fayetteville area, which is just outside of Syracuse. And, you know, it was at a time when kids would roam free in the woods, and around the neighborhood. It was a pretty standard neighborhood, but we had woods nearby. We built sledding tracks and we played baseball in the street and in our backyards, we rode bikes. Basically it was a time when parents would just kick their kids out of the house all day and say come home at night for dinner. We were a big ski family, so my parents were, they weren't hippies, but they acted like it. We had a garden and they went jogging before everyone else was jogging. We had a very active and healthy family lifestyle, and we would ski every weekend. Sometimes twice on the weekends or sometimes once during a weeknight. In Syracuse, there are a few different mountains within 20, 30-minute drive. We went to this place called Labrador mountain, “Ski more at Labrador”, was their slogan. And it was like 800 vert, they had a T-bar and chairlift that was super slow. That was a big part of my early outdoor experience. And, and then in my teens, my parents had bought this little fishing cabin in the thousand islands, which is about two and a half hours north of Syracuse, just outside of Brockville, Ontario. We kept our boat on the US side and we'd cross the river and check-in at customs then go to this little Island. And there's a 30 mile stretch of the Saint Lawrence River that flows out of Lake Ontario, bordering New York and Ontario. And there are about 1800 small to medium-sized islands with little cabins and stuff on them. A lot of them aren’t winterized, ours wasn't. I saved up all this lawn mowing money that I earned to buy a small aluminum fishing boat and with a 15 horse Evinrude motor. It was my obsession. I became obsessed with fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass and Northern pike. And there's a 10 mile stretch of that river that I know like the back of my hand to this day. I went back there a few summers ago and I still know where all the Shoals are and where all my fishing spots are. I have a nautical chart framed in my office. It's changed a lot because of the zebra mussels and the cormorants. The whole ecosystem in the Saint Lawrence River hs changed. It's sad in the last 15 years the river has really declined. But that's my happy place. I can still picture the early morning fog burning off the river and then loons and the carp jumping and casting and trolling along the weed beds. What was your first outdoor job? I went to Potsdam college, which is right on the edge of the Adirondack Park. There are 9,000 square miles of lakes, rivers, and mountains, and it's close to the Saint Lawrence River. So I was able to continue to go to the cabin in summers. Potsdam was part of the State University of New York, and they had a satellite outdoor recreation campus on a little Lake called Star Lake. It was about 35, 40-minute drive from campus. Students would go there on the weekends to take classes, physical education classes. So they had a tiny ski hill with the little J bar. And I never taught before. So I basically had to teach how to put your skis on how to fall, how to get up, how to stop and turn. Then in the warmer months, I stayed there in the summer and taught canoeing and sailing, mostly Sunfish and Snarks. I was always active in student activities. I was on the camp board, which is the student board for that outdoor recreation facility. I was a student orientation leader, I volunteered on the local rescue squad. So I had a lot of activities. I was more social than academic at that point. Figuring out a lot of things and whatever you could fit in around the fund. Tell our listeners how you became an outdoor industry recruiter. It's an interesting story and it's part luck, being in the right place at the right time. And it starts in grad school. After Potsdam, I went to Virginia Tech and earned a master's degree in education with a focus on education administration. During my graduate studies, I was really drawn to the career services center and found an interest in how students formed career aspirations and how people figured out what they wanted to do and making the connection between higher education and the business world, which I think to this day, there's still a bit of a disconnect. The challenge was I really didn't have a lot of business experience or career experience. So I don't know if my obsession was because I really didn't know what I was going to do with my career or if I really wanted to help people. Anyway, after grad school, I drove my pickup truck across the country with my dog to Portland, Oregon. It was kind of on a whim, I identified the Pacific Northwest as a place I wanted to be. I checked out Seattle and Portland and Portland just felt kind of right. When I got here, it was July 1995. My first job was pumping gas for five and a quarter an hour. And I also got a second job selling shoes. Hiking and walking shoes at the walking company. I sold the European comfort shoes, mostly like Echo’s, Mephisto, and Clarks. They were really innovative and differentiated at the time, they used better materials and construction. I enjoyed the customer interaction and I was always selling in the top 10% nationwide because I'm competitive. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed that job. In fact, I got employee discounts from that manager for maybe 10 years after I worked there. But after about six months of working there, I landed a desk job as a recruiter in a staffing agency in downtown Portland. It was kind of an old school Jerry McGuire kind of staffing agency. On my desk, I had a phone, a shoebox of three by five cards that were blank, a phone book, and a phone. They had computers at the time, but not at that company. We faxed resumes to companies and we took out classified ads on the job. I was marketing candidates to companies. And at the time even candidates paid fees, part of the fees to companies. So very different, but, and it took me about a year to really figure out was I very commission focused. After a year, I got a call. I don't know if it's divine intervention or just luck, but a recruiter called asking if I would be interested in that position at Nike. And in my interview with the HR manager at Nike apparel, he asked, what do you know about apparel footwear? So I took the shoe off of my foot and I started taking him through all of the things I just talked about, the materials, the construction. And he could tell that I had a passion for the product. And he literally said his name's Adam Baker, and every day to this day, I still thank him for that opportunity. But he said, “Okay kid, I'll give you a shot”. So anyway, I landed in the apparel division, right when Nike was shifting from selling tee shirts and accessories with footwear to becoming a functional apparel brand. And that really enhanced the performance of athletes with the fit, the fabrication, and materials. Dry fit when had just come out. So the apparel team was really small in comparison to the recruiting team and the rest of the company. The apparel business grew from 400 million to 3 billion during the time I was there and we recruited about 1200 people in those three years. I learned a ton, it was a great experience. And of course, now it's one of the most successful apparel companies in the world. What inspired you to continue down that outdoor industry recruiter path? That's a great question. I saw a need, to be honest, in recruiting. It's very inconsistent, the results when we were partnering with external firms. You know, the way they represented the brand, Nike was very particular about that. The way that these candidates are screened, we like to use structured interviewing and competencies and, a lot of recruiters were kind of just pitching candidates. And I felt like if we could create a more consistent and more professional service model, sort of like there's no bar associated student association or MBA or any accreditation that's meaningful in recruiting. So I wanted to take it up a notch. And what I realized is there's an opportunity to act more like an in house recruiting team to bring these fortune 500 best practices, to bring more consistency, to have a service delivery model with the accountabilities and, and deliverables, and to really help companies figure out where they want to go and how they want to get there and bringing world-class recruiting resources to small and midsize growth-oriented companies. So that's kind of what my first vision was for The Generator Group and to a large degree that’s the vision here as well. So I started The Generator Group and ran that for about nine years. I had two partners and then in 2009, I branched off and started The Noto Group, We're coming up on 11 years here. What are a couple of the accomplishments you're most proud of? We passed our 10 year anniversary last year and I'm really proud of the team we've built. The team is really my biggest asset here. The level of experience that they bring is significant and clients really trust us. They turn to us when they need an experienced partner that they can trust. And when we do great work, we get more work. There are three things that kind of come to mind. One is being the first outdoor industry professional services firm to become a B Corp, or at least the first outdoor industry recruiting firm, for sure. We certified in 2013, and we've recertified three times and scored higher each time. They get harder every time. And we also, for the last six years in a row have earned B Corp's best for workers award. So this coupled with the opportunity to work with so many great clients has been huge in helping me attract top-level talent to the firm. And then the second accomplishment I think was, a decision I made shortly after I started this firm to really expand our client base beyond the athletic and outdoor industry. So we do work in parallel consumer sectors, such as food beverage, grocery, natural products, restaurant hospitality. And this really aligns us with the way PE firms operate and the way law firms operate with consumer practices and the way investment bankers work. So this strategy has really helped us create more stability for the firm, which then allows us to invest more in the team, the tools, and the causes we care about. And it also enables us to sort of cross-pollinating to generate a more diverse range of candidates for clients. And that's really smart too because it gives you a lot of opportunities to bring a broader resource, broader opportunities to both the client and the applicant, right? Yeah. You might see someone who comes in wanting to focus on outdoor and athletics, but you look at them and you talk to them and you realize, you know what, you're going to fit way better over here. Right? One of the differentiators is that we put a lot of energy and effort into cultivating and engaging this talent ecosystem. We have over 10,800 people following us on LinkedIn. We have a monthly newsletter that goes out to 8,000 people. We have web traffic, like 2,500 to 3000 people a month hitting our sites. So we have a really engaged talent network. And I think that's a huge differentiator for us. I think the third thing I'm most proud of is launching our leadership consulting practice. So last year and in the past 12 months, we've really been working on communicating and integrating our new capabilities and it's been really well received. It started with a colleague and actually a former client, Dr. Ted Freeman, who's based out in New York. He worked at Eileen Fisher, which is basically like the Patagonia of the fashion world. They're a highly sustainable women's fashion brand, and very mission and purpose-driven. We did some work there, some leadership, a CFO, and a board position, and Ted was our client and he branched off on his own. He has a background in leadership development, coaching, and assessment. And I started thinking about how we could wrap these services around our recruiting and our search work to create greater success for clients and to get people ramped up faster and to be more effective, faster. So he, and a bunch of his colleagues that he collaborates with have really helped us broaden and deepen our work around leadership assessment, onboarding, integration, leadership development, and coaching. Our clients are engaging him and his team of colleagues to help do really meaningful work. And so as the economy recovers, I'm confident that this will become even more central. Leadership is a word that's used very lightly. I've found over the years, the more energy effort and thought that you put into hiring and, and developing and, bringing the team along. The more results you get, it's just part of that. The better the team works together too. I think. There's a lot of things that can derail teams and a lot of issues around culture and communication and, people can be more effective. I think that's what companies are realizing now. They don't have a lot of resources to hire a lot of people, especially moving forward. So they have to make sure that they get it right, and that the team is as effective as it can be. You probably have a pretty good read on what's going on in the job market. What are you reading in the tea leaves right now? How's it looking? Um, it's a mixed bag. So there's obviously a significant amount of job loss. And to be honest, I don't think that everyone is going to get hired back. Companies are not going to be like, okay, well, let's get back to work and let's use the same strategy and the same people, it's going to be a complete reset. And there's been some acceleration points, obviously around digital and eCommerce. Some of our clients are really investing in that even while they're divesting other resources. Other companies are realizing, that there are weaknesses within their leadership team, or they have a key position that they still need to fill. So there are still, I would say it went from a flood of opportunities and people calling us every week to see if we could help them work on projects to a trickle. For candidates, I think that means you have to really know your strengths. You have to really know the job that you're best suited for, and you have to go beyond. You can't just look at postings and hope that you can apply and find a job. I think it's going to be really competitive. And I think you're really going to have to make sure that you're able to differentiate and communicate and realize that you're going to have to have a lot of activity to be in the right place at the right time because there's going to be such a competitive market. I feel really bad for a lot of the newly minted job seekers but at the same time. It's an opportunity for people to reinvent and rethink and maybe chart different directions. And I'm sure at the end of the day, even some of these companies that are failing right now, they might get recapitalized. I know there's a lot of private equity firms that might find these distress brands and bring them back to life. And so over time, I'm optimistic that everything will work out and that companies will actually be stronger as a result of this because retail, let's be honest, it was struggling already.vI'm trying to put a lot of resources on our website and blog and being as kind as I can, you know, and my team as well, to be responsive and supportive of job seekers. It's hard to keep up though, for sure. Who are some of the mentors that have helped you along the way, building this great team? I've had a lot, Adam Baker, I talked about who was the person who gave me my start. To this day when I call him, I thank him for giving me my start. But what I learned from him, he was a great manager and supervisor, and I haven't had a lot of managers and supervisors in my career. So I learned a lot from him, always supportive, kind of gave us a lot of freedom, even when we were very inexperienced, he trusted us and very metrics-driven, a lot of communication and follow-through, strategy and planning, follow-through, every month, every quarter, I learned that. Sue Schneider, who was his boss. She was also very involved in guiding the Nike apparel recruiting team and a super straight shooter, great at team building. After I left Nike, she sort of was a constant supporter. She's done tons of offsite strategy and planning meetings for the firm and probably a dozen team-building off-sites. And she never took any money. She always says just to pay me with a bottle of wine and a restaurant gift card. So I got to learn her favorite restaurants. She's fantastic. Steven Gomez, who was the brand president at Nike apparel when I was there, was sort of my boss's boss's boss. I wasn't obviously exposed too much to Steven at Nike, but after Nike, his mentorship really was around getting involved with the community. He's been involved with a lot of really great organizations and he's brought me in to do executive searches and we've also worked together on a few nonprofit boards. He's very process-oriented and he thinks through how to engage all the stakeholders. His leadership is just Epic. I would pretty much do anything for him. His values and his commitment to the community is just inspiring to have in your corner. One other person that I mentioned is Jack Ramsey, he's been a brand and marketing person. He worked for Regis McKenna, which is one of the most successful PR and marketing firms, then Apple and Intel, and companies like that in the early days. He really helped me bring the brand to life and define our differentiation early on with both firms and again, for little or no money. And his thing was acknowledging that people helped him along the way. His expectation of me is that I pay it forward. So I try to also support other entrepreneurs as well. How'd you get into podcasting, how'd you discover it or decide that you wanted to do it? It was born out of a need. So you know, it's called How I Hire, where I interview VP and C level executives to learn their best executive hiring advice and insights. So I started looking for that content in the podcast sphere. And what I found was there were some recruiters and search consultants sharing their own views and some interviewing other recruiters and talent acquisition professionals. But no one was interviewing the actual hiring executives on how they hire. And I saw a huge gap in information that existed out there. And so, you know, people don't want to hear what I have to say. They want to hear what my clients have to say. I love the format because I've interviewed thousands and thousands of people over the years and it's my fascination, learning, and interviewing. I found How I Hire dot com was available and I recruited a top-notch podcaster to help me get things off the ground. It's been about 10, 11 months and we've been doing about one episode a month and we're about to kick it up to two a month. I've been able to get some pretty inspiring leaders to be on the show and it's been really well received and I'm super excited about it. It's one of my favorite things to do. Where do you think that curiosity comes from? Hiring's not a perfect science, so I'm always looking for content and it's so broad and deep. There are so many different areas you can talk about, executive recruiting, selection, diversity, there's just a million topics. And so the curiosity just comes from a learning sort of mindset. The fact that I found that I'm always talking about with our clients and, even when we could go to parties, meet up with friends, I'm always fascinated by again what people do and, and whether or not they're good at it. In companies, there's a leader for marketing and an expert in finance and supply chain and operations and product creation people, and they're all masters at what they do, but everybody recruits and hires and not everyone is great at. Let’s talk about any nonprofit work you do. I know you guys do a lot of that. Yeah. I mean, it really aligns with our mission as a B Corp and as a purpose-driven search firm, about 5% of our work is nonprofit. And we have some of that is pro bono. And some of it is at a discounted rate. We donate about 1% of revenue to nonprofits focused on equity and education and environmental conservation and outdoor education. So we work with and donate money to Nature Bridge and Open School and Big City Mountaineers, and Conservation Alliance, organizations like that. We also provide paid time off for volunteer work and match employee donations. We've done executive searches for American Alpine Club, Access Fund, Bicycle Transportation Alliance, OIA, Open School, and Period.org. Just to name a few off the top of my head. And then we also have donated space in our office building that we moved into last year. We have two of our desks are for nonprofits that we support. So, yeah. I try to make that central to our purpose so that 1% or more of revenue and we're trying to do more. I think the more success we have, the more we can do. What outdoor activities do you participate in, do you still out skiing? Not as much, I really have fallen off. My daughter's 12, almost 13, and she's become involved with the equestrian sport. So it's like a year-round thing. She's always training and competing as a Hunter jumper. And I love going to the barn and watching her train and compete. It takes away from our ability to go skiing and hiking on a lot of weekends because literally, it's both days and several times during the week. I'm learning a ton about the sport. It's fascinating. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor biz or grow their career if they're already in the industry? So I could focus on recent college grads or more experienced people, or do you have a preference? So to get into the outdoor industry, actually we have a ton of stuff on our blog and have information out there where people can check it out, but I'll give a good example too. Basically a lot of college grads come saying to me saying that they want to get their foot in the door, or I want to be in sports marketing. And, you know, when I ask if they want to work with athletes or in product marketing or in brand marketing, they're not really clear. They just think sports marketing is outdoor or athletic. So I think the first thing is you really need to do your homework and to understand what jobs are out there and where you might fit in and where the starting points are. and to get creative, you know, like if you just apply to Patagonia, there are 9,000 applicants, you know, for, I dunno how many internships, but a dozen at the most. So it's very hard to do that. And I'll give you an example of somebody who was successful, who I interacted with, from Michigan State. So I got a call. This was three years ago, from this guy named Oliver, Oliver Ambrose. He called me and he said, “I'm a student at Michigan State. I was looking at internships at Patagonia. I realized the recruiter there used to work for your firm, Alyssa Kessler. And so I started checking out your firm and I’m really interested in learning what you do. And wondering if you have any internship opportunities, I'll get myself to Portland for the summer. And these are some of the other things I'm doing”. And he started an outdoor blog, he did travel photography, he was a double major in philosophy and business and all this other stuff. He was obviously ambitious. And so I'm like, all right, well, well, let's talk some more. And we ended up hiring him and he came here for the summer. We got him a bike so he could commute. He was great. In fact, he worked for us for the entire rest of his senior year. Then he got an internship at Prana, probably because of some of the work that he did here. We even gave him a project around helping us become carbon neutral, like evaluating our footprint. And so he got an internship doing work on building a sustainability scoring system and then he got hired in product sourcing and sustainability. He made his way just by being really creative. I think that's a great example. And there are a few other programs that might be like the Portland State Athletic and Outdoor Industry certificate and Oregon State has a product management program. And I'm sure there are others. You are probably not going to get in the door doing the role of your dream job, but you'll get in the door doing something and then work your way into your dream job. If you could have a banner at the entrance to the OR show what would it say? I have two signs. One that says “hiring is a process, not an event”. And that is the more energy and effort and thoughtfulness you put into the process, the better the results you get. And on the other side of the banner, I’d say, “thank you for hiring my team. I love everybody in the industry and feel grateful.” How about favorite books or books you give us gifts? Well, lately I've been giving the book Made to Hire by Marin Huntley and that's about how to get the job you really want. And there are so many job seekers or people interested in making career moves. That's a book that I've been spending a lot of energy helping to promote cause I think it's really good. She has a background both on the corporate side and in marketing and she has also helped a lot of people. She has an online program as well as a book. Do you have a favorite outdoor gear purchase under a hundred dollars? Outdoor Research just came out with this essential face mask and it comes with a removable filter system and a special coating on the fabric that can provide some extra protection. I don't think they can make any claims that it's antiviral, but the construction, the ear loops, the shape, the way it's constructed looks really comfortable. Is there anything else you'd like to say or ask of our listeners? I'm so grateful for the outdoor industry and I feel honored to be on your podcast. I've really appreciated and enjoyed all of the friendships and relationships and professional support that I've gotten over the years. It's hard, you know, especially during these times, where we can't see each other. I really miss everybody and look forward to seeing things soon. Where can people find you if they want to reach out, email, Twitter, Instagram, go to the website? LinkedIn is great. You can follow us on LinkedIn. You can reach out to connect to me. You can InMail me. You can go to notogroup.com and subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which has updates on the jobs we're working on. And you can go to howIhire.com or wherever you listen to podcasts for How I Hire and subscribe. Other Links to what we talked about
Noto Group Website
Noto Group Executive Search Services
Noto Group Leadership Consulting Services
Noto Group Job Board
Noto Group LinkedIn Page
How I Hire Podcast Website
Certified B Corporations
Made to Hire
Outdoor Research Essential Face Mask Kit
Link to Roy on LinkedIn
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America Outdoors Executive Director Aaron Bannon is a Casper Wyoming native, spent two years in the Peace Corps and ten years in conservation advocacy before settling in Lander Wyoming to work with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes America Outdoors Executive Director Aaron Bannon is a Casper Wyoming native, spent two years in the Peace Corps and ten years in conservation advocacy before settling in Lander Wyoming to work with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) My guest today is a Casper, Wyoming native. He spent two years in the Peace Corps and 10 years in conservation advocacy before settling in Lander, Wyoming to work with the National Outdoor Leadership School, America Outdoors executive Aaron Bannon. Yeah, I've been in Lander for about 13 years. So a good chunk of life. Yeah. Yeah. Nice. It's a beautiful spot. A lot of people will hit it, like on their way to Grand Tetons or Yellowstone or something like that. But for those who hang out, uh, yeah, there's, it's kind of a climbing Mecca. So you'd find a lot of climbers who make their home here. There's a, you know, a lot of unique formations up in sinks Canyon and the wind river age that are a consistent draw. A lot of history there too. How'd you get introduced to the outdoors must have been as a kid, right, growing up? My dad would take us camping every year up in the Big Horn Mountains, which are just a couple of hours North of Casper. There was this annual camping trip. We'd always go to the same spot. I wanted to do a little bit more and I can recall in high school a couple of total junk show backpacking trips that I tried to do with my friends. We took cast iron pots, just ridiculous. But we knew enough to figure it out and certainly enough to still enjoy it. You spent some time with the Peace Corps too. Where, where were you in the world during that time? I was in Russia. It was an interesting time, right? It was from 1996 to 1998. And the Berlin wall had just recently fell. The iron curtain had just recently dissolved and I think we were only the second group, maybe the third group of peace Corps volunteers that Russia was even accepting. That program is over now. They don't feel like they need to be treated like a developing country basically. But lucky me, I got to go there when I did. I was teaching English in a small town of 150 people. Basically I taught all the grade levels and it was fairly remote. You spent some time in DC and in San Francisco as a conference conservation consultant, how those experiences impacted your career? I had no idea how helpful all that time would be to what I'm doing now. I was doing media work in DC and got to understand the news cycle, let's say you know what you need to do if you want to try to impact or change it. What a press release needs to look like and stuff for media. And training folks who are going to be in front of the camera. I was like a junior media officer. I don't mean to inflate what I was doing, but I learned a lot. But I always wanted to work on campaigns. Conservation campaigns and as I carried into San Francisco, I was even doing it here in Wyoming. I started to get a sense of what it takes to sort of set the goal, strive for it and overcome, let's say more well-funded adversaries, uh, and, uh, and, and find, find those opportunities. And it's always about sort of grassroots organizing, working with partners. There's a lot of egos that people bring to it which is always challenging. It's all about trying to get the right voice, with the right concern, to the point of decision, whoever that is, right. Whoever you decide your target is, be it a governor or senator, or a company. In the case of that San Francisco role with we're doing a lot of market space campaigns and trying to influence people's shares. And that would be enough to a lot of times to change their corporate behavior. What are you guys working on these days with America Outdoors? Work has been all about just trying to protect the operational capabilities of our membership, which is all our guides and outfitters. We're not a huge association. There's three of us right now at America Outdoors. Let's say three paid staff that the membership engages with regularly and is incredibly helpful in everything. So we've been at a level of just trying to interpret what's coming down and how we can help folks sustain their businesses. There are tons of guides and outfitters who've been shut down are not going to operate at all this summer. Then there are other people who will work and try to pull it off. I would say probably 80 to 90% of our membership is going to try to pull it off in one fashion or another. A number of them are gonna try to do it and probably do it at a loss because they recognize the importance of connecting people with the outdoors. How are you guys navigating the Covid environment specifically? Let's talk about America Outdoors first. It's been a direct hit for sure. We're a lobbying organization in the eyes of the federal government. So some of the relief packages that have come through we have not been eligible for. The Payroll Protection Program doesn't work for lobbying organizations. And like I said, we're three people now, we were for a month and a half ago. I took a pay cut. We had to reduce a staff member from full time to quarter time. We had to lay off someone else with the hopes that we could bring them back if we have a high and successful membership renewal. Right now we're in the middle of the membership renewal. So yeah, it's been as hard on us At the same time, we've still tried to perform. We've been pushing a ton of content out to our guides and outfitters really and to the entire industry. We've tried to break down those lines and make everything we have available to people. Whether it's working with them through the Payroll Protection Program, or whether it's, helping them understand their insurance, liability waivers, or trying to get leaders in the various public lands management agencies to connect with our membership and think about what the closures looked like or what reopening looks like. I think there are a couple of folks who are going to have a really good year if they've got like a livery, right. If they're renting gear you can use to go kayak somewhere, you know? The river didn't shut down, those guys are gonna do okay. Maybe do really well. On the other hand, I mean, you look at grand Canyon. I think they just opened up last weekend, but not to boaters. So those guides and outfitters who were running commercial trips down Grand Canyon are waiting until I think Friday is when they get to start going. So they've already lost like six weeks out of their eighteen to twenty week season, something like that. Have you heard from guides and outfitters about how they're changing their day to day operations? Yeah, I would say they're rising to the occasion. I think for operators who have dispersed operations doing a lot of different kinds of trips across the country and have a lot of different bases, they've sort of not been able to pull that off because you know, every agency, every site, every forest has a different protocol, every County. And sometimes the forest is saying you have to comply with all the counties that overlap. So I think the guides and outfitters that we're doing at best are setting expectations for people too. So when people show up, they know what they're getting, they're sort of constraining their operation in a way that they can manage it. You know, shuttles are real pickle trying to turn people around in a 15 passenger van and still respect social distancing or whatever. So they're either fogging their buses after every trip or let's say like having people wear face masks. Maybe setting up partitions between the seats. Going to all these lengths and just trying to actively clean and maybe push some of their operation outside. Maybe the registration desk is moved from the retail shop to the front porch or something. And also like posting all these protocols, that's a key part of it. There are some significant changes in the world ahead of us. What have you seen or heard in the last few weeks that are inspiring to you? You know Rick, it feels like we're just moving from one big societal wake-up call to the next doesn't it? Cause we certainly not through the coronavirus. Like we are in the middle of it. I expect a second wave. I don't know when that's going to come, but with all those folks close together and all those protests sites. George Floyd's death and everything that's come from that, the global movement for equality has been remarkable to watch. And for me in this position has been a wake-up call that we have been probably slow to evolve as an industry, you know? It's a predominantly white industry, at least the parts that I see. Certainly, you don't have to go that far South to see that there's plenty of people who love the outdoors who are black or Brown. And I think it's kind of presumptuous to categorize like towards this white space, but when you go to an America Outdoors conference that's what it looks like. So I think we have our work cut out for us to be relevant from now on You mentioned you were out outside with your kids recently. What other activities do you participate in these days? I have a six-year-old and a 10-year-old. So you know, we visit the state parks, Wyoming State Parks has put up a number of yurts all across their system. There's a really nice Canyon just outside of Lander called Sinks Canyon. We were going up there and spent a few days. It's literally a 20-minute drive, which is nice. And you're really in it, we found a walk-in yurt that's really close to the river. It's the Little Porosia River that runs through there. And we went on hikes, went looking for wildflowers. And do you know about that Forrest Fen poem, you know what I'm talking about? Forrest Fen is a guy out of Santa Fe who wrote a poem, he had cancer I think. I thought it was like 98. It could have been, it could have been the early oughts. He's like a rare goods collector and he hit a treasure in the Rockies somewhere. So we were looking for it. I wanted to sort of get the kids excited, so nothing like a treasure hunt. And he had landed here. He flew into Lander like back in 2003 and people would conjecture that he may have even possibly buried his treasure up Sinks, Canyon. So I was said, let's go find it. I’m curious where they found it, they haven't said where they found it. It was like off the Yellowstone River, just outside of the park in Northern Montana. But we'll see. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks that might want to get into the outdoor adventure biz? Yeah. let's think about folks who have been in an urban environment for a long time and are trying to find a connection. Because I think the paths are a little bit more clear for folks who've had had that. So you know, if you want to be a guide and outfitter, you sorta gotta be a grunt for a while. You gotta get into the ground level. You gotta paddle the supply boat for awhile. But you don't need stuff, you know? Stuff is fun and it's easy to collect and I have more stuff than I need, but I think what you really need is that, you know, a desire for adventure. Look at a map, find that outdoor space that's nearby and go explore it. I remember a time I was living in DC and I got a pair of pants for Christmas that were lined, I think they were these thin polyester pants that had sort of this mesh lining. I was like, Oh, look, these are winter camping pants. I drove into the Shenandoah and went camping because I had these pants. Well, the pants didn't do anything. They were not the equipment that I needed. But it was still just like being inadequately supplied and surviving. Your first time is always a disaster. Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars? Yea, this is a little bit of metaphorical, I guess, but it's going to be like a Brunton compass. It's a company that manufactured these things for years, just out of Riverton, Wyoming, 30 minutes North of here. Get a quality compass, figure out how to use it, get a map, like USGS map at $8 a pop or a few of them. So you got a few quads, then you can figure out where you're going. That's my favorite piece of equipment. If you could have a huge banner to hang at the entrance to the outdoor retailer show, what would it say? I've been to the Outdoor Retailer show. The America Outdoors doesn't usually have booth there, which is funny, but yeah, good question. Um, gosh, it's like, “we are still here” is almost what I think the banner should say. And I really hope that's the case. I'll tell you what, we've done a number of surveys of the guides and outfitters, just to see how things were going. And when this first sort of kicked off people were saying that if things were shut down for three months or more that they would be out of work, 35% of guides and outfitters were saying that. 60% of guides and outfitters were saying that if they were shut down for six months or more that their businesses wouldn't survive. So, this has all been about survival, right? So as we wrap up, is there anything else you want to say or ask our listeners? I just want to appreciate everybody who tunes into your show and tries to find ways to get outdoors and find good gear. It's a great thing that you're doing. I think we both understand that gear is a means to an end. It's great to have good stuff. But it's not necessary to have a great experience. So whatever it takes to facilitate people's ability to find some time in nature. Chill out, get your head together, get your boat in the water, whatever it takes it's invaluable. If people want to follow up with you, what's the best way? americaoutdoors.org/contact Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Our 3rd conversation on Episode 210, we talked about the product line up, styles, price points, etc? How many versions of these are you planning to build, and the types of customization tent fabric/material and potential accessory items? On this episode, our 4th conversation, Peter, Spencer, and I talk about progress and are the guys having fun. As they move into building prototypes what surprises have come up, which step of the build has gone smoother than anticipated, and if they've discovered any significant changes that need to be made to the design or materials? Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Introduction to the Outdoors
Spencer- I grew up in rural upstate New York, in an old farmhouse with 60 acres of land. So outdoors was just part of life. I just spent all my time outside, you know, making forts in the woods with my buddies and BMX tracks and, and camping out all summer long. Then in high school got into mountain biking and rock climbing. I was always into skiing.
Peter- I grew up in North Carolina, outside of Raleigh. We lived on some land, the back doors were like a pasture, with a couple of Ponds and a bunch of woods. Outdoors was kind of like the default setting, and after school go outside and when it was time to come in my mom blew a whistle. We would also go down to the beach in North Carolina. We spend a lot of time poking around the outer banks.
Things we talked about
Super Pacific Inc.
Roof Top Tents
Entrepreneurs
"provide jobs for quality jobs for people"
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Channel Mastery
99% Invisible
American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman
A Finer Future by L. Hunter Lovins
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Houdini Jacket
Kinco Hydro Flector gloves
Connect with Peter and Spencer
spencert@superpacific.us
peter@superpacific.us
Please give us a rating and review HERE
Today I’m speaking with Tommy Barker. I’ve known Tommy since he was a kid running around Eagle Creek and Clive. Following in his Mom and Dad’s footsteps, Steve and Nona Barker, he has made quite a name for himself as an advocate and connector in the Skateboard Industry. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes So this is an outdoor biz podcast. Let's start out with how you got introduced to the outdoors. I mean, I was really kind of born into the outdoors, I grew up in a town called Elfin Forest, where at that time there was maybe six kids. I was 30 minutes from the nearest Seven-Eleven. I felt like I was out in the outdoors. We had llamas and that kind of segues into how I was introduced to the outdoors. At that time, my parents would take me and my sisters and seven or eight Lamas and go up into this Sierra for a few weeks at a time. “For those of you that don't know Elfin Forest is East of Carlsbad and completely developed now, back then there was nothing. So you were living in a new development then weren't you?” Oh yeah. I grew up on a dirt road. I had to go to school in Rancho Santa Fe, so every day I would drive on a dirt road and have to go through a river on the way to school. You know, so really rural living. But at the same time, we're only 30 minutes away from real city living. How old were you when you picked up a skateboard? We had a little cement-like basketball court in our front yard. And then, you know actually I've tracked this. This is an interesting story, cause I've kind of figured out the origin. We always had skateboards in our garage and I'm pretty sure that it was Jim Alesi. One of the old shippers at Eagle Creek was a Del Mar Skate Ranch Local. So him and Bill Billing, I think they left a skateboard at the house and that's what I picked up. So my skateboard industry origin story goes all the way back to Del Mar Skate Ranch. It is really interesting now that I'm learning more about the skateboard industry history and how instrumental Del Mar was to keep this torch of skateboarding alive in the dead years. Yeah. I mean, it's really funny now knowing the history. I went to La Costa Canyon, which, I thought La Costa was the corniest place on the face of the planet when I was going there. But then, you know, fast forward years later, I'm doing Skateboarding Hall of Fame Stuff and I'm talking to all the Logan Earth ski guys and some of the original skateboarders. And they're like, we grew up on the black hills of La Costa. They made it sound like the toughest place on the face of the planet. Cause I mean, in the early seventies it probably was. La Costa was basically built on mob money and these guys just found these crazy Hills and that's what they would bomb down. And we didn't know any of this history in high school or anything. I was checking out some of your movies and videos online. I saw a lot of crashing. What was that all about? What do you mean? “One of them, I forget I was watching apartment C or some episode of apartment C, and guys were getting blown up all over the place.” It's I mean, it’s pushing the limits now. It's funny because I think I've always just been an accident-prone child. Like I broke my elbow pitching, you know? I broke my back snowboarding. How many times you've broken your ankle, 57 times? No like four good ones, so those last two are from skateboarding. But I've always just been an accident-prone child. Actually, one of my things like when we talk about running the Skateboarding Industry Association, one of my high horses was that we've been painted as extreme. I actually did one of the first studies comparing accident rates to participation rates or hospitalization patient rates. And skateboarding's actually middle of the road. We're about like basketball or soccer, you know, ankle and knee injuries. Now that I'm older and we're having a resurgence of going out and playing soccer again, way more people get hurt. I mean, what you probably saw was I tried to drop in switch or backward on a vert ramp or something. That was my claim to fame right there. Trying to drop in thinking I was like a Bob Burnquist or one of these big famous Vert skaters and just tumbled backward. So you were involved in creating the Encinitas Skate Plaza and you do some volunteer work with Rolling and from the Heart. What volunteer projects are you involved with these days? Its real name is Poods Park. And actually Ian “Poods” Barry was a friend of mine who passed away and his death was the impetus of starting Rolling From the Heart. I was involved for many years. I've kind of pulled back in last a year or two as I’ve gotten more involved with other skateboard industry projects. But it's afterschool programs for at-risk youth. I mean, working with kids totally changed me. Cause we were always like, the people at skateparks who, you know, are hollering at us “get out of the way”, and we're like, hollering back “go watch your kid” you know? And then when you actually have to deal with kids, it changes your perspective on things. So it just makes you happy that this kid has an outlet through skateboarding, something to do, something that he's passionate about. Rollin’ From The Heart was a big one. My favorite memory of that was, um, we had a program similar to Monarch school. Monarch is in downtown San Diego, it's a school for children affected by homelessness. Social Services has to recommend you, but it's really how every school should be. So every Friday they serve hot meals. They have parent-teacher conferences every week, they have a boutique onsite because one of their things is you can't learn if you're in two-day-old clothes. So if they see that you're not wearing like clean clothes a few days in a row you can go on and get that. I think there were like 12 different types of counseling. So there's art therapy, music therapy, there's everything. It's like a 360-degree view of what's available in education. So I was like, I wish I had this stuff when I was in high school. I probably would've felt more connected in my high school if we would have had those things. So that's Rolling From The Heart. And then the last three, four years, we're in our third official year right now I'm a chairman of the board and co-founder of the College Skateboarding Education Foundation and we're the first-ever national scholarship for skateboarders. Tell us about the College Skateboarding Education Foundation. Our big thing is we give out scholarships. So we've given out I think, 18 scholarships for about $20,000 in our first two years. Really it's just creating connections between education and skateboarding. The three co-founders it's me and then it's Neftalie Williams, he's a professor at USC. And the other co-founder is Keegan Guizzard he went to NC state and actually started the skate club there. One of the first skate clubs in the US. So, we're kind of like the three bears. I had a very non-traditional education experience. Keegan had the very traditional education experience and that Naphtali has just gone over the top, he's about to be the first doctor of skateboarding. Where do you guys get the funding? How do you raise money? Well, we're learning all the time. How to raise money. Some of it comes from brands. A lot of it's just asking friends, family traditional face to face fundraising, and we get donations from our website, . We sell some tee shirts and stuff, but really every year we're learning. Right before the pandemic hit. We did a big dinner at the Berric skate park, which is in downtown LA. It's a famous private indoor skate park. It was a fancy dinner and most recent fundraiser we did, we had, I think 45 or 50 people there. In my first fundraiser, I had five people there. So my theme of this year is, admit to everyone that we're still learning. I feel like no one does that anymore. We're learning and adapting every year to learn how to raise money and how to drive energy towards CSEF. I guess this would be my way of pushing back on the “fake it till you make it”. Cause it's admitting that you're learning, you know? So it's more of a journey and there are a few things leading up to that fundraiser where people were kind of freaking out over lack of ticket sales and stuff. And I had to be like, guys, pause, we are learning. This is our first one. If we get one person to show up it's a win. We're probably going to break even, that's all that matters. Talk to us about Jenkem magazine, what do you do with them? I'm the director of partnerships and sales. So basically, I'm dealing with a lot of the same people I dealt with at the International Association of Skateboard Companies. But it's basically just working with skateboard industry brands on content and advertising. So it's, um, you know, it's funny because Jenkem made their name in the New York skate scene, as you can tell, I am not a New Yorker. I've been the person on the West coast and Ian, the founder and I have been friends for a number of years and we're quite the one-two combo. Of all the things you've done so far, what are you most proud of? You've done so many things for the skate community. Oh, geez. I mean, when Pood’s Park opened, I really led the charge. I gave speeches in front of everyone. They were going to move the skate park to phase two, which we called phase never. And, skateboarding in Encinitas, I always call it Hollywood of the skateboard industry. We have Tony Hawk. We have Grant Brittain. We have Mike Burnett, who runs Thrasher. We have all these household names inside skateboarding. So the city was kind of looking at us like, Oh, you guys probably have some money or something. It's like, you know how much money you guys have spent on baseball? And you've never created a pro baseball player? There are 20 pro skaters that have come out of this town. We deserve a world-class facility to skateboard. And that's what ended up being Pood’s park at the time, I was like, oh, I'm never going to top this, you know, and now that CSEF has really taken off I'm really proud of what we've been able to grow into. We were having a really good year pre-COVID. My goal was this year was to give $30,000 scholarships to 30 kids. And we were on track to do that. And then COVID hit and we pulled back on fundraising just because we felt it wasn't the right time. It was hard when, you know, we have 30, 40% unemployment or something to go and ask people for money. So we have sweatshirts available to sell. We're not making hard asks or anything. Do you still get on a skateboard every now and again? Oh yeah. I skated Lake Crowley park by myself the other day, it was really fun. I mean my skating fluctuates as you said, I have bad ankles. I tried to play soccer two years ago and I've been dealing with an Achilles strain ever since. So that comes and goes. I can still hike. This is really the most I've been into hiking. Hopefully, I tell my dad this before he listens but I'm planning on hiking Mount Tom. I told you, I checked the geotag on Instagram and it's a woman saying that this was the most grueling hike I've ever done. But I have some friends here and about a week or two ago we were all talking about it and they're like, let's just do it. Let's wait until the snow melts and let's do this. I think we're gonna camp at Horton Lakes and go from there. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the skateboard or outdoor biz? I used to say don't, it's like a rule. But you know, from the person who's had every skateboarding job, it's kind of disingenuous to say that. Every time I've almost left the skateboard industry another skateboarding job pops up. When I came out of high school, I worked at Blackbox, which was the biggest skateboard company in the world at the time. And they just literally acquired a shoe company, realized what it meant to have a shoe company and hired every skateboarder in North County who had just come out of high school and that's how I really got my foot in the door. At that time it was more just be a passionate skateboarder, but now it's such a competitive marketplace of getting jobs that you should probably if you want to work in marketing, go get a marketing degree or a liberal arts degree or figure out what it is you want to do. Kind of call your shot. That's even what we preach at CSEF, we really want to have kids who have a plan for their education. Don't go into it and just like, major in surf kind of thing. So if you want to work in the skateboard industry, there's all these different jobs and pathways. And then go find mentors and people who are doing it and ask them, how could I get from A to B? And then you know, skateboarding, the marketplace of it is cyclical. So have a talent or a skill that if skateboarding slows down, you could go and get a job in an outdoor business. You know, they're all kind of similar tactics and skills. So it's really like, if you grow one of those, then you can kind of figure out what industry you want to work in. I always say skateboarding is about 20 years behind outdoor, but when you hear the stories of the founders of the outdoor industry in the seventies, they're all dirty hippies, wild dudes, you know, they were all partying and like any industry, they're grown up and now they have all the various disciplines and jobs that mainstream corporations have. If you were able to hang a huge banner at the entrance of Outdoor Retailer, or Surf Expo, what would it say? Um, please retire. I mean the modern skateboard industry was born in the 1990s and it was all these guys, all these companies that were founded in the early nineties and then again in the early two thousand and it's the same people in marketing positions then and now. And I think outdoor, it's a little bit more where guys kind of actually transitioned out and become consultant kind of guys. But that really doesn't happen. I think there's definitely been a ceiling for my generation. Even just starting brands or something is tough. In the early nineties could start a brand for not that much capital buy-in and grow it slowly. And now if you really want to start like a legit business, it's a couple of million dollars and there are no banks loaning you money at this point. So, I mean, it's really telling people like there's a whole generation ready to come up behind you. Let them come up and give them opportunities. When I was at Blackbox, one of my mentors, Chad, who was the general manager there, he was younger than I am now, running a $40 million business. And that just blows my mind. He had 120 employees and they seem so mature and everything. And I don't know how I'd handle that now. But again, we didn't exactly have those same opportunities. The way I met my cofounder Neftalie, he used to have a class on skateboarding, arts culture, and industry at USC. I was for like three years in a row as a guest speaker in his class. One of the trippiest things that ever happened to me is walking into a USC class and having a kid, giving a presentation to introduce me suddenly this kid was going through my LinkedIn telling my history. And I was like, Whoa. But then two football players fell asleep on me while I was presenting. So that brought me down real quick. But I really loved the value of that class because even going back to me, growing up Eagle Creek. It's like, you learn the systems of businesses, how everything's fit together. And I think like, even though like we'll get into me being a little shit at Eagle Creek, I still, would ask everyone what they did and that was so valuable to me. And then when I went to Black Box, I already understood how product merchandise and everything worked together. So I think that class was kind of the same thing. It's like, you're learning each facet in the industry and how they work together. I don't know if I was there yet or if this is an urban legend, but the Eagle Creek shipping guys boxed you up and threatened to ship you off to the Philippines or something? That was one. But then what they also did was in the middle of August, they shrink-wrapped me to a cart and put me out in the parking lot for a few hours. I was a kid from Elfin Forest who had no people around. I’d get to Eagle Creek and I just was like, people talk to me. I feel most at home now or most comfortable at a business in a warehouse. Because TC, Vince, all the guys, like those are the guys who were like my older brothers or something. And so when I was at Black Box or in a few jobs I would try to keep one task in the warehouse just so I could go hang out with the boys. And then once I started really working at Clive, I think I started when I was 12. I remember cause it was before I could even get a work permit. And I started just filing all for Rudy Vasquez, all of his dealer forms. He was doing sales and I just would file all this paperwork. And then that grew and the first big task they gave me was I had three months over summer to put together 1200 POP packs. And I had to create my own assembly line. That was a big one. Then later, probably around that same time, but looking back I think this was more of a punishment, but they forgot to put the international distributor information in the catalog. So I had to sticker all of them. It was like weeks of just stickering catalogs and stickering catalogs. And now looking back, they probably were like, Oh, at least will keep him occupied and quiet for a while. They put me way in the corner. That's where the name paint chip comes from. “The reason I nicknamed you paint chip was that you were a chip off the old block. You were similar to your dad, you guys kind of look alike, you walk alike, and you were just always hanging around. You're very curious and I remember you jumping in and doing stuff without even being asked. I didn't know eventually though, that you would follow him in all his advocacy and all those things too. You've done an admirable job.” I always thought it was "paint chip" cause you thought I hated paint chips or something. “We're all glad to see you learned along the way. And you're an admirable paint chip off the old block. Your Mom and Dad raised you well.” Do you have any daily routines you use to keep your sanity? Yeah, Rose, and I go for a walk every day. That's my wife. That definitely keeps us from killing each other. Keep us grounded. Yeah. Yeah. And then, I listen to podcasts and play FIFA, that's kinda, my other thing. So I'm a big soccer nut and then listen to a podcast or two, that's my way of like winding down like six to seven every night before dinner. So like, those are the main ones. Do you have any favorite books? Favorite podcasts? Hmm, I'm obviously big, Fresh Air Terry Gross fan. On The Media actually. Cause now I'm working for a media company, but I've been super interested in media for the last five years and how it's changing and how it's growing. So On The Media, it's one of like the NPR type. They're one of the most fascinating because they really cover how everyone's talking about stuff and language, especially what we're going through right now. I'm excited to hear what they have to say on Friday. I've been trying to have books that have been not too deep or anything since so much been going on, I need an outlet. So I've been going back to the Gladwell books, which is kinda corny, but at the same time, it's interesting because, from a marketer's point of view, it's all about how to use data to understand people's actions. So I've been going back through and reading those. How about a favorite outdoor gear purchase or purchase for skateboarding or hiking under a hundred dollars? I bought my first pair of hiking boots years ago and they were a hundred dollars, It was the first time I'd gone to REI and not had the like freak experience. I had no idea that you needed a membership, you know, cause I mean I rebelled pretty hard against outdoors. I grew up in the outdoors and I was always trying to get to the city. So it's only been in the last like five or 10 years that I've really like made a conscious decision to try to go and hike and camp and do all these things that my dad tried to instill in me from a very young age. Is anything else you want to ask of our listeners or say to our listeners? Oh geez, I don't know. I've been so honored to be raised by the outdoor industry. As you said, I remind you of my dad, but I think I remind everyone of my mom I'm kind of in equal parts of both. I have her lack of a filter of what I say. So, I wouldn't be who I am without growing up and hearing the stories and the culture. The culture of needing quality products in the outdoor industry isn't in the skateboard industry. Skateboarding products have basically been the same for 20 or 30 years. There's not like a Caribiner that can save your life kind of thing. The necessity isn't there in the skateboard industry, but even a lifetime warranty or stuff like that, being raised around a company that had a lifetime warranty really changed how I thought about the world. And I didn't realize how different I was for that thinking until recently, you see the fast fashion and everything and you're like, can we just build stuff? Why do you have to have a new t-shirt every year? People that was a good t-shirt last year. Why don't we just have the exact same tee-shirt next year? I mean, look at vans, you know, there's the famous story of Geoff Rowley, who they signed to be their big skateboarder and they asked: “what do you think we should do?” And he said, “go back to all those classics” and that truly changed the direction of vans. Now they're one of the biggest shoe brands in the world and killing it. How can people reach out and follow up with you? Twitter @thomas__barker Instagram @tommy_barker_ Other things we talked about Jenkem Magazine Elfin Forest Logan Earth Ski Vans The Outdoor Industry Please give us a rating and review HERE
Doc Forgey is an accomplished Doctor, Author of over 30 books, and an adventure traveler. On this episode, he tells how he was introduced to the outdoors, his writing career and thoughts on first aid, wilderness medicine, and prepping for disasters.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Doc Forgey is an accomplished Doctor, Author of over 30 books, and an adventure traveler. On this episode, he tells how he was introduced to the outdoors, how he got into medicine, his writing career and thoughts on first aid, wilderness medicine, and prepping for disasters. How were introduced to the outdoors? Well, actually my family. My dad was a big fisherman and he worked in an industrial area in Northern Indiana for an oil company. He would take vacations and drag us out to Tennessee Valley Authority lakes throughout the South. They'd have fishing camps and little cabins. It was really fishing introduction and that went on throughout my childhood. One of the things I found I like to do, in Tennessee particularly was go off on my own with the boat. And of course, you know, I'm young, I'm in grade school, but dad trusts me to take the boat out. I would just tramp the woods and I looked for caves and crawling in caves. So I became an avid cave Explorer. How did you get into wilderness medicine? I spent a long time in the army, so I guess I graduated from the army, was out of money and wanting more adventure. I had no money and no training for that. So I said, well there's one way to get it. I joined the army in 1964 and you know, cause the army slug was FTA, Fun Travel, and Adventure. I spent 30 months in Vietnam and went to training with the army and it was during that time I graduated in chemistry. It had been years since I was in school, but I definitely want to become a doctor. I am not going to remain an infantry officer, I definitely want to be a doctor I got into grad school and while I was in grad school applied for med school, but I made sure my graduate advisor was in microbiology and knew that I'm not here to get a Master's or a Doctorate. I don't want any of your money. You know, the graduate program wants to give, wants people to be teaching assistants, give them stipends. They also want me to get degrees and be in their business. I said, no, no, I will pay my entire way. I'm going to go to med school. And he agreed with that. Indiana Camp Supply So I was in my first year of med school and, know already I've done a lot of these canoe expeditions in the North and I know I need equipment. It's kind of specialized. I want to use sacks any backpacker would hate, like the Duluth sack. But long-distance wilderness canoeists know about the Duluth sack and basically a lot of other specialized gear. And I was buying it online. And what I decided is, you know what, I think I'm just going to start a company and sell it cause look at it, I can get it like 50% off. I buy from the manufacturer. Well, this looks like a gold mine so I started a company. What I did is I went to the small business administration and I got a $40,000 loan while I was a medical student. I didn't tell them I was in med school and I didn't tell them I actually was still on active reserves. I had 40 grand out of them and started this mail-order company called Indiana Camp Supply in Indiana. And, we had a mail-order catalog. We were actually dropping a hundred thousand at a pop eventually. And we're probably 400,000 a season of these catalogs as the years went on. It lasted for years and we started carrying an awful lot of books because we found that we had like 135 titles and we also were carrying medical supplies and I was putting these articles about medical care in there and, and so there we go What accomplishments are you most proud of? I think the thing I'm proudest of is being a teacher. I worked a lot with outdoor education and so these early days as we were coming up with a concept of wilderness first aid, how does it differ from urban first aid, I put on hundreds of workshops on that and, and really worked. And then, the last part of my life, I've been done a lot of international work. I've set up a nonprofit in Haiti, and I made 44 trips to a village in the mountains where we go multiple times a year. And that's a different type of thing, but it's mass casually and safely. Um, it's just a very poor environment and people don't see a doctor, sometimes ever in their life. And you just got a lot of pediatric and an elderly, a lot of infectious diseases. So I was down there for the explosion of cholera and for the explosion of zika virus, for chikungunya. I mean, I've seen hundreds of these cases. So it was medical students. You're kind of showing them how you go into any setup and you just deal with this mass of humanity. And we work under the health department, so we're part of the Haitian health department where we take orders from them. So they have different treatment protocols say for malaria than what we do. So, okay, in the United States, here's how I would do it. Here's how you're going to do it here it's two different worlds, right? So we would do it the way they do it. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor business or get into wilderness medicine? I had a lot of people come to me, and say how do I become a wilderness doctor and I said, you know, you have two choices. You either live in a beautiful area and, you're living there and working real volunteer and doing the things you want to do and make your living there, or you'll live in an urban area and then break away for blocks of time. And that's what I did by necessity because I got a job at an ER and then built a private practice. So you’re like a politician, you can't just really leave unless you're a billionaire and your family can make you a Senator here and Senator somewhere else, you know? No, you gotta grassroots it yourself. I think when it comes to the prepping end of it, I'd say I've always been a bit of a prepper. And when I first enrolled as medicine, I worked a lot with groups that were very active and prepping. This was long before this early prepper movement, you know, this is the fucking seventies. Then, while I was so tied up with technical aspects of medicine for outdoor education or eventually got into the international medical relief stuff, you still think, you know, what you're really dealing with is how you manage an issue when you don't have assets. In other words, the grid is collapsed. What do you do? Right? You don't have 911, which is always the wilderness situation or the international situation. You know, what do you take with you and what do you do to improvise when you don't have normal stuff? So I think when it comes to wilderness medicine, the biggest, the lessons you learn there is improvisation. If you hang a banner at the entrance of that show, what would it say? It would be like something like “free luggage tags at booth 97” Do you have a favorite outdoor gear purchase under a hundred dollars? I always carry a sheath knife and the preppers-medical-handbook.com Follow up with Doc http://www.docforgey-travel-medicine.com/ Links EMAIL: doc4g@aol.com Books * Wilderness Medicine (1979, 2d Ed 1983, 3rd Ed 1987, 4th Ed 1994, 5th Ed 2000, 6th Edition to be published in 2012) * Hypothermia (1985) * Campfire Stories (1985, 2nd Ed 2011) * Basic Essentials of Outdoor First Aid (1989) * Basic Essentials of Wilderness First Aid (1999, 2nd Ed 2007) * Basic Illustrated Wilderness First Aid (2008), Campfire Tales (1989, 2nd Ed 1999, 3rd Ed 2011), The Travelers' Medical Resource (1990) * The Travelers' Self Care Manual (1990) * Basic Essentials of Hypothermia (1991, 2nd Ed 1999) * The Wilderness Medical Society's Practice Guidelines for Pre-hospital Care (editor, 3rd Ed 1995, 4th Ed 2001, 5th Ed 2006) * The Doctor's Little Book of Wisdom, (1995) * Campfire Stories, Vol III (1995), Wilderness First Aid (1996, 2nd Ed 2003), and The Dieter's Little Book of Wisdom (1996).
Dr. Forgey contributed to the current edition of the Field Book, 3rd Ed (1984), and the current edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, 12th Ed, 2010, published by the Boy Scouts of America, The Wilderness Educator (1991), a textbook for outdoor educators, and Fishing First Aid (2002), and to Expedition Medicine (2008) from Cambridge University Press. Please give us a rating and review HERE
Kurt has summited Mt. Everest 3 times and operates Sierra Mountaineering International Climbing Guide Service in Bishop, CA. Kurt and I talk about how he got started and what it's like running an International Climbing Guide Service in a small town.
Show notes
Let's start out with your Facebook profile. It says Christian Husband, Father, Foodie, Mountain Guide, Climber, Skier, Travel Junkie, Foodie, and Goofy. Tell us about the Foodie Goofy Christian part. It goes into everything else that I do, whether that's how I am as a father, how I conduct myself as a husband or a mountain guide, or everything else. In life and my climbing guide service I try to follow those principles. So it all starts there. I'm a foodie, I just happened to love food. Your wife sounds like a great cook. She's an amazing cook. Cool. Yes, it does help. I'm married well that way. You know, they say behind every good man is a great woman. She certainly does that wonderfully in many other ways besides just cooking. Tell us about the goofy stuff. I feel like it's important to remember the humor and everything and see the humor in everything that's out there. I think it's a healthy trait to have. I'm one that sets a lot of people at ease and it just helps you see the world. There's definitely a time to be serious, but there's so much out there in the world that is fun and loving and, that goofy part comes out a lot of times when I'm guiding trips and if I'm out having fun with my friends. Whether we're ski touring or climbing or whatever else we're doing. Whether I'm with my family and my son. He's three years old and talks up a storm and some of the things he says at three years old is just precious and, and unforgettable. I'll bet it helps you from a guiding perspective. When someone is having a tough day or they're struggling for whatever reason, they're tired or whatever, you can bring a little entertainment, silliness to the situation, and probably help them get up that trail or pass. You're right. When you bring somebody out in the mountains on a trip, they are many times coming out of their comfort zone. And that takes a certain type of personality just to do in and of itself, to put yourself out there, out of your normal realm of life. You know, and many of the people that we take on trips are wherever they come from. They are experts in their field and they're used to being the ones that are being approached by others and they're the ones that, you know, answer the questions and such. And now they're going into our world in the mountains and they're looking at this mountain guide for those same questions and answers that they normally give. So, yeah, being able to inject a little bit of humor and just to put everybody at ease and let them know that, Hey, it's okay. Everybody has a hard time with this particular move too. Tell us how you got into the outdoors. Your dad was an outdoor person, right? He sure was. He was brought up going camping with the family and such. He was born in 1928. And during those depression years and into the war years, he was in high school and the family always went camping for a couple of weeks every summer. And then as he grew into his twenties, he got introduced to backpacking and then mountaineering. And back in the early fifties he started climbing peaks in the Sierra and going skiing in the backcountry of the Sierra. He was well into that when he started raising kids. I got brought up around that from a toddler. My mom hiked Mount Baldy in Southern California two weeks before I was born. From there I was put in a baby carrier. And back in those days, the baby carriers were made by a company called Jerry. And everybody just called it the Jerry carrier. It wasn't a baby carrier. It was a Jerry carrier. That's what I got brought up on until I could walk. Did you know early on that you wanted to be a mountain guide? No. I grew up, you know, going to the mountains in the summertime. We'd go every weekend in the Sierra and in the wintertime we'd come skiing at mammoth and going backcountry skiing and such. When I was in college was going to Cal State Northridge, getting a degree in political science. And my original plan was I wanted to become an environmental attorney. I love the environment and I thought, here's something that could be a good way to make that passion useful. But I took some time off after I graduated from Cal State Northridge to go play, and have some fun. I applied for a job guiding on Mount Rainier in Washington. At that point I'd been teaching classes when I was in college through an outdoor store called Adventure 16. Yeah, I'm an alum there. We taught a lot of programs and backpacking and rock climbing and navigation courses. My plan was to get a job guiding at Mount Rainier and have some fun for a few years and then go back and figure out law school. While I was guiding ay Mount Rainier, I met a lot of attorneys who came on our climbs. And after our climbs they would invite me out to dinner with them and they'd want to give me my tip over a couple of rounds of our favorite beverages. I'd have great Face Time with these guys. And a lot of them were really unhappy people and, sometimes I had better face time with them than their own families. I talked to them about their line of work. And the more of those guys I talked to, a lot of them were overworked and unhappy. They're telling me all this and then at the same time they're saying, well, can you take us to climb volcanoes in Mexico? They want to go everywhere. Can you take us to climb Kilimanjaro? And so as a matter of fact, it sort of falls under the heading of life is what happens while you're making other plans. So I just kind of pursued guiding in that direction and started a climbing guide service. When did you start your Climbing guide service, Sierra Mountaineering International? I started it in 1995, in December of 95 after climbing Everest the first time in the spring of 95. I came back from that and opened my climbing guide service that fall. Were you, were you living here in Bishop? How did you end up in Bishop? I moved here in 92 and that happened just after graduating from college and going to Mount Rainier in the summer. I came back to work one more winter at A16. I went back for a second summer on Mount Rainier and then came back to Bishop instead. At the time my parents had just bought a house up here but hadn't retired from LA, so I had a place to live and everything. So from my home base and I realized that you know, I'm enjoying Mount Rainier, but the Sierra has always been my home and I always felt like I was coming back home when I came here. So I started a climbing guide service. When you started you obviously had connections from the clients you guided on Rainier. Did you also have any connections in Southern California, how did you get started? What did you do? Yeah, it was, you know, people I've met on Mount Rainier who wanted to climb in the Sierra and also people I'd met at in Southern California over the years working at Adventure 16. Through the outings program and customers in the store and the employees, they're were referring people to me as well. So it was kind of a double whammy that way. I had a couple of different streams of people coming in and that's a great opportunity. What are some of the challenges of operating a climbing guide service in a small town like Bishop? The Sierra in a lot of ways is an easy sell. I mean it's such a beautiful mountain range and so much variety. You can spend a lifetime just, or hiking or mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring, you name it. There's a lifetime of stuff to do. You’re just scratching the surface. As many of us know. What were some of the challenges of being in a small town with limited services? Yeah, small-town living back in the mid-nineties was different than it is now. There was no internet, there were no cell phones. One of my biggest business expenses was my phone bill. You had a small town carrier here who kind of raped you on the phone charges and, some of the cost of living being higher like gas for your car was higher, limited places to rent and things like that. There were a few of those issues but at the same time, Bishop has enough amenities that you don't have to get out of town much to get too many things. Now, of course, it's a lot different. It seems like we have to get out of town to get toilet paper, but that's a different thing. It's gotta be great to be able to guide in your backyard. I just love it. And you're right, I call it my backyard all the time. People ask me a lot because they know I've climbed on every continent of the world. I've done the highest point in each continent, the proverbial seven summits. I've been on hundred and 20 plus expeditions all over the world now. And they say, well, what's your favorite place? And I tell them, well, the Sierra, this is it. To be able to live here and to operate a climbing guide service, be in our backyard, show people this beautiful part of the world, show them how to take care of it, you know, try to impart a lasting impression about what this place means to us and therefore to them, I feel very blessed to be able to do that. Your climbing guide service is affiliated with the American Mountain Guides Association, how does that work these days on the certifications and all those things? It's sort of an ongoing evolving process and guiding in general in the United States is still a pretty new profession compared to Europe. If you go to Europe, you might find somebody whose great grandfather was a mountain guide and then his grandfather was a mountain guide and his father was a mountain guide. Now he's a mountain guide and he's raising a son who wants to be one. You walk, the city streets of a place like Geneva and you say the word mountain guide and everybody knows what that is. It's a very well known, very well respected profession. You go into a bar and say I need to hire a mountain guide and everybody's head turns and looks at you. Yet I still have friends in college who still don't understand really what I do. They say I know this great that this guy Wedberg, he owns a climbing guide service and climbs mountains for a living. And they have no idea how that works. The American Mountain Guides Association is also a new organization, relatively speaking. They're still going through growing pains, getting their feet wet and things. I was working at a 16 when they had that first formal meeting at the ski show back in 1985 I think. That's where they kind of recognized that there's this guiding profession here and maybe we could try to standardize it and grow it. Ever since then it has been doing that and they've modeled a lot of what they do after the international community in Europe. They've developed courses and exams and there are three disciplines. Alpine guiding, Rock Guiding, and Ski guiding. I'd say most of the guides in the United States probably pursue one or two of those disciplines. A smaller percentage of them pursue all three. That is what they concentrate on. Get the basics down so you can see if we execute it. It's more geared to that versus what I would call the soft skills. They don't talk a lot about how to engage clients and be personable. How often do you do international trips? I'm doing about five or six a year personally. Our company, we'll do a few more with some of my other guides leading them. But it's about five or six a year and it depends on the time of year. So in the fall and winter we're heading to places in South America, Mexico's volcanoes, Aconcagua in Argentina. That is usually a December, January timeframe as it’s summertime down there. We'll go to places like say Mount Elbrus in Russia, that's more of a summertime thing cause their latitude is similar to the Northwest here. We go to Kilimanjaro a couple of times a year and that being an equatorial climate, we can go there more months of the year. Some of the more exotic places like Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia, which is always a fun one to mix it up. Do you throw some new ones in there every year? My goal has always been to do one new international trip every year, and I've accomplished that in all except maybe one year. The rule of thumb with it is if I am doing a new trip, it's with a client that I've already climbed with before and they know it's a new place for me. We already have a relationship and we know we're figuring it out together. I know their skills, they know my skills. They know what I'm doing, part of the fun of it for them is seeing how we get this figured out. Right. There's be some curveballs thrown at us and that's okay. Have you had a pretty wild trip? Anything major, like bad weather or something? Oh, sure. I mean weather-wise, you know, the weather is always going to be an issue is when you're in the mountains guiding. For example, we were pinned down on Aconcagua at 16,000 feet with winds that were gusting to a good hundred miles an hour. You gotta build up rock walls around your tents and get your tents guyed out well and keep checking them all the time. Living like that for days until the winds subside. So it's good that you know your clients you're with. That you’re not gonna have issues with them. They're not gonna have issues with you. We've had that a number of times and I've had storms pin us down on other mountains around the world. I've had other things get thrown at us. For example, I had some guys I was going with to Turkey to climb Mount Ararat and at the very last minute Turkey stopped issuing visas to Americans. These people I was climbing with were actually from Australia and they were able to go to Turkey, but I wasn't. We were chatting about it and we came up with this idea of instead of going to Turkey, we would go to the country of Georgia and climb a mountain called Mount Kazbek in the Caucuses. Cool deep remote mountain, 19,000 plus feet high and not visited by hardly anybody. What ended up kind of being a last-minute change of plans ended up being a really magical experience. This spontaneous thing and sometimes those things end up being a lot of fun. This certainly was, it was a blast. The anniversary of your three Everest Summits were recent, right? It's an incredible achievement. What were those like? Each one of them was different and unique. The first time was 1995 and that was a special anniversary. This year is the 25th anniversary. We had a zoom call or a reunion that was fun. It was a trip that we planned in the sort of traditional style, you know, we weren't guiding it and we weren't being guided. We were just a bunch of friends who put this expedition together and went and raised all our own money and all that and went on the Northside of the mountain to climb the Northeast Ridge. We had 20 people, 12 of whom were climbing team members and the other eight were base camp managers and support people, the team doctor, and such. Out of the 12 climbers, eight of us got to the top. Honestly, pretty successful actually. The other two trips were on the Southside through Nepal and I was guiding both of those times which was different, different aspects, a different perspective, different to be guiding it. I made a decision early on in my guiding career that I did not want to run big Everest expeditions and the only way I'd guide it is one-on-one. So if I had one client who I knew I and climbed with them before and I really felt he had an honest shot at reaching the summit, I would consider it. Someone who would be honest with you if he couldn't, cause there's already a relationship there, we climbed together and such. I did the Southside twice, once in 2008 and once in 2012. The client I was with a neat guy who I climbed with on several peaks, but at Everest, he got sick at base camp and coughed so hard he actually separated the lining from his lungs, which then got infected and he had pleurisy. So he had to be evacuated and sent home. I ended up sticking around and climbing it on my own because I was there and I could, I hadn't done the Southside yet. That was my new trip for that year too. Then I went back in 2012 with another good friend of mine, Fred Simmons. We summited together and that was, that was a pretty special experience. You know, like any trip, when you share that time together with people, it creates a bond of friendship that you really can't duplicate in any other way. That just gets magnified at a place like Mount Everest. What outdoor activities do you participate in for fun? The latest thing is mountain biking. I rediscovered that last year when a couple of clients of mine who had climbed a bunch of the California fourteeners with me in the Sierra knew I'd been to Kilimanjaro many, many times. They were avid mountain bikers and they came to me and said they wanted to mountain bike Kilimanjaro. And they knew that since I've been to Kilimanjaro so much, I could probably figure out the permitting and how to get all that done. I said, well yeah, I could, I had all the connections to get that done. We mountain biked it last October all the way to the top of that mountain. What that required me to do, you know, they weren't coming to me for my biking expertise. They were coming to me cause I knew Kilimanjaro. So my job was just to hold my own on a mountain bike. It was great. I bought a new mountain bike and spent all summer here around Bishop going mountain biking to get in shape to just get ready for this. I went to the top of White Mountain with my mountain bike and went all over chipmunk Canyon. I mean there's tons of mountain biking here. We did a variation of the standard, they call it the Kilema/Marangu route. And basically it combines the standard Marangu route with kind of an emergency road the park service has set up. In case they need a vehicle to pull somebody off the mountain. Being a dirt road we were able to do a dirt road partway up. So it took five days or so, Do you have any advice or suggestions for folks wanting to get into the outdoor adventure biz or start a business? I would say in terms of the outdoor business in general, there are lots of different avenues to take. For both you and I who have been in this industry for so long, we know how special of an industry it is and it attracts a certain type of people. Fun-loving people who care about the environment and really share a common thread with that, which is neat. It can take so many avenues. You can get a job with a company, a manufacturer, you can get into land management, forest service, park service, and administration kind of a thing. There are retail shops, climbing guide service such as myself. There are so many avenues to take. My advice to people is to get to know the industry a little bit. And if you're somebody still in college, get a part-time job at a mountaineering store, there's no better way than to learn the industry and learn about the customers that come in and frequently and go to the outdoors. I think a lot of us that have worked retail and have that experience, you don't really realize it at the time you were working in retail. But afterward, if you stay in the industry and you go back and you're designing packs or you're in the media, or you're a guide you draw on that experience daily, hourly, daily, every single day. You and I, knowing the company adventure 16 as we do, after 58 years they hung it up and called it, the end of a long career. They had a great run of it. And you know, one of the things that the president, John Mead, one of his selling points to employees or prospective employees is that, you know, use us as a stepping stone to get into the industry. And I joke about it now because we're familiar with the outdoor industry trade show that happens a couple of times a year. And I've always joked that our ex-employees are littered throughout that trade show floor. And anybody listening to this who's from that alumni group, they would laugh at that because it's so true. You know, you run into these guys in all aspects of the business. Some of them are still operating retail stores, some of them are presidents of companies, some of them have started companies. And the reunions that have happened at those shows of our ex-employees have been so much fun. You end up meeting these great people. I worked there in 1978, somebody else who worked there in 1992 and even though they never worked together, all of a sudden there's this instant connection and they become great friends. It's like meeting long lost brothers and sisters, you just hit it off immediately right away. It's a great community. It really is. What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars that you probably bought at A16? I'm going to go with the Bomber hat which has been a great favorite of ours. I'll tell you another one. A16 made these little Tri-zip pouches, they made them in different sizes, I still have two of them and they're about four by six and I still use them as my climbing guide service repair kits. I'm also going to go with a very obscure one here that, if our old friend Mike Wallenfels is listening, he will laugh at this. Mountain Hardware made this little tent and it just looked like a mini tent. It was about, I'm going to guess about two feet by two and a half feet by two feet with a big door on it. I brought that with me on my Denali expeditions and I put our stoves inside to melt our snow for water. They were out of the wind and it was designed to be a little mini tent for cooking. You had to be super careful with these things cause you could easily burn it. I'm sure that any stove manufacturer listening is just cringing knowing that we did this with their stoves cause you had to be really careful. But man, having your stoves inside this thing melting all this snow for water, it was the difference of several gallons worth of white gas on a Twentyone day expedition on Denali. They don't make them anymore. Mike shoot me an email, let me know what the name of that tent was so I can put it in the show notes. How about favorite books? My all-time favorite has to be the Bible because it's composed of 66 books written over a 1400 year time span, over 40 different authors. And it covers everything from philosophy to history. More traditionally, I read two books recently by an author named Greg Laurie. He's actually a pastor of a big church down Riverside. He wrote a book called, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. Previous to that he wrote two other books, one kind of similar about Steve McQueen. He was a little before my time as far as being one of my idols. But I did grow up watching Steve McQueen movies, the King of cool. That was an interesting book. And then he wrote another one, he called Jesus Revolution. And it talked about that those days in the sixties when there were long-haired hippies strung out on drugs just coming into churches with cutoff Levis and no shirts. How can people reach out to you if they want to follow up? We have a website, Sierramountaineering.com. You can find links to reach out to us by phone or email. Our Email is: info@sierramountaineering.com or our phone number is (760) 872-4929 and we always love hearing from people. Whether you're interested in a trip or just you want to know conditions, what's going on in the Sierra. We're up there all the time. Please give us a rating and review HERE
Fun conversation on episode 217 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with long time JanSport president and master of fun every day Paul Delorey
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Let's start off with how you got introduced to the outdoors. Growing up in a big family, my mom and dad had eight kids and it was an unusually small house. So being outside was a big deal and family vacations were camping. If you wanted your own room, you had to get a small tent. So as a kid my dad got me a pup tent. When we'd go, I'd find a spot off by myself and pitch my tent and have my own space. What kind of activities did you do? You know, kid camp stuff, fishing, and making pancakes on the Coleman stove. That kind of thing, just exploring state parks. Growing up in Wisconsin, there were some beautiful state parks that there to this day. How did you connect with Skip Yowell and JanSport? In 1977, I had gone back to school to finish a master's degree. When I went back one of the things open at the time was the bookstore. They were looking for a bookstore manager. So I took the job and one of the benefits was free tuition. So in 1977, I'm going to a college bookstore trade show in New York City. And I was really familiar with the JanSport brand from my local outdoor store. I saw they were on the list of vendors. So one of the first places I went to was the JanSport booth. I told them who I was and they said, well, we'll have somebody with you in a minute. And this guy comes out and he's wearing a fringed buckskin jacket with a Bolo tie and pressed white shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. He's got long hair and a foo man choo mustache. He kind of stood out you know? And it was Skip Yowell. I was immediately impressed and, I looked at Skip and I really had a feeling this is one of the reasons this brand is so cool. So we started talking and they were basically there just to take a look at the market and see if they wanted to start selling in it yet. At the time there were other brands selling backpacks in the college bookstore market. I told Skip, I said, man, I'll give you an order right now. And he said, well, we're just not sure we’re gonna sell in this market yet. So, you know, a few months went by and I called him up and I said, Hey Skip, I don't know if you remember me. I met you in New York. He said, yeah, yeah. I said, you know, I'm still interested. And he said, well, we just don't have the capacity right now. He said, so we're going to have to pass. So one thing led to another, I stayed at the university for about two or three years. And in 1979, I met this guy who was running a company up in Wisconsin that sold tee shirts and sweatshirts to the colleges. We had kind of struck up a relationship and he asked me if I'd come up and go to work for him to start a division to sell colleges. You know, I was ready for a change. So I went to work for this company called Downers. Kim Vander Heiden and Dan Spalding owned it. In any case, I got up there and got started. I told the guys that owned the business, I said, you know, we really should be selling day packs in addition to T-shirts and sweatshirts. So we ended up going over to China or someplace in the orient and trying to source packs and basically looked at JanSport day pack designs and tried to copy them. In 1982 JanSport was owned by Sitka corporation, which owned K2 skis and a bunch of other outdoor businesses. And they had gone through a real bad ski season. They were short on cash. So their bankers told them they need to raise some money, so they put JanSport up for sale. And at the time the guys that own Downers were starting to realize Downers was a very difficult trade name to try to peddle. So JanSport had come up for sale, they decided to buy it. And one of the first assignments I had with that, they sent me out on a diligence team to Seattle to study the business and see what was going on. The first office I walked into was Skips. And I looked at him, I said, Hey man. I said, do you remember me? And he scratches head sitting here. And he says you look familiar. He says, but I'm really not sure. I said I tried to buy backpacks from you in 1977 in New York City, you wouldn't sell me. And I said, buddy, it looks like I'm going to get all I want now Skip and I hit it off and just became forever friends. And you know, all through the years we had a lot of adventures all over the world and a lot of fun too. This was 1982. So at the end of 1986, the guys that bought JanSport had gone through two corporate takeovers. In 1984, JanSport was bought by a corporation called Bluebell. Then in 1986, Bluebell was bought by VF Corporation. So the guys that originally owned the company stayed around a little while but eventually decided they didn't want to be there anymore and they made me president. How many years did you end up staying with JanSport? A little over 22 years and then they had me consult for them for a couple of years as you know. So the thing for me, especially at that time, Rick was the guy that had preceded me was really just a business genius. He had a great mind for numbers and math was never my strong suit. So, you know, I'm sitting in his office the first day after he left and I thought, how am I going to do this? And you know, we all use what we have in the toolbox. My toolbox included, I just want to have fun. So you know, I just figured if I could make the environment enjoyable and everybody has fun, you know, good things would happen. And they did, they really did. JanSport went through some really significant growth. Those were some pretty heady times. Was the biggest challenge trying to make enough packs? Well, yeah, I mean, absolutely. You know, we expanded our sewing capacity domestically for many years and built several plants in Washington. But then as you know, the competitors started to go offshore to Mexico or China. We had to follow suit as well, just to keep up cost-wise. But it was an exciting time trying to keep up with warehouse facilities and making sure we had enough space. The JanSport business went from the like under 20 million to, by the time I left was over 300 million in total. I was working at A16 at the time with Tim McGuire and was a huge JanSport fan. All the packs I carried were JanSport packs. When you did the Everest program I had all the T-shirts and stuff, It was great. When you mentioned A16, I met Timmy in 1984 on the JanSport dealer climb. It was the first time I tried anything like that. So, you know, you're a little unsure of yourself. You've trained and you think you're ready to go. So Skip told me, come on, let's go. We got me all the gear that I would need to get up and get down. And so the first day you go from Paradise up to Camp Muir and it's a long slog. You know you get, get up there and get settled. So I get up to Camp Muir and I look around and there are two young guys from A16, and they've both carried a full case of Rainier to Camp Muir. I'm sitting there, I'm saying, man, it'd be great to have a beer. So Skip walks by and a kid says, you know, Mr. Yowell, would you like a beer and Skips says sure. So he takes it, grabs a Caribiner, and snaps off the top and drinks it. And I'm standing there and I'd say, Hey, you know, you guys, uh, would you mind sharing another beer? The kid says, well, no, we, uh, we really don't have enough for ourselves. No, we're not gonna. We're not gonna do that. So many years later, uh, we had recruited Tim McGuire to come work at JanSport. And so I’m sitting in my office and, uh, he doesn't remember this, well, he does now. I'm looking at him and I said, Hey man, I said, I know you. In 1984 up at Camp Muir, you were from A16 and you wouldn't give me a beer. Well, I had a picture of that climb up on my wall and so I pointed to him, I said, there you are. And I sit there. There I am in the back row and I'm really looking like I could have used that beer. Your mission now is to convert the outdoor industry to totally sustainable fabrics and coatings through your Polycore venture, how'd that come about? Another old JanSport connection from the time I was there. I got a call a couple of years ago from a guy named Arthur Chen who had done a lot of work for us back in the day. And in addition to doing sourcing and manufacturing, Arthur was also a material scientist. His expertise is he studied the solidification process of polymers for over 40 years. So he had patented a process to coat fabrics that are water-based as opposed to solvents. And the first thing he talked about was the fact that it would make the fabrics up to 500% more abrasion-resistant. So, immediately you think about it in your world and JanSport. You know, we sold millions of bags that little kids would drag on sidewalks and rub holes in them. You think about warranty service, but the bigger issue with it was it was a water-based PU as opposed to solvent-based. And I like to explain it in the sense that, when you used to paint and you opened a can of paint and it was solvent-based, those fumes filled the house and you know, would make you sick and that type of thing. But it changed and it all became latex or water-based. So you didn't have the fumes escaping into the environment. So you guys go to the trade shows, you have a booth there. Okay. I didn't know about this until, uh, I was looking up your, your bio. That's great. Yeah, we were at the last three outdoor retailers and it was a good start and things were really rolling along. Then the virus hit and it changed a lot of people's plans. So have any of the brands adopted your products? They're starting to. We've come up with a couple of other products through those conversations. You know you sit down with people and they say, well could you do this? And one of the things was some people want to just to reinforce certain areas. So we came up with this process of turning the PU into a film that can be heat sealed onto fabrics, into different stress spots. We call that spot welding if you saw it on the website. I love your fun everyday philosophy, where did that come from? When I was a kid, my mother used to ask me if I wanted to grow up and be a big man and go to work every day like my daddy. And, uh, I’d always tell her, “Mom, I don't want to, I want to just be a little boy and just play”. But the thing there, especially all of those years at JanSport was, I mean it was a real company and it made a lot of business, made a lot of profit. But one of the things for us as a group, we had a lot of fun. If you think back to some of those parties, the ‘Shake n Bake’. I think back to some of those times, Rick, and I don't know if you remember the one we had in Salt Lake at the Delta Center? It was a thing where they always say, it never rains in Salt Lake at that time, in the summer. And so we got up there and we'd had a lineup of like three or four bands and the opening act was John McCune, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. So they had played their sets and then The Fabulous Thunderbirds were due to come up on stage and the skies just opened up. And if you recall next to the Delta center was a parking garage and people started rolling barrels of beer into the parking garage. I went and asked Jimmy Vaughn, I said, Hey, you know, we found some power over there, would you consider coming over and playing? And he says, no. He says, we're not doing that, but John McCune was standing there and he says, hell, he says, we'll play. So he came over with his band and played for probably an hour, hour and a half. I don't know how many people we had in that parking garage. We used to have them at a place called the Little Waldorf Saloon there in Reno. And the owner's name was Louis Chatel. And one of the things that I always liked to do with those deals was become a bartender and just stand behind the bar and serve people. Get to know people. And so a lot of the times it was somebody you didn't know and they'd be standing there at the bar and they'd order something and tell you to hurry up or whatever. And somebody would say, Hey, you know who that is? No, it's the bartender. They’d say, no, it's the President of JanSport. And embarrass them a little bit. Tim McGuire wanted me to ask you about your high school football career. Did you play high school football? I did. As a matter of fact. I went to a pretty small high school, I think it was about 175 kids in total. During my freshman year, I was five foot one and 86 pounds. You know, it was a tradition in my family that you play. I was definitely the runt of the litter. My next oldest brother was six feet. My coach would say, you know, you're not big but you're slow. So that first year the smallest cleats I could find were seven and a half. And I think I wore about five and a half or six. So I stuffed paper in the toes and you lace them up real tight. And I can tell you there were several times that year that I got knocked right out of my shoes, hold the tackling dummy. At the end of my freshman year, I'm sitting on the bench, which was my normal spot at the end. And the coach, you know, turns to me. We're winning like 48 to nothing. Uh, the coach, he says Delorey, get in there and he says, I want you to be mean. I want you to growl at somebody. So it ended up I got in there, I start growling and we lost, 48 to 70. The next play went right over the top of me and all I remember was the bottom of cleats. My older brother told me, he said, you know, if you're going to do this, you're going to have to get bigger and stronger. So that summer I ate, ran, lifted weights. And I grew to the height I am now, which is short at five, six, but I put on almost 50 pounds of weight, now 135 going back my sophomore year, I was still slow, but I thought I was a world-beater and my best friend was about six, five and he was almost 300 pounds and he was the right tackle. So I was the right guard. Anything I couldn't handle, we used to call him gentle Ben, he would just lean on my guy, knock him down, and tell him to stay down. You're also involved with the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy. What is your role there? The big thing with that is, you know, just making sure that Skip's memory stays alive. And so at the start of every class the past couple of years at the leadership Academy, they asked me to come in and give a talk to people about Skip. And you know, he was my friend, but he was also probably one of the most unique people I think I've ever known in my life. I mean, Skip had a mind like a rusted trap. Once he knew your name, he never forgot it. Then if he, if he did for a second, he had a lyric or used to say Hey Slugger or something like that, then all of a sudden memory would kick in. He’d get up and just give presentations to people and I sat there and I think, how can he just be so calm and cool about this as he's doing it? And a wide variety of groups, right? I mean it's like how does he know what to say to these people? You know, he just did it off the cuff. I watched him do it in groups of two or three as we'd go around doing clinics and in shops. I saw him do it in settings where he'd be in front of thousands of people, you know, so pretty amazing guy. We stayed friends right up until the end. The year or so before he died, we were out in St Peter with him and had a party at the saloon, invited everybody in the town, all nine of them. And I think seven of the nine showed up. The other two were mad at somebody else in the town and so they didn't come. But you know, just had a, a good time just hanging out together. But we did that with him and Winnie, you know, all over the world. I have another wildcard question that came in from somebody else who wanted to know if you really got rousted by security in a five-star hotel in Paris because they thought you were a homeless guy sleeping in the lobby. Who asked that? Do you sense that person's initials would be Jim Thomsen? Jim and I also had a number of great adventures all over the world. And, you know, some of them included late-night pub crawling around certain cities and, you would not get much sleep. So I can remember falling asleep in a chair. You know, they came and told me that, uh, no sir, you cannot do this. You must go to your room. And I was just waiting for Jim to come down to get ready to leave for a flight, I think. So they, they rousted me. But the deprivation of sleep was well-deserved by hanging with Jim Thomsen. What outdoor activities do you participate in these days? You know, we're there paddling on the Lake and down here. I like to think of the little area that we live in, As I tell people, it's like a geriatric JanSport. A lot of my neighbors remind me a lot of those people. And so we started playing a form of tennis that we call funiss. Funniss is full contact tennis. And the object of the game is to hit, the opponent on the opposite side of the net, as hard as you can, physically with the ball, rocket shots each other. We play five days a week, and usually, at the end of the season, which would be around now, we have an annual banquet where we hand out awards. There are usually six or eight guys that play through the course of the winter, but there are usually 20 or 30 people that show up to the banquet to see the awards and, watch us do an exhibition match after we drink beer and eat pizza. Some of the awards we always have most injured, you know, there's one of the guys for the past few years was on Coumadin, so if he got hit, he would bleed. So, you have most home runs for who hits them out of the court, you know, you have a most improved player, those kinds of things. Do you have any suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get in the outdoor biz or the adventure biz? Well, the thing I would tell you, and you know this Rick, from being in the industry, it's, probably one of the greatest places that you can go to work because the fabric of the people involved in the outdoor industry is everybody's cool. And you know, usually, everybody will help everybody else out. And, those are the things that, for me when I started it just impressed me, you know, and it's an impression that has never gone away. I mean, there's that core of those people that I worked with that I'm still friends with. I've been retired now 19 years basically, you know, other than these consulting jobs, and there's a whole group of them that, you know, will be friends for life. It'll be five years now that Skip passed, and they had me come out and do a eulogy type tribute, you know, for him. And I had not been back to the show in those 14 years. But you know, you start walking around and it's like, Oh my God, Paul and I say, yeah, I'm what's left of him. You know, you, you just walk around and all of a sudden like no time has passed, right. Because you're seeing all these people that you hung out with and those events and had a lot of fun. And it's the same thing, you know, doing this Polycore thing. There was a little pause there for a couple of years and then, you know, you come back, you're walking the show or you're in a booth, people say, Oh my God, it’s Paul Delorey. What's your favorite outdoor gear purchase under a hundred dollars? I have two, both of them surprisingly enough given my history, have to do with drinking. One is my LifeStraw. You know, you think about when you're outdoors and you need something to drink, more than anything, you need good water. So that is a great tool. That, and then the other is just a good Yeti mug. Which, you know, in the morning you can have a cup of coffee or tea and then at night you can have a martini in it and the ice doesn't melt for days. If you could have a huge banner at the entrance to or what would it say? Well, I would tell you, Rick, it would be a picture of the planet and it would say over the top, “We Gotta Fix This”. And for so many years a lot of people ignore the signs. I've told a lot of people that I think there's truly a connection between, you know, what's going on with things like this virus and a change in the climate. I mean, you watch species are starting to migrate differently and you know, germs are morphing. It's like, guys, we gotta do something about this. And we all have a part a, so, you know, the sooner the better and the more the better. So yeah, we got, we gotta make some changes. I think one of the things, especially these last couple of years going back to OR, that I find encouraging, I see all these new young companies, they get it. And you know, are consumer-focused and are gonna deliver on that promise. Making a product that's more sustainable, doing it right. Start to finish. Those are the companies that, if we make it as a world are going to be the ones that are gonna lead the way. As we wrap up here, is there anything else you'd like to say to our listeners? Get outside and enjoy it. And support companies that reflect your, your personality, and your causes. And right now, support your local businesses. Cause there's a lot of 'em that are struggling. We have a couple of them here, there's a favorite breakfast spot called Mrs. Mac's and a couple of the guys in the neighborhood and me, we have a little band. So we go down there every Wednesday morning and play for an hour in the parking lot for breakfast and get the waitresses and the people coming by for pickups singing and you know, just try to make sure they're still going after this is all over. If people want to find you, what's the best way to reach out? I’ve got a website which is fun-every-day-dot-org. funeveryday.org It's got all my information on it. And you can also reach me at Paul D at poly core dot net. pauld@polycore.net
Doug talks about his many backcountry adventures, product design, the outdoor industry, and tells a couple of stories too. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode with a very good friend of mine. We've been buddies for over 30 years. He's been a backcountry mountain guide, rock climbing guide, ski guide, been in the industry for many, many years doing all kinds of cool things. He's a great author. Welcome to the show, Doug Robinson. How were you introduced to the backcountry and the outdoors? I am an unbelievably lucky kid. At five years old, my parents moved me from Washington, DC where I was born to California and we went almost immediately that summer to the backcountry and Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park and camped out. Back then you drove across Tenaya Creek and pulled your car up next to the Lake and we could camp right on the Lakeshore. And we did. And so at five years old, I'm building rafts and paddling out to the islands on the Lake, I could not believe the Sierra. The road was one and a half lanes, 15 miles an hour. It was a dirt road except where it went over granted slabs. So it was like, two hours from Crane Flat to Tenaya Lake, which is 40 minutes now. There were a few other people who camped by the Lake and you could tell they came back every year. We all felt like this was the luckiest thing that could possibly ever happen to us. And as time went on, we started hiking and then backpacking and you know, little by little getting into the Sierra backcountry. When I was 13, I got rescued off of Pywiack dome, which was across the Lake from our campsite. I had a pair of lug sole boots and I knew that made me a mountain climber. So I went up on the side of this dome and 400 feet up I realized that maybe I wasn't as secure. I couldn't go ahead and I couldn't back down. Some tourists stopped on the road and said, are you okay? I shouted NO, but here's where you find the Rangers and tell them to come and get me. And they did. They repelled down from the top of the dome and tied me on. So that was the first time I was ever on a rope in the backcountry. Your folks ended up buying one of those forest service lease backcountry properties by Rock Creek up here in the Sierra Another incredibly lucky thing. I ended up in Rock Creek because of Norman Clyde, who I had the good fortune to meet in the late sixties. Everybody knows Norman as quite a climber, but, he was also a backcountry skier. So I asked him okay, where are the good spots, you know, where should I go? And he goes, Oh, Rock Creek. That's the best place on the East side of the Sierra for backcountry skiing. So I moved in the next winter. Then the summer after that I found this one-line ad in the Inyo Register for a cabin for sale. And I mean, it sent me back $4,500. But I moved in and ended up living there many winters, cross country and backcountry skiing were just in its bloom in the seventies. There was a ski touring lodge two miles away and I could teach there and, and live up the Canyon and ski up under Bear Creek Spire every day. It was paradise. Did you stay up there in the summers or did you go back to work or back to school? Well in the summers I’d go into the Palisades. Cause in the mid-sixties I lucked into a job guiding there at the Palisade School of Mountaineering. Which was the first climbing school in California. You'll get tired of me saying this, but I'm one of the luckiest people alive. Lucked into that job. And then I lucked into having a place to live in Rock Creek in the winter and, it goes on and on. So before we get too far into this, let's let everybody know you are somewhere in Wyoming, is that right? I am somewhere in Wyoming and we won't pin it down exactly because I am caretaking a backcountry guest ranch in Wyoming. The closest clue I'll give you is that when I ski up to the Ridge several hours away, I can see the Grand Teton off to the Northwest. It's amazing. We, I say we, my partner Eva Eilenberg is with me here and we lucked into this caretaking opportunity. We've been here over a month and we've got another month to go. I just came in from, we were doing some work with the batteries that run off the DC hydro and, and kind of keep place electrified off the grid. We're way off the grid. I'm talking to you by satellite phone. Let's circle back around to the Palisade School of Mountaineering How did you start there? You saw an ad in the paper or how did you get involved with those guys? So I'm 20 years old. I'm in Yosemite. I pack up my backpack and I'm going to go up to the High Sierra because that's where I started, right? Tenaya like I told you. And I just love going in the backcountry, rambling around, backpacking, scrambling up peaks. So I was getting a little more advanced. I mean technical climbing because I'd been in Yosemite after all. That was the cutting edge place in the world for rock climbing in the sixties. And, you know, we were kind of hot shit and we knew it. So I walk up into the Palisades, I’d never been there. My buddy John Fisher and I had been climbing together since we were 13. He ended up owning the school later on. So I walk in there and I walk all the way up to the edge of the glacier. There's a little obvious backcountry campsite up there. And I dropped my pack and look around and there's nobody there. Now I had just come from camp 4, I mean, you could pick up a climbing partner in 30 seconds down there and I just kind of assumed there would be a scene up there too. So I soloed a couple of easy backcountry peaks and a few days later this pile of lumber appeared on the slabs below the camp and was coming up upwards me. It turned out to be a guy named Don Jensen. And he was getting ready to build a little hut up on the edge of the glacier, or the Palisade School of Mountaineering. Don turned out to be the chief guide, so we made a deal. He went climbing with me. I helped him build his hut. The first day we went climbing, we went out and across the glacier up Starlight Peak down into the notch, up North Pal down the U Notch. And we were back at camp at 10 in the morning. And he offered me a job guiding. I go, wow, I'm 20 years old. I'd never thought about being a mountain guide, but, um, okay, if Don thinks I can do it. So I have been guiding ever since. That was just another one of those really lucky things. And you're right, I was ready for it cause I'd been climbing for years. Right. Dirt bagging before that was a thing. That was 1965. Then after Palisade School of Mountaineering, you got involved with the clean climbing movement and wrote the manifesto, tell us about that. Here's how it started. Royal Robbins kicked it off. He went climbing in England. He saw, clean climbing there with pebbles stuffed into cracks and then machine nuts that were already on a runner. And he got all excited and came back and put up Nutcracker in Yosemite, which was the most popular route in the Valley, and is still a classic. He did it as a demonstration, Royal and Liz, his wife. Then he wrote about it in summit magazine because we were reading summit every month. None of the backcountry focused magazines that are out now existed then. It was a basically a hiker magazine, but there was occasional climbing stuff in it. So it was the only game in town. I got turned on by this and went straight down to the hardware store and bought brass machine nuts in a whole range of sizes and filed the threads out of them so they wouldn't cut the runners and strung them on runners. This was 1965 or 66. So I was guiding in the Palisades then. So I had my backup Pitons and a hammer, but I took the nuts long too. Well, it turns out that the backcountry Alpine granite is just perfect for holding nuts. You can almost throw them in the crack. So some of the very earliest all clean climbs were done there and all the other guides got turned onto it too. We're all in this together and realized that we could do things clean. We didn't need the hammer or the pins and it was lighter so we left them in camp. Then we started going to Yosemite in the spring and the fall and starting to try to climb in the backcountry clean also. So I did the East buttress of Middle Cathedral rock all clean. That was the first grade four that was done in that committed style. And then the next year did the Steck, Salathe on Sentinel without carrying hammers. And you know, we're just very gradually progressing up. Meanwhile, I had met Chouinard, we had gone ice climbing together in the Palisades, did some first backcountry ice accents of routes like the V notch. And I started going and hanging out in Ventura at the tin shed and being a laborer. I started out there, my first job was being an assistant bong bender is what they called it, but people don't even know what a bong is anymore. And we're talking about clean climbing, we're having fun doing it. Um, and um, and Chouinard and Frost got interested in it and you know just innovate equipment before breakfast. So pretty soon they're making the aluminum nuts that are really good and I'm contributing to the design. So in the end, and this is a hats off to Chouinard too, cause he'd started making Pitons in 1958 in that chicken coop in his parents' backyard in Burbank, he's a teenager and selling out of the trunk of his car. And that business was built on pitons and hammers and all the unclean stuff to go climbing. So these piton makers, they're making a living, they're being able to hire us. Thank you very much. But we're understanding that these pitons are so good at being removable, which we thought was clean and they're chipping away at the rock and destroying the cracks and then they're getting ugly looking. And so this clean climbing is the solution to that. And they bet the farm on clean climbing and it ended up eliminating the piton business. Pretty scary though because they're making all their money off pitons and they're doing all right. But we think this is the right thing to do. So anyway, I ended up writing a piece for the catalog. It was the first real catalog of the company. It was called the Great Pacific Ironworks at the time. So in the 72 catalog is my manifesto called the whole natural art of protection and it really changed things. Val Franco is doing some pretty amazing archival work that is keeping all those times alive, talk about that. You walk into that archive and this is only a couple years old but it's phenomenal. I mean there's examples of every piton on that Chouinard Equipment ever made and she has the newer equipment that is now called Black Diamond Equipment, but it's just this like the lineage is right straight through. And all of the clean hardware and some fascinating prototypes that I remember making with a file and a bench vise down there. And they are doing taping sessions too. I got to sit in on some sessions with Tom Frost before he died where he was talking about his part in all that. He'd been an aircraft designer, aeronautical engineer, and quit all that. He's a Stanford trained engineer, smart guy. The mechanical drawings that he made for the nuts that we were designing are phenomenal. They're just beautiful. And those are in the archive too. And so are the interviews with Tom where he talks about his role. Um, it's very cool. Val Franco is the head of that and she was a sewer at ironworks when I was there. We knew each other when we were in our twenties and she's still there and putting this thing together and she's so excited. What was your first backcountry ski experience? I started downhill skiing when I was seven years old at Goldridge and Sugar Bowl. And I had these Hickory skis, little segmented metal edges screwed onto them. But the bindings were interesting cause they had a cable on the heel and there were two hold-downs on the sides. And I hope you can visualize this cause, you snap the cable underneath one to hold your heel down onto the ski, right? That's the rear one. The forward one snapped from the rear. It’s a walking mode and these are my downhill skis. But this is 1952 and skiing hasn't advanced that far, so it's still like walking on skis is important. It's a backcountry sport that happens to have some ski lifts and hasn't evolved into plastic boots and all that. Um, so in a sense having that gear was my heritage and I realized that you could walk on it and that meant that I could go uphill on my skis. Jeez, no big deal. They were built for it. So in a sense, it started right there and by the early sixties, I was going into the backcountry skiing Pyramid Peak. I got to move to Bishop in 1969 fresh out of college. I'm already a guide and lucky again, I had a client for the entire winter. We rented a cabin up Bishop Creek and I taught him how to backcountry ski and winter climbing in the Palisades. We ended up the next spring, spring of 1970, skiing the John Muir Trail, which we thought was a first. But it turns out that we were scooped in 1928-29 by Orland Bartholomew. And that's another whole story. Well, nothing like skiing the whole length of the range to give you some ideas of places to go and things to just do. in 1975, David Beck and some friends pioneered the Sierra High Route in the backcountry, which goes from roughly Independence across to Sequoia National Park for six days. Or I like to take eight or nine days to do it cause, once you're out there, well why rush back to the city? I was guiding that every spring or maybe even twice every spring. And by the mid-eighties, there was a time when I skied across the range, guiding it for a week and then rested a day or two. And I had another backcountry ski tour to guide starting on the Eastside. So I skied back in 22 hours. This is like a six or eight-day trip but you know, I'm really fit and by then and I have set my own track across the top of these high basins. But what a day, you know, to be out there all by myself. I'm sure all this time in the backcountry gave you plenty of time to think about gear. The Ultima Thule Pack evolved out of a pack that Don Jensen had designed. He was brilliant. He gave us the plans for them and for our Muir Trail backcountry ski trip we built packs that weighed 17 ounces and carried 70 pounds. I built those packs and a tent that Don Jensen designed for that trip. And then while I was working in Ventura I knew that I could improve on the Jensen pack. So Tom Frost and I ended up crawling around on pattern paper on the floor and laughing to ourselves. It was so much fun to work with him as a designer and we came up with a truly better version of that pack that carried better. And so that was wonderful and decades later I designed another carrying system for a pack for Montbell when you and I were working there. That was the Wishbone system. I mentioned that the Ultima Thule dragged on your shoulders just like the Jensen backcountry pack did. We hadn't figured that out. And so it was figuring that out over the years with essentially some internal stays in the pack that rose above the shoulder straps, like lift straps, which everybody's got now. But there was a time when that was a big deal. It was a new way and the new hybrid materials that I came up with without going way into it. When did you write your first book? Writing for magazines like Outside, which I helped start, another whole story. I wrote some cover stories and was having such a good time. That was the first really professional magazine that I'd ever been around. I ended up moving to San Francisco to hang out with them and I was making enough of a pest to myself that they gave me a desk and a phone and ended up staying the winter. Then I wrote cover stories and I was writing for backpacker and already mentioned Powder. So that was half of my career and guiding was the other half. By the nineties, I had all these magazine articles that I had written that I liked and other people liked so I pulled them together into a book. So my first book was really just an anthology of my own writing. Things I liked the best going back to the sixties. And it was a big success actually. It was recently named by climbing magazine as one of the 33 must-reads climbing literature of all time. You were thinking about the listeners of the podcast, what do you want to say to them? I was thinking about the people who might be listening to this podcast. And I'm imagining that some of them are shop people working on the floor, some are designers, some are marketers, you know, we're all in the same industry, this outdoor industry, which is so great. It’s given us such great friendships and good times. I was thinking about the customer that walks into that shop and you're the guy on the floor saying “hi what can I do for you”? And that what you can do for them is not just talk about the qualities of the packs that you're selling, that they want to buy, but also the experience. You've been out in the backcountry more than they have. You have the experience they admire that and they would love to soak it up and hear some of your stories. And if you're a customer just walking into your local mountain shop, yeah you wanna walk back out with a parka and a pack and a sleeping bag, but you also want to rub shoulders with the experience itself. And so don't you guys out there sell yourself short on, on that. You got a lot to give people besides the tech specs. Do you have any other suggestions or advice for someone wanting to get into the outdoor business or grow their career if they are already in the biz? Follow your bliss. I mean, that's how basically all of us got in here. And I have one other sort of oddball piece of advice too. Don't think that you can get that degree from Oregon and be a product designer without the outdoor experience with it, cause you gotta be out there in the rain with the water somehow finding its way to drip in around the hood of your parka, you know, and you have to have that experience before you can know how to design around it, how to fix it. If you could have a huge banner at the entrance to the OR show these days, what would it say? My banner would say “take care of the planet because if you don't, nothing in this show is going to mean anything.” Y ou can follow up with Doug at his website Moving Over Stone
When Joe Vernachio joined Patagonia as a product line manager in the late eighties, it didn't dawn on him that 30 years later that he would be at the helm of a yet-to-be conceived brand named Mountain Hardwear.
His time at Patagonia led him to Nike, where he expanded his product and business expertise and he eventually returned to the outdoor industry in executive roles for Roots Canada, Spyder, and The North Face.
A resident of Marin County, when he's not cheering on his son at football games or daughter at volleyball games, he's doing casual stuff any executive does . . . like train to summit Everest.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Tell us about your attempt to climb Mt Everest, did you top out? No, we didn't. We went in the fall, last October. The mountain hadn't really been climbed in about six years in the autumn. The conditions are tougher, it's getting colder, it's getting windier, and the Icefall was in really rough shape. It took us almost a month just to get through the icefall. And then when we did, there was a huge Serac overhead, right in the same spot that took out many of the Sherpas a few years prior. It was just way too risky. So we backed off, but it was awesome to be back in the mountains and on that mountain specifically.
The Mountain moves around a little bit more, I think than it does in May. We're just looking at the jet stream and just seeing when it's not on the top of the mountain. So we could time our summit attempt for when we had a good window when it wouldn't be so windy. We'd never really even saw that window. So it just made the most sense to not put anybody at risk more than we needed to. What was amazing was that there was nobody on the mountain. It was just three of us. There were maybe 20 people in base camp versus a thousand people.
How were you introduced to the Outdoors? The classic story. My dad was a woodsman, a hunter, and a fisherman and we'd go canoeing as a family. So I was introduced to the outdoors that way. When I was about 13, this guy named George Willig climbed the twin towers in New York City. And I lived just outside of New York City. There were lots of articles in the newspaper about this guy and this thing called rock climbing. And this place that he climbed called the Shawangunks up in New York. Being close enough to it, I made my way up there and got exposed to this thing called rock climbing. I just became fascinated with it and did what I could on my own as a kid. Then I went to the University of Wisconsin, and there was a climbing area out there called Devil's Lake, which is just a nice little top roping area that I was able to hone my skills and, and learn quite a bit about it.
How does a guy with degrees in biochemistry and biology get into the outdoor industry? After I got out of school, I just had no idea what I was going to do with any of those degrees. I got a job at Erewhon Mountain Shop in Madison working for Jeff Weidman. He was the store manager and I loved it. I just loved being around the product. I love opening the boxes when they came in and I just couldn't wait to see all the new stuff. I think our Patagonia rep at the time was Rock Horton, who's a long time outdoor industry employee with Black Diamond. I think he just retired just recently. He made some introductions for me. At the time Patagonia and Chouinard equipment were very, very small. Peter Metcalf said come on out and I'll give you a job. I think there were about 12 of us at Chouinard equipment at the time. I worked in the area attached to the original Patagonia store.
You've been with an impressive list of brands, which of your roles has been most inspiring? I would say my education in business and how to make great product was Nike, no doubt about it. I was there from ‘89 to 2000. It was just the skyrocket of growth and just the culture and how to make great products while still growing business very rapidly. The culture there was, was fantastic I've always admired Mark Parker. I think he just recently stepped down as president, CEO. But Mark was part of the team back then. It was just an amazing group of talented, people there that I got to work shoulder to shoulder with.
I definitely learned the product side of it and the design and the respect for the process of design from Nike. My time at Spyder was really valuable and just understanding the financial side of it. Running a company on a line of credit, going deep in debt, and then coming out of debt, much like a retailer operates was really valuable. And then there really isn't a day that goes by that I don't rely on some of my memories at outdoor industry retailer Erewhon working on a store floor and what that feels like. Having a rep come in and, and engage with you as a store kid and how it really just grabs you and makes you a brand champion.
How is Mountain Hardware navigating the current environment? We're all working from home. We're on video conferences all day long. We were able to do a couple of weeks of prep prior to it. We could kind of see it coming. So we did some prep. So it was a nice transition. It wasn't that abrupt. Our motto to ourselves is we're not surviving. We're preparing. We're not just trying to figure out how to survive this thing. We're actually trying to make sure we use this time to hone our outdoor industry product positioning and our brand messaging and our values to make sure we come out of this really strong, really sharp. We just feel strongly that people are actually going to probably have more of a connection to nature and to the outdoors and appreciation for it than they did going into this. I don't see any indication that it's going to go the other way
What are you hearing in the last weeks or six weeks as we've gone through this that inspires you? I think that the thing that's most inspiring is just the really good outdoor industry retailers, the really good brands and the really good factories are all linking arms and realizing that we all need each other. And if we are mean to each other and disrespectful to each other through this process, it's not going to work. I think in situations like this, the best come out and people, and that's what we've seen. We've seen mostly cooperation and understanding, and everyone just trying to find stable ground to stand on and I feel like six weeks into it, it's kind of where we are. And today, we're starting to hear about some stores that are starting to open around the country. So we'll take a look at what that looks like and see what this feels like. I don't think we're under any impression that outdoor industry doors are just gonna be wide open and everyone's gonna rush in. Just some movement, I think we'll start to make people feel a little bit better and set us up for probably early next year to start to get a little closer to whatever the new normal is.
How do you think it's gonna impact the outdoor industry supply chain? I lived in Asia for seven years, work directly with the factories while I was with Nike. So I've had a number of years in Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan and know the factory side of things as well. If I learned anything during that time, it's just how resilient and how customer service focused the factories and mills are. We certainly had some disruption when China shut down and now some of the other countries are shutting down. But boy, their ability to recover is miraculous. And, while we've had some disruption in the supply, it's not that impactful. I'd say it's just a little bit worse than a normal season where you always have some problems somewhere in the world that you're dealing with. But nothing we can't recover from. The biggest challenge in this whole event will be inventory and where does it pile up and how does it get dispersed? That's the game. I mean, retailers, they're trying to reduce their pile. Brands are trying to reduce their pile and factories are trying to reduce their pile
What about the future of outdoor industry trade shows? I was in the sports and fitness industry when the super show is going on in Atlanta. That was a show was maybe the biggest and everyone thought that would never end. And it did and the industry went on and you worked out other ways to do it. I think there's a much bigger cultural component to it for us in the outdoor industry. So, on a personal level, I would hate to see it go away. On a business level, I think there are ways to do it. They're not as personal and there's not as much comradery around it, but it still gets the business done. I mean, we're going to do it this year. But I really, really hope it comes back and that we can all get together again and, create that culture that really existed. I mean, you just get to see so many more people than you would have otherwise.
Suggestions or advice for folks wanting to get into the outdoor adventure business or grow their career? I think my advice to get in the outdoor industry is just to get in with a retailer or a brand that you respect and admire. What I say to young people is to be sure you understand the company's values before you join. Because if you don't align with their values, then you're not going to like a lot of the decisions they make. So that, and a lot of companies won't be able to articulate their values, if they can't articulate them, then that tells you something too.
Other things we talked about Favorite Gear under $100: Mountain Hardwear Kor Pre Shell
OR Banner: “Be nice to each other”
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After 12 years in the Outdoor Retail Industry as a jack of all trades at retail, these days Lauren Webb of Bullish Endurance develops Creative Solutions for brands that are often last out of the bag.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes “The current sales model is broken. It really hasn't adapted. And small outdoor retail brands are always last out of the bag if even mentioned at all. So many traditional sales reps are based on schedule and ROI and that's why a lot of these brands just really never get a chance” - Lauren Web, Bullish Endurance Bullish Endurance describes their solution for last out of the bag Outdoor Retail Brands. We work with small outdoor retail brands on their marketing and sales solutions. There are so many great companies, that really don't have the bandwidth or the budget to be able to have an in-house sales team or a big marketing campaign budget. We're here to share their story and fill that role. We work with the Outdoor Retail brands to come with campaigns and activities to execute. We attend outdoor retail events, consumer events, it just really depends. Every company is different and everywhere they see their customer is different, whether it's a consumer or retailers. So we just really get to know the customer and how best to give them their best return on investment. How do you create and execute a solution for a last out of the bag Outdoor Retail Brand? We communicate. They know what we do best and they know what they do best. And by collaborating and getting to know what and where their best return on investment is we build a solution for the customer that fits their needs. Maybe they need exposure in a certain area. For example a lot of the West Coast outdoor retail brands that maybe you and I have relationships with because we were based on the West coast but in the Southeast, nobody's ever heard of them. What kind of Outdoor Retail Brand Solutions do you create? Is it different per brand, different per shop? Is it all Bespoke stuff? Things like going to outdoor retail events for some lead generation at a trade show that they may be interested in, but don't have the support staff to be able to do that. Or attending consumer events to build the brand and engage with their direct to consumer. Maybe it's a little bit more of a tactical brand that's looking for some connection with some outdoor retailers because, you know, we have great retail and event partners nationwide. Tt just really depends on the company. Some companies prefer the traditional retail model, some are happy working with distributors and the distribution model. So we basically connect them with partners and increase exposures. We just do it all. What are some of the results you've achieved for Outdoor Retail Brands and Retailers? Increased sales and we've been able to showcase great outdoor retail brands that make sense for our retailers. We're able to share their story. And I think that that's the biggest thing. There are so many brands that retailers might have seen through Instagram or on social. So we're able to connect those partners. What has been the response from Outdoor Shops and Brands? The biggest thing is that brands are just looking for a solution. This is what has really resonated. Outdoor Retail stores want to hear about any product or a new approach, as long as it's cost-effective and has a customer for them. Since we're compensated by the solution package and not necessarily going in with a bag of 15 lines and maybe we get into the last few, the retailer isn't constantly being sold. We're working on whatever solution works best for them. So a better relationship is being formed through the retailer and the brand and our agency. This collaboration being formed. At the end of the day creating collaboration between small brands and retailers is the overall solution. That’s great! How can folks follow up with you? You can check out our website at www.bullishendurance.com or contact us via email at bullishendurance@gmail.com Other things we talked about Zoic Clothing Lizard Skins Moon Sports USA Huma Gel Orange Seal Afton Shoes Favorite Gear under $100 Zoic Piper Jersey Moon Sports Headlamp Subscribe HERE to The Outdoor Biz Podcast and get every episode delivered right to your inbox.
He began his outdoor career in the '60s working for Dick Kelty, he started a couple of outdoor businesses with his brother, was an executive with VF for quite a few years, has taken numerous adventures near and far with his wife Katie and is now helping small businesses navigate these challenging times. Jim Thomsen discusses the current business environment and offers advice and strategies for taking action. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show notes
"the most critical thing that you should be doing right now is conserving cash and make sure you save that cash."
You're helping a lot of small business owners sort through the SBA programs, how did you get involved with the SBA? The Small Business Development Center has locations all over the country funded by the SBA. What they offer is in normal times is really excellent business consulting. They'll help you do business plans and cash flow statements and they have experts in all the offices to help you. If you wanted to work out a social media program or marketing plan, finances, they have people who specialize in that. Not just SBA loans but all kinds of different financing. And the work that the small business development centers do is totally free to businesses. I had known about it but never really worked with it. It's a super great group of people and every business should sign up with them because you don't have to listen to anybody. You could ask them anything. They have all kinds of resources and it's 100% free. The group in central California also includes the Eastern Sierra. Since the main offices are in Bakersfield, Inyo and Mono county are not a convenient place for them to come over. But Once a year they do a big economic conference here explaining different offerings that they have. At this last one, they asked me to be a speaker there because they wanted a section on crowdfunding. I had just done the Kickstarter program for Wilderness Experience, and since I had done it all myself, I learned all the little parts of it. So I was one of the speakers and I got to know the director and a few other people. He kept saying, you know, you would be perfect, you gotta help us over here in Eastern Sierra because we have plenty of small businesses that could use some help. I said, well you know, it sounds perfect. I helped one store for about an hour or two and was thinking I’m never going to be a very good consultant just because I'm not going to be around. Once we got back from Patagonia, all of a sudden we're stuck. You know, inside our condo with nothing going on and every small business in town is having a problem. So they called and said would you start helping on these? A lot of people are stuck at home with nothing to do right now. And, and I'm busier than I've ever been. How are you helping, what are you doing with small business owners? Most of it over this last month has been trying to get the different SBA loans because those are ones that have been pushed. There's a lot of money behind them. The loans are actually really good for businesses but it's still government loans. So it's not easy. It's not something that you could just apply for. So I'm helping the different businesses first understand the different loans and why one may be better for them than another, the good points of them, the bad points of them, and then how to apply and how to get all their information together and get the loan. That's been what I've really spent most of my time doing. How many different types of loans are available, three or four right? There's actually more, but there are two main ones and it's the ones you probably, nobody would've ever known before. Now they're in the news a lot. One is called the economic injury disaster loan. It's actually part of the SBA disaster program, which normally is used after an earthquake or a hurricane and they come in and help rebuild. They use that same program for this, except the record number of loans previously was I think for Katrina. They had 11,000 applicants over a three day period. This one they had 3 million in four days. So when people say, Oh, it's impossible to deal with them, you can't thru. They probably were unprepared for that. The other one is the payroll protection plan. And that's to try to keep businesses paying their employees. From a government point of view, it's goal is to keep people from getting laid off and collecting unemployment. From the business perspective that allows them, if they've got good employees, to keep those people. Keep paying them, if they offer health insurance keep that going. If they get the money and actually keep people employed and paid, the loan is 100% forgiven. And some businesses, like one of the ones I’ve worked with, at one of his locations he was trying to do some remodeling inside and it was always a problem cause they were open. Now he has two of his employees working, doing work inside rebuilding one of their buildings. There are two people in there, they can make it safe and no problem. He's actually getting value out of the employees while paying them. I've got a couple of other ones that have young employees that are here in Mammoth because they want to ski and play. They are really good at computer things and setting up web sites and things. So they're getting a lot of work from these guys, helping them finally get a good website, which they'd never had before. What should small business owners be doing now besides trying to get loans? To me, the most critical thing that you should be doing right now is conserving cash and make sure you save that cash. That means calling everybody you owe money to every payment you have and trying to get them to either, defer the payments or forgive some or to give you longer terms or something. I know it's really hard and I've had retail stores where I've had trouble paying bills. It's hard calling people, but you just have to do it. At least at this time, nobody's going to ask you what really happened cause they know what happened, right? The second most important thing tied in with that is to do a true cash flow statement. Something that I always tell everybody in business that you have to do. Because that's the critical thing. Keep your cash flow statement updated as things change. So you know what position you're in and now it's more critical than ever. It is really hard to guess what your revenue is going to be this month or next month. But you should be able to get to the point where you have an idea of what money you're going to have going out. The first time you do a cash flow statement, it's not going to be accurate, but you should be updating that every few days just if nothing else. It makes you think about your business. Things We Talked About Small Business Development Center Economic Injury Disaster Loan (currently it is closed as of 4/26, but should reopen sometime, hopefully soon) Payroll Protection Plan Loans Eastern Sierra businesses to sign up with the Small Business Development Center Jim LinkedIn: James Thomsen LinkedIn Profile Jim Email: jamesthomsen@outlook.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts HERE or to our email list HERE and get every episode delivered right to your inbox.
Wes Allen and I talk about this current pandemic and its effects on the adventure and outdoor retail business, his life growing up on a ranch outside Cody, Wyoming, Sunlight Sports, the Argo Agency and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes A life of Ranching, Adventure, and Outdoor Retail with Wes Allen of Sunlight Sports [EP 212] Wes grew up on a working Cattle Ranch outside Cody, Wyoming. Currently the principal at the outdoor retail shop Sunlight Sports, Co-Founder of the Argot Agency and former president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
"They want to be able to tell a story that local Outdoor Retail customers will relate to. That's the whole concept behind the Argo Agency"
Find out more about Sunlight Sports and the Argot Agency here: Sunlight Sports - Argot Agency
You have a wide range of experience in the outdoor retail space. Tell us about a little bit about your background. I do have a wide range of experience. My first formal job in the outdoor industry was here at Sunlight Sports. Cody was the nearest big town to the ranch. After I graduated from college, I came in for an outdoor retail summer job because I had purchased stuff here before. I wound up staying and then, a year later or so the woman who owned Sunlight with her husband . . . her much younger sister came back from college in New Zealand and I wound up getting married to her. So yeah, I kinda got into the family that way.
How did the Argot Agency come about? Argo is something that's a little bit newer. Argo agency is a specialty agency that works on building out bespoke marketing programs between Outdoor Retailers and brands. These retailers have been identified as key outdoor retail specialty accounts by the brands. And obviously, from my background, I really believe in the power of specialty outdoor retail.
We've worked with quite a few brands in the outdoor industry. When people go into a specialty outdoor retail shop, there's kind of this ambiance and Summit Hut is a great example. You go in there and it is definitely an Arizona outdoor store and they sell snake gaiters and they've got cactus on the wall. It's not, you know, it's not a Pacific Northwest outdoor retail store. And you know, brands want to tell great stories that resonate with customers. They want to be able to tell a story that local Outdoor Retail customers will relate to. That's the whole concept behind Argo.
Tell our listeners how Argo works with outdoor retail brands and stores to execute these campaigns. So we go in and we actually customize it for every single outdoor retail shop. The vast majority of retailers that we work with, we do a photoshoot with the brand. Then we create brand signage and pop and everything in the store for the brand. So for example with Summit Hut, when we did the signs it was pictures of people in the mountains right outside of Tucson. The fonts and the colors and everything was localized but it was very much a Nemo branded campaign.
What suggestions or advice do you have for folks wanting to get into the outdoor retail biz? Or grow their career if they're already in the biz.
I think that the outdoor retail industry, even though it's gotten bigger and there are big multinational corporations involved, it is a passion industry. Very few people are in the outdoor industry because this is the only job they can find right? They're here because they care about it. And I think my one suggestion I would give to people is I'd wear your passions on your sleeve a little bit more, whether it's for your job or for the outdoor activities that you enjoy. I think we all respond to that and find it a positive thing. And we like being around people who are passionate about something. I think in your career if you can be passionate about your job and passionate about your activities, other people in the outdoor industry are more inclined to help you with your career.
Things We Talked About
Sunlight Sports
Argot Agency
Summit Hut
Nemo Equipment
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
Cody, Wyoming
Paella
Favorite Outdoor Gear Under $100
Dana Design Bangtail hip pack
Espro Coffee
Hydroflask
Outdoor Retailer Banner
Do your job well and understand where it fits in the big picture of the industry
Connect with Wes- Argo Agency, Linkedin
I'm excited to talk with Dana Gleason today. Dana's been making packs for over 40 years in the outdoor industry. Some of the best packs I've ever carried. It's always fun to catch up with him at trade shows and now on the podcast.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes The man behind Mystery Ranch packs, Dana Gleason, has seen many pack trends and brands come and go during his forty years of designing and sewing packs. Several of the brands were his own, including Kletterwerks, which he started as a young ski and climbing bum in 1975, later revived by Dana’s son in 2012. In the late 70s and early 80s, Dana and business partner, Renee Sippel-Baker, threw their creative energy into Mojo Systems and Quest camera bags. Dana’s namesake brand, Dana Design was established in 1985 quickly becoming the pack to trust for uncompromising durability and a comfortable carry among mountaineers and backpackers. As is often the case with entrepreneurial brands, cash for growth was needed and Dana and Renee ended up selling off their interest in each of those brands. In 2000, after some time off, Dana and Renee once again crafted a small selection of durable packs for a new endeavor, Mystery Ranch.
“The fact that we’ve succeeded in this is more than luck. ‘Luck’ consists of holding on to the good stuff and letting go of the bad,” explains Dana as he recounts his history building packs. After 40 years, Dana has observed dozens of load-carrying systems come and go. He’s seen trends like the superlight movement catch the interest of consumers and he’s seen the pendulum swing in the opposite direction for professionals whose highest priority is a comfortable carry. As the majority of US factories were shut down, and production moved overseas, Dana has observed quality become inconsistent. He’s seen fabrics and materials evolve from the original thick rust Cordura to the high tenacity lightweight versions available today. All this experience has found significance in the new 2016 Mystery Ranch packs, which like all of Dana’s packs are Built For The Mission.
How did You get interested in the Outdoors It was definitely as a kid and I have to thank my parents. It wasn't purely backpacking, I was raised just outside of Boston and my parents who were florists had their own independent business, a flower shop. They always took time off in the summer, which actually as florists is easy to do. It's a slow time of the year and we would go up to New Hampshire and camp in all sorts of places. For the most part, we were dragging a tent camper and we'd be up there a couple of weeks at a time and doing all sorts of day trips, climbing Mount Washington or Mount Jefferson. It just was normal, very fun. And, then at age 12 they then badly warped me when we did a six week trip across the country, out to the Rockies and then up through Yellowstone. And we got to out with a cousin of mine do some stupid things in the Tetons. After College, I wanted to stay connected to the outdoors and I had an opportunity to start working at a shop. Admittedly, it was a shop in the Chicago area, which is not exactly what one would think of as, Hey, I'm in the mountains. Right. But basically people in Chicago, they badly need a trip when the opportunity comes up. So, you know, helping out at a shop there, the first year or two got me into what we grandly call show business. After designing and building outdoor packs for over 40 years, what inspired your first design? Pain and frustration. I was using the gear of the time and there were some improvements that were clearly needed. I had graduated from using Kelty outdoor packs, and trying to use it for all things including ski touring, climbing and other stuff. And while they are a hell of a pack on the trail, they are a hideous torture machine when it comes to actually trying to do approaches or climb or ski. I started applying some further thought to that. And this was after I'd been doing a couple of years of mods and custom work and had a decent heavy-duty machine. This was during a time when I was shifting from managing an outdoor store to becoming a sales rep, which was utterly important because you can get great ideas and feedback. Dana design pack was one of the outdoor packs to have in the eighties and nineties except for the first three years. No one had heard of us. No one wanted to see it, I couldn't get it going in a store, I even tried to hire reps. It was such a unique design. A person I hired back in 1978 at clutter works as a seamstress that came to work with me and came to become the obvious choice for the manager of the sewing floor. Two years in, we had a rather historic meeting at a picnic table where we had bag lunches and I confessed that “I'm screwing this up. I recognize I'm screwing this up and how do we make this go?” That person's name was Renee Sippel Baker. She then became my business partner through three of these things over the last 40 years. Mystery Ranch Outdoor Packs has been around for 20 years. What was the inspiration for that brand? I had no intention of doing an outdoor pack company or even something in the outdoor industry. I still had some sewing machines and my eldest daughter Alice asked me for something that she claimed I hadn't really built during her lifetime, which was a simple hip sack. We had built big, complex ones, ones where you could put 10 kilos on your waist and carry reasonably comfortably, but you needed a few extra straps and you kind of had to operate it. She wanted something simple. So I did three, four days worth of work and it kind of felt cool to be doing something from scratch. I still built something we call lumbar wrap and I handed it to her and she put it on and it worked. And she turned around and looked at me and said, “thanks, dad. That's just what I wanted” with a big smile. We have some really pretty darn good tricks and the thing going from the birth of Mystery Ranch, which was entirely about getting back into the outdoor industry and working with specialty shops and building outdoor packs that would matter for them. Advice for someone wanting to get into the other business or grow their outdoor career First off, working in a retail store. You need to not just get into what you would like, but to see what other people are after and how it is to in fact interact with them. It's really kind of necessary to learn what makes the frog jump. Things we talked about Mystery Ranch Dana Design Kletterworks Mojo Systems K2 Kelty Don Jensen Marmot A16 Gregory Wayne Gregory Great Pacific Iron Works Black Diamond Patagonia Montbell Eagle Creek Dyneema ISO 9001 Bozeman. MT Eastern Sierra Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
This is episode three of a special series I’m doing with Spencer Houser and Peter Williams. They are in the early phase of their startup Super Pacific and we thought it would be fun to chronicle what it's like to develop a new product from scratch and launch a new brand.
We’ll drop a new episode every couple weeks as we talk about how they came up with their idea, what the initial steps were and all the wins and challenges along the way.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
Spencer- I grew up in rural upstate New York, in an old farmhouse with 60 acres of land. So outdoors was just part of life. I just spent all my time outside, you know, making forts in the woods with my buddies and BMX tracks and, and camping out all summer long. Then in high school got into mountain biking and rock climbing. I was always into skiing.
Peter- I grew up in North Carolina, outside of Raleigh. We lived on some land, the back doors were like a pasture, with a couple of Ponds and a bunch of woods. Outdoors was kind of like the default setting, and after school go outside and when it was time to come in my mom blew a whistle. We would also go down to the beach in North Carolina. We spend a lot of time poking around the outer banks.
Things we talked about
Super Pacific Inc.
Roof Top Tents
Entrepreneurs
"provide jobs for quality jobs for people"
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Channel Mastery
99% Invisible
American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman
A Finer Future by L. Hunter Lovins
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Houdini Jacket
Kinco Hydro Flector gloves
Connect with Peter and Spencer
spencert@superpacific.us
peter@superpacific.us
I talk about Truckee River Stewardship, Fly Fishing and Burritos with the guys from Bear Fish Alliance this week on Episode 209.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Welcome to episode 209 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I'm talking Fly Fishing, Podcasting, Stewardship and more with Nico Sunseri and Ben King of the BearFish Alliance. Fellow Fly Fishing aficionados, BearFish believes that by enabling multilevel stewardship via unified communication channels, it is possible to preserve the integrity, legacy, and future of Fly Fishing on the Truckee River as a wild rainbow and Brown trout fishery for the community to enjoy and generations to come.
"So here's a little thing about the Truckee River. We've given it a nickname, The Big Two Faced River"
Find out more about the Bear Fish Alliance here: https://bearfishalliance.com/
What are some of the stewardship activities that you guys are working on right now?
Nico- "In early June, and we're having a River Clean-Up in cooperation with Trout Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy".
How did you get introduced to Fly Fishing and the outdoors?
Ben-"I surfed my whole life. That includes many trips down to Mexico. My grandpa's the real true outdoors and my dad has same passion. Growing up camping and in the boy Scouts we did a lot of backpacking, hiking, and I just most connected to the Outdoors in so many different ways."
Nico- "I was more of an inland kid growing up in San Dimas, California and started fishing probably about five years old. From the time I could ride a bike after school or before school or in summers I went fishing. A trip to Lake Powell really got me hooked into fishing and it just kinda carried on. The transition to fly fishing didn't really happen, Oh my gosh, I mean maybe about seven years ago."
When Was the first time you went Fly Fishing together? I introduced Ben to Fly Fishing and to his credit he pays attention. He picked up on some things. I would say within a month of us going out constantly, one day he just geared up and hopped in his car. After a bit, he gives me a call and says "I'm Fly Fishing on my own". An hour later he sends me a picture. Probably it was a little Rainbow or Brown or something, but he started Fishing by himself.
Tell our listeners about the bear fish Alliance. How did you, what inspired you to create that? It kinda came from number one- being self-taught on the river. It’s kind of an enduring hardship, you know, getting into the sport of fly fishing. You go out and see all these people doing it, you're watching all these YouTube videos reading books, and seeing people being successful and that's a lot. Fly Fishing this river is not easy, you basically learn through trial and error. So I was thinking there has to be a way for us to collectively get all this information together and available to people that want to get into the sport. And for people from out of the area. There isn't one single collective place that you can go to in this region to find information on the Truckee River. There are a few different groups here like trout unlimited, they have a great presence. Nature Conservancy's done a phenomenal job on the Eastern Truckee doing restoration work and a couple of few other groups doing good work. But the challenge was everyone had their own little stake and they have their own communication channels. So I thought well, maybe we could just step in and fill that void. We came up with the name BearFish Alliance, which gives a historical nod to the Truckee River. During the time of the settlers, the California grizzly was common in this area and the Lahontan Cutthroat trout ran freely between Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River. The Truckee does maintain the propensity to grow very large Brown and Rainbow Trout. So what’s with the burrito part of your show? We like our guests to be comfortable, you know? If you can get in their environment, it relaxes them. Ben and I both were born and raised in Southern California. And you have two main types of burritos, Carnitas and Carne Asada. We also have a Jurassic park scale we use, you must get close to legitimate food poisoning to be considered a real burrito. The only other requirement is the horchata, you know if they have the machine they're legit, if they have the jar, that’s next level. Locally here in the Eastern Sierra up in June Lake near June Lake brewing there's a trailer called Ohanas. It's absolutely the Best burrito in the Sierra. They use pork in that Jurassic Park burrito shell and Wow! It's just an experience. Like everything's wrong about it and you want somebody to drive you home cuz you're going to have a food coma.
Things We Talked About BearFish Alliance Burritos, Breaks, and Flies- Podcast Reno Fly Shop, Reno Sportsmans Warehouse Reno Trout Unlimted The Nature Conservancy Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Ohanas 395 June Lake Favorite Podcasts * Ear Hustle * The Outdoor Biz Podcast * Orvis * Fly Fishing Consultant Podcast
Favorite Outdoor Gear Under $100 Ben-Magnetic Net Keeper Nico- Quick Silver Sun Hat Connect with Nico and Ben- BearFish Alliance
Kurt Gauss of GSI Outdoors is one of our outdoor design wizards making the core product we just can't live without. He has degrees in design from Notre Dame and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He's taught product design and led undergraduate and postgraduate programs of electrical and electronic robotics and product design at the University of the West of England and he's led the design efforts for over 13 years at GSI outdoors.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Introduction to the Outdoors
My father grew up on a farm and his idea of summer vacation property was to buy a farm. And so much to my mother's chagrin, he bought a farm. My mom kind of wanted the Lake House North of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But he got the farm and so from Memorial day through labor day we were basically dropped off and the older siblings and I, we had 70 plus acres just to Rome and build forts and camps and teepees and sweat lodges and ponds and fishing and all that. That was pretty fun. And also learning the trade of farming when I was a teenager. That was good hard work mucking out barns and stuff like that. You get over some of your phobias quickly when you work on a farm.
Things we talked about
GSI Outdoors
Use code OUTDOORBIZ and receive 10% off your entire order and free shipping over $25. Good until April 30th.
Pinnacle Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology
University of Notre Dame
University of Wisconsin
Dawson College
Knee Braces
The University of West of England
Bristol
Spokane
Dieter Rams
Spokane, Nordic Ski Association
Spokane Nordic Rangers
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, Mtn Biking, Nordic and Alpine skiing, Sailing
Advice
There are two sides of the outdoor business. There's the sales side and customer service side. And so if you want to get into the sales side, my advice is to get an entry-level job in customer service. Try REI and places like that and what that teaches you, that shows you a whole lot about the business. It teaches you about the issues of closing a sale and customer support after the sale and the whole ecology and ecosystem there.
And then if you want to get into design, a lot of people say, Oh, I love the outdoor world. I want to get an internship in design in the outdoors. And that really casts a very, very small, very small net. And I would say, you know, most of the people I've hired have had experience not in the outdoor industry. They've had other experience, which is actually from a design director's point of view, what you want, You know, what kind of skills from designing washing machines in Michigan can you bring to GSI?
So really look for internships and, and for me from again, design director's point of view, getting an internship, whether it's a non paid internship during the summer or a paid internship after graduation where you just getting basically minimum wage, you know, doing the grunt work, that is what I want to see. I want to see how you work with people. And what you do with your time as a person working in a group and how you can talk about that and bring that experience forward. It's a lot about group dynamics in a creative world and so you want to make sure that that person that you'd be looking at has had some experience in it designed for them.
Favorite Books and Podcasts
I'll go to a Sci-Fi novel or a spy thriller that just takes me away.
I love to listen to wooden boat building, podcasts, sailing, adventure, podcasts, these people that are taking their families or even taking themselves around the world. And in doing that, that's just living vicariously.
And Ted talks. I love Ted talks.
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Solomon hiking boots
Connect with Kurt
This is episode two of a special series I’m doing with Spencer Houser and Peter Williams. They are in the early phase of their startup Super Pacific and we thought it would be fun to chronicle what it's like to develop a new product from scratch and launch a new brand.
We’ll drop a new episode every couple weeks as we talk about how they came up with their idea, what the initial steps were and all the wins and challenges along the way.
And if you have questions please send them to rick@ricksaez.com and I’ll be sure and ask the guys in future episodes.
Facebook TwitterInstagram
The Outdoor Biz Podcast
Please give us a rating and review HERE
Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
Spencer- I grew up in rural upstate New York, in an old farmhouse with 60 acres of land. So outdoors was just part of life. I just spent all my time outside, you know, making forts in the woods with my buddies and BMX tracks and, and camping out all summer long. Then in high school got into mountain biking and rock climbing. I was always into skiing.
Peter- I grew up in North Carolina, outside of Raleigh. We lived on some land, the back doors were like a pasture, with a couple of Ponds and a bunch of woods. Outdoors was kind of like the default setting, and after school go outside and when it was time to come in my mom blew a whistle. We would also go down to the beach in North Carolina. We spend a lot of time poking around the outer banks.
Things we talked about
Super Pacific Inc.
Roof Top Tents
Entrepreneurs
"provide jobs for quality jobs for people"
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Channel Mastery
99% Invisible
American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman
A Finer Future by L. Hunter Lovins
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Houdini Jacket
Kinco Hydro Flector gloves
Connect with Peter and Spencer
spencert@superpacific.us
peter@superpacific.us
Steve Gallo joined OOFOS, the global leader in recovery footwear, as President in February 2018. A professional with more than 25 years of experience in branded footwear, apparel and accessories, Gallo leverages his industry expertise to continue fueling the explosive growth OOFOS has experienced during the past six years.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Steve Gallo joined OOFOS, the global leader in recovery footwear, as President in February 2018. A professional with more than 25 years of experience in branded footwear, apparel and accessories, Gallo leverages his industry expertise to continue fueling the explosive growth OOFOS has experienced during the past six years.
Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
Growing up North of Boston, my dad was really into the outdoors. We spent a lot of time in New Hampshire and he actually climbed all the 4,000 footers in the Appalachian trail in New Hampshire. Yeah, it's funny, you know, you and I talked about this earlier, he kept one of those journals on all of his hikes up to the different 4,000 footers and who we went with, and what, what transpired. I actually haven't done all of them. I want to finish them all. But he did all of them, some even twice. The other family member that did all of them was our golden retriever who is in the book too. My dad actually got the 4,000 footer patch. So it's a lot of great memories.
Things we talked about
OOFOS
Recovery Footwear
Nichols College
Assumption College
Reebok
Adidas
Northwestern
MIT
Duke
Harvard
WWE Consulting
Linda Jaros
OR Banner
"Do yourself a favor and try a pair of OOFOS. Get a carabiner and hang them on your backpack."
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, Mtn Biking, Working Out, lifting weights, Cross Country skiing
Advice
If you're passionate about it, go for it. I mean, and if you can combine, I tell my kids this all the time, if you can combine something you truly love to do, and you're good at it as well. That's a magic formula, you know? And you know, life's too short not to do what you love.
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Mindset by Carol Dweck
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Foam Roller
REI Socks
Connect with Steve
Steve Gallo- Linkedin
Barry and Cathy Beck have hosted some of the best fly fishing and photo adventures you’ll find. They have traveled and fished all over the world and produce stunning images of it all.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
Barry- My parents had a tackle shop. From the very beginning, it was spending time in the shop with my parents and also our vacations were always fishing oriented. It's just been part of my life. I can't remember not fishing.
Cathy- I grew up in the country on a farm, in a big family. I have seven brothers and sisters. And so we grew up in the country and fishing the farm ponds and you know, lots of woods around and farm fields and it's just, you know, this was the lifestyle.
Things we talked about
Barry and Cathy Beck
Bob Marriott's Fly Shop
Lefty Kreh
Ron Taniwaki
DXO
Frontiers International
Farbank Industries
Sage
Rio
Redington
Tibor Reels
Other Outdoor Activities
Walking
Working on old Land Rovers
Advice
Don't quit your day job.
And Kathy always frowns when I say that. We do hear that question a lot, especially at our industry show. We've got a young photographer who comes in and says, you know, how do you do this? How do you make a living at this? And, or a guide who wants to move into the industry and, it's certainly not an industry that you're going to get rich at, but you will get rich in other ways. It's a lifestyle and it's what it's all about. And I don't care if you're a young guy working for Sage or you're a young guy hoping to move up into, in something larger. It's still a lifestyle. If you accept that and know you're not going to make a lot of money, but you're going to have other rewards that you can't put a monetary value on, absolutely. You should do it, follow your dreams.
Favorite Books and Podcasts
anything by John Gierach
Tim Flagler Tightline Productions
Fly Fishing Guide Podcast Tom Rosenbauer Orvis
anything by Lefty Kreh
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Rio Outbound Shooting Head
Connect with Barry and Cathy
Barry and Cathy Beck
This is episode one of a special series I’m doing with Spencer Houser and Peter Williams. They are in the early phase of their startup Super Pacific and we thought it would be fun to chronicle what it's like to develop a new product from scratch and launch a new brand.
We’ll drop a new episode every couple weeks as we talk about how they came up with their idea, what the initial steps were and all the wins and challenges along the way.
Ans if you have questions please send them to rick@ricksaez.com and I’ll be sure and ask the guys in future episodes.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
Spencer- I grew up in rural upstate New York, in an old farmhouse with 60 acres of land. So outdoors was just part of life. I just spent all my time outside, you know, making forts in the woods with my buddies and BMX tracks and, and camping out all summer long. Then in high school got into mountain biking and rock climbing. I was always into skiing.
Peter- I grew up in North Carolina, outside of Raleigh. We lived on some land, the back doors were like a pasture, with a couple of Ponds and a bunch of woods. Outdoors was kind of like the default setting, and after school go outside and when it was time to come in my mom blew a whistle. We would also go down to the beach in North Carolina. We spend a lot of time poking around the outer banks.
Things we talked about
Super Pacific Inc.
Roof Top Tents
Entrepreneurs
"provide jobs for quality jobs for people"
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Channel Mastery
99% Invisible
American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman
A Finer Future by L. Hunter Lovins
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Houdini Jacket
Kinco Hydro Flector gloves
Connect with Peter and Spencer
spencert@superpacific.us
peter@superpacific.us
I'm excited to share this episode with sock aficionado, 40 under 40 SGB recipient, family dance party planner and
Wigwams director of product management, Margaret Newhard.
Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
My Mom always had us working, digging, raking, doing something outside and she always found a way to make it fun. Just to talk about as we were doing all these things, you know, what are the unique aspects of plants and animals in nature and discovery. She is the adventurous soul in the family and my brother and I did a lot of hiking and cross country skiing and just generally were outside for much of our childhood. Summers basically was kind of one of those deals where you left the house in the morning and played outside the entire day and just found things to do outside of technology and some of the things we see today. Then we'd show up for dinner, and that would be the day.
Things we talked about
Wigwam
Synchroknit
Gander Outdoors
Other Outdoor Activities
Snow Shoeing
Skiing
Sled Dogging
Hiking
Stand Up Paddling
Canoeing
Advice
Recognize in many cases that you usually have to start from the bottom up. Even if you're starting small, I think getting your foot in the door really does it. It's amazing how interconnected our industry is. And you know, once you get into that web, it's amazing the opportunities that really open up.
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Brown Bear Brown Bear What You See
I love you Stinky Face
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Wigwam Socks of course
Hydroflask
Stasher
Connect with Margaret and Wigwam
Instagram @wigwamsocks
Instagram @SynchroknitbyWigwam
Facebook @wigwamsocks
Facebook @SynchroKnit
Twitter @wigwamsocksusa
LinkedIn: Wigwam Mills Inc
LinkedIn: Margaret (Chesebro) Newhard
Brian Helfrich, is the CEO and owner of Summit Coffee Co., a national coffee and lifestyle brand that's quickly making a name for themselves in the outdoor space. In addition to operating its own cafés, Summit runs a coffee importing and roasting business, is selling franchise units, and just released instant coffee to its portfolio. Brian is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, with a degree in creative writing and a background in journalism. He and his wife, Tyler, have two kids, and when not working Brian can be found running in the very early mornings.
Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
I grew up in sports and so as the youngest of four boys, I spent all my time outside, whether it was playing soccer or playing in the woods or going on camping trips, and it just became our family thing.
Things we talked about
Summit Coffee Co.
Asheville, NC
Davidson College
Sports Business Daily
OR sign
Find Your Summit
Other Outdoor Activities
Running and Cycling
Advice
Ask questions and put yourself out there. Go to events and if there's an adventurer that's speaking at your local outdoor retail store, go talk to them and just really soak up and learn as much as you can. I think that, um, you know, asking questions and again, going back to this idea of curiosity, I think that "curiosity is the engine of achievements". And so if you want to do something, the best way to approach it is like, okay, let me ask a million questions and that'll probably get you somewhere good.
Favorite Books and Podcasts
Great Mondays by Josh Levine
Peace is Every Step by Tich Nhat Hanh
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
The Ringer Podcasts
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Jet Boil
Connect with Brian
brian@summitcoffee.com
Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
I was in high school, a buddy of mine and his family, they had a bunch of land up in West Virginia. And, we'd go up there and go squirrel hunting. And I had never been hunting. I'm not a Hunter now. But we'd just spend time in this cabin that didn't have electricity and it was just awesome man. And that really stoked my appreciation of the outdoors. And me and my buddies, we go hiking a couple of times a year and on the Appalachian trail and I just love it, man.
Things we talked about
Feral Media Group
Rally for Rangers
The Feral Show Podcast
Field Day Studio
Lillie's Q BBQ Sauces
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Camping
Trail Running
Advice
In regards to the outdoor adventure space, I'm fairly new to it. Over the past couple of years, I've really gotten into it with Rally for Rangers. And now I'm working with some filmmakers out of Utah and Wyoming on some projects. I think you just kind of put it out there. If you want something just kind of take one step towards that direction. You might not know what the final product is going to be or what the final end goal is going to be, but if you have a general idea of this space you want to be in, just start reaching out to folks, introducing yourself, go to conferences, build relationships. I think just doing it that way. And I think ultimately, whatever it is you want to do in the outdoor space will happen.
Favorite Books and Podcasts
WTF Podcast with Marc Maron
Wild Ideas Worth Living
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Black Diamond Headlamp
Connect with Mike
mike@feralmediagroup.com
I’m excited and honored to have Richard Bangs on episode 200 today. Not only is this a milestone for the podcast but I had a great time catching up with Richard.
One of the founders of the Adventure Travel Industry Richard has racked up first descents and numerous other adventures around the world. He is an author, television personality and we talk about those early days on the Omo River, the founding of Sobek and some innovative new projects he’s working on.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
I grew up on the East coast outside of Washington DC and it's not that far from a number of really profound wilderness experiences. Practically in my backyard was the Potomac River and that's really where I got started on rivers. I used to, to raft down the great falls section of the Potomac, which is a wild section in a canoe there. And then not much further, you get to add the Shenandoah's and the Appalachians and the Blue Ridge mountains. So we used to go climbing, hiking, caving. We did a lot of spelunking. So almost every weekend when I was in high school, we would take off with a group of friends we would explore the remote offerings of the region and had a blast every time.
Things we talked about
Richard Bangs- Keep The Quest Alive
Adventures With A Purpose
Richard Bangs Books
Mountain Travel Sobek
The Canoe Cruisers Association
Ted Hatch
John Yost
George Went
Oars
The Explorers Club in New York
Mungo Park
Expedia
Steller App
Other Outdoor Activities
Biking
Hiking
Advice
I would say find your passion, right? Because I know that there are many circumstances where it doesn't work out, but sometimes it does. And if the passion is strong enough you become enterprising enough to try to figure out how to do it. We were constantly, constantly challenged with how to get around the next bend, you know, as a company, um, as a guide, you know, from rivers to the boardroom. You had to navigate all the bends. If you believe in what you're pursuing enough, you figure out a way. And that's what we did.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Horizon by Jerry Lopez
King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Moleskines
Connect with Richard
richard@richardbangs.com
Dawson has had the opportunity to work on products including footwear, bags, device cases and more for some of the top outdoor brands and retailers in the world. Living in Bozeman provides plenty of outdoor fun and we talk about his career, education current projects and more
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
You know, it's interesting. So my family's from Oregon. Originally I was born in Washington State. But I grew up most of my life in Buffalo, New York, which is not exactly an outdoor Mecca. But there were a few things I think that I enjoyed. The first was getting involved in scouting. I was also sort of the kid who wasn't really into merit badges. Right. I just did it cause it was fun. And I was sort of the one, you know, down exploring the creek and kinda like spearfishing and doing that sort of thing. That was something that was really, I think, important for me growing up.
And then the other was fly fishing. I had a friend growing up who, you know, for whatever reason, he just got into the sport. And he was fascinated with it. And so I can remember in fourth or fifth grade, convincing my parents to buy me a fly rod. And this is Buffalo, New York in the winter and going out and learning to fly cast, right? Like in the snow. But you know, that gave me a lot of opportunities later to just get out and fish and hike and backpack and do all those sorts of things.
Things we talked about
Utah State Outdoor Product Design
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Hilti
Epic Pass
Thule
Oboz
REI
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, biking, climbing, fly fishing
Advice
You need to have a personal story. You need to have a personal brand story that explains your path. Because ideally when you're in that interview and what helps you get that interview is being able to explain that all these other experiences kinda led you to this moment where you're the perfect guy for the job, or you're the perfect person for that job. Right? I've made these decisions to kind of position me, so now I'm ready and I'm the person to do this for you. I think that's really important and that gets overlooked. I think the other piece that is really critical is just networking in general. I think a lot of people shy away from networking because it's just hard to put yourself out there and meet people. I think LinkedIn is such a powerful tool that's underutilized and you know, you would be amazed at the caliber of people who are willing to accept an invitation.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
Essentialism by Greg McGowan
Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Fly Fishing Net
BD Burrito Rope Bag
OR Banner
betagraph.co
Connect with Dawson
betagraph.co
OutdoorPMschool.com
Brian Chaney from Korkers talks about his college days at St Marys, his Semester at Sea and how he wound up leading the family business.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
I was lucky enough to have parents that enjoy the outdoors, my dad especially, he's a big hunter and fisherman. So I was exposed to the outdoors very early. My mom was a pretty big skier in high school and I started to learn skiing when I was three. I think I was one of the younger ones out on the Hill at that point in time. So yeah, I was exposed to a lot of stuff at an early age and was lucky enough to have parents that would take me out fishing, hunting, and skiing and camping and all sorts of good stuff.
Things we talked about
Korkers
St Marys College
Semester at Sea
Deschutes River
Other Outdoor Activities
Hunting, hiking, camping, skiing
Advice
My advice, a lot of what I've told people is that it's hard to kind of get into the industry when you don't have any experience. And a lot of brands are looking to hire people that have been in the business for several years. So I think, I guess my biggest piece of advice would be to knock on the doors of some of the smaller companies like the Korkers, where rather than just do one singular job task or role, you might be able to wear several hats and learn more about the business.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Gladiator
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Jetboil
Connect with Brian
brian@korkers.com
Chris and I talk about her career in Public Relations, how PR has changed, and the strategic role they play in their client's businesses today.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
It's a two-part story. The first part was really through skiing. I grew up in New York City and my dad took me skiing to a place close to the city. I got hooked from there and then phase two was my passion for sailing and racing sailboats. But it was really when I was young, it was probably when I was eight and I wish I could remember the name of the mountain outside of New York City. It's changed several times, but that was what really got me hooked, getting a kid out of the city into skiing. That was it and I never looked back. I still do a lot of sailing, racing big boats, here in Marblehead as well as in Newport Beach. I just find that it's a great way to lose yourself into the race and you can't think about anything else. And the other thing is no one can reach you. So it's also very physical. That combination gives me a piece of sanity when I really need it.
Things we talked about
SIA
Friends of the Earth
1975 Clean Air Act
OIA Capitol Summit
Rockport
Killington Resort
Merrell
Adidas Terrex
W.L. Gore
PrimaLoft
Nite-Ize
Lifestraw
Ellen video: Dawn Wall, Kevin Jorgensen and Tommy Caldwell
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling and Sailing
Advice
!t's definitely not for the faint of heart. You have to really love what you do. And what's so easy about this category is that it's an easy category to love. It's not like you're doing PR for a tissue box. I mean, it's an easy category to love.
I think it's doing your homework. Make sure you understand what's going on in the category, read as much as you can about trends. Stay connected to people in the outdoors, look at all of the outdoor job sites. The outdoor industry is welcoming to a degree and we're always happy to network. And for me in particular, someone wants to ask me those questions, I always take the time to talk to them on the phone. That's not always the case in something like investment banking.
You have to be passionate about what you do or find your passion along the way because you're going to be working hard. You don't want to work hard at something that's not going to make you happy.
Banner at OR Show
Passion and Partnership
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Sperry or Helly Hansen Sailing Shoes
Nite ize Headlamp
Connect with Chris
chris@cgprpublicrelations.com
In this episode, Tom Sadler tells us about his tireless fisheries conservation work, fly fish guiding, Mossy Creek Fly Fishing and drops some great books on us. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was very fortunate to have grandparents and parents who were very outdoor-oriented. My paternal grandparents had a place on Moosehead Lake in Maine. I actually spent my first night out under canvas, as they say, in a tent on Moosehead Lake and Little Duck Cove when I was six and a half weeks old. That's a pretty good start. And you know, for the next 15, 16 years my sister and I spent half our summer up there with my paternal grandparents.
Things we talked about
Marine Fish Conservation Network
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
Middle River Group
Why I Guide
Jim Range Conservation Leadership Award
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Dr. Mamie Parker
The Magnuson Stevens Act
IFTD Show
Advice
If you have a marketable skill and you love the outdoors, I think it can be very rewarding. And I would encourage people to go down the path. Small business in this country is one of the great success stories of this nation. The main street, small businesses have made a tremendous contribution both economically and socially to this country. So I would encourage small business, I think that there is tremendous value in that.
Other Outdoor Activities
Biking
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Authors: Robert B. Parker, Daniel Silva or John Sanford
Shibumi by Trevanian
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
The River Why by James Duncan
My Place Among Men by Chris Milgate
The Last Stand by Todd Wilkinson
The Big Burn by Timothy Egan
Young Men and Fire by Norman MacClean
Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis
Sea Stories by Bill McRaven
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Yeti water bottles
Connect with Tom
In this episode, Marc Bale and I talk about the fall IFTD Fly Fishing Show, his experience with Sage and now Farbank Enterprises and the great brands in their quiver, and Marc shares a bit about wine pairing at a sales meeting dinner.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan, and I should probably point out for any Michiganders who might be listening, the lower peninsula and the upper peninsula, that's a big differentiation there. And I grew up in a little town called Big Rapids, not grand Rapids, just 50 miles North of Grand Rapids. And frankly, the outdoors was out the front door, out the back door, out the side windows of the house and everywhere. The Muskegon River flowed right through town. We lived about maybe three blocks from the Muskegon and as a kid, that was one of my great classrooms. In fact, I think about it often still today, at 68. I think about growing up there and I think about, what really truly a classroom, the Muskegon river was for me. I spent a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of time there doing various and sundry things.
So that was really my introduction to the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Farbank Enterprises
Sage
Rio Products
Redington
Fly Water Travel
Bruce Kirschner
Don Green
Patrick's Fly Shop
K2 Ski Company
Travis Campbell
Ransom Spirits
Woodward Canyon Winery
Cake Bread Cellars
Sage Lodge
IFTD Fly Show
ICAST
Advice
It was always easy to say be passionate about the sport or the industry or the outdoors. And I think that's still baseline. But I would also say that if that's all you are, your chances of getting very far in most organizations, unless they're really, really small, are not great with the amount of data that we have to process now. And essentially, I'm not telling everybody you need to go get an MBA by any means, but you'd better be pretty computer literate. You'd better be pretty good with Excel and Word. You'd better be pretty good with spreadsheets, you better be pretty good with pivot tables. You really better be able to look at data. That's somewhat of a cliche, but it might not be for people who are interested in getting in the outdoor world because you do need to have that sort of layer of skills that maybe my generation, 20, 30 years ago coming up didn't have to have.
Other Outdoor Activities
Growing Heirloom Tomatoes
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
A pair of binoculars
Connect with Marc
mbale@farbank.com
John and I talk about how Fish Pond came to life over 20 years ago, the great product and conservation work they do, fly fishing retail and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
The outdoors for me, you know, we were just talking about our fathers and my dad who's 93, has been one of the big pieces of inspiration for me from an outdoor perspective my entire life. And I think the outdoors is something for all of us, a little bit different. Living here in Colorado and growing up in Colorado, the outside world was very vast and broad from being outdoors and fishing and skiing and biking, all the things we did as a kid.
The outdoors for some people are parks and I think in the urban parks I think outdoors is a perspective and a frame of mind. Hopefully, people can enjoy being outside. And no matter what it is, it doesn't have to be an extreme sport or fly fishing or whatever. But just being outside and appreciating nature puts everybody in a good space, physically and mentally, which is really important.
Things we talked about
Fish Pond
IFTD
American Fly Fishing Trade Association
Case Logic
B Corps
e-Commerce
John LeCoq Photography
Advice
I think, to get into this industry more than anything you have to have that passion for being outside.
Other Outdoor Activities
Painting
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Anything in Spanish
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
A great pair of binoculars
Connect with John
Fish Pond
Your gear is waiting. Rachelle Snyder and Ross Richmond from Arrive Outdoors are flipping the script on outdoor gear ownership and renting.
Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Ross- I think for me it was summertime. Most of my family is up in New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee. My mother's the oldest of eight in a big Catholic family and we would spend the summers together and go on to a little island on Lake Winnipesaukee and do a lot of hiking and camping. That was the culture that I was born into.
Rachelle- I grew up in northern Indiana and ever since I was a baby, my mom would take us camping in Michigan. We'd go on Lake Michigan to Waco Beach and go camping just up from the beach. We'd spend our days at the beach hiking, finding creeks and playing in the water. It's really fun cause now it's come full circle. In a couple of weeks I'm going camping again with my mom, my sister and my sister's three little girls. We get to take them all camping up at Waco Beach as well.
Things we talked about
Arrive Outdoors
Reserve America
Kevin Kelly
Tim Ferriss Podcast
Science Inc.
Mike Jones
Dollar Shave Club
Headspace
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing, running, backpacking, camping
Favorite Books/Podcasts
How I Built This
Up First
Pod Save America
This American Life
Give and Take by Adam Grant
The Originals by Adam Grant
River of Doubt by Candace Millard
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
YETI Hopper Backflip 24
ENO Hammock
Connect with Rachelle and Ross
Website
In this episode, Dean Wiltshire of Colorado Teardrops tells us how he transformed his boat building chops into beautiful teardrop trailers and built a nice business in Colorado.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I live in Colorado. So, it makes it easy. California. Growing up in California, we'd take these great vacations in northern California, things like that. We'd go to various, reservoirs, renting cabins and along the Russian River, that and catching fish. Then we moved out here to Colorado in the late eighties. Our sky is so blue here in the summertime, our mountains are so vibrant, the sunset, you know, that Bronco sunset, we see it almost every night. You know the deep blues, the bright oranges, it's a fabulous place to exist.
Things we talked about
Colorado Tear Drops
Dinosaur National Monument
Yellowstone Lake
Glacier National Park
Overland Expo
GoPro Mountain Games
Myers-Briggs
Advice
Test, test test. Look up things like lean product management, it is all about throwing something out there, see if it gets some traction. If it doesn't get some traction, understand why, how can you modify it to get traction? So when we started our business, for example, we started with a rental business. Why? So that we could get a lot of opinions on our product before we started making them for sale. So test, test, test, optimize, test, optimize, test, test, which is what we've been doing for years.
Start smaller, it doesn't cost a lot to pop up a website and say, Hey, I'm selling this and just measure your traffic. But test, see what kind of hits you get and keep tweaking, tweaking it until you start to get hits. And of course, that's in the virtual world. Nothing better than face to face with people. Now as your testing, you can't ask leading questions. You have to ask open-ended questions, like did you think, you know? And you have to be okay with somebody insulting your product or your ideas. So you got to keep smiling, let it happen because you're learning, they're giving you something better than money.
Other Outdoor Activities
I'm a fly fisherman. I'm a skier, a mountain bike, a hiker.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
How I built this
Freakonomics
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Firepit
Everest Stove
Connect with Dean
dean@coloradoteardops.com
We’re wrapping up the year with Steve Casimiro, publisher of the Adventure Journal. Steve tells us how they produce fine journalism delivered daily through AJ. I particularly enjoyed his comments about how they stay true to their values and goals of ethical publishing and delivering inspiring stories and high-quality imagery.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
As a suburban kid, I grew up outside of Washington, DC. And in those years kids just spend more time outside. It was just, that was the lifestyle. I had a bike and I had a skateboard and there were parks and we did whatever. And I was in Boy Scouts and then when I was like 11, my parents bought this rundown cabin. And so I spent a lot of time outside there. So you know, we'd be car camping, my parents weren't super outdoorsy but we did car camping. For me everything kind of came into registration when I was, I think about 14 or 15 and I did like a mini Outward Bound course for a week or 10 days in West Virginia.
We did a canoe trip on the New River and backpacking and climbing, technical rock climbing and all that. And so I was able to actually have some guided education and exposure to it and I loved it. And then I got my driver's license and you know, had a bit of money in my pocket from working and was able to get out and do things. That's where all my energy went, I was kind of self-empowered at that point.
Things We Talked About
Adventure Journal
Outward Bound
Powder Magazine
Bike Magazine
National Geographic Adventure
Snowboarder
George Mason University
Historical Bad Ass Criteria- 1. They have to be dead 2. It has to be badass
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Cycling
Body Surfing
Advice
I think that you just have to be self-directed. It's hard to know exactly what you want and why you want it. But I think that you just have to have a clear idea about you and about what your goals are. And I think that you need to be professional and honest and ethical and network like heck. And be rigorous in looking at what your competition is. Whether you're starting a magazine or trying to break in as a blogger or a photographer. Those are all really hard things to do. But I think just trying to be as objective as you can about why you're doing it. And then looking at the other side is looking at people who might be hiring you or buying your product or whatever. Why would they want to do that? And you ultimately are selling yourself in one form or another. What you're doing has to make somebody else's life better or easier or in some way. And whether it's getting a job as a rep or working in PR or being a photographer. I think that's probably the mistake that I think most people make. And it's difficult if you haven't worked in the industry, but putting yourself in the shoes of the person who would be hiring or buying your product.
Favorite Books
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams
Dog Stars, The Painter, The River by Peter Heller
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
The Leatherman Free
Connect with Steve
Adventure Journal Contact
Sam Kabert from the Clone Yourself podcast talks about how he triples and quadruples his productivity by cloning himself. Yes, you heard that right. his Podcast Clone Yourself is all about working with Virtual Assistants to get more done.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Clone Yourself Podcast
Soul Seeker Podcast
The Sam and Serge Show
Mojo Mondays
SwagSam
Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 under 40
Introduction to the Outdoors
I did and Outward Bound Course when I was in high school and it was seven days on the Deschutes River. I think it was like a hundred miles or something ridiculous, and 14 days in the Three Sisters wilderness. My parents thought it would be a good idea because I was having those teenage years where I need some structure. So, you know, it's funny on that trip. Something happened with my thumb on the rafting where I thought I jammed it. Then when we went rock climbing after, I was like, yeah, there's something wrong with my thumb but I was still rock climbing. I was just keeping my thumb out of the way and it wasn't anything too intense. But when I came back home, I went to the doctor and he's like, Oh yeah, you broke your thumb.
Other Outdoor Activities
Wake Boarding, Wake Surfing, Standup Paddling, Surfing, Hiking, Camping
Favorite Podcasts
Joe Rogan Podcast
Favorite Books
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Flip Belt
Connect with Sam
swagsam.com
I’m excited to share my fun conversation with Kristin Carpenter from Verde Brand Communications. Kristin and I talk about how she built Verde into a talented team and collection of brands, her Channel Mastery Podcast, a favorite of mine and more
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Verde PR
Channel Mastery
Introduction to the Outdoors
I had a really good friend and we were working in the art supply part of the UC Davis bookstore together. One day she came in with a flyer and said, "I'm going to go try out to be a raft guide". So I joined her and we went to guide training. It was freezing and snowing on the South fork of the American River. It was a freezing cold weekend and, but I was super excited. I knew the very second I walked into the room that night that I had found my people. I was like, okay, where have you been all my life? And so I just dove into that headlong.
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling, Skiing, Running, Climbing
Advice
I have a nephew who is an engineer. He just got out of school and he's working in Houston in the oil and gas industry because he went to school in Houston and grew up in Houston. He is such an outdoor nut.
I feel like this is the era of the side hustle, Right? So I feel like in his case if he wanted to become a ski designer, for example, he could go work at an outdoor store outside of his work hours, learn how to boot fit. I don't think it has to last forever. But then you start to meet these amazing people. You start to meet the reps. maybe you can come to a show.
There's also a lot of fast track opportunities where he could start publishing content on a topic that he loves. Whatever you're into study what else is out there, study what you love that feeds you and then see what you can bring to that conversation. And don't be afraid to try because it's all about testing and learning today.
There's never been more opportunity for people in the industry. And I'd like to especially call out females who are working their way up and want to take on more leadership. I think that there are a number of women who have amassed some experience in this market, super talented women and you've had a lot of them on your show, frankly. And I feel like they're super open to helping others. My point is we love bringing new people into this market and whether they're brand new or they're working their way up, we need new leadership. I feel like the people in the market now who you look up to are with some of the brands that you admire. Don't be shy about reaching out to them and tell them, I'd love to learn more from you. Is there anything I can help with, what are you reading these days, what should I get my hands on? I just feel like people can reach out and there are more ways to do that than ever before. Where they can just start networking and, and asking how to learn from these people who have a master's experience.
Favorite Podcasts
The Think Grow Podcast
Bullet Proof Radio
Whoop
The Rich Roll Podcast
Omnitalk Podcast with Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga
Between Two Wheels Podcast
Trainerroad's "Ask a Cycling Coach" podcast
Get Faster Podcast
Oprah Super Soul and Master Class
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Gregory Pack
Connect with Kristin
Kent Millecam and I talk about how he got into the Outdoor Business, his career at Camp Chef and some of the new technology they are bringing to the table.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Introduction to the Outdoors
My dad was great at getting me outside and he loved to snow ski and our closest ski resort, which was Steamboat Springs in Colorado. It was still two and a half hours away and my dad would get me up at five in the morning and we'd plow through the roads over to Steamboat and back the same day. In those days you could get on the gondola before the resort opened and eat breakfast at the top. The Ski Patrol would be standing there with the ropes and we'd be the first ones through when they dropped the ropes and the last ones on the last lift. So we'd ski all day long. Then we boated all summer, you know, at least two, three times a week. Water-skiing and boating and being outside. So I learned a lot of that from my dad.
Things we talked about
Camp Chef
The Trailhead
Utah State University
The Mountaineer
Pellet Grill
Other Outdoor Activities
Ski
Mountain and Road Cycling
Advice
Ya just gotta get on the phone and you've got to talk to people. So many people are afraid to get on a call and try to call and try to reach out, you know, and I suggest you take an opportunity every chance you get to network, even sitting on an airplane. I travel quite a bit and, you know, you sit there next to somebody for two, three hours and people get on a plane and they put their headphones on and they're just in their zone or watching movies. There are definitely times you got to do that for your sanity but take an opportunity to reach out and get to know people and don't be afraid to create relationships.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Albert
Jim Cramer Mad Money Podcast
the cliff bar Gary Erickson
Lance Armstrong The Forward
Book of Mormon
Good to Great
The ride of a lifetime
Favorite Outdoor Gear under $100
Explorer stove
Connect with Kent
kentm@campchef.com
Gregg Bleakney and I talk about how a photo submitted to The Seattle Times launched his photo career and more on Episode 187 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Growing up I did not come from a family that was participating much, or at all in outdoor activities. Mostly we were sports family. So my weekends were spent running track and playing soccer or basketball. I think in eighth grade I got cut from the basketball team so I started exploring the outdoors just on my own with a friend who didn't play basketball. In high school when I got my first car, I actually went out and started hiking for the first time around the Olympic Penninsula. I grew up on Bainbridge Island, so there were a ton of places to go.
Things we talked about
Gregg Bleakney
WhereNext
Cycling
University of Oregon track
US Olympic Trials
Seattle Times
National Geographic
Summit Workshops
Rich Clarkson
Bogota, Columbia
The Birders: A Columbian Nature Documentary Series
eBird
Diego Calderon
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Hiking
Advice
One thing I love about this industry is that most people who are involved are involved for a reason. It's not like, this was my major in college, so I just did it, you know? You love what you do and that's just awesome because there's nothing like it. One of the reasons I got out of software sales is I'd be in a room doing a presentation and you could just read the room. People just did not want to be there. People were just not stoked about the job, not passionate about and that stuff to be there. And that just kind of sucks the energy out of the room, where I've never had that happen in this industry. Everyone is super enthusiastic. So I would say one thing is to understand you're going to be a lot with other people who are very passionate and passionate people recognize other passionate people.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
It Doesn't Have to be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien
Connect with Gregg
WhereNext.com
Instagram: wherenextlife
Addison Edmonds and I talk about how Gunner Kennels came to life, how he learned to design and build them and the safety features their kennels deliver to protect your pets.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think just being obsessed with John Wayne movies and wanting to be a cowboy. I probably picked up my first BB gun when I was five or six and just became obsessed with fishing and hunting. It was always an obsession that I could never get enough. So it has shaped my entire direction in life. I grew up in Brentwood, Tennessee, which is just south of Nashville. It's basically Nashville. A lot of hunting fishing back there. And then went to college in Mississippi.
Things we talked about
Gunner Kennels
Chocolate Labs
Rotational Molding
Center for Pet Safety
Subaru of America
Other Outdoor Activities
Hunting, Fishing, Canoeing, and Camping
Advice
I'd say dream big and you just got to figure it out. You, can't quit. I think a lot of people have these great ideas for products or our company or whatever, and it dies after step one of trying to figure out what to do after that. So you just can't quit. I guess you gotta be ignorant of all the risks and just be prepared for the hard work.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
British Training for the American Retriever by Vic Barlow
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Yeti 26 ounce Rambler
Thrashcan
Connect with Addison
YouTube
Michael and I talk about how online digital marketing and sales innovation are tactics that help businesses reach more consumers and grow sales & engagement.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I mean growing up my family was not terribly outdoorsy. I'm from as Burbsy of a community, as you can imagine in Texas. So, outside of a mall and a bowling alley, there wasn't a lot of exposure or anything like that. There was a Creek we would play in as kids, but that's it. What set the hook for the outdoors, the business and just my general passion for it was through my Mom. My mom got this wild idea. She's a triathlete, iron man level, all that kind of crazy stuff. She just called me up one day when I was in college and said, "Hey, we're going to go climb Pikes Peak". And I'm like, all right, that sounds like fun. And 13 miles later and some altitude sickness, I was hooked on it. So it started pretty quickly there and I haven't been able to slow down since.
Things we talked about
Revenue River
Schedule a call with Michael
"we say is we make our clients money"
"we're a full-service shop. And I know that's kind of a cliche thing to say, but really everything from systems integration, sales systems, eCommerce stores, website design, advertising, multimedia, paid media, SEO, digital marketing with content and all the strategy that ties it all together"
CRM architecture (customer relationship management)
Marketing Automation
E-Commerce
Other Outdoor Activities
Backpacking, Hunting, Skiing
Advice
You really need to get with the times' folks. It's time to get your technology in order. And if you're not paying attention to that, giving it the due diligence that it deserves, you're gonna get behind that curve. I touched on it earlier with the whole buying behavior changing and the need to embrace contemporary go-to-market strategies. That's the stuff people really need to pay more close attention to. That direct consumer mentality versus the traditional brick and mortar way of doing things. I think that's the big takeaway I'd leave folks.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Bushcraft Boxed Set by Dave Canterbury
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Sea to Summit Pillow
Connect with Michael
Skip, Daniel and I talk about how they got into podcasting, the great advice they provide on their show, camp stories and more
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Skip- My first experience with the outdoors was in the backyard with my dad. It was a really nice spring or summer evening, a very clear sky, lots of stars in the sky. And we just laid there, not on sleeping bags, but we had blankets and our pillows and we just laid there. And it was a great father-son experience. We just enjoyed the outdoors. We talked, we fell asleep and I think I was about 12 years old at that time. But that was my very first exposure to the outdoors and ever since that day, I've loved every minute of it.
Daniel- I like to say that I was camping before I was born. My parents used to take this big old tent down to this state park in Georgia called FDR state park. And they would set up their tent and camp. There are a few pictures of my mom when she was pregnant with me. But once I came around you'll see pictures of me and my little crib and stuff over by the Lake. And we w we would go there every spring, I think I learned to ride my bike there. I would always be running off into the back trails into the woods. I would just like going into the woods. I always felt like, Oh, I could go down this path and maybe there's something, I don't know, like, a pot of gold.
Things we talked about
Happy Camper Radio
Happy Camper YouTube
FM Radio
Podcasting- anybody can do it right? But you've got to have something to talk about and it's got to be something that is very close to your heart.
GeoCaching
Happy Camper Episode #10
Other Outdoor Activities
Mow the lawn
Swimming
Outdoor Games
Advice
For folks that want to get into podcasting, start out small, have something to talk about first before you even spend a dime on a microphone cable. Think about what you're going to talk about and it's gotta be something that's true and dear to your heart. Something that you know who you're gonna talk about time and time again, something you can build on, something that you can build an audience for.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Magic 2.0 by Scott Meyer
Where is the Next Shelter by Gary Sizer
The Best Tent Camping Guide from Novice to Expert by Darren Kirby
Tin Foil Recipes by Darren Kirby
Pie Iron Recipes by Darren Kirby
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Butane Stove
Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Connect with Skip and Daniel
happycamperradio.com
Happy Camper Radio Call-in Number: 404-537-CAMP
Kraig, Dave and I talked about the outdoor and adventure travel industries, podcasting, their numerous adventures and much, much more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Kraig- it was totally by accident. About a 12 and a half years ago, I started a little blog called the adventure blog, just to write about the things that I was interested in. From this idea that everything in the world had been done. Everest had been climbed, people had been to the North pole and I was telling my friends, no, it's not true. There's lots of cool stuff going on. So I started this little blog and over the span of about a year, year and a half, it started to pick up some traction. I'd write about my own adventures and travels, but also things that other people were doing. And here we are, a more than a decade later, the blog is still going.
Dave- I went about it completely the other way. I was always a doer. I did my first iron man when I was 50, I taught mountaineering and did all kinds of crazy stuff. I got into adventure racing kind of by accident. Basically we saw this show on Eco-Challenge Borneo, gosh, 10 years or so ago.
A buddy and I were running at Farragut state park here and I said, you know, I saw this eco Borneo thing. I'm going to do an adventure race. I said, I mean, how hard could it be? And he said, great, I'm in. So we started attending these races and of course made the fatal mistake. We actually won our first race through a weird set of circumstances. And of course, then you're hooked.
Things we talked about
The Adventure Podcast
The Adventure Podcast Episode 71: An Interview with Rick Saez of the Outdoor Biz Podcast
Kraig's book: Reaching Beyond Boundaries, Overcoming Obstacles, Facing Your Fears
The Adventure Podcast Episode 56: Chad Salmela
The Adventure Podcast - Episode 26: Turning Micro-Adventures into Macro-Adventures
The Adventure Podcast - Episode 18: How to Earn a Living in the Outdoor and Adventure Industry
Other Outdoor Activities
Dave- Mountain Bike, Run, Mountaineering, Paddling
Kraig- Running, Cycling, Biking, Hiking
Advice
Kraig- be persistent and stick with it. Because if you keep chasing that dream, you can find a way in and there are a lot of avenues into the outdoor industry these days. You don't need to be a media guy, or working in a retail store, whatever. There's a lot of different ways, and we talked about it on that podcast. There are so many different ways to get in and do things. So I would say, from the 30,000-foot view, identify what your passion is, go after it and don't give up.
Dave- just start. say, okay I have a goal. I want to do this. But then you've got to be flexible enough to change too. Many people came into the industry thinking they were going to do this and now here they are being a PR person for that. Or they went and got a degree in this thinking that was going to be the way and now they've completely changed around and now they're in marketing. I mean there are so many people that have a plan but then, something comes up and you change. And the main thing is, just don't give up. You just keep going.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Kraig:
Lord of the Rings by JR Tolkein
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
Reaching Beyond Boundaries by Don Mann and Kraig Becker
Dave:
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Shibumi by Travanian
Split Second by Douglas E. Richards
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Kraig- BioLight headlamp
Dave- Black Diamond Z Poles
Connect with Kraig and Dave
Kraig Becker- Linkedin
Dave Adlard- Linkedin
Darren tells us how he was introduced into the outdoors, how he got into blogging and his unique recipe books.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was exposed to the outdoors, thankfully by my parents at a very young age. My brothers and I were introduced to the outdoors camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, all sorts of outdoor activities. So I got introduced to that at a very young age. We're talking like elementary school, single-digit years old. It's been with me pretty much since I was born.
Things we talked about
The Tenting Life
Happy Camper Radio
Wisconsin State Parks
Pie Iron Recipes
Dutch Oven Recipes
Tin Foil Recipes
The Best Tent Camping Guide
Coordinates for Murder
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Paddling
Hiking
Advice
I think the main thing is to have a passion for it. I've seen a lot of people who want to start a blog about X, whatever that might be. Maybe it's the outdoors, maybe it's auto repair. But really they need to have a big passion for it. Where when you're not doing your day job, you're thinking about how can I do this thing that I love to do, whether that's doing it with friends or going out by yourself or exploring a new place you haven't been to, or just reading books and other websites on it. So that's the biggest thing. Find where that passion area lies. Because then you'll stick with it. You'll always find new material and you'll just find it fun.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Ready Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Coleman two to mantle dual fuel lantern
Connect with Darren
The Tenting Life
Mason talks about his many outdoor adventures, the Camp Crate project, how he got involved in podcasting and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Mason talks about his many outdoor adventures, the Camp Crate project, how he got involved in podcasting and more.
Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
In college. I was born and raised in Florida and what people may not know a lot about Florida is it there's a huge hunting culture. Deer hunting, Wild hogs called Razorbacks, turkeys, lots of turkeys, just all kinds of hunting. I'm telling you man, tons of people do it, at least where I'm from. So I grew up doing that and fishing as well. Then in college, I just started getting into the more of the sporting side.
I decided to do a big bike trip between sophomore and junior year. A big bike tour across the country and just fell in love from there and kept doing it every summer. And just like the roads across the country, your career takes a lot of strange winding, exciting turns.
Things we talked about
The Adventure Sports Podcast
Camp Crate
Ep. 439: From Alcoholic to an Alaska Adventure Revisited - Robert Shearon
Other Outdoor Activities
Backpacking, Bike Packing, Kayaking
Advice
You gotta be flexible and this is not everyone's story. Some people are going to have a great opportunity quickly, just happened to have a knack for it. But in my experience, I've had to be flexible, very flexible and extremely patient. And work very hard.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
John Brent by Theodore Winthrop
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Coleman Camp Stove
Connect with Mason
mason@adventuresportspodcast.com
Seungah Jeong and John Salzinger tell us about working together, how they help provide lighting after natural disasters, unique partnerships they have and a lot more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Seungah: My first introduction to the Outdoor Biz was the OR Show. I remember the first show I attended, we just had one small table and, were in some back section of OR. But it was still so much fun because everyone who came by was really engaged with what we're doing. Now we're thrilled to be in a much bigger space behind Yeti, which is a nice place.
Things we talked about
MPOWERD
Luci Light
Kickboxing
Katadyn
Osprey
The North Face
No Evil Foods
Hello Kitty
Cliff
Amazon
Advice
We just have to look for challenges that people face and come up with honest solutions. The cool thing about the outdoor industry is that people are always looking for the next newest, coolest, latest solution that is also environmentally correct, which is nice. So I do think there's a lot out there that still can be improved upon. Go camping, go rafting, go skiing, et Cetera, and see what bumps you come across and see if you can figure out a way for people to avoid those.
VOTE!
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Milan Kundera
Striking Thoughts by Bruce Lee
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Luci Light
Connect with Seungah and John
Seungah Linkedin
John Linkedin
I was able to catch up with Shawn Hostetter from Katadyn awhile back and we talked about the great work they are doing providing clean drinking water around the world and some of their cool outdoor products.
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First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in Colorado and spent a lot of time in the woods growing up, biking and skiing and hiking. I spent a lot of time and love being outdoors ever since I was a kid. My Dad was a cowboy. Cowboys you know, he had a cattle ranch, with cattle and horses. So I grew up like that. When I was going to BYU I applied to an outdoor store when I first got there, called Out and Back. Chris Speak and I worked there together at outback and were selling water filters and a lot of other things. We were the number one store in the nation selling water filters and water purifiers.
Things we talked about
Katadyn
BYU
Out N Back
Pur
Alpine Aire
Optimus
Steripen
Spectra Watermakers
Solar Desalination
NASA
World Health Organization
Mpowerd
Advice
I love to help people that are looking to get in the outdoor business and give them suggestions on where to go, what to do. I mean, a lot of young people want to want to break into the outdoor business and don't really know where to start. One of the best places to start honestly is outdoor retail. Working in retail stores, knowing the customers, knowing what retailers are dealing with. To me, that's such a foundational part of understanding the outdoor industry because in the end we're built on the backs of the outdoor retailers. So working for outdoor retailers and then maybe becoming an independent sales rep, supporting those retailers for a while before somebody moves into a manufacturing side of the business. That's a great career path. I've always liked to hire people that have an outdoor retail background.
Other Outdoor Activities
skiing, backpacking, fishing, canoe camping, climbing, paddling
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Channel Mastery
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
La Sportiva Running Shoes
Connect with Shawn
shawn.h@katadyn.com
Shelby Stanger tells us how she got into journalism, her outdoor biz experience with brands like Vans and plenty more. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in San Diego and I grew up surfing. So my first experience with the outdoors was really through the water. And every summer my mom sent me to this amazing summer camp called Mission Bay Aquatic Center. My father had passed away suddenly when I was 11 and so after that my mom was, you know, a single mom. She taught at San Diego state and this camp was discounted if you were an employee of San Diego state. It's an incredible camp. In the morning you sail, you Waterski Kayak or you surf and then in the afternoon you do all those activities. So I was really lucky. I grew up around the water. I think in the water it was a place where I figured out a lot of answers I could never figure out on land.
Things we talked about
Shelby Stanger
Wild Ideas Worth Living
Mission Bay Aquatic Center
La Jolla Village News
Surf Diva
Vans Warped Tour
Outside Magazine
shopeatsurf.com
Outdoor Outreach
Box Union
Creative Mornings
Advice
I just gave a talk at this place called creative mornings about how to turn your wonder, your idea, your wild idea into action. I think the biggest thing is if you want to have a career in the outdoor business, you've got to go work for someone or intern somewhere. It's like, just start and that's what all adventurers say. Like sailors, there are sailors who untie the dock lines and there are sailors who just stay on the dock and fixing their boat and we want to be the guy who just unties dock lines and goes. You got to get out there. Yeah. Just start.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hike, Run, Surf, Yoga
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Tim Ferriss Show
All the Wiser Podcast
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Deep by James Nester
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Foam Surfboard
Connect with Shelby
Shelby Stanger
On this episode Dean Wiltshire of Colorado Teardrops tells how he transformed his boat building chops into beautiful teardrop trailers and built nice business in Colorado.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I live in Colorado. So, it makes it easy. California. Growing up in California, we'd take these great vacations in northern California, things like that. We'd go to various, reservoirs, renting cabins and along the Russian River, that and catching fish. Then we moved out here to Colorado in the late eighties. Our sky is so blue here in the summertime, our mountains are so vibrant, the sunset, you know, that Bronco sunset, we see it almost every night. You know the deep blues, the bright oranges, it's a fabulous place to exist.
Things we talked about
Colorado Tear Drops
Dinosaur National Monument
Yellowstone Lake
Glacier National Park
Overland Expo
GoPro Mountain Games
Myers-Briggs
Advice
Test, test test. Look up things like lean product management, it is all about throw something out there, see if it gets some traction. If it doesn't get some traction, understand why, how can you modify it to get traction? So when we started our business, for example, we started with a rental business. Why? So that we could get a lot of opinions on our product before we started making them for sale. So test, test, test, optimize, test, optimize, test, test, which is what we've been doing for years.
Start smaller, it doesn't cost a lot to pop up a website and say, Hey, I'm selling this and just measure your traffic. But test, see what kind of hits you get and keep tweaking, tweaking it until you start to get hits. And of course, that's in the virtual world. Nothing better than face to face with people. Now as your testing, you can't ask leading questions. You have to ask open-ended questions, like did you think, you know? And you have to be okay with somebody insulting your product or your ideas. So you got to keep smiling, let it happen because you're learning, they're giving you something better than money.
Other Outdoor Activities
I'm a fly fisherman. I'm a skier, a mountain bike, a hiker.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
How I built this
Freakonomics
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Firepit
Everest Stove
Connect with Dean
dean@coloradoteardops.com
Tim Nickles and I talk about how he was initially inspired to put a tent on top of his van and how that concept has evolved into a business and category of tents in the outdoor and camping space.
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First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in Alaska, so it wasn't far away. I grew up in a typical neighborhood with grid rectangular streets and walk to school and stuff. But I mean the woods were a few blocks away from my house. So pretty much grew up playing in the woods. And my folks were not super outdoorsy, but just being Alaskans, they were actually, I'd say compared to lower 48, they were super outdoorsy. It's more of a lifestyle up there. You have to be into it cause it's in your face. That's what you do. Everybody is talking about the outdoors, you know, fishing, hunting, etc. My Dad wasn't a hunter but we did plenty of fishing and lots of camping around that and some hiking. I mean there's so much to explore in Alaska.
Things we talked about
Roofnest
The Adventure Portal
Facebook Group- Roofnest Flock
Red Rocks Rendezvous
Dometic
Advice
The advice I would give is to be on the lookout for ways to be of service, for ways to improve things. There are lots of ways to get involved and I think a lot of it is getting involved, volunteering. If you work at a company try to learn more about other aspects of the company so you can see where you can insert yourself. That's not always welcome of course but show that initiative to get into other aspects of the company you work in or use your connections to find out other opportunities. A certain percentage of life is just showing up, and it's true. If you have a lot of initiative people will see that and, and it will open doors.
Other Outdoor Activities
Mtn Biking
Paddle Boarding
Fishing
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas
Podcast: Global Dispatches
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Jetboil
Connect with Tim
info@roofnest.com
I jumped on a call with Rob Coughlin from Granite Gear the other day. We talked about his transition from Luggage and bags to the Outdoor Biz and tremendous success Granite Gear has had recently. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My career is little different from a lot of people out there. I actually didn't even go to college. I started working at a luggage company at a very early age. I started working in the repair center, so I got to know the ins and outs of putting together luggage, which is maybe, a bit more intense in some cases than outdoor packs because there's a lot more hardware involved. But I really just learned the nitty gritty of operations. So as far as bags not only hard sided but soft sided bags too. So I worked in operations most of my youth.
Things we talked about
Granite Gear
Crown2 60
TravelPro
High Sierra
Samsonite
Biscayne National Park
Everglades National Park
Bass Pro Shops
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
REI
40 under 40
Warrior Expeditions
Episode Sponsor
Tribe Alpha
Advice
Don't let anybody out work you, do everything that is within your power to the be the best at your job. Over prepare for every meeting, be prepared. And be patient. People come in to the industry and right away they want to be director of design. It just doesn't work that way. You've got to put in the time, you've got to show that work ethic.
Other Outdoor Activities
Fishing
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
Neruda
Paddling To Winter by Julie Buckles
City of Thieves by David Benioff
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Zip Ditty
Connect with Rob
YouTube
I recently spoke with Julie and Henry Mosier from Food for the Sole. They tell us about their journey starting, operating and making fresh, healthy backpacking food.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Julie- I actually grew up camping and backpacking with my parents. I grew up in southwestern Washington and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest was basically our backyard. I didn't actually enjoy backpacking but I remember camping as early as six or seven. I think my dad did a lot of Solo backpacking. I have fond memories of camping and fishing and so forth.
Henry- I grew up in Bend, which is now pretty widely known as a major outdoor Mecca. We have the benefit of all kinds of biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, literally like every kind of outdoor activity within five to 20 minutes. I didn't do any of it until about the age of 19. I played a lot of video games and spent very, very little time outside. Upon returning to Bend from a trip to Australia I had a friend I had previously worked with who introduced me to rock climbing and it was kind of just game over from there. Everything changed, a couple of years later I learned how to ski and how to mountain bike the next year. I don't know, it just changed my mind, political circles and everything,
Things we talked about
Food for the Sole
John Muir Trail
Pacific Crest Trail
Cold Soaking
Simon Sinek Ted Talk
Start with Why Why by Simon Sinek
Episode Sponsor
Tribe Alpha
Advice
Julie- Keep you day job, I mean hold on to your revenue stream as long as you can. At one point I had the intention of opening this very small cottage business side business and growing very slowly and that's just not what happened. I would say that being able to do that and grow slowly and get your feet underneath you before you have to rely on that business to feed you would be really helpful. Regarding the outdoor industry, at least my experience, credibility is huge in this industry. If you're not a part of the outdoor community, and if you're learning as you go about what you're selling or producing or what have you, that's a challenge. You really need that credibility.
Henry- know your why, it's gonna drive everything you do. And it's something that I wouldn't say we started with, but we've really grown into it. We know what our why is, it's all been processed now. Once we started getting those messages from people who are like, "you are helping me with my diet restrictions", it's like finding something powerful and meaningful. It really defines it, wow. This is why I'm doing this.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Henry- How I Built This, Invisibilia, Freakonomics
Julie- I read a lot of History and Science Fiction
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Julie- Purple Rain Adventure Skirts
Henry- Mini Swiss Army Knife
Connect with Henry and Julie
I caught up with Sarah Smith from The Dyrt recently and on this episode we talk about how she and her husband got the inspiration to create The Dyrt, their tremendous growth and some of the interesting gamification techniques they use to engage consumers.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in northern Minnesota and if I say that enough, you'll hear the accent come out. But I grew up with fishing. My dad hunted and we did lots of camping as a kid. My dad was actually a teacher, so in the summer is we would spend time driving around lake superior smelting. They're little tiny fish that almost look like minnows and I just have vague memories of it. I think we did this at night and we'd be standing on a little stream and the smelt would go up river and you'd hold out a little net and catch the smelt. Then we'd go cook them up, just fry them up. And I remember thinking, Oh, I want to go to Disney World or do something more exciting than this. And now looking back at it, you know, it was pretty special way to grow up.
Things we talked about
The Dyrt
Primus Stoves
Gregory Packs
Episode Sponsor
Tribe Alpha
Advice
I would say people ask me often, what was the hardest part of doing The Dyrt, especially someone was not necessarily your typical tech startup entrepreneur right? I think my advice is just to do something. tThat was the hardest part to go from nothing to actually taking some action to start doing something, was really hard. But if you believe that you can make a difference and you have an idea, that's good. And it's a problem that needs to be solved, just follow that.
Entrepreneurs, we come in all shapes and sizes and different sorts and there's no one size fits all. So, you know, I don't look like any other tech startup founder in Portland for sure. So just go with your gut and give it a try.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Yoga
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Riding the Iron Rooster by Paul Theroux
A Short history of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Luci Light
Connect with Sarah
I met Lillian Hoodes from Trail Fork recently at the Outdoor Retailer Show and in this episode we talk about how she built Trail Fork, her focus on cooking real food, how REI became one of her first customers and more.
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First Exposure to the Outdoors
My parents were just into it. I grew up in a big family and our family vacations, weekends, trips and things were always camping. My grandparents lived in Wyoming, so we would go up there and fish, hike, canoe and all this stuff. So it was just kind of part of who I was growing up.
Things we talked about
TrailFork Announces First Round of Fundraising with SeedInvest
Trail Fork
Outdoor Retailer
The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Pearl Street Mall
Neptune Mountaineering
REI
Episode Sponsor
Tribe Alpha
Advice
If somebody just wants to get into the industry period, just reach out to people and start having conversations. I think the reason that we were able to get where we did as quickly as we did, was that I was, for lack of a better word, networking like crazy. Like just going and having conversations with people and getting in front of people. So whether you're interested in the marketing side or the finance side, reach out to people and ask if you can buy them coffee. More often than not, people are willing to kind of point you in the right direction.
In terms of being interested in starting a business, I would just say really do your homework. Research the industry that you're trying to get into, research the product that you're trying to launch. There's so many things that you don't know, you don't know. A certain amount of that is unavoidable, but the more information you can gather, the better.
Other Outdoor Activities
Mountain Biking
Backpacking
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Insight Timer
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Headlamp
Connect with Lillian
Fun conversation with Michael Dalzell from SAXX today. We talk about his outdoor exploits, how SAXX has hit the ground running in the Men's performance underwear category and his daughter drops in to say hi . . .
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I'm a skier and sort of came into it through the skiing angle. I grew up in Eastern Canada. I live close to a ski hill and used to ride my bike there after school every day and then came up through the competitive skiing world. That flourished into me becoming a passionate outdoor enthusiast. You know, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, climbing, wind surfing. Outdoors has been a huge part of my life since I was 10 years old. I purposely turned it into a career. I made intentional choices in terms of my job to pursue that.
Things we talked about
SAXX
Trent Kitsch
Ballpark Pouch
Hap Klopp
Episode Sponsor
Tribe Alpha
Advice
A big piece of advice that I give people is follow your passions and do what you love to do. When you do that, others successes will come. Do what you're passionate about and don't chase the money, chase what's making you happy and other things will come.
Other Outdoor Activities
Ski, mountain bike, trail run
Favorite Books/Podcasts
The first 90 by Michael Watkins
How I built this
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Bottle opener
Connect with Michael
Your gear is waiting. Rachelle Snyder and Ross Richmond from Arrive Outdoors are flipping the script on outdoor gear ownership and renting. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Ross- I think for me it was a summertime. Most of my family is up in New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee. My mother's the oldest of eight in a big Catholic family and we would spend the summers together and go on to a little island on Lake Winnipesaukee and do a lot of hiking and camping. That was the culture that I was born into.
Rachelle- I grew up in northern Indiana and ever since I was a baby, my mom would take us camping in Michigan. We'd go on Lake Michigan to Waco Beach and go camping just up from the beach. We'd spend our days at the beach hiking, finding creeks and playing in the water. It's really fun cause now it's come full circle. In a couple of weeks I'm going camping again with my mom, my sister and my sister's three little girls. We get to take them all camping up at Waco Beach as well.
Things we talked about
Arrive Outdoors
Reserve America
Kevin Kelly
Tim Ferriss Podcast
Science Inc.
Mike Jones
Dollar Shave Club
Headspace
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing, running, backpacking, camping
Favorite Books/Podcasts
How I Built This
Up First
Pod Save America
This American Life
Give and Take by Adam Grant
The Originals by Adam Grant
River of Doubt by Candace Millard
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
YETI Hopper Backflip 24
ENO Hammock
Connect with Rachelle and Ross
Website
Adam Donahue Business Director over at Dometic and I had a great conversation about Dometic's business and how Overlanding or Vehicle Supported Adventure is growing and providing unique retail opportunities for Outdoor retailers.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up sailing and was fortunate enough to get a job working in the marketing department of a small roof rack and truck rack company called Track Rack. That company was acquired by Thule, which led me into a path of the core outdoors. I quickly found my way into cycling, surfing and mountain biking. I really dove sort of head first into the outdoor industry in a more significant way. There wasn't a sport that I wouldn't try at least once and I sort of became obsessed and filled my garage up with gear.
Things we talked about
Dometic
Dometic Ambassadors
Thule
The Adventure Portal
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing and Cycling
Advice, tips
The key in the Outdoor Industry is it is an incredibly friendly community. I think being a little bit bold and reaching out to people and asking for connections and advice to me is really the easiest, quickest and most resourceful way of establishing some of that tribal connection. It's a little insular too in that people shift from one company straight the other. If you're in the Tent category, there's a dozen Tent companies that you can go to.
People also tend to spend their careers in the outdoor industry. One, I think they're passionate about it, but two, there's just lots of opportunities for growth. So I would say for people that are interested in it, certainly taking advantage of internship opportunities. Internships is something that we're actually working on at the Dometic, developing something that allows college students to get more involved in our business and provide opportunities for awareness.
I would also say going on linkedin and finding people who are in this industry and saying, Hey, what can I do? Are there opportunities that I can help with? And obviously there's that sort of tech rep path where you get into an entry level and sort of work your way in. But for those that don't have those immediate connections, I would say everyone that I know in the outdoor industry will be willing to at least spend 10 minutes offering you some advice and just don't be afraid to reach out.
Favorite Books
Scrum- The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland
Fingall by
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Surf Pad
Connect with Adam
adam.donahue@dometic.com
Mel showed me some of the great new products in their Arctic Zone line and in this episode we talk about how they’ve grown over the years and the role Dogs play in their culture . . . yes dogs, I love it. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I went to summer camp at a pretty early age, like seven. I grew up in Montreal, and north of Montreal is the mountain range called the Lawrentians, which is really quite beautiful. And I remember thinking at the time, and you know, here you have a bunch of seven and eight year olds canoeing down some beautiful river surrounded by mountains, I remember kids don't typically don't notice or comment and really appreciate nature at that age, but we did because it was just so spectacular.
Things we talked about
California Innovations
Arctic Zone
Microban Antimicrobial Protection
Ice Walls
Colorectal Cancer Canada
Mont Tremblant
Other Outdoor Activities
Roller blade, Paddleboard, Hiking
Advice, tips
Love what you do, if you don't love what you do it's hard to be successful at it. I'm sure if you think about people who are successful most often, not always, but most often they love what they do. I think it's hard to succeed if you don't. So if you love the outdoors that's a great start.
I would say my other piece of advice, I'm sure it's come through here is appreciate and honor the people that you work. Because that's the only way that they're going to be aligned. And the only way that you can be successful is always about the people. We have to remember that and respect that. So if you put it together and you get good people and you do the things that you love and you go attack the markets that you enjoy, well, chances are you do well at it.
Favorite Books
Good to Great by Jim Collins
The Cain Mutiny by Herman Wouk
A Pack of Two by Carolyn Knapp
Seven Types of Ambiguity by William Empson
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Titan Backpack Cooler
Connect with Mel
mel.mogil@ca-innovations.com
If you’re into fly fishing or want to get into it you’ll love this episode with Chad Alderson and Nick Hanna, the guys over at Barbless.co. We talk about the great content they’re creating thru their podcast and web resources. Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Nick-I feel like I've been living and breathing the outdoors since I could walk. My Dad was just super into it. I have pretty good memory and I can remember just being out on little creeks and stuff. One incident I was fishing for trout on this stream and hooking into some fish and he's always been kind of letting me, on my own. Since I was a little kid, man, we've been fishing, hiking, camping, you know, going to Eagle Lake and camping out and fishing for rainbows.
Outdoors have definitely been a big part of my life and always will be. I just had a son. He's six months old and I got a backpack for carrying him. I'm just waiting for his head to stop bobbing when I carry him so I can get him out.
Chad- I lived in the middle of a rice field for a long time. And so kind of by default I'd walk out my back door and there's nothing but rice patties. So the outdoors were kind of used as a form of punishment for me and I got in trouble a lot as a kid, so I had to do a lot of manual labor.
After living in the Bay Area for about 10 years I got back up here and I was like, well what the heck am I going to do? Cause I didn't really have any hobbies or anything. So I started getting into fly fishing cause my dad took me when I was a little kid. We'd camp once in awhile and that was my exposure to it at first. But I didn't have a ton. It definitely wasn't part of my life. And up until shoot three years ago, three and a half years ago, I didn't really hadn't touched a fly rod in 20 plus years.
Things we talked about
Barbless.co
Alaska
Seth Blackamore
Powertrip
Kleen Kanteen
AFFTA
IFTD Trade Show
Pleasanton Fly Show
Why you need a podcast
10 Step Podcast Cheat Sheet
Cast for Hope
Hooked on Fishing
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Backpacking
Advice, tips
Find what you like, find a way to get in and then just go. It's gotta come from a place of passion. You can't just go hey, I want to go make boat loads of money and I'll just pick something random when sailing is my thing. It doesn't work that way. The core of it is you gotta be nuts about the thing and if it happens to be in the outdoors and happens to be something you think you can make money out of, then go for it. Then once you check all that stuff off in your head, then you need to figure out how to differentiate yourself.
With someone that's already in the industry build your network and don't screw anybody over. Trust is huge. The outdoor industry is a very intimate thing. Everybody knows everybody. It's like the town I grew up in, a 450 people, you screw up and everybody's going to know within a week.
Favorite Books
Future State Podcast
Stillwater Fly Fishing Secrets by Hal Janssen
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Fly Fishing kit
Xtratuf Ankle boots
Maybelline makeup remover (floatant)
Connect with Chad and Nick
Chad Instagram
Nick Instagram
In this episode Jason Waicunas tells us how PCT Days grew from a small group of hikers hanging out swapping stories into an annual multi day event with hundreds of PCT hikers.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was fortunate to grow up in the woods of Connecticut where we had pretty good acreage on our property. We had a three and a half acre lot that segued into a state park called Penwood State Park. There were a number of hiking trails to go explore and at a pretty young age I was allowed to go free range. This was before tracking devices and cell phones and leashes and all that stuff you see now. But I was about 10 years old when I went on my first outing with best friend. We trudged through like a foot of snow and hiked like three to four miles, which was a lot for a 10 year. It was a lot of fun and I was fortunate to have that.
Things we talked about
PCT Days
Penwood State Park
Pacific Crest Trail
Pacific Crest Trail Association
ALDHA-WEST
The Appalachian Trail
Cascade Locks
Friends of the Gorge
Washington Trails Association
Pacific Northwest Trail Association
Oregon Desert Trail Association
Chinook Trail Association
Other Outdoor Activities
Photography
Favorite Books
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Pocket sized Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Connect with Jason
PCTdays@gmail.com
In this episode Ardy Sobhani talks about his first camping adventures as a kid in Iran, the inspiration and lunch of Oru Kayak. We also discuss how he and the Oru Team built the business, using Crowdfunding to launch products and he drops two great books on us!
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoor
I'm originally from Iran, so we used to go to the northern area of Iran where it is very forested and mountainous and the Caspian Sea is up there. So we used to go there and camp. It is beautiful and as a kid I just kind of got into it. We used to go hiking a lot and climbing and things like that. Since then I've always been into outdoor activities, camping . . . just being outdoors.
Things we talked about
Oru Kayak
USE CODE "OUTDOORBIZ15" for 15% OFF your new Oru Kayak and send us a picture of you paddling.
Origami
Robert Lang
Kickstarter
Indiegogo
One Percent for The Planet
Other Outdoor Activities
Climbing
Skiing
Advice, tips
One thing is that don't think it's all glamour, it's hard work. Especially in the outdoor business, the industry very small. But I think there's a lot of opportunity for you to innovate and come up with something interesting and different. Something more impactful.
I also think it is really fulfilling to get people out side and connect people to the outdoors. Once we understand where that connection comes from I think people will be more likely to conserve nature.
Favorite Books
Principles by Ray Dalio
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Utility Knife
Connect with Ardy
ardy@orukayak.com
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My Mom's side of the family is from the Navajo nation. So my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles had what we call the summer and a winter camp. But basically they were places that they would move the sheep between during different seasons. So the summer during the summer camp was up in the mountains where it was I would say about 9,000 feet, a lot cooler and with a lot more grass. Then they moved down into the valleys in the winter time in the fall. We would often go between those two places. So that was in Northeastern Arizona and the Chisca Mountains.
I also grew up a good chunk of my life in Lawrence, Kansas. There's not much public land there, but I remember going out to Clinton Lake. Which is a big man made reservoir and there's a few trails and stuff around there.
Things we talked about
Natives Outdoors
Certified B Corporation
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee
Other Outdoor Activities
Climbing
Skiing
Advice, tips
I'm working in academia right now, but I often see the value in which education can provide and providing the skills ets and necessary tools for folks that want to engage in outdoor stuff. But what I've seen in my experience of education is that that has not been the case in that its not been presented as an option. The sort of pathways in which folks can engage in the outdoor space is not created on the academic side. And that's something I want to engage in. But you know, the prevailing notion within academia that I've been blowing up is, oh, it's just people playing outside. And of course that's an element of it, but then there's the component of the public health connection to land, larger environmental stewardship. The people that spend time outdoors is where environmental stewards come from.
So I think looking at what training you can get in repurposing tools that you might get in higher education to serve that, to serve those roles of playing outside. Trying to think of how can these tools be used differently than what I'm being taught to use them for. I think too as the outdoor industry continues to grow and get more sophisticated and larger. There's a greater need for those people with those tools and skills than there was 20 years ago.
Favorite Books
Dispossessing the wilderness
Alpinist magazine
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Bears Ears Healing Shirt
Connect with Len
Paul Fish of Mountain Gear tells us some great stories about the early days of the Outdoor Biz when people would send you a few packs and let you pay when you sold them, times have changed eh?
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First Exposure to the Outdoors
As a young kid, my family did a little bit of hiking and fishing staying at the resorts in the Sierras, but I don't really consider that my start. My start was the high school I went to in Danville, California. We had an outdoor program that required a three week outward bound like experience and a lot of activities leading up to it. I started rock climbing there on Mount Diablo and that's really where I fell in love with climbing and the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Mountain Gear
Sunrise Mountaineering
Dealing Down
Target Surplus
Class Five
Blue Puma
Snow Lion
Columbia
A16
Red Rock Rendezvous
Access Fund
Veterans Community Response
Other Outdoor Activities
Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Sea Kayaking, Skiing, Climbing,
Pack Rafting, Scuba Diving
Advice, tips
I tell folks to be careful how they follow their passion. There's two ways to get into the outdoors. You can get a job in a field that you're passionate about, and you might be surprised if the consequences. In terms of the time you spend outside. Or you can get the job that, not that you hate, but the job do you enjoy that allows you to do the things you're passionate about. Like the out doors. Teachers for example get a decent amount of time off and can spend it outdoors. So be careful what you choose.
Favorite Books
Small Time Operator by Kamoroff C.P.A. Bernard B.
Growing your business by Paul Hawken
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
AeroPress
Connect with Paul
paul.fish@mountaingear.com
Are you in the Adventure Retail biz? Joan and Bill Keller offer tips and advice on surviving thru the early days of online competition and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think for both of us it was family. In my case, my parents moved from Minnesota to San Diego when I was two years old and my sister was seven. For as long as I can remember, every summer we drove to Minnesota. I have many, many cousins in Minnesota and we would drive to Minnesota. My parents would call it driving straight. No stopping, 2000 miles straight thru.
Like Joan, it started with family camping. We'd go to Anza Borrego and down to La Mission and San Quintin in Mexico and it was hard to get down there back then. But we also did a lot of longer trips to Yellowstone, Vancouver island. I can still see my Mom standing over the Coleman stove.
Things we talked about
Le Travel Store
"Get off your seats and see the world club"
Student Services West
German American Society
Michelin Travel Guides
Eagle Creek
Dolt
American Tourister
Delsey
Let's Go Europe
Horton Plaza
Adventure 16 (Wild Horizons)
Changes in Latitude
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Advice, tips
Know your customer because you can't be everything to everyone. You've got to choose exactly. Really know what that customer needs. And you have to be a brand because brands are ubiquitous these days and you can't rely on them like you could 20 years ago to know, to be exclusive. It's not happening. So you've got to build your own brand.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Midnight Series
In Our Time Podcast
Uttermost part of the earth by E. Lucas Bridges
Shanti Hodges drops plenty of insight into starting and operating a non profit on this episode.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think really, just from the very beginning, my parents were always outside. I grew up in rural Canada as a little kid and so we were outside a lot. And then as I got older I moved to Eugene, Oregon, and that's a very outdoorsy town. So, you know, I was around at the beginning of mountain biking and I had a mountain bike club that I started in my high school when I was 15. I always loved being outside and it was always something I felt like I could do and I didn't feel pressure like I felt with other sports.
Things we talked about
Hike It Baby
Transworld Snowboarding
Men's Journal
Newsweek
Outdoor Retailer
SIA
ASR
Health Watch
Snowboarding Online
Jose Gonzalez, Latino Outdoors
Mirna Valerio
American Hiking Society
National Park Trust
Leave No Trace
Adventure Mamas
Other Outdoor Activities
Mtn Biking, Paddling, Surfing
Advice, tips
Look for people that you admire. I would say actually join the organization and just start. Go in and learn about it, take our training program and learn all about us and how we run our whole program and doing it. Do the work and learn about it. Don't just ask someone to feed you the information show you. We have a training program and if you were starting a nonprofit or you're starting an organization like ours, join our organization and shadow it for six months and let us know you're doing it. I would love people to start the organizations in ways we do.
Favorite Books
Barefoot and Balanced by Angela Hanscom
No such thing as bad weather by Linda Akeson McGurk
Running Home by Katie Arnold
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Onya baby carrier
Connect with Shanti
Hike it Baby Instagram
Shanti Instagram
shanti@hikeitbaby.com
Kay Henry is an entrepreneur with a focus on outdoor recreation in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She was a co- founder of Mad River Canoe. Kay delivered a lifetime of outdoor biz knowledge in this episode. She talks about starting and growing your business from scratch, the importance of luck and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Kay Henry delivered a lifetime of outdoor biz knowledge in this episode.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Growing up, my family had a summer home on Cape Cod, so I grew up swimming, sailing, waterskiing. I was kind of a total water rat. I didn't get much camping experience as they didn't like sleeping outdoors, but I did do girl scouts, summer camp and then in college got credit to camping.
I went to camp when I was younger and my first outdoor job actually was a camp counselor when I was in college. I taught in a French kids summer camp. That's where I learned to be fluent in French.
Things we talked about
Mad River Canoe
Walt Blackadar
Confluence Watersports
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
National Park Service RTCA program
Mountaineers Books
International Women's Forum
Maggie Hogan
Advice, tips
I would encourage people to think about networking as a key component of any personal development strategy. Another one might be authenticity. So again, that's a strength to develop, which is going to require some personal experience, time spent in the outdoors. And I think it's really important if you're going to look for a career in the outdoors, is to have been there too, have some understanding of needs and rhythms of the industry.
Also to empathize with others and understand really what they're talking about from self reliance. You know, there's just a lot. Another one is the willingness to follow a path that's not so straight. Let the lucky pieces happen, the opportunities and the risks to develop a career. One that's really rewarding to you personally and not just work.
Favorite Books
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Exped mega mat
Connect with Kay
Super fun conversation with Greg Thomsen of Agron, we talk about his outdoor experience, winding down the Adidas Outdoor US business and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My father was a bit of an outdoorsman who really liked the high sierra towns. So my brother and I spent most of our summers growing up just doing that. We would generally spend weeks at a time up in Mammoth camping and hiking and fishing around the mammoth lakes area. And then I think when I was 13, I did my first free solo climb of a little Crag called Crystal Craig, which is above mammoth lakes. With my brother. It was not very difficult, probably low fifth class or even fourth class, but it was really exposed and I got kind of excited about it over the next few years. By the time I was 15 I was doing multi pitch climbs in Yosemite and really interested in the outdoor world and also an outdoor equipment.
Things we talked about
Agron (Adidas US)
The Mountain Store in Tarzana (A16)
Wilderness Experience
Nike
The North Face
Patagonia
Girl Disrupted by Claire Thomsen
Doug Tompkins
Bill Simon
Yvonn Chouinard
American Alpine Club
John Long
Dream Meditation
Advice, tips
My best advice is that if you're going to do anything in business, like if you want to be in a brand or you want to be in supply chain or almost any aspect of a regular business, checkout the outdoor business. Because I think it would be better to be an account in an outdoor company that it would be being an accountant in a machine shop.
And if you like the product and if you like the outdoors, I really don't think there's any place better. I don't think there's a better community of people. It's still competitive, but a really great group of people. So I would say jump in at whatever level you can jump in. Just like starting a long trek, you've got to take the first step and then just keep moving forward and enjoy it and try your best to be the best of what you do and enjoy doing it because that joy is what propels you forward.
Favorite Books
The Climbers by Jim Harrington
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Jetboil
Connect with Greg
gthomsen@agron.com
Entertaining conversation with JD Platt, the man is prolific. We talk about his Pro Snowboard career, his numerous ventures including the K9 Kings Flying Dog Show, JD SUP, AppWEAR, Adriatic Adventure Academy and more. Inspiration and nuggets here for everyone.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Well, I definitely have a lot from my parents growing up. I started skiing when I was three years old. I grew up in a military family, third generation military brat. I was born in Camp Lejeune North Carolina on a military base and we got shipped out to Hawaii and Boise. Dad was a captain in the Marine Corps. Eventually we got over to Yakima. But when we lived over in Boise, my parents were very active and athletic growing up and mom was really involved with horses and sports and dad was the super jock of just anything and everything.
Things we talked about
K9 Kings Flying Dog Show Owner / Founder / Trainer Insta: @jdsk9kings FB: @k9kings www.k9kings.com jd@k9kings.com JD SUP Owner / Founder Insta: @jdsup FB: @jdpaddleboards www.jdsup.com jd@jdsup.com AppWEAR Chief of Comfort Insta: @appwearinc FB: @appwear www.appwear.us jdplatt@appwear.us Adriatic Adventure Academy Investor / Guide of Fun Insta: @adriatic.academy FB: @adriaticadventureacademy www.adriaticacademy.com D•Curve Optics Team MultiTasker / Social Media IG: @d_curve FB: @dcurve www.dcurve.com Professional Old School Snowboarder Insta: @jdplattssnowlife Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation
Advice, tips
You betcha. You know, a big thing for me is your dreams can come true. It takes a lot of hard work and passion. I guess I'm a living example of pursuing some careers that just, a lot of people just don't do, I mean K9 entertainment, there's like 10 of us in the world.
I went for the dream of becoming a professional athlete and pursuing a sport that now is obviously huge, but you know, if you think you've got the talent, be realistic towards what you're pursuing and know of what you're up against. But if you have a creative mind and you want to pursue something, go for it Man. I love being an entrepreneur, it's made for some and not others. But I guess my biggest advice is just have patience, put in the hard work and pursue your dreams. You can achieve anything.
Favorite Books
Magazines
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Hydroflask
Connect with JD
jd@jdsup.com
In this episode Mary Iannotti aka the digital marketing deva drops some terrific learnings on us from her project with the Colorado Sierra Club. There is something in here for everyone. Be sure to check the show notes for links to some of her great resources too.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I've been a recreation junkie all my life. I started out by playing in the woods in the hood. I'd go out and we'd ride our bikes in the woods, hike around and we'd go and explore the forts that my brother and his friends put up and climb the trees and do all that kind of fun stuff. And then I got into team sports. I played field hockey and I played ultimate Frisbee for a really long time and when I was in college I took my first backpacking trip. I hung out with friends that really love to hike and they turned me on to this place called Letchworth State Park in New York.
We'd escaped to Letchworth on the weekends and explore. It's a beautiful park. It's got waterfalls and a really cool gorge like a mini grand canyon. I think it was like those days that I hung out in Letchworth that really solidified the fact that I wanted to be in the outdoors as much as possible. I sort of got this wanderlust where, you know, I thought about it back in college, like I really want to bust out, go to the West because the outdoors there is incredible and it's just so beautiful and that really changed kind of my life.
Things we talked about
https://digitalmarketingdeva.com/cro-strategies/
Letchworth State Park
Sierra Club Colorado
Bears Ears
Insight Timer
Kristin Carpenter Ogden- Channel Mastery Podcast
Copywriter Club podcast Rob Marsh and Kira Hug
Advice, tips
I would say create relationships with people, go to events, reach out, get to know people. I think a big thing is just being really helpful and share what you know and don't be afraid to share what you know. I've had a few one-on-one convos with people where I just reach out. I reached out to a nonprofit not too long ago and I said, hey, let's just sit down and I'm going to share with you what worked with the Sierra Club Colorado and turn you onto some really cool practices. When I was doing my niche research, I sat down with a few climbing gyms and that was really good. I mean we had some conversations and I just shared what I knew and things come back to you. It may take a little while, but people remember you and it comes back.
Other Outdoor Activities
Rock Climbing
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Favorite Books
Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins Don’t Make Me Think By Steve Krug You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero Best Gear Purchase under $100
Point five purple, Black Diamond Camelot
Connect with Mary
mary@digitalmarketingdeva.com Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
Ryan Lilly of Johnson Outdoors talks about being raised in the outdoors, how he got into the Outdoor Industry, the fun he has developing water sports product for Johnson and more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think by default being raised in Maine, you are pretty much raised outdoors. You have to survive some pretty intense weather. Hunting, fishing, skiing, snow and water is all a part of your existence . . . from the get go. So you really learn to appreciate, recreation and latch on to activities that are outdoors. My first exposure I'd say is just being a kid in Maine and exploring.
Things we talked about
Johnson Outdoors
Old Town Canoe
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
University of Maine at Farmington
K2 Sports
Delorme
Garmin
ICAST
Old Town Topwater
Predator
Discovery Solo Sportsmen
Girl Scouts
Living Waters Camp
Outdoor Activities
Hunt
Fish/Fish
Ski/Snowboard
Paddle
Snowmobile
Advice, tips
Anybody out there that's listening that's high school age or early college, I would think about making sure that you set yourself up to have real life experiences. Before you finished college. I think I had the leg up from some of my friends around me at the time cause I had set up my schedule such that I worked full time all through college. So I had business experience and some real applicable experiences to talk about when I was given the shot at K2. I was fresh out of college and they gave me a shot because of my retail background and industry experience.
A lot of people just hammer down and get college done which I say more power to them. But then they've got to try to figure out what to do professionally or have a harder time getting that first good job because they have to get some experience. So do what you can in college to get jobs that align with the direction you want to go in and try to build up some real life experience there.
Then folks early in their professional career remember you're never too good for a task. That's one thing that I think being a new Englander, you have to roll up your sleeves and get to work just to stay warm up here in the wintertime. You have to be pulling your weight and doing your part.
If you you're early in your career and you've got a manager that is giving you tasks that you think you're above, you need to reassess life I think. Because you've got to pay your dues and do some dirty work in some crappy tasks that you think, why am I doing this? But you've got to get through that. That helps build respect with people above you and around you and also broadens your experiences.
Favorite Books and Podcast
The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko
River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Aero Press
Connect with Ryan
ryan.lilly@johnsonoutdoors.com
Willow produces the Out There Podcast and tells us all about the show, how she got into podcasting and her experience as an NPR host on Wyoming Public radio.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Growing up I lived in New York City, which is not exactly outdoors-y right. But my family had this little cabin up in Maine. My grandfather had bought land on a lake up there were way back when it was dirt cheap and then they built this cabin. So I often spent most of the summer up there and we would kayak and swim and just kind of spend all day outside. I remember entire summers where I never wore shoes, except maybe if my mom made me. If we had to go to the grocery store or something. But that was always sort of my happy place
Things we talked about
Out There Podcast
Northwoods Outfitters
NPR
Wyoming Public Radio
The Colorado Trail
Common Outdoor Ground
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Backpacking
Mtn Biking
Climbing
Skiing
Advice, tips
I think a lot of us are hesitant to take a leap and try new things if we don't feel like we already have the skills to do them. I certainly was that way where it's like, wow, I don't already know how to do this so I obviously I can't do it. I think honestly hiking the Colorado trail was something where I didn't know how to do it, but I did a bunch of research and I figured it out and it worked. And because that worked, then I think that gave me the courage to launch Out There cause I was like, well, all right, I don't know how to do this either, but we're going to give it a try and figure it out and see.
So I think it's important to just remember that it's okay to be a beginner at things and that if you want something enough, you can do the research you need and you can talk to the people who know how to do it and make it happen. I don't want to make it seem like anything you want to do as possible, but it is important to remember that you don't have to already know how to do everything in order to get started with something in order to thrive at it.
Favorite Books and Podcast
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
60 Meters to Anywhere by Brendan Leonard
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Connect with Willow
Out There Podcast
Kristin tells us how she got her first media job with Backpacker and all the fun stuff she got to work on, her transition to SNEWS, and we talk about their beautiful new publication The Voice.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I kind of found my way into the outdoors myself. I grew up on Cape Cod and my family was never into hiking or camping or anything like that. We were a big ski family. So we would travel up to Vermont. We had a place in Stowe, Vermont and we'd ski almost every weekend from the time I was about three.
And the very first time that I did I camp was on a sixth grade field trip to Mount Washington. One of my friends unearthed a photograph a few years ago and posted it on Instagram and it was hysterical. I had forgotten all about that trip. But then, as these things happen, you start to remember oh my God, I do remember climbing Mount Washington and summiting and thinking how amazing it was. I just loved the feeling of being up there in the mountains. It wasn't until after I graduated from college that I had my next camping experience.
Things we talked about
SNEWS
The Voice
Backpacker
Active Interest Media
Whisper Light Stove
Clip FlashLight Tent
Erewhon Outfitters
Plastic Impact Promise
Salary Survey
Conservation Alliance
Camber Outdoors
Big City Mountaineers
Outdoor Foundation
Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Backpacking
Trekking
Advice, tips
The best thing that you can do if you're passionate about the outdoors and getting into the business is to just stick with it. I mean, for me, I basically nagged my way into a job. I think if you know it's what you want, don't take no for an answer. And you just keep trying and keep trying and keep trying until you break in. Because we are a passion based industry and people who do the hiring in this industry, they want that. Yeah. It's the to success. I think just sticking to it and meeting people and networking, that's a big thing I think.
Favorite Books and Podcast
Dispatches by Outside Magazine
Channel Mastery by Kristin Carpenter Ogden
Shantaram by David Gregory Roberts
Push by Tommy Caldwell
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Buff
Connect with Kristin
khostetter@aimmedia.com
Great conversation with with Todd Finney today, Todd tells us how he got into skateboarding and surfing his first experience on a cutting room floor, we spend a bit of time talking what it was like to start the brand Clive and much much more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
When I was a kid I lived in a shitty part of Orange County and back then it was still orange groves. So we were outside all the time. And after my first school football game, when I got basically left out of the game, I decided I wasn't into the team sports thing. So I started skateboarding, building skateboard ramps and skating pools that were near my house. That was the golden era of skateboarding, it was really fun.
And then I moved to San Diego when I was 13. Up to that point we had done campground camping and we had a camper, we'd go to Mexico. Had a lot of fun with the family and motorcycles and hiking and all that stuff. And then I started surfing and I lived right by del Mar Skate ranch. It's maybe not traditional outdoors but I was outdoors a lot.
Things we talked about
Wolfgang Man & Beast
Eagle Creek
Skateboarding magazine
Powder magazine
Airwalk
Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
ISPO
Clive
Tim Swart
Rob Machado
Todd Richards
Quicksilver
Nixon
Skullcandy
Steve Barker
Beaver Theodosakis
Jeremy Andrus
Joe Markham
Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue Dogs
Canines With A Cause
Outdoor Activities
Mountain bike
Snowboard
Skateboard
Overlanding
Advice, tips
I think about what Mike Rowe said. Mike Rowe from dirty jobs said, just because you're passionate about something doesn't mean you don't suck at it. So there's follow your passion, but if you suck at it, don't follow it for a career. Find another passion. If you happen to have passion and you're good at it, then you can do something with it, which is great. The crossroads I see people come to and I've mentored some people over the years. The crossroads I always see them come to is the marketing versus product. Are they going to be a marketer or are they going to be a product developer? And those two paths lead lead to different places. Both can lead to owning a company, but both can lead to very different careers. That's one of the crossroads I see people come to.
I guess my main thing is, of course as a guy who didn't go to college, maybe I'm limited on how far I'm ever going to go, but I don't think so.
I always say I like to go 90 degrees to the opposite direction of everybody else and just end up way over there. And people say wait, why is that guy over there? That's my approach. I don't know if that's approach for everybody. People make a lot of money making kind of regular products and stuff, but you know, the traditional path isn't for everyone.
Favorite Books
The Book of Mormon
Atlas Shrugged
The Communist Manifesto
Strengths Finder
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Luci Lights
Black Diamond Headlamp
Connect with Todd
todd@theideahamster.com
Great Conversation with Sablle Scheppmann from Mountain Hardwear. Sablle tells us about how she got into the outdoors camping as a kid, her Collegiate Running career and offers a great piece of advice for all of that spend a lot of time on airplanes.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I am born and raised in San Diego and growing up we didn't have a lot of money. We moved apartment to apartment, so vacations were a little out of the question. I was fortunate enough to learn about the outdoors for my dad and my grandparents. My Dad was an eagle scout and my grandma was always really involved with Eagle Scouts. And we would always take camping trips cause it was the easiest vacation we could take. We'd always go up, actually through bishop, and over the years we've camped at Green Lake and up towards Mammoth. And being from San Diego, my grandparents also took us out to Idlewild and Joshua tree. So a lot of camping.
Things we talked about
Mountain Hardwear
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Transrockies Run
Kyle Robidoux Blind Beer Runner
Kyle Robidoux: @blindbeerrunner & here is an article on his run this summer https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a26007630/visually-impaired-runner-western-states-100/
They are always in need of guides! Anyone can reach out to Sablle or go to http://www.unitedinstride.com
Sighted Guide
Outdoor Activities
Running, Backpacking, Snowboarding, Camping
Advice, tips
I feel like I kinda got to where I am in the position I am today because of leaning on people. I'm a total people person. Just never be afraid to put yourself out there. If anybody's interested in getting into the business and you know, reach out to. Never hesitate to look compaines up on linkedin. Find people at that company and just reach out and ask them to go to coffee or ask questions like, how did you get to where you are? How did you get in that role? I find that when you put yourself out there, you can get a lot of benefits from that. And it's scary, but it's, it, it's, it's really important.
Favorite Books
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
Podcast- How I built this
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Sea to Summit collapsible cups and plates
Connect with Sablle
sscheppmann@mountainhardwear.com
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you!
Fun chat with Coral Darby today, Coral tells us how she got into PR, the great agency she and her team have built and offers up some great advice for anyone wanting to get into the Outdoor Biz. Coral has spent nearly her entire life embracing the Outdoor Lifestyle.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I would say it was somewhat traditional. The summer between my sophomore and junior year in college, I signed up to work at a summer camp outside of Vail. It was a really cool camp in fact, they gave us a lot of guide training. So I got certified in rafting. I was a white water guide in Utah and Colorado. I got enough hours and fell in love with river life at that point. We also did backpacking and horse packing. Some of my favorite memories that summer are being up at like 10, 11,000 feet elevation and camping, working with the horses and the kids. It was just all around a phenomenal summer. And I knew living life, this is what I need to be doing.
Things we talked about
Darby Communications
Patagonia
Tibetan Traders
"as a PR practitioner, we went from being news tellers to newsmakers"
Stand Up
Outdoor Activities
All of them
Advice, tips
The biggest thing is network, get out and talk to people. You can send emails all day long, but I'm still a big believer in the old fashioned way of face to face contact, and to go to as many networking events as you can. Just talk to as many people as you can and connect the dots. And also be patient, this doesn't happen overnight.
"Perceive as this success is inevitable"
Favorite Books
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Fast Company
Inc.
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
UCO Mess Kit
Hydroflask
Feetures Socks
Connect with Coral
coral@darbycommunications.com
The Outdoor Biz Podcast Episode 150 is live with Austin Coop, Founder and lead tour guide at Guided Route 6 Tours. Austin has personally traversed the 2,400+ miles of Route 66 dozens and dozens of times. His love for the Mother Road led to lifelong friendships and partnerships with the small businesses and funky roadside attractions along the way.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors and Adventure Travel
Like a lot of us in this industry, I've probably taken the long and winding road to get here. I had no idea this world existed in the way it does. I went to a great college and had a great experience, but it was a very traditional in terms of what was offered. You know, you picked a major and you just went and did it and then afterwards you went to a job fair and you got a job. So that's what I did. I had a management job that I hated but with that management background I ended up at a travel startup that just needed help around the office. That transitioned into travel writing which transitioned into being on the road.
Then when the startup started to have some trouble I went out on my own and was trying to figure out "how do I stay in this travel space that I like, and enjoy being on the road. And that's when I thought I'd go back to college. My favorite job was when I was an orientation leader. I thought, what's the travel adult version of that? Then I sent some very generic emails to a couple of the big tour operators and a guy took a chance on me. really. If you would have told me six months prior, I didn't even know the industry existed in a way that it does. So next thing you know I'm working as a tour director and getting to go out west and getting to go through the national parks and being on the road about 200 days a year. It just ended up being an incredible fit.
Things we talked about
Guided Route 66 Tours
Two Lane America
Roadtrippers
Cars
Advice, tips
There are just so many ways to do this. Look at what you love, but then also look at what you're good at, what you're gifted at. What, what are the things that you not only enjoy, but you can also be a value add. A lot of people think, oh man, it must be great being a our guide, actually just getting to go all these places. I bet you have to be like an encyclopedia. And I tell them, 70% of my job is back in logistics. My job is management with a customer service aspect to it. So think about what you're good at, where you slot in?
Then don't be afraid to take a chance. And always assume if you're doing something just totally from scratch, don't expect to make any money for a year or two. But again there's so many other ways to do it. If you're young spend your summer being a raft guide in the Tetons. If you're retired, they take volunteer rangers at the national parks. There are just so many ways to do it that aren't necessarily just jumping off a cliff.
Favorite Books
Route 66, The Mother Road by Michael Wallace
Route 66, America's Longest Small Town by Jim Hinckley
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
TSA Precheck
Packing Cubes
Connect with Austin
austin@2laneamerica.com
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I made my first snowboard and shop class, in 1980 maybe. Cool. And I think I bought wooden skis and kind of put them on my skateboard trucks and went down the hill. I mean, you're building an industry at that point. It just wasn't what we have today, it wasn't crowds at the ski lifts. And then I really think my first outdoor job, I was the first snowboard instructor at Toggenburg Ski area in Syracuse, New York. It's a tiny little hill, 400 vertical. So they embrace snowboarding early.
Things we talked about
Nemo Design
International Snowboard Magazine
Snowboarder Magazine
Smith's sport optic
Nike 6.0
Ikon Pass
Mammoth Ski Resort
Alterra Mountain Co.
Epic Pass
Chill Foundation
Boarding for Breast Cancer
Advice, tips
Congratulations on your choice to participate and be a professional in the outdoor space. I think that the one thing I find helps is finding a leader, somebody to mentor you. Nowadays you can follow them on social feeds, and you'd be surprised if you genuinely and authentically kind of asked them for help. If they've got time, they will pay it back and they will pay it forward by giving you the insights that you desire. So I've had over the years, different strategies that have gotten through for me. One is job shadowing. So you're not asking a whole ton of my time but come in for an afternoon and job shadow. I take those opportunities at our shop. Hey, here's what design does and here's copywriting. And you kind of see what an agencies like and you may not like this kind of culture or you may.
So I always try to open up opportunities there. And then another strategy I thought was pretty effective is, it's kind of similar to this podcast formula, a young student will ask questions that are pretty direct and then I can give them direct feedback.
Just stay curious, be energetic, be part of the solution. And I think that most people will receive you with that same reflective energy.
Other Outdoor Activities
Snowboarding
Riding motorcycles
Wake Surfing
Favorite Books
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Favorite Outdoor Gear Under $100
Goal Zero charger for the phone
Hiking apps
Mizu Water Bottle
Connect with Trevor
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Philip curry has been challenging the status quo in watersports his entire career. Turning his love for paddling into not one but two watersports brands. Lotus Designs which he sold to Patagonia and Astral which has now expanded into footwear.
We talk about his experience building these two unique brands and much, much more in this wide ranging conversation.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in the mountains outside of Chattanooga, so my backyard was the outdoor. There was a creek back there, a beautiful little mountain creek. Probably from the age of five I discovered that creek and it really opened the world of nature to me. So I'd say that was it. It's always kinda been since then a place to play, feel free and put my mind at ease.
Things we talked about
Astral Designs
Allanbys
Lotus Designs
Sutton Bacon
Steve Meineke
Bruce Furrer
Joe Pulliam
North Carolina Zen Center
Advice, tips
The critical thing about business is understanding your target customer and understanding who is going to buy your product or your service that you're offering. So that means I think being a member of some community of climbers or paddlers or backpackers or whatever it is, you really have to be a part of it. If you're not, it's really hard to fake it. It seems like the industry sees right through that pretty quickly. Right, right. That's number one, understand the community you're building products or services for.
Beyond that, I think it's just a hell of a lot of work. I don't want anybody to think that either the business or being in business is anything other than that hard work. It just as a mental exercise that's nonstop, there's just no way around it.
Other Outdoor Activities
Running, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Snowboarding
Favorite Books
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Crazy Horse by The Edward Clown Family
Favorite
Darn Tough Socks
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java drip
Connect with Philip
Sally and I talk about how she grew up outside Charlotte North Carolina and went on her first backpacking trip at 5 years old on the Appalachian Trail. We talk about her career in the Outdoor Biz and plenty more.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina back when it was not nearly the city it is now and all my great aunts and great uncles and grandfather had a farm and so we would spend part of every weekend at one of these farms and the weekends in the mountains actually near Asheville. So I almost grew up outside. I went to my first backpacking trip when I was five, it was a 10 mile overnight trip. So I was sort of hooked from then on.
Things we talked about
The Nature Conservancy
Student Conservation Association
UPS
Orvis
The North Face
Mt Everest
Sierra Designs
REI
Camelbak
Jack Gilbert
Ingrid Harshberger
The Outdoor Foundation
Conservation Alliance
The President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, 1986
Advice, tips
I've always believed in targeting the companies that interest you. Figuring out what they want and how you can help fit what they want. I think that's the most important thing. How could you bring it to a company? What's the best way in? What's your real interest? How flexible are you on where you want to live and all that? I think any aspect of it, just like I had exposure at UPS and retail and everything else, I think it's good to learn about the business, but I'm always a big proponent of picking the companies that you think have something you're particularly interested in and targeting several of them.
Other Outdoor Activities
Ski
Snowboard
Mtn Bike
Favorite Books
Smart Choices by John S. Hammond, Ralph L. Keeny, Howard Raiffa
Educated, a Memoir by Tara Westover
Connect with Sally
Ammi tells us about his experience working with K2 and Outdoor Research and the work he’s doing to help brands navigate the Higg Index Brand & Retail Module.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in New England in a family that really wasn't much of an outdoor family, but the little bit of exposure I had to the outdoors told me that I just absolutely loved it. So right after college I bought a one way ticket to Seattle and I have yet to buy the other half back.
Yeah I moved out here and quickly evolved to spending as much time as I could up in the mountains. I did a bunch of hiking, backpacking, mountaineering rock climbing and a fair amount of paddling. And back then a weekday ticket at a place like crystal mountain was about $12 and instead of the hundred dollars said it is now. There was a huge amount of opportunity to get out and have some fun. And my version of slopeside accommodations was camping out in the crystal mountain parking lot.
Things we talked about
K2 Sports
Outdoor Research
Dana Design
REI
YKK
Seattle Central College
School of Apparel Design and Development
Higg Index
Linkedin article
Outdoor Industry Association
REI Product Sustainability Standards
SNEWS article
MEC
Advice, tips
We all started somewhere. So based on my experience, my number one piece of advice for people looking to get in the outdoor industry is focus. Because you hear a lot of people say, oh I love the outdoor industry, I want to be a part of the outdoor industry. How do I get into the outdoor industry? But when you really break it down, there are a lot of vastly different roles. I mean, you and I have had different roles over the years, yours has been more sales oriented and mine has been focused on product. There's marketing, there's finance, there's logistics, sourcing, distribution, retail. And so I tell people, focus on the part of the industry you like and are experienced in. Like if it's product great, that opens up one whole set of traIning and direction and opportunities that you can take. If it's marketing, well that's a really a whole different path that might be at the same company, but it's a different skill set. So I really tell people, it's a great industry. It's super exciting. It's tons of fun, focus, focus, focus, focus, and that just gives you many, many more opportunities across many, many more companies.
Other Outdoor Activities
Backpacking
Paddling
Favorite Books
The Good Rain by Timothy Egan
Best Gear Purchase under $100
durable fleece gloves
headlamp
clif bar
Connect with Ammi
Nate and I talk about the unique way he got into running marathons and his upcoming adventure thru running the Arizona Trail. Thanks to Jason Lawrence from Vssl for connecting us.
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Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
(edited for publication)
I think that when we talk about the outdoors now we have a sense of what that means to us, like camping and hiking and whatnot. My exposure to the outdoors was through my childhood playing outside. I didn't have video games. I think in college I got like a Sega Genesis and played it for about a month, played hockey until I got calluses on my thumbs and then was done. But I grew up outside playing, kick the can German spotlight. My mother was a Phys Ed teacher so she got a lot of exercise. My father got into running and biking and then doing triathlons. At the age of 14 I remember going on this thing called the RagBrai. I don't know if anyone's heard of this. It's this bike ride across Iowa and it takes about a week. The Des Moines Register Register's annual great bike ride across Iowa. The whole idea is you dip your tire in the Missouri River on a Saturday and then the next week you dip your tire in the Mississippi. So you've traversed the entire state.
Things we talked about
Running River School
Running for Running River
RAGBRAI
Hike House
Arizona Trail
Arizona Trail Association
Merrell
Solomon
Jumper Threads
Vssl
Grayl
Altra
Snow Mountain River
Advice, tips
One thing I've noticed about these endurance events, and maybe I'm wrong, but I'd love to see more people doing these things for causes. I know there's a lot of Susan G Komen breast cancer walks and there's a lot of great things that are done for great causes, I would love to see more of it. I want to invite more people to do things like this. But when they do attach a cost to it and just raise some awareness for whatever you believe in because that takes some courage to do.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa Best Gear Purchase under $100
tatoo: ILYTFAB- love you to forever and back
tatoo: Drink Water, Pace Yourself, Good Luck
Connect with Nate
runningforrunningriver@gmail.com
Fun conversation with Ted Eynon from Meier Skis. We talk about his youth working on the family Christmas Tree Farm and Apple Orchards and how he came to own Meier Skis. He drops a great book on us too! Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
That really started early. I just grew up in a family that was a skiing family. I grew up outside of Boston and New England and my folks had a place up in Franconia, New Hampshire up in northern New Hampshire. Where Cannon Mountain was at the time and a small mountain next to Cannon called Midtarsal. Dad was a ski instructor and we were one of those skiing families that were up every weekend, every holiday and a good many snow days where I played hooky from school. In the summer we were a backpacking family, so we'd go up in the White Mountains typically four or five days. We climbed most of the fourteeners in New Hampshire. So I'd say I just kinda grew up into it. And those activities became lifelong activities.
My first outdoor job was probably working on my family's Christmas tree plantation which was a hobby of my Dad's. He had apple orchards and a Christmas tree plantation. So he had me out there working during my formative years.
Things we talked about
Meier Skis
Matt Cudmore
University of New Hampshire
Colorado State Forest Service
Beetle Kill Pine
Paul Wilson
Wish of a Lifetime
Swim Across America
American Alpine Club
Advice, tips
There is a tremendous amount of opportunity, right? And especially here in Colorado, I mean Colorado has certainly become the epi center for active outdoor lifestyle businesses. I mean there's larger organizations that are now moving here to denver. And of course with OR moving out of Salt Lake here to Denver, I mean OR and the convention center is a mile and a half from, from Meier Skis. So we've got great proximity to the show and we do tours during the day and so forth. So there's a lot of opportunity.
I wouldn't say there's a lot of high pay opportunity right out of the gate. That's always a challenge. I mean, we have people constantly wanting to come work in meijer and if they're already used to making 80, 100, 150 grand, that's going to be a tough step for them.
So are you willing to sacrifice some income for the lifestyle you want from a work standpoint, I guess is one thing. And for others, I think sometimes they're too specific on what role they want in a company. I think a lot of times they should just say yes. If that's the industry they want to be in and they find a company, just say yes. Then get to know the industry, get to know the company and work your way into the role that ultimately suits you.
Other Outdoor Activities
Ride Motorcycles
walk the dog
Favorite Books
Flight of the Buffalo by James A. Belasco and Ralph C. Stayer Best Gear Purchase under $100
Map and Compass
Leatherman
Connect with Ted
Meier Skis
Happy new year everyone, I hope you had a fantastic holiday season. I’m excited to kick off season 4 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Todd Branham of Blue Ridge Adventures. Todd is doing great work in the Blue Ridge Mountains building trails and Mtn Bike communities through his businesses. We talk about his early days on a bike, the inspirations, challenges as well as some of the intricate details of building trails. Thanks for all you do Todd and coming on show! And thanks to the crew at Darby Communications and Julie Bacon for connecting us.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I guess it started really young. As a kid my parents, all they had to do was put me in a room in the house for a punishment. I really liked the outdoors. I'd stand at the door and cry until I could go outside, so I started pretty young. I just enjoyed being outside. I grew up in the country, I enjoy playing in the forest. I mean, right off the bat, man I was an outdoor person.
Things we talked about
Blue Ridge Adventures
Long Cane Trails
Pisgah National Forest
Biltmore Forest School
Transylvania County
Pisco stage race
Bill Victor
International Mountain Bike Association
Advice, tips
I think starting early, you know, I mean if you, if you feel the passion that you want to be in it, I mean get your hands dirty and get in the industry however you can. if you, if you stay focused on what you're doing, it'll all fall in place for you.
Other Outdoor Activities
Trail Run
Show Shoe
Rollerblade
Favorite Books
Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack Best Gear Purchase under $100
Thermacell Insoles
Connect with Todd
Blue Ridge Adventures
Long Cane Trails
I caught up with Mary Iannotti from digital marketing deva the other day. She drops some terrific learnings on us from her project that was geared towards saving public lands. There is something in here for everyone. Be sure to check the show notes for links to some of her great resources.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I've been a recreation junkie all my life. I started out by playing in the woods in the hood. I'd go out and we'd ride our bikes in the woods, hike around and we'd go and explore the forts that my brother and his friends put up and climb the trees and do all that kind of fun stuff. And then I got into team sports. I played field hockey and I played ultimate Frisbee for a really long time and when I was in college I took my first backpacking trip. I hung out with friends that really love to hike and they turned me on to this place called Letchworth State Park in New York.
We'd escaped to Letchworth on the weekends and explore. It's a beautiful park. It's got waterfalls and a really cool gorge like a mini grand canyon. I think it was like those days that I hung out in Letchworth that really solidified the fact that I wanted to be in the outdoors as much as possible. I sort of got this wanderlust where, you know, I thought about it back in college, like I really want to bust out, go to the West because the outdoors there is incredible and it's just so beautiful and that really changed kind of my life.
Things we talked about
digitalmarketingdeva.com
Letchworth State Park
Sierra Club Colorado
Bears Ears
Insight Timer
Kristin Carpenter Ogden- Channel Mastery Podcast
Copywriter Club podcast Rob Marsh and Kira Hug
Advice, tips
I would say create relationships with people, go to events, reach out, get to know people. I think a big thing is just being really helpful and share what you know and don't be afraid to share what you know. I've had a few one-on-one convos with people where I just reach out. I reached out to a nonprofit not too long ago and I said, hey, let's just sit down and I'm going to share with you what worked with the Sierra Club Colorado and turn you onto some really cool practices. When I was doing my niche research, I sat down with a few climbing gyms and that was really good. I mean we had some conversations and I just shared what I knew and things come back to you. It may take a little while, but people remember you and it comes back.
Other Outdoor Activities
Rock Climbing
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Favorite Books
Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins Don’t Make Me Think By Steve Krug You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero Best Gear Purchase under $100
Point five purple, Black Diamond Camelot
Connect with Mary
mary@digitalmarketingdeva.com Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
Shawn and his wife have recently launched their new Adventure and Photo retreat business and we talk about their inspiration, challenges as well as Shawn's photo career shooting some of the best Action Sport athletes in the world. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think as a kid we would bike ride and skateboard or try and find empty swimming pools around to skateboard in. So that was at an early age. Early on I played a lot of baseball that was my primary sport of choice as a youngster and played that all the way through high school. Growing up in southern California, it's hard not to, you know, have a skateboard or a surfboard or even back then a bmx bike.
Things we talked about
Adriatic Adventure Academy
Chaffey College
Brooks
Jim Hogan
Herbie Fletcher
Steamers Lane
Bonzai Pipeline
Surfrider Foundation
5 Gyres Institute
Schooner Yacht America / Next Level Sailing
Advice, tips
Yes. I would say anybody that's going to have a long career, like if they're doing it for a career, right? I would say first and foremost, if you know what you want to do, if you are a photographer and that is hugely your passion, then go for it.
I had some very, very sound advice when I was going pro . . . educate yourself and not just to be a photographer. But educate yourself in the business because if you're going to follow the footsteps of being a photographer, you can't forget that you're a business and your really are no different than a plumber or a contractor or any other small business. The lectures that I've given at universities or workshops that I taught at the end of the day, I give this advice. I still tell everybody, you're a business and you have to run your business accordingly. It's probably 20 percent taking pictures and a 80 percent we're running a business.
Now, if you don't know what you want to do, for those people out there that say they don't really know what they want to do yet, but they're definitely outdoor enthusiasts. Go see if you can get a job at one of the local outdoor adventure outfitters, like an REI or a one of those places. Go to the ski resorts in the winter and get a job as a lift operator. Something along that line if you live near the beach or something, go get a job at a surf shop.
Other Outdoor Activities
Mtn Biking
Snowboarding
Hiking
Surfing
Favorite Books
Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Petzl Headlamp
Connect with Shawn
shawn@adriaticacademy.com
Derek and his team have launched their new lighting brand HeadSpin Outdoors and we talk about the excitement and challenges they’ve run into along the way. These guys are pumped and have a pretty unique take on this category.
Facebook TwitterInstagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Well we've always been sort of outdoor guys. This is our first foray into the outdoor industry as an occupation. Growing up we both really loved the outdoors and my business partner and I were raised in completely different outdoor environments. But we both had a common respect and appreciation for everything outdoors. So as we started our company and started thinking about applications for our product, the outdoors was just the natural direction that we wanted to go.
Things we talked about
HeadSpin Outdoors
Big City Mountaineers
Advice, tips
Yeah, keep your head down and just keep on going. A lot of people give up really quickly and I would say that one thing that we have is his tenacity, and that's really helped us. It's just not giving up. I mean not to the point where it's foolish to just keeping keeping ongoing, right? But just staying the course. You get a lot of nos and there's a lot of hiccups, but just working through it and taking the time to take a step back and evaluate and reassess and then logically move forward has been so impactful for us. It's helped us get to the point where we are today.
Other Outdoor Activities
Walking
Running
Whitewater Kayaking
Favorite Books
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Hydro Flask
Connect with Derek
website contact
Ali has created a terrific employment resource for the outdoor biz- Basecamp on Facebook. We talk about her career, how she is handling her Dads sudden passing, and a whole lot more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up camping and sailing and skiing. I grew up in Los Angeles right in the heart of it, in the Hollywood hills. My dad was always very adventurous. My mom came along for the ride, we did a lot of camping up in the Sierras and we would take family ski trips to big bear and Tahoe. My Dad was a big sailor, so we would sail across to Catalina island. I actually went to summer camp out there, a sleepaway camp on Catalina island. Didn't learn to scuba dive but we would do backpacking trips and rock climbing and all that sort of stuff. So as much as I was a city kid, I really was that pretty involved in the active lifestyle from an early age.
Things we talked about
Val Surf
Travel and Leisure
Outside Online
Basecamp on Facebook
Gear Patrol
Hike it Baby
Advice, tips
I think that in the end, even though the jobs are within the outdoor industry, they are still jobs. And so if you're trying to transfer into the industry and are already at your mid level career you have to think about the skills you've picked up and how are those relatable to a job that you're applying for. So being able to really speak to the job responsibilities in your cover letter and your past experiences and how they relate is huge.
If you're just trying to get your foot in the door for the first time, you know, try going to outdoor retailer, try to meet with brands that are interest you, be open to rolling up your sleeves and starting from the ground up. I know a lot of people who have gotten their start as interns and stayed with companies for years and years in this industry, and worked their way up into pretty senior positions. Some of that starts at retail too, you see that a lot in this industry. People who maybe work at the Patagonia store and then kind of worked their way up or rei, another great company to work for that promotes people from within.
Be vocal on base camp. Don't be shy, reach out, introduce yourself, you know, ask questions and be specific with your questions, as specific as you can. And offer as much information as you can about who you are, what you do, what you're interested in the outdoor industry, what related experience you have in the outdoor industry. The more specific, the more likely somebody will see it and think, oh, that's exactly what I'm looking for. Or be able to link you to an opportunity that is a good match.
Other Outdoor Activities
Running
Hiking
Swimming
Favorite Books
Cowboys Are My Weakness by Pam Houston
Running Home: A memoir by Katie Arnold
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Patagonia kids rain suit
Connect with Ali
Basecamp on Facebook
Kristan tells us how a Backpacking Adventure in 4th grade set her path for a life and career in the outdoors. She drops a great Book and Facebook resource on us too.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and there's not much going on there except to be outside really. So as a kid we spent a lot of time in the woods, in the backyard and at the beach a lot. My first kind of big outdoor adventure was when I was in the fourth grade my uncle who was really into the outdoors took my best friend and myself on a backpacking and camping trip in the white mountains of New Hampshire.
I probably shouldn't say this, but at the top of our first mountain peak he pulled out a beer for each of us. So it was my first summit and my first beer.
Things we talked about
Rendezvous Event Management
Overland Summers
Backroads
Outdoor Outreach
Send It Foundation
Basecamp
Advice, tips
If you're just looking to get into the outdoor business and it's kind of Cliche, but just follow your heart. I followed my heart to college in Vermont because I want it to be in the outdoors. Then I ended up in Jackson despite the fact that everybody I knew after college was going to law school or med school or Wall Street. Then I really just made it a point once I was in Jackson to not be a ski bum or climbing bomb or whatever. I wanted to do all of those activities, but I really also wanted to pick jobs that might lead me to a future career and that look good on my resume. I will never forget, I accepted the position of a reporter at the Jackson Hole News maybe a year out of college. I knew that would look good on my resume and I was learning a good skill. Then when I went to interview at Stanwood and partners, probably the biggest, strongest thing I had on my resume was the fact that I was a former reporter.
I guess if you're already in the industry or even if you're looking to get into it, a shorter and simpler answer is I love that group Ali Carr Troxell started called Basecamp on Facebook. It's such a good networking tool. People post job positions, people ask questions, it's really great. I check in on it every day and I'm not even looking for a job.
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Biking
Trail Running
Hiking
Favorite Books
Skeletons in the Sahara by Dean King
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Hydro Flask
Connect with Kristan
Website
krista@rendezvouseventmanagement.com
Pete shows up with so much inspiration and energy, I love it and thank you! We talk about his experience with depression, how he discovered running, his iditarod success and a whole lot more. This is another must listen episode! Thanks Pete! Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I've been an athlete my whole life. I kinda grew up in that generation where I was outside all the time you know, mom would have to ring the bell and get us inside. The opposite of kids today.
I was outside all the time. That's around the woods and mostly it was sports. I was big into ball sports growing up, but I always had a heart for the outdoors. I felt more comfortable there than inside, so it's just been a lifelong love affair really with the outdoors. I don't like to be boxed in by you're ultra runner or you're a hiker. I get out there. The titles don't mean much to me, I'm just the outdoorsman.
Things we talked about
Darby Communications
Depression
Breast Cancer
Iditarod Trail Invitational
50 State Marathon Club
The Seaveys
Susan G. Komen
Advice, tips
I love helping people and say get your ass outside. Being outside and being in running and sweating has just been my biggest antidepressant.
I would definitely say also to open up to people you know. Open up to the people you love and if there's someone in your life that you feel could help or at least be an ear and not judge you, go there. Because there are people that love you and want to help you and might not even understand the extent of your darkness. So just open up and that will probably bring some accountability. And so I hope people can kind of get through that because I know how tough it's been for me and I'm not saying that I'm through it. I mean, I still deal with it and I think I always will, but I've found little hacks to help me through.
Other Outdoor Activities
Kayaking
Stand up Paddle
Rock Climbing
Mountaineering
Ice climbing
Biking
Golf
Favorite Books/Apps
To Build a Fire by Jack London
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Fenix headlamp
Connect with Pete
peteripmaster.com
Lila tells us how Alpenglow Collective is a connecting force for women and underrepresented genders in the climbing community. They offer an inclusive platform where women (cis and trans), trans people of all genders, and gender non-conforming folks can connect, find climbing partners, and create lasting mentorships. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show on Patreon Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I had always kind of done nature stuff with my family, you know, but I was the kid who resented being dragged along to the national parks. I grew up in Kentucky, so every park within driving distance I think we've probably hit, but I wasn't super into it then. It wasn't until I moved to Salt Lake City and got a job at the bureau of land management that it hit me. I hadn't been steeped in outdoor culture like this before. I didn't even have a tent. So when I moved to Salt Lake I got this access to the Outdoors. I got a pro deal through my job and I got the gear and I had friends who were just like super outdoorsy. So that was when I first started really getting outside. I learned how to rock climb, which is super important to me now. So yeah that feels really full circle.
Things we talked about
Alpenglow Collective Alpenglow Facebook posting forum Brown Girls Climb The Venture Out Project Out There Adventures Flash Foxy If you want some resources to learn a little more about what Lila means when they talk about gender, they have some vocab on their website, and on their instagram (@alpenglowcollective.co) story highlights, under "Gender Beta". (not sure if that link will translate to mobile!)
They are a non-profit partner with the Portland Boulder Rally at The Circuit climbing gym, on October 6!
Advice, tips
My first piece of advice is identify people who can help you because it's a lot of hard work, especially doing something nonprofit oriented. It's hard work and you're going to need folks who have your back and have resources and can offer advice. The second piece of it though, is just do it, go ahead and start.
Other Outdoor Activities
Bicycling
Favorite Books/Apps
The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Petzl Grigri 2
Connect with Lila
lila@alpenglowcollective.co
Darren is an inspiration on so many levels. I enjoyed our conversation that wandered all over the map from his academic chops to his purchase of Rutabaga and other side trails along the way. My apologies for some of the sound issues but you won't miss anything, enjoy.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was a boy scout, which got me outside and with a lot of people don't realize is there's a lot of really nice outdoor space, not necessarily wilderness space, outdoor space in and around LA.
I actually didn't paddle till I moved to Wisconsin just because the closest lake to me was the artificial lake in the development next to us. I mean, there really wasn't any flat water. I came here and got roped into a boy scout trip to the boundary waters at that kind of started it.
Things we talked about
Rutabaga Paddle Sports
Stony Point
The Los Padres National Forest
REI
Patagonia
Camping World
OIA Rendezvous
Heroes on the Water
Door County Land Trust
Advice, tips
I'm a big fan of Mike Rowe, right? cause he's an ops guy. The idea of following your bliss and you know all that. Then you know, if you do what you love, the money will come and it's just not true. It's just not true.
It does happen. Um, and people have followed their dreams and they do succeed, but for every person who says I want to be an actor, there's 500 layers, right? Right. So you have to be a realist about it. So often the idea of owning an outdoor store or owning your own business or whatever, the idea of it is way better than the actual thing itself for a lot of people. I mean, it's true for a lot of things, like the idea of owning a sports car is a really good idea until you have a sports car and you realize that it owns you don't own it. So rent, rent a porsche once day every six months or two years or whatever and get your porsche fix.
As far as growing your career, I don't like the word career because that has the connotation of a trajectory where you go in as a customer service person and then you get promoted to head of customer service, then you might move into the sales and then sales manager and then you just kind of climbed corporate ladder. But I think that analogy is always felt kind of false to me. You know the english is interesting. We have a bunch of words for work, right? We have work and we have labor, and vocation and all these things.
Labor is labor, effort goes into labor and something coms out of it. If you're in the trades your labor goes in and you get a building out of it. You have something to show at the end of the day. So your vocation is something that you feel called to do. My, my wife's vocation was to teach math and specifically to teach math to middle school girls because that's when they decide they can be smart or stupid. If she can get them through math in middle school, they'll take it up in high school and that'll give them career path that will be unavailable to them if they decided, oh I'm stupid, I'm a girl, I can't do that. Just what society tells them. Right. So she taught thousands of girls algebra and you know, if 10 percent of those people say, hey, I'm good at this, then we have 10 percent more opportunities for women to be scientists. So that is, that is her calling. My calling is to get people outside. Right now I'm using paddling as that mechanism. So when people say what do you do for living? I tell them I create communities to get people outside. That's my job, right? My job description is a paddling evangelist because that's what I do. I spread it, spread the gospel of paddling the good word and get people outside. That's my vocation. So I guess my advice is if you don't have a vocation, keep doing what you're doing until you find one. Don't quit your job and go off and climb a mountain to ask a guru you should do with your life. In my case, it started off as a side hustle when I was a scientist. So just keep looking for your vocation and what calls to you and you never know what it's going to be. I certainly didn't.
Other Outdoor Activities
Bee Keeping
Blacksmithing
Favorite Books/Apps
Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford
Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
Encounters with the Archdruid by John Mcphee
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Eagles Nest Hammock
Helinox Camp Chair
Connect with Darren
Great conversation with Scott Ammons from REI. Scott tells all about REI Outreach and Adventures. We also talk about his outdoor experience, the California Outdoor Recreation Partnership and more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I got started because my grandparents, my grandpa in particular was a little bit of an outdoorsman. He was a farmer in Yuma, Arizona. When I was a kid they were still living in Yuma, on the edge of the desert and his idea of fun was to spend the day just driving out into the desert with his truck and a whole bunch of ATVs. Those three wheeled death machines. So we spent a lot of time adventuring around in the Arizona desert. They also had a second house up by Lake Powell. At other times of the year when it was 120 degrees in Yuma we would go hang out up there. So we spent a lot of time adventuring around slick rock canyons and out in the desert. That's where I think it originally came from, just spending a whole lot of time messing about in the desert.
Things we talked about
Chadwick High School
NOLS
REI
REI Adventures
Kern River Tours
Boojum
Friends of the LA River
Friends of the Angeles Forest
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund
The Sierra Club
Sierra Mountain Center
California Outdoor Recreation Partnership
Outdoor Industry Association
The Access Fund
Friends of Joshua Tree
Advice, tips
One of the first things you need to do, you have to find ways to get that initial professional experience. It's great to have spent a lot of time backpacking on your own or taking your friends out. But you need to find a place to stretch and grow those muscles to work as an instructor, as an educator, there's places like the sierra club or a trip leader at REI, that's a great way to get experience, trip leading learning from them.
I tend to push people that have some outdoor experience but no guiding experience to look to the Sierra Club or look to other nonprofits that do outdoor work. Like our REI Adventures in Los Angeles is another great place where you can help take kids outside. Look around for those entry level camps and volunteer opportunities where you can be involved in taking people outside is one way that I always suggest to people.
In the outdoor industry it's good to have a little bit of authenticity. No one says that you need to go out there and be some kind of expeditionary bad ass, but just spending time outside, whether that's surfing, running, walking the dog, going for a day hike, doing a little bit of backpacking. All of that is great. Particularly if you're looking at wanting to get started with REI and retail or in another outdoor retailer. Just having that little bit of outdoor authenticity goes a long way.
Other Outdoor Activities
Stand up Paddling
Running
Cycling
Favorite Books/Apps
Cryptonomicon by Neil Stevenson
Best Gear Purchase under $100
O'Neil Reactor insulated top
Connect with Scott
ammons@rei.com
Dave Polivy from Tahoe Mountain Sports is one busy guy. in addition to leading the team at Tahoe Mtn Sports he’s also involved at the Federal, State and local level of politics. Dave tells us about his work with The OIA, the Corp group getting an office of recreation established in California, running for Town Council in Truckee CA and more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
It started with my family, especially my dad. My Dad was a sailor and a skier and so I kinda grew up on sailboats in the summertime and hanging out by the ocean. And then winter time we'd had up to Vermont and go skiing and do all of that and sort of, that kind of started me out in the outdoors.
I started backcountry skiing in high school because I had been skiing my whole life. But I kinda got bored Alpine skiing. I tried ski racing and growing up in Connecticut, ski racing basically means that you go to school all day. Then you go to your little ski hills, about a half an hour away from the house at about 8:00 at night and like negative 20 degree temperatures. So I ended up telemarking, which then led me into the backcountry and started heading into the backcountry in the adirondacks, which was where we started going. So that's kind of where I started. And then I got to take a NOLS course when I was 18 and that sort of sealed the deal.
Things we talked about
Tahoe Mountain Sports
Polivy for Council
Truckee Town Council
OIA Recreation Advisory Council
Alpine Meadows
Liberty Mountain
CORP
Wanderlust Festival
Advice, tips
I would really tell people to just do their homework. These days I think there's so much out there and one of the best ways, and I've done this with a few folks here locally, is just go and talk to people. don't believe everything that you read. I worked with our salesforce sometimes at my store and I enjoy it because it really gets me in touch with the customer. You know the famous line from any customer is well my friend told me to buy this. Let's say they were talking about a pair of shoes and I say, oh yeah, well what size? What size? You got it, how's your arch, are they really high? And I'm like, yeah, your friend decides they're a size 12, are they a man or a woman, you know? There's so much chatter in our lives both online and in person and all I would say to somebody is, go talk to as many people as you possibly can. Brands and marketing people and industry people and store owners. No matter which part of the industry you're going to get into, make sure you get a good feel for what's going on out there and make sure you're going to bring something special. Make sure you're going to do something that's relevant. Don't just open a store for the sake of opening a store. Make sure you have a reason for wanting to do it and have a battle plan.
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Running
Skiing
Disc Golf
Favorite Books/Apps
Insight Timer
Audible
Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-1869 by Stephen Ambrose
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Katadyn Be Free Water Bottle
Connect with Dave
dave@tahoemountainsports.com
Justin has been leading product teams for brands like Chrome, and is now building product for his own brand ArchiTecsf. We talk about sustainability, his experience, how he stumbled into design and much more. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I'm originally from Western New Jersey, the rural portion of New Jersey. I grew up on 10 acres and growing up I just had the range go outside and explore on my own and whatnot. Build forts and damn creeks and do all the things kids love to do and had just a generally outdoor adventurous family from my grandfather to my father and was fortunate to spend a lot of my childhood outdoors. In early teens I moved to to Vail, Colorado with my family and was ski racing there and just kind of generally exploring the high country of Colorado. In Colorado you can just sort of trip and fall into the outdoors. My life was fortunate to be surrounded with all kinds of nature.
Things we talked about
ArchitecSF
Fall Winter 18/New Zealand collection launching on Sept 25th and will be available for 30 days as a part of "Work-Bench" Pre-Book experience with a corresponding 25 percent discount. After 30 days, prices will move to MSRP.
Chrome Industries
Mission Workshop
Advice, tips
I mean, again, it's like for me the outdoor industry was never an intentional career. I entered it through a series events whether it be coincidence or fate. I enjoyed the process enough where, I stuck with it. And this is certainly an industry that can be tremendously rewarding and it can also be very difficult. Kind of finding your niche within it and also kind of justifying the financial arm because as you know, It's certainly not as financially lucrative as working in software the bay area. So it's really, I mean, I just think you have to be passionate about it and have to believe that if your somebody that wants to do it then go out and find your spot.
Other Outdoor Activities
Mtn Biking
Trail Running
Hiking
Skiing
Favorite Books/Apps
Adventure Journal
On Trails by Robert Moor
Best Gear Purchase under $100
anything you can find in Merino Wool
Connect with Justin
justin@architecsf.com
Jen Taylor brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table, love it and thank you! We talk about her outdoor life, career, the great path to success she and the Mtn Khaki's team have achieved and a whole lot more. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in Indiana, so I'm a Corn Fed Indiana Hoosier. I was just a free range kid. We were cut loose until the dinner bell rang. We had woods and creeks and we just roamed as kids.
I don't even remember actually the first time I went camping. It might've been when I was in college. We just were outside all the time. There wasn't anything formal or structured about it. It's just the way we were.
Things we talked about
Mountain Khakis
Jorgensen
Eddie Bauer
Denver Zoo
Mountain Sprouts
MOG Fest
Rick Taggart
Thea Chase
Camber Outdoors (Outdoor Industry Women's Coalition)
Advice, tips
You're going to have a lot of long nights. But don't listen to the critics because everybody's got a story and everybody's got a reason not to do something. There is a lot of valuable insight and information to glean off of people. But the first person that tells you you're an idiot or you're high, whatever they tell you, look him in the face and say, you bet I am and I'm on the right path. Then watch me run. Because there's something about that fuel that can really throw gas to the flame and it works.
You've also got a couple paths to go down. You've got choices when you start a business and as you think about how you're going to finance that business and finance your growth, you know, there's the startup phase, there's the teenager growth phase, high growth and, and then there's the long range sustainability plan. How do you set up your plan? Do you take on investors, do you maintain majority ownership? How are you going to honor your mission? Consider how you set it up so that fundamentally your mission is their fight and is honored.
I always believed that you run a business like a nonprofit and run a nonprofit like a business. And I had to learn the hard way. I've got kind of a bleeding heart in a way and I had to learn that. I'd give everything away if I could and then there's no mission to be accomplished or work to be done if your company's not running in the black and you're not solvent. Because without that platform there is no work to be done. So you gotta focus on the fundamentals first and keep your head in the game.
Other Outdoor Activities
Everything! Go BIG!
Favorite Books/Apps
Hummingbirds Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Chaco Flips
Connect with Jen
Great info and motivation in this conversation with Breanne Kiefner from Root Adventures. Breanne tells us how Root Adventures came to life some of the challenges she faced and the custom adventures Root delivers.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I've always loved exercise and fitness and being outside, but it was not necessarily a big part of my family life. Then when I was about 24, my then boyfriend now husband and I decided to sell everything we own and backpack through Latin America. I don't know what gave us the strength to do it, but we did it and are so much better for it.
Things we talked about
Root Adventures
"A traveler sees what he sees, a Tourist sees what he came to see"
Wayfinder
Grand Lake Lodge
Rocky Mountain National Park
Google Ad Words
Women and Balance- Facebook, website, trip with Breanne
Advice, tips
Do It. One of the biggest things that you hear people talk about is mindset. It's all about the mindset. And I actually disagree. I think it's all about doing it, motivation. You're never going to be motivated, you just don't want to send that email, send that email and move onto the next thing. I'm just gonna do it, just put one foot in front of the other. It's just like hiking a mountain. You're never going to see the top until you're there. So take that next step and don't wait until your motivation is there because it will never work. It comes and goes.
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Hiking
Favorite Books/Apps
Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Geldman
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Eye Mask/ Ear Plugs
Connect with Breanne
https://www.rootadventures.com/contact/
Debbie Motz from 360 Adventure Collective. Debbie tells how 360 Adventure Collective came to life out of the EORA, all the great services they offer and more. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Growing up in the high country of Colorado it was just an early lifestyle. It really was. We were always outside. I can remember it at very, very young age skiing, ice skating. We had horses, we did Little Britches Rodeos in the summer time, so we were just always outside.
Things we talked about
360 Adventure Collective
EORA
Camp 7
Banana Equipment
Early Winters
Lowe Alpine
Advice, tips
I think it's building relationships, being able to adapt and adjust to change. I think that's really it. And I would encourage anyone who wants to get in this industry to really pursue it and try to try to get into it because I think it's a healthy environment, a healthy work environment. For me, it's been a very healthy work environment. It's nice to be surrounded with people that have the same values and the same goals.
Other Outdoor Activities
Swimming
Hiking
Favorite Books/Apps
Great Quotes from Great Leaders by Peggy Anderson
Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado
The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Deuter backpack
Connect with Debbie
debbiem@360adventurecollective.org
So much goodness in this wide ranging conversation with Angela Hook from Stunt Puppy. If you're new to the Outdoor Biz or have a great idea you want to turn into a brand this a must listen episode. Angela brings it big time!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Growing up in New Zealand, you really only have two choices. You have to embrace it or you have to just kind of become a recluse because you literally cannot avoid the outdoors within New Zealand, which is where I come from. But it's a different kind of doors, it's right on your doorstep. Like literally, even our big cities are kind of in the wilderness. There's just nobody there. We all grew up, being out and about and climbing trees. Well that was how I grew up in New Zealand and I think maybe romantically it's still like that. So it was pretty unavoidable that we would have an affinity with simply being outside.
Things we talked about
Stunt Puppy
Aspiring Avalanche Dogs
Tai Poutini
Alan McConnon, Mainland Cheese
Advice, tips
I think adaptable is probably the ket, but that goes across absolutely anything. You need to be kind of open to the things that will go wrong, that will teach you how to do it right. And I'm not very good at not being in control, like I'm very type A kind of personality. I think that stands you in a really good stage for developing a career anywhere because it will give you drive and it will give you the determination. But to develop your type B, which has that openness, adaptability, collaborate, you know, you don't have to do it all yourself. Ask for help because there are so many people who will help you. And the outdoor industry is a very, well my experience of it, has been a very generous industry with its advice. So be open, be collaborative, ask for help.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hike
Ski
Stand Up Paddle
Favorite Books/Apps
Every Bastard Says No by
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hof
The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hof
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Gandhi Dog Leash
Connect with Angela
https://www.stuntpuppy.com/pages/contact-us
I’m excited to have Neal Caplowe on the show today. Neal has been in the biz for many years and talks about how he went from retail to starting a graphic T-shirt business in the early days of the Outdoor biz. Plenty of stories and nuggets in here for anyone in the industry or thinking of launching their own gig.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
I think I was always drawn to doing something myself. I just wanted to do something on my own that I could go hang up on the bulletin board and say I did that.
I dabbled with a few thoughts with some friends about opening up a bike shop or an outdoor shop because I was definitely into kayaking, especially around here in northern Virginia. It's a big kayaking area, I did that for years and years and got into climbing because again, a lot of that around here as well. Not like California, but pretty and there's a lot of it. I made several trips to Seneca rocks and things like that. Then I wound up getting a job at, which I don't even know how many people remember it, at a place called Herman's Sporting Goods. Well, not literally my first job, you know, I had some stuff in college and whatever, but yes, it was my first real job.
Things we talked about
Sport Science USA
Coming Attractions
Center for Health, Environment & Justice
Camp 7
Vasque Boots
Svea Stoves
EMS
Patagonia
Under Armour
American Eagle outfitters
Advice, tips
I've learned a lot over the years. I think it's the age old story. I feel like I learn stuff every day, you know, and I think when you stop learning it really starts to get old. I think focus is really important. Whether again, if you want to get into the outdoor business or you're in it and you want to move forward and grow your career, I think you've got to pick a focus. To the extent you can pick a focus and put your energy and efforts behind it. I think that will produce positive results. I just recently had a conversation with somebody, speaking of learning, we were talking about some sales and product and marketing things. He made the comment that it's product, program, and process. And that was like, damn, that's good. It says one of those simple things, that if you think about it, reflect about, you can talk about it for an hour and you know, whether you would have chosen those words or not that would have been what you were talking about.
My other advice and it's tough as a startup thing. You know, if you're working for somebody, it becomes a little easier because inherently by working for somebody means there's at least teammates around you. But you need to surround yourself with people who are good at those key junctures that are not your strength. Because nobody's going to be good at everything. It's just not realistic.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hike
Ski
Paddle
Favorite Podcast
The Daily
Pardon The Interruption
Revisionist History
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Insulated Vest
Connect with Neal
neal@sportscienceusa.com
I caught up with Kelly Kraus two weeks into her retirement and we talked about some of the great brands she’s worked with over her career, her plans to stay active and connected to the Outdoor Biz and more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I just remember as a kid, as a young girl being involved in campfire girls and sometimes it was day camp, you know, it's just super cool. And then we did some camping when I was young with my family and one of our family activities was to go out to the Washington coast. If you're familiar with that, it's big flat sandy beaches and we would go clamming for razor clams and we would camp out. It was just one of those things when your wet, miserable and having the best time of your life. I mean it's awesome.
Things we talked about
Whitewater Sports
MSR
Cascade Designs
REI
Stanley
Marco Tubic
Lee Fromson
Matt Hyde
Mike Ross
Advice, tips
Networking is huge, right? It's really building your community and people and learning from others. And along with that finding mentors and really pursuing that relationship and utilizing it. It's up to the mentee to do that. Right. And I think people are shy about that. I mean all leaders want to give back and they're proud and they're honored to mentor someone. So I think people just need to be bold about asking for that and then they need to create that agenda and keep it going. Right. Whether it's a monthly, quarterly conversation or whatever it is, I think that's huge. And I just so believe in professional development, like any class, seminar online, anything you can do to fine tune and work on your leadership skills and learn as much as you can learn at once.
Other Outdoor Activities
all Paddle Sports
Hike
Ski
Snowshoe
Biking
Favorite Books/Apps
The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko
What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Stanley Switchback Mug
Connect with Kelly
kellykraus21@gmail.com
Bryan Martin tells us how he got into the outdoor lifestyle his first job with The Nature Conservancy and all the great work done by Big City Mountaineers. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I have to kind of go back to when I was a little kid. My dad was born and raised in New York City in the flushing area. He met my mom and my mom was from the country. She was born and raised in Pennsylvania. That's where I grew up, in the Lehigh valley area. My maternal grandparents were really connected to the outdoors, not so much in a kind of high octane adventure kind of way, but just exposed to nature and kind of being around it.
They owned some land, 10 acres, in the Appalachian Hill country in Pennsylvania. That abutted to 10 more acres that my great aunt and my brother and I just kind of stumbled around on summer after summer.
Things we talked about
Big City Mountaineers
Outdoor Rec and Park Management degree, Penn State University
The Nature Conservancy
Continental Divide Trail Coalition
Colorado Mountain Club
American Mountaineering Center
Three Saints Outdoor
8000 Meter Challenge
Advice, tips
The number one thing that I always tell the younger professionals that I sit down with and have these informational interviews with his perseverance, you've got to stick with it. You're not going to find the perfect job right away. You might even have to supplement your income a little bit. I worked a part time job the first couple of years when I was working at the nature conservancy.
But I, I knew that was the track I needed to be on and until I was able to grow my resume a little bit more I wouldn't be able to get that next opportunity. So I did what I had to do to, stick with it.
There's folks that have gotten that job and then the nonprofit falls on hard times. It lets a bunch of people go and they get discouraged and now they're no longer in the nonprofit sector. Um, yeah. And that's where I, I kinda come back to having that perseverance and tenacity piece. Because if you want to make a career in it, there's going to be tough times that you're gonna have to be willing to fight through. But at the end of the day it's going to be so worth it because you're going to look back on an incredible career of having done a lot of great work and having met a lot of great people, it sneaks up on you.
Other Outdoor Activities
Running
Fishing
Hiking
Favorite Books/Apps
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
The River of Doubt by Candace Millard
Coach Wooden and Me by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Uco Candle Lantern
Connect with Bryan
bryan@bigcitymountaineers.org
Dan tells us how he got into Adventure Travel and some of the key requirements to building a successful top of the line Adventure Biz
Facebook Twitter Instagram
The Outdoor Biz Podcast
Please give us a rating and review HERE
Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I mean ironically, I literally grew up in the city. I grew up in San Jose, California. Within a week or two of graduating high school, me and a buddy knew we had to get out of San Jose. We spent every waking hour, weekends after school getting out as far as we could get with a tank of gas. So we knew we were just kind of misplaced there. We headed for Alaska actually and when we made it as far as Oregon and set up shop there for a few years, work construction and really just started fine tuning our outdoor skills and love of the outdoors. I ended up probably not too long after that, starting a small rafting company in the northwest. That was my first foray into adventure travel and that was in the mid seventies.
Things we talked about
Austin Adventures
Back Country Tours
Doug and Carmen McSpadden
Yellowstone
Richard Weiss
Wheels of Change
Advice, tips
I see a lot of small companies that get into it for the lifestyle and that's okay, but you should make that decision early on. Is this a lifestyle or is it a business? Who do I want to run it, do I want to, you know, do I want to travel the world and I want some way to pay for traveling the world? Or do I literally want to make a career and a business out of this and because it'll be a slightly different path for me. Either and both are good, but I'm not saying you have to choose one or the other for anyone reason other than just make sure that you make a conscious decision that to go in that direction, that's really going to fulfill what you're looking for.
Other Outdoor Activities
Fishing
Boating
Cycling
Favorite Books/Apps
Napoleon Hill- Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude; Think and Grow Rich
Tony Robbins- Awaken the Giant Within
John and Bert Jacobs- Life is Good
Connect with Dan
dan@austinadventures.com
www.austinadventures.com
Great conversation with Writer and Photographer Louis Arevalo. You’ve seen him running around the Outdoor Retailer Show shooting for the Outdoor Industry Association and his work in Backpacker, Alpinist, Nat Geo Adventure and more
Louis tells us how he became photographer and great stories about learning the biz of outdoor photography.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first outdoor recreation experience I think would come through scouts. First with cub scouts and boy scouts. I think like the more lasting impression happened when I was in elementary school. I think I was around 11 years old and a few things kind of happened during that year that really left an impression. First thing that happened is I went alpine skiing or downhill skiing for the first time.
I borrowed my mom's leather boots, put on like six pairs of socks and spent the day with my friends just basically rolling down the beginner hills up at Brighton, Utah. That experience, you know, after that day I knew, I was like, oh yeah, I'll be doing this as much as I can.
Things we talked about
Louis Arevalo Photography
Outdoor Retailer
Black Diamond
Advice, tips
You just need to keep shooting. Like just shoot, shoot in all conditions. Shoot, you know, different things. Shoot what you love because that's the easiest thing.
So I think shoot the kind of stuff that you care about or interested in, that's definitely evolved for me. Like there's no way you could've gotten me to wander downtown Denver. I would've been out running or climbing if I was in the front range. I would have done something like that. But yeah, just keep shooting, shooting all different situations. I think just knowing, getting competency in what's possible with the camera and what you know and kind of having an idea of what's going to happen that day. If you're thrown into a situation that's often ideal, you feel comfortable enough. I know how I can work through this situation. So you're focused on one product, not like, oh no, I don't know what to do here. So I think just shooting nonstop and just building your network. If you're a student shoot nonstop and make sure you're fair, like letting people know, maybe you're not ready to take on work, but just letting people see your stuff so that they know what's going on. It's really the people around you that will keep you going and encourage you.
Other Outdoor Activities
Runing
Mtn Biking
Climbing
Favorite Books/Apps
Headspace
Kurt Vonnegut
Cormac McCarthy
Ernest Hemingway
Edward Abbey- Fools Progress
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Headlamp
Houdini Jacket from Patagonia
Connect with Louis
louis@scenicbylines.com
www.louisarevalophotography.com
Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador on the show today. You’ve seen him on the New York Times Travel show, the Travel & Adventure Show, ABC, and more.
We talk about how he got inspired to travel, all the places he’s been and how he became The Travel Ambassador.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Travel
It really came from my parents. They were avid travelers. I come from a family of travelers and I had my very first passport before I could even speak, read or write. And they always stoked that wanderlust in me when I was a kid. We'd get these postcards from foreign destinations and I always loved history, art and culture. So when I eventually did take my first memorable international journey, I realized that there was much more in the world than just my little league team.
Things we talked about
Angel's Travel Lounge
Distant Lands
Le Travel Store
Rick Steves
Arthur Frommer
Patricia Schultz- The Thousand Places to See Before You Die
Alex Cook
Tim Richards
Jeff Sheets
Steve and Nona Barker
Skip Yowell
The Tournament of Roses Foundation
The Kind Traveler
Advice, tips
I think people have to have a really solid business plan to figure out what their benchmarks and milestones are, what value they're going to offer to their clients. Whether they're the end consumer or brands. But I think patience, being humble and listening goes a way. I've been surrounded by a lot of industry greats my whole life and I've been able to really learn from them and a lot of it has been on the job learning. I think relationships are super, super key. If you're not valuing and cultivating those relationships in a very active way, then you know, that can certainly work for you in many ways. And lastly, I just think being yourself. I love travel and I love the outdoors and I love what travel does for people and what it has done for me. So to me that has been my main business model. I think if you're a gear head, then make a business model around being a gear head. If you like booking travel, you know, if you get joy out of that, do that. I think people really need to find whatever it is that they get joy out of and go after that.
Favorite Books/Apps
Samsara Meditation App
David McCullough
Levison Wood
Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler
Gary Vaynerchuk
The Ultimate Journey for Two by Mike and Anne Howard
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Eagle Creek Pac It System
Light my Fire products
Connect with Angel
Angel's Travel Lounge
YouTube
Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Well, my first experience honestly was a boy scout trips years ago and I barely remember it. But my real major introduction to the outdoors is probably climbing with a buddy of mine a few years ago in the Wichita wildlife refuge, which is an area about three hours I want to say northwest of here in Lawton, Oklahoma. It's like a world renowned spot or at least it should be a world renowned spot as far as I'm concerned. but I hiked out to this area called Elk slabs and Sharon's garden and that was my real experience as far as introduction into rock climbing, camping, like the whole experience of the thing. It quite a few years ago, over 10 years ago. But it was awesome. I did my first route out there called great expectations. It was a long route, about 100 feet tall. It was 5.5 and at the time it was like completely wicked. I was blown away. I was losing my mind. I was like, this is what rock climbing is about. I'm in.
Things we talked about
HighPoint Expeditions
REI
Black Velvet Canyon, Las Vegas
Heuco Tanks
Escalante Fronteras
Adventure Therapy
BAWS Festival
AAC
Advice, tips
The biggest thing is first and foremost get a low level job like working in REI or being an assistant guide. I'm a rare bird, the harder I work at my guiding company the more I am inspired to rock climb and for most people it's like working at a restaurant and the more you work at a restaurant and the more you don't like the food. You just don't want to do it.
So I find that some people really get burned out and I've watched really great climbers, enthusiastic people get into the business and get burned out because they just went hard right in the beginning. So my best advice is try it out. Whatever you're deciding, try it all out. Even the things that you like. I would never be interested in working as a Rep but if you are, just try it, try it for a little bit. If it doesn't work out for you, move on, but that's how you'll find what you love. And then you will start finding people and things that will set you in motion to pursue your dream or pursue whatever avenue you're going for. So that would be my best advice, take your time it's not a race.
Other Outdoor Activities
Sitting around the Camp Fire
Favorite Books/Apps
Headspace
Kettleball Simple and Sinister by Pavel Tsatsouline
With Winning in Mind by Lanny Bassham
The Sweet Spot by Christine Carter
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Beyond Clothing 1/4 zip fleece
Belay Goggles
Connect with Mario
mario@highpointexpeditions.com
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE
Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
It was my mom who got me into the outdoors. You know, neither one of my parents are outdoors people by any stretch of the imagination. But my first experience in the outdoors was actually going fishing. I was probably six or seven years old and saw a fishing show over the summer and I was just sitting in front of the TV and looked at my mom and said, I want to do that.
I should give you a little background. My mom never had a childhood. Really some of the worst possible things that can happen to a kid happened to my mother. She had to raise her two younger brothers and so her first childhood was raising my sister and I. My dad, you know, worked a regular nine to five thing. But Mom's a Boston public school teacher, so she had summers with my sister and I. I saw that fishing show on TV and said, you know, mom, I want to do that. And you know, her being a teacher and never having fished in her life. She said okay, let's figure this out. And I kid you not, we took some branches from the back yard, dug up some worms, took a safety pin and tied them to it. It was so much fun and I'm really fortunate within walking distance of my childhood home was the mystic river. We walked down there, through a shoelace, you know, tied to a tree in the water. You know what we did not catch any fish, but just to see fish in the water and see them actually eat the worm, was cool. I definitely didn't put the worm on the safety pin. I think she did. Later she took me to a real bait and tackle shop in the town next door and bought me my first rod and reel and I've been fishing ever since.
Things we talked about
Vibram
City Sports
Topo Athletic
Polartec
Yvon Chouinard
Patagonia
Cannabis
Advice, tips
I think for those looking to get in, pick the brands you're most passionate about that you use and follow them meticulously online, and just stay on their career pages. And I'd say really for, for hiring managers, be comfortable to bring people in who don't have a professional background in the sport that they're selling to. What I look for when I hire folks are their personal interest just as much as their professional skills because you know, especially at a brand like polar tech we serve so many different markets and we have so many different brand customers. I want some new people that come in with a knowledge set of, you know, I know this industry because I participate in it as a sport. And that kind of information is so valuable because I think it's really easy for us in the outdoor industry to forget what the consumer process is like, We're either buying something at a super deep discount or getting something for free and we're forgetting about the whole set of decisions that, you know, your average consumers are making about brands and bring someone fresh in it can be really, really helpful for a team.
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Surfing
Fishing
Favorite Pocasts/Apps
Insight Timer
The Daily
Black on the air with Larry Wilmore
Hound tall with Moshe Kasher
Marketplace
Empowered Marketer
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Thule express surf strap
Connect with Darren
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE
Teresa works tirelessly to encourage communities of color across the country to get out into our national, state, regional and local parks.
We talk about some of the great work she does and much more
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Just growing up in Richmond, California. I'm the only girl in a family of eight brothers, so being outdoors just came natural for us because back then our parents said go outdoors and don't come in until the street lights come on.
Things we talked about
African African American Nature and Parks Experience
East Bay Regional Parks
Yosemite
Marin Headlands
Tilden Park
Public Lands
Latino Outdoors
Outdoor Afro
Greening Youth Foundation
Advice, tips
What I tell people is to be creative. There are so many opportunities out here, but very few people create these opportunities for themselves. We're so accustomed to just accepting what's there and trying to fit into that space. I wouldn't wait for a brand or an organization to create a position around the work that I do that's not already there that would encompass the love of the outdoors. Social justice, environmental protection, these are positions that can be created because there's main brands and organizations out there with the ability to do it. We just need to step out beyond what's always been to create something new. That's what I'm hoping starts to take place. People start creating these little roles for themselves.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Outdoor Photography
Favorite Books
The Hour of Our Land by Terry Tempest Williams
Black Faces White Spaces by Dr Carolyn Finney
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Patagonia Atom Sling
Connect with Teresa
tmbaker1165@gmail.com
Brad tells us about some changes at New Normal, his climbing and writing background and Boulders Climbing Gym in Madison, WI
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Man, you know, my parents took me down the river when I was an infant, less than six months old. My Dad took an old Coleman cooler when they were still made out of metal, and inflated and inner tube around it and towing it next to the canoe on a canoe trip and, you know, it's just part of growing up. And then when I was in kindergarten I had a PE teacher give a, a slideshow on, of all things recreational rapelling and I thought that looks cool. I want to get into vertical ground as soon as I can. And um, you know, I had a passion for the ocean, had a passion for mountains, had a passion for being outdoors. And I just followed that passion my whole life and I've been lucky to be here ever since.
Things we talked about
Skinner Brothers Wilderness Camp
Erehwon Outfitter
5.10
PMI
Outdoor Retailer
Moonstone
Gregory
New Normal Consulting
Boulders Climbing Gym
Land Water Conservation Fund
Conservation Alliance
Advice, tips
You know, I get that question a lot, we got it a lot during the recession and it was just kind of like, you get a call from somebody who might've been in a completely different career insurance or advertising and they're like, you know, it's kind of a struggle in my career. If I have to restart here, I might as well. We'd start with where my passion is and my advice was always . . . Yeah, follow that passion. You know it's challenging to do it mid life, I've known people who've done that and done it successfully. But you kind of have to start at the basics and then network up really quickly, which means get a job at retail, even if it's a part time job and just a wedge in because it's going to be difficult. Even if you sold $10,000,000 worth of insurance every year, it's going to be really difficult to translate that into a rep career.
I think also connections are really a part of that. And then you know, I'm on the younger end of the founders. I'm Gen x and most founders in our industry are boomers, so, you know, I kind of had been on the lower end of the coat tails of giants. I could literally call Wayne Gregory, you know, and many others. So knowing them has helped me to know people who are younger as well. But you got to just kind of wait it out and start meeting people and go to the events, go to the trade shows, but also the non trade events. It's kind of too bad that we don't do rendezvous anymore. I think it was a great environment. This is a whole other conversation and I don't want to go too deep into it, but Outdoor Retailer has kind of become pretty much a networking activity. You know, reconnecting, networking, learning about a lot of exciting new products and new things, but it's more of the gathering of the tribe. So I think the net result is it's a really good time to get into the industry because, you know, we're all kind of rewriting our playbook right now.
Other Outdoor Activities
Longboarding
Stand Up Paddling
Paddling
Trail Running
Favorite Books
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Leki Trekking Poles
Hydroflask
Connect with Brad
brad@newnormalconsulting.com
You’ve seen Adams work in various brand ads and catalogs including YETI, Mtn Khakis and more.
Adam tells us how he became photographer and what its like to “get the shot” no matter the conditions.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
No, one of the first outdoor experiences I can recall would have been ski Mountain Dell Golf Course with my, with my dad in Parleys Canyon. There's no chair lift it. It literally is the golf course. So you know, you're strapping on your skis and I remember him pushing me, pushing me down. It was a total disaster, but it stuck with me and I loved it. And to this day, you know, if you knew me in high school or college or whatever, my entire life was structured around skiing and I think that had a large part of, of getting into outdoor photography was figuring out how I could call scheme my job. Right. So yeah, that was kind of my first one of my first outdoor experiences for sure.
Things we talked about
Westwater
Cataract Canyon
Middle Fork of the Salmon
YETI
Mountain Khakis
Lifestraw
Follow the litres
Advice, tips
I've got maybe three bits of advice. The first one, which I think is kind of forgotten in this day and age is simply to do the work. You know, like you gotta put your head down and grind.
There's this expectation of being able to just jump in and see massive success and it's the, it's a endeavor that requires time, you know, 10,000 hours to master a craft. And so that would be the first thing is do the work. And don't forget that there's just no way around it. There's no shortcut, right? You gotta get up early, you got to stay away, you got to send the email and you got to do the Promo, you need to brand yourself, you need to have a good website and you stay updated.
The second would be to remember the value of relationships because ultimately no matter how skilled you are or their reputation that proceeds you, in my opinion, this business, like many businesses out there is based on relationships. People that hire us, right? It's people that sign our checks. It's people that rehire us or choose not to and you know, so it's so vital and so key to establish and maintain relationships.
And then lastly, I would say to stay the course because it's a roller coaster of ups and downs and if you really want it, you know, you got to be in it for the longterm and six months is not enough. One year is not enough. Three years, you're just at the very career. Yeah. And so you know, if you really want a, I mean even with me being a decade into this, obviously it's still very much a rollercoaster. The work can really consistent and then not, you know, and somebody said the other day on a social posts that I gave, you need to adapt, adapt or die because the industry is consistently evolving state of course, and if you're passionate about it, driven. If you're skilled, if you get to work and remember those relationships and you're bound to succeed for sure.
Other Outdoor Activities
Biking
Skiing
Favorite Books
Ski Journal
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Leatherman
Headlamp
Connect with Adam
website
Adam@adambarkerphotography.com
Elton Caushi of Albanian Trip specializing in small group adventures in the beautiful surrounding regions of Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro.
Elton tells us how he became and adventurer and about Life in Albania, the great trips they offer and one of his favorites called bunkers and beaches.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Certainly my holidays at my Grandma’s as a kid. Climbing on trees, roofs and terraces, swimming in rivers and lakes, crawling in sandy dunes and wandering around pine forests, visiting bazaars and countryside families, staring at old ways of working the wool or cooking traditional delicious dishes. It’s been amazing and full of fantasy. A wonderland for a curios kid.
Things we talked about
Albanian Trip
UNHCR
Advice, tips
Stay curious! Always look and learn new things.
Love people. Love nature.
Enjoy your work. It’s a privilege to work in this business.
Other Outdoor Activities
I snorkel, jog, tennis, hike, swim, raft, jeep drive, ski, snowshoe, cycle (a lot), sea kayak, windsurf, stand up paddle etc etc.
Favorite Books
I really have a lot of favorite books and it’s not easy for me to put two aside: anyway
I believe I could read “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe another 50 times and I would recommend or offer “A 100 years of solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez without hesitation.
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Motorola waterproof walkie talkies
Connect with Elton
Albania Trips Website
We talk about the challenges she faced along the way, her childhood in Hawaii, taking a NOLS course during college and her career as a professional climber in the early days of professional climbing. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I kind of grew up in a in two contrasting worlds, when I was a kid my family lived in Houston Texas of all places. Which is, I don't know if you've ever been there but as a city there's lots of buildings. My experience in the outdoors there was going to the swimming pool and the zoo. Basically I spent a lot of my time at shopping malls and going roller skating and bowling and things like that . . . not climbing. But my mother's side of the family was from Hawaii. So we were really lucky because we got to go to Hawaii every summer and that was just a magical place for me growing up. My grandparents lived on Maui and the climate there is perfect, it's paradise of course. People who just are outside all of the time even if you're inside the indoors and the outdoors kind of mesh together. I played in the dirt with bare feet all the time. We went to the beach all the time so that was really where I became passionate about the environment and the outdoors. Then I ended up coming to Colorado to go to college and was studying environmental science and took a semester off and went on NOLS Course. We went to the Wind River Range and we had a desert section and a caving section some winter sessions in the Wyoming range. We also had a climbing section. I did learn actually how to climb before I went on NOLS with some skier friends of mine but when I went to that was when it really hit home and I thought gosh I this is something that I want to do for the rest of my life, so yeah I came back kind of a changed person.
Things we talked about
EVO Rock and Fitness
Metro Rock- Boston
Kristen Ogden Carpenter
The Access Fund
Advice, tips
First you have to be crazy. No, I get so many resumes that cross my desk and and people sending me e-mails and telling me how passionate they are about climbing and about EVO. And it's it's great to hear that, you know that's a very important ingredient in looking for staff is you want them to be passionate about what they do. But you know passion isn't enough anymore. Unfortunately the industry has become very professionalized.
And it's just getting to be even more sophisticated. The climbing gym industry specifically I think is more in its infancy than other parts of the outdoor industry. But we're starting to see that gosh you know the the big guns in the industry have professionalized themselves and we need people who have hard skill sets that no degrees in business or accounting can really help with, analytics and marketing and things like that. So I guess my advice would be to say to people that yes definitely follow your passion but find a skill that you can develop that you're good at.
When I was 18 my mother sent me to this aptitude testing thing and it lasted for a couple of days it was really intense but it was awesome because they tested my skill sets from math to reading comprehension all that stuff. Then they also tested what your passions were and what you liked and then they gave you advice on what would be great for you to pursue as a career.
I would say, I don't know if that company is even out there anymore but I'm sure there's ways to test your aptitudes to figure out, OK I have a knack for spreadsheets or something. Hard skill sets are really important and we really need people that are professional that show up on time and that are organized.
Other Outdoor Activities
Ski
Runing
Favorite Books
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Petzl Headlamp
Connect with Hilary
hilary@evorock.com
Website
Travis Campbell tells about his first year at Smartwool, what the OIA is working on and how the Outdoor Industry leads the public lands battle. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first six years my family lived down in Miami of all places. It's funny I think of myself as the northwestern kid but we lived in Miami till I was six. It seemed like we spent every weekend down in the Florida Keys. We would just go down there and we'd camp and we'd fish and my mom always tells the story of how I caught my first fish at two years old and I never stopped. I don't think I really figured out fly-fishing until I was 12 or 13.
Things we talked about
Steamboat
Smartwool
Smartwool Facebook
The Outdoor Industry Association
Sage
Farbank
Reddington
Rio
The Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Conservation Alliance
Advice, tips
Folks that are already in, you mentioned it a little earlier with Stacia, I think there's some really cool opportunities in the space right now. Like the Future Leaders Academy the Stasia helps run that OIA puts on. I think that's an awesome program entering our third cycle. We've had just a really good response to that. I think there's things like the sustainability working group that OIA helped facilitate that can be a great networking opportunity and fundamentally helps move the industry forward on sustainability. We've got lots of great conservation organizations that you can get involved with. It's somewhat of an insular industry right so you'll meet industry people at all these conservation organizations and you know at the end of the day it's all about the network.
I think the same is somewhat true for folks trying to get into the space. When I talk to people that are trying to get in I always caution them that I think we're an overly insular industry. We always want to hire folks who have outdoor industry experience and that can be really hard for people who are trying to get into the space. That's where things like volunteering with conservation organizations and places like that will give you exposure to the people in the industry and I think just help you network your way in.
Other Outdoor Activities
Mtn Bike
Camp
Rafting
Backcountry Skiing
Favorite Books
All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Womens Smartwool Merino Socks
Mens Smartwool Merino Socks
Connect with Travis
Derwyn has an extensive background in software development and was co-founder of Jama Software. Currently he manages product strategy, development and market position to help Talkoot grow and share their numerous strengths as a product. He tells us how he got into product strategy, his experience as events manager at Outside magazine and his thoughts on how branding might evolve in the next few years.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I feel very connected to the outdoors. I grew up in Santa Fe New Mexico. My dad was a huge advocate for backpacking and we went backpacking all the time. I mean we had a VW Bus and we rode out into the wilds of Santa Fe or up into Colorado. Then I was on the search and rescue team when I was in college going to St. John's College. I have skied my entire life hitchhiking up every single weekend to go skiing.
Things we talked about
Outside Magazine
Mtn Hardwear
Butron
Doc Martens
adidas
Advice, tips
What I'm seeing is that the outdoor industry or brands and retailers are looking to technology in order to stay current and move faster. And there's not only an understanding of technology that you can bring to the table but there's practices and workflows that software has figured out. I'm a big proponent of the Agile software development methodology that that exists. I did this in my talk a little bit, I talked about how those concepts can really be applied to organizations dealing you know brand and or retail.
And I would say anyone looking to get into the outdoor industry, if someone is passionate about the outdoors now is a great time. If you're in the technology sector working on some you know, some software company that sells to other you know server brands, now is a great time because your expertise in the technology world is really needed greatly in the outdoor industry as well. So I think it's a great opportunity for people to move around.
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing
Sailing
Swimming
Cyclocross
Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon McKenzie
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull
Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Beanies
Connect with Derwyn
Website
Thread is a writing studio that helps great brands like adidas, Burton, Simms fishing an others tell their story and Talkoot is a cloud based platform that brings the dark ninja skills of content creators together in one bright, sunny, crazily useful place. Brian and I talk about how framing impacts brand stories and how a guy with and economics degree got into storytelling. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE First exposure to the Outdoors
I was from the Midwest and me and my friends would jump in a car on Friday in Chicago and drive up to upper Michigan and in the middle of January and camp on the shores of Lake Superior. We'd go build an igloo in negative three degree weather just because we so wanted to be outdoors and we just felt so out of place in Chicago. So then me and those two friends moved out to Seattle and spent our 20s and 30s climbing, backcountry skiing and Mountaineering.
Things we talked about
Thread Creative
Talkoot
adidas
Framing
Nike
NFL Films
Patagonia
Afrika Bambaataa
Tofurkey
Simms Fishing
The Immigrant Story
Advice, tips
When I left the adidas I started freelancing. And when you work for a big company oftentimes there's a lot to grumble about and it's easy to grumble because you have a boss and have a boss's boss. And there's so many things impacting what you do that it's easy to grumble but then when it's freelance you can't grumble anymore because you don't have a boss it's you. You got yourself into this and you have to get yourself out of it. At first that was a weird thing but then I was like oh my gosh I can do anything I want, I can work for anyone I want. And as long as I was able to be financially independent, and that doesn't mean being rich by any by any means, my expenses are underneath my revenue. I can do anything I want. It gave me an insane amount of freedom. And so I would just volunteer work I would you know I'd just go ask people to do stuff. Sometimes clients would pay me for one thing and then I would go and do this whole other thing along with what they paid me for. And I'd come in and I present. You know this headline is better and I read a story telling and here's you know here's why you want this headline versus that. And so just start doing work for people I wanted. You know I was always into the outdoors. And so it was just a natural thing I would just call it outdoor company say let me tell you about let me give you a free talk. Yeah. You know fly down and tell you about story and it always resonated. Started work you know with one brand and then another and now we're deep into it.
Other Outdoor Activities
Trail running
Paddle boarding
Skiing
Favorite Books
Thinking Fast Thinking Slow by Daniel Kahneman
How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Connect with Brian
Thread Creative
Talkoot
Danica grew up with a passion for the Outdoors hiking, camping, skiing and playing sports like soccer. She tells how she and her sister basically started at Seirus when they were toddlers.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
My parents really got us into the outdoors pretty early growing up in Southern California. We were total water babies, at the beach all the time and by the time I was about two, they had taken us up to the mountains and put us on skis right away. So that was pretty cool, I just took to the skis so quickly. I loved it. They'd put me on the mountain and drop me off at the top and all I wanted to do is go straight. I think it started turning when I was about 15.
Things we talked about
NFL
Jay Peak
Big Sky
SOS outreach
Vail Veterans Program
Advice, tips
I would say follow what your passion. You have to find what your passion is and then find something that you contribute to it. There's so many things that you do. We can't all be professional athletes, we can't all be the best biker or snowboarder, but we can all contribute to making it as accessible and available to everyone. And I think that passion for the activity will help you do whatever you want to do.
I think people always have multiple talents, passions. And there's plenty brands, vendors and retailers that could use programming for example. So if you have a talent that is something not necessarily outdoors, there's plenty of places to use your talent.
Other Outdoor Activities
Ski
Camp
Hike
Surf
Bike
Hockey
Favorite Books
Health is Your Birthright by Ellen Tart-Jensen
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Seirus all weather gloves
Seirus extreme all weather gloves
Carhartt Bomber Jacket
Rumpl
Connect with Danica
Richard has done a lot of great work promoting ecotourism and tells us how that work really got moving at A Conde Nast Travel event. He talks about G Adventures, Planeterra, The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and a whole lot more Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Adventure Travel
I was born and raised in the Pacific northwest and you're pretty much outside all the time. That's why people move here. That's why my parents moved here. We were fishing and camping from day one. So I grew up doing that and the interest I would say in those activities did ebb and flow over the years until maybe 16 when a friend of my dad's convinced me that he needed to help me build a raft to go rafting the rivers with him. So we used fiberglass tape on PVC and made a frame for that raft and took it down the class fours. So we made it through alive but maybe not probably not the smartest.
We continued to take it out. It was solid. It wasn't pretty but solid. Yeah. That was, that was fun stuff. So I guess I guess when you're talking about adventure travel, like what I'm involved in now where you pay for a package and have it guided and things like that, that would have been pretty early on. I went to Costa Rica the first time when I was only 18 or 19.
Not too long after that. I bought the first real gift I ever bought for my mom, aside from flowers and things like that. And that was a few days in Tortuguero out on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica to see the sea turtles hatch. And we were lucky enough to have that moment happen. It was amazing. And that'll get the fever go on.
Things we talked about
Organization of American States and Costa Rica
Conde Nast Traveller
Bruce Poon Tip
Planeterra
Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
Advice, tips
Figure out what they can offer the industry and figure out who might need that kind of help and contact them. The employment ads for adventure travel are always pretty robust. There are always several opportunities on the adventure travel trade association website for young people that are looking. Without too much experience a couple of years maybe, or if you have experience in marketing or writing I really do feel like that's pretty simple.
When I'm looking at hiring somebody, I'm really looking at the quality of the previous work. I don't care so much what the subject matter of that work is. The point is that someone put the time and the heart and the passion in and you can feel that the work done. They accomplished the goal that they were looking to accomplish. I've regularly hired people from other industries to come into adventure travel that had the right skills because it's not hard to believe someone when they say they love to travel.
Other Outdoor Activities
Snorkeling
Kyaking
Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donal O. Clifton
Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz
Best Gear Purchase under $100
As a guy who is around water a lot . . . my collection of floating key chains
Connect with Richard
Jeff Sermak is the National Sales Manager at Eagle Creek and on the Outreach Committee at the Conservation Alliance. He is doing great work at Eagle Creek and has a funny fish story for you. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Bio
Grew up in So CA and spent time in the Eastern Sierra.
College in Boulder, CO transferred to USC to finish degree
Lloyd wright Entrepreneurship program- Skateboard Co plastic skateboards “penny skateboards”
Fraternity ATO alpha tau omega
first exposure to the outdoors
fishing with his Dad with a “snoopy rod”, caught his first rainbow trout
Things we talked about
catalyst for getting into outdoor biz: started out in Action Sports with street league skateboarding
spent some time at Fuel TV
finished degree and was hired in Marketing at Eagle Creek
Currently National Sales Manager at Eagle Creek
Outreach committee member and ambassador with The Conservation Alliance
Daily Routine
read for 30 min or so
uses Outlook as calendar mgmt system
runs daily
Jeff’s Reading List (in no particular order)
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden
Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Getting to Yes by William Ury, and Bruce Patton
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Good to Great by Jim Collins
The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann
The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer
Tribes by Seth Godin
Financial Intelligence by Karen Berman and Joe Knight
The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki
Connect with Jeff
jeffrey.sermak@gmail.com
Links
Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Penny Skateboards
The Conservation Alliance
Katie tells us about her experience with the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, iconic brands like Gregory, Black Diamond and Marmot and one of her favorite books, I love this one . . . I’ll give you a hint . . . its a Dr Seuss book!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in the Pacific northwest and the suburb of Seattle. One thing about growing up in the northwest is it's absolutely amazing and being able to walk outside and see towering pine trees, views of Mount Rainier and so on, it's unbelievable. It's amazing and worth the hype. My family was very much into camping and traveling around the state of Washington. We would go fishing every summer for three weeks in a little coastal community called Sekiu, Washington in the Straight of Juan de Fuca near Canada. Those are my earliest memories, like three years old, up until 15 every August going king salmon fishing. That's really what inspired me, you know, curiosity of being out on the trail but also early mornings and going out with my dad and my brother fishing.
Things we talked about
Marmot
Gregory
Black Diamond
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Sierra Nevada College
Ice Axe Expeditions
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Advice, tips
I think the thing is you just got to kind of lean into some opportunities. One thing that I've done in the past is, you know, approach brands and said, you know, can I do some work for you, some freelance work and just to kind of get my foot in the door, and if they have opportunities to volunteer and come help. If they're having a sample sale or whatever. You just need to get some sort of network or connection and build on that. That's something that I think can be, it can be daunting to kind of put yourself out there. But I think that's where some of this happens is just making those connections and then giving your time and showing what you can do.
I also think we need to be open to people that come from different industries. Because right now retail is shifting and we need people that have different skillsets. That digital skill set to be able to really propel people's businesses. I think that's something that we're going to have to welcome people from tech you know.
Other Outdoor Activities
Backpacking
Trail Running
Mountain Biking
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Favorite Books
Oh The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
Backcountry Skiing California, Eastern Sierra by Dan Mingori and Nate Greenberg
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Tahoe Regional Park Pass
Connect with Katie
Chris tells us how they’ve built a great brand up in Portland, OR. We talk about the inspiration for TREW, launching a brand with one item and some of the challenges and successes along the way.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think like a lot of people I just grew up doing this stuff and the happiest memories I have are being outdoors. I was lucky to have parents that love to go outdoors. My Dad particularly loves to ski and so we just skied a lot. I think I skied when I was two and a half with one of those leashes or whatever. There's pictures of us just kind of harnessed in. And I remember the first memories of skiing or just following Dad around. He's got like a backpack full of candy and that's like, all it took.
And since then we've done a lot of backpacking. I think anyone in outdoor industry it's why we do this. It's just the place where you can really relax, so yeah, that's the first connection. It's the place where we're all at peace.
Things we talked about
TREW gear
Bonfire
Burton
Arcteryx
Vietnam Factories
Bangladesh Factories
The Northwest Avalanche Center
Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
Advice, tips
I think about the best employees we've ever had, which are everyone that we have now and these people are just so hungry to learn. They're humble and I think that attitude, you know, when you start working, especially at a small company. I think it's got to translate to a big company too. If you approach your job as I'm just always wanting to do more and learn new things. I never have the conversation with our employees, no one ever comes to me and says, Hey uh, this doesn't fit my job description so I don't, I'm not gonna do this. Everyone just wants to bring more onto their plate because they can learn more. I think that's the most valuable thing for employees. And I would hire anybody even if they didn't have any experience, if I could tell that they had that real drive to improve themselves and learn more.
Other Outdoor Activities
Backpacking
Cycling
Favorite Books
Peter Drucker books
Search Inside Yourself by Chade Meng Tan
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts
Connect with Chris
chris@trewgear.com
Bill has made a great career for himself in both the Outdoor and Fly Fishing Spaces. He tells us about his work with REI getting their Adventure Travel Program off the ground, his transition into fly fishing with Sage, how he parlayed his entrepreneurial spirit into a successful repping business on the East Coast.
Bill has made a great career for himself in both the Outdoor and Fly Fishing Spaces. He tells us about his work with REI getting their Adventure Travel Program off the ground, his transition into fly fishing with Sage, how he parlayed his entrepreneurial spirit into a successful repping business on the East Coast.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
My Dad started us off early and so I grew up hunting and fishing and camping with him and actually went to the Orvis fly fishing school in 1969. And that's when you stayed in the motor coach in across the street from the bamboo factory and went out in the pond factory and learned how to cast and whatnot.
So we did that, got a little fishing in and interestingly enough I did that with a cast on my leg so I didn't get to wade in any of the streams and do that portion of the school.
But then I got into skiing. That was back in the early days in Pennsylvania and I can still remember to this day my dad coming back from a European business trip and handing me a brand new pair of leather buckle boots. And up to that point you had tie boots and you had a little tool that you could pull tight on the laces and get them tight enough.
Things we talked about
W Dawsons Inc
Orvis
REI
Mountain Travel
Sage
Rio
Reddington
Patagonia
Umpqua
Kamchatka
Highland High School Lacrosse
Project Healing Waters
Fishermans Conservation Association
National Wild Turkey Federation
Trout Unlimited
Advice, tips
I've certainly heard it on your podcast numerous times and, and I'm a product of that, but you know, following that passion. Like I mentioned, you know, trying to join your application with your vocation. I do believe that and it certainly came to fruition with me and I've heard it from many others on your podcast, so it is something to make sure and tuck in your pocket and understand that over the long haul, if you have a passion for it, you're probably going to be successful at it in some way, shape or form.
Some other things I would pass on, and these from my coaching days and I would be remiss in not mentioning. My son will laugh because I always told the kids that it's a game of inches. Every little inch counts. You miss a goal by an inch. You missed the ground ball by an inch. So it truly is a game of inches. I think that plays into the game of life and the game of career as well. You really do have to pay attention to the details there and make sure that you're not missing any of those inches along the way. And finally I always told them that we're not going to use the phrase practice makes perfect because I have no aspirations of being perfect. But practice does make permanent. So practice, practice, practice.
Other Outdoor Activities
Waterfowl Hunting
Deer Hunting
Favorite Books
Michael Connolly and the Bosh series
The Reacher series
James Patterson
Alex Cross
John Grisham
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Buff
Thermacell Hand Warmer
Connect with Bill
bill@wdawsons.com
Katie talks about how she got into the outdoors, some of her experiences with guiding at A16 and Trail Mavens and about a couple new gear rental/borrow programs that you need to know about.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Katie talks about how she got into the outdoors, some of her experiences with guiding at A16 and Trail Mavens and about a couple new gear rental/borrow programs that you need to know about.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was lucky enough to have parents that took me hiking in the local mountains where I grew up. I grew up at the base of the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles.
My parents are not like big huge outdoor people, but they love nature and they loved taking us on hikes up in the national forest and then we'd do road trips to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon and we'd always stay at hotels. They weren't big campers but the exposure to camping happens with much later. I definitely had a love for the outdoors from young age because of where I grew up.
Then my parents began prioritizing taking us to the national parks. I got into camping because I went to a summer camp, a sleep away camp on Catalina through the YMCA and got to spend time on the island and it was glorified camping. We had kind of shelters that we would stay in that were open air shelters so you could feel the breeze of the ocean. That was kind of my first exposure to sleeping outside and I just thought I just loved it. I thought it was so much fun and a kind of kept on finding opportunities over the next several years throughout middle school and high school to go on camping trips.
Things we talked about
UC San Diego Outback Adventures
REI
Adventure 16
Outdoor Retailer
Jeff Sheets, Dan Hill, Dan Miller, Tim Richards
8000 Meter Challenge
Clif Bar
Trail Mavens, Sasha Cox
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Last Minute Gear
Bay Area Wilderness Training
Camber
OIA
Advice, tips
Take advantage of every single opportunity there is to get more involved. So if there is an opportunity to be a part of an event that you know, takes you away from your company or your store or wherever you're working so that you can get exposure to other companies or other aspects of the industry. I think that we need to encourage everybody to have these kind of cross functional trainings so that we can take all of these bits of information that we find out there and use them to make our industry better. So if somebody is interested in getting into the industry who isn't in the industry already, I think it's really important to, you know, if you can go to these industry networking events, whether it be Camber or OIA puts on some throughout the country to those are really helpful.
Other Outdoor Activities
Biking
X-C Skiing
Favorite Books
Walk In the Woods by Bill Bryson
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Darn Tough Socks
Connect with Katie
wadekatieanne@gmail.com
Adam talks about his 67 camper re-build project, his passion for the outdoors, some of his experiences with Backcountry.com, Cabelas, Wasatch Touring, and tells us about his business and how you can work with him.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Adam talks about his 67 camper re-build project, his passion for the outdoors, some of his experiences with Backcountry.com, Cabelas, Wasatch Touring, and tells us about his business and how you can work with him.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in New Mexico. We were pretty active outdoor family, I did a lot of skiing, hiking. I actually used to compete in competitive skiing. Leading up to the 2000 Olympics there were a lot of scouts, a lot of competitions and there was some kind of discussion around that, but I was like, you know, I just kinda want to get back into it for fun and not compete. And my big thing was always wanting to get into mountain climbing and climbing Mount Everest one day. That was like my senior year. So my senior trip, I drove myself to Mount Rainier with 11 other strangers and did Mount Rainier and it was a lot of fun and learned a lot and then got married and just start having kids and things and I thought, I don't know if the crazy high altitude peaks or for me.
Things we talked about
Adam Buchanan
Wasatch Touring
Backcountry.com
The Marketing Trust Podcast
Mark Schaefer- Known
camofire.com
Leave No Trace
Conservation Alliance
Advice, tips
I talk to a lot of college students and a lot of people come and they're like, how do I get started? What do I do? And the advice that I always come back to is, get your hands dirty as quick as possible. This isn't fancy, this isn't glamorous. You know, a lot of people think like, Oh, you going to go into public speaking and you get to work with influencers and how fun is your life and what they don't see is how at 1:00 AM I'm in a live chat with customers on a facebook page or out at 4:00 AM or you know at Fox and friends in New York City, for a PR thing or an interview. You know, trying to capture all the listening data on twitter and just the coordination and all the planning. So I always tell people, you know, get your hands dirty as quick as possible.
Try to get hands on work and if you can't get anyone to work with you, if a brand won't hire you or whatever, just go start your own thing. Go pick a passion that you feel really passionate about and add your voice to the industry. You see people like, oh my gosh Katie Boue, you've had her on your podcast. Katie is the best example of someone who just kept pushing and going and just built her own brand and now you know, brands love working with her and she works with OIA and now she's a huge advocate for the industry and the outdoors as well. That's an example of someone who just kept pushing and pushing and didn't wait for someone to say, well just come and find me and I'll be over here, but just I'll be ready to come out. She just kept pushing it. So that's what I tell people is put in the hours. Put in the work.
Other Outdoor Activities
Camping
Hiking
Rock Climbing
Skiing
Biking
Four Wheeling
Favorite Books
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Red Gold Fish by Graeme Newell
Best Gear Purchase under $100
MSR Hyperflow water filter
ENZO Rings
Connect with Adam
adam@adamcbuchanan.com
Adam Buchanan
I hope you enjoy this replay of episode 10 and my conversation with Andy Palmer. Andy and his wife Lori are the founders of The Adventure Portal, a terrific resource for everything related to Vehicle-Assisted Adventure information and news in the U.S.A.
Andy made a mindless comment to a buddy one time about getting paid to camp and he has just about pulled it off.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes
Bio
came to US in 1995
set up Animal USA
VP Sales Dragon Optical
GM Clive
launched Fortress
Ocean Minded
CEO Crank Brothers
first exposure to the outdoors
primitive camping as a kid
sailing and windsurfing as a kid
Things we talked about
The Adventure Portal
Broad product range of European Outdoor businesses
many outdoor activities are all based around camping
Jim and Katie Thomsen
Overlanding vs Vehicle Supported Adventure
How Adventure Camping is different from Overlanding
Vehicle Supported Adventure crosses over into many industries like traditional Outdoor, Adventure Travel, Camping, Off Roading
The Adventure Portal provides Gear Reviews, Trail Reports, First person story of an Adventure, Training
Great piece of gear all outdoor adventurers need- Max Trax or some kind of sand ladder
Would like to push the focus of The Adventure Portal out to a wider more mainstream audience
The Industry is becoming more mainstream
REI published a catalog in November with no backpacking images
The Adventure Portal promotes and adheres to "Tread Lightly" principles
SEMA- Auto Show in Las Vegas
Gear trends
TurtleBack Trailers
Yakima
Tepui
Overland Expo
Off Road Trailer Buyers Guide
A well curated space for this category would be successful at the OR show
Adventure Out at OR
beginning to see Outdoor Retailers embrace this category
the way a specialty outdoor retailer can embrace this activity is to create a liaison with a guiding service
4 Wheel Parts
Rebel Offroad
Other Outdoor activities
Surfing
Mtn Biking
Hiking
Paddleboard
Photography
Best Outdoor Gear purchase under $100
a good knife
Favorite Apps
all photography based
sky guide
photographers ephemeris
Favorite Books
Andy loves anything historical
Trail Guides
Connect with
theadventureportal.com
The Adventure Portal photo + film
WOW, so here we are at episode 100. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you! I am forever grateful to the great guests who have generously give their time and to all you listeners out there!
What began as “I’m just gonna try 5 of these and see how it goes” is now a twice weekly conversation listened to by over 30,000 of you.
For episode 100 I’m turning over the mic to my great friend and colleague Tim McGuire. Many of you asked when I was going to answer my questions so here it is.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
My parents and grandparents inspired my love for the outdoors. My grandfather was an avid outdoorsman, you know, back in the days of the American sportsman on TV and Curt Gowdy, announcing all the various things that he did from hunting and fishing to archery and the Olympics, all the sports. He took us out and taught us how to fish, how to hunt and how to camp. My parents were into camping sometimes it was tent camping, but then we got a trailer, we had a 1959 airstream and took that all over the west. The greatest trip was up to Yellowstone.
Things we talked about
California Park and Recreation Society
Kern River Tours
Mountain River Adventures
Rick Saez Photography
AquaTech
Fishing Trails 2
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
California Wilderness Coalition
Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association
Tim Ferriss Show
Thrive Global Podcast- Arianna Huffington podcast
Advice, tips
I think the thing is like a lot of my guests have said, it's figuring out what your passion is, what you're passionate about, and if it is something related to the outdoors, go get it. Don't let anything stop you. Don't let the fact that people are hard to get ahold of or I don't know anybody. Just go, just jump in, call somebody, email somebody, go down and visit somebody at Eagle Creek. There's always a way. I love the way Lee Fromson put it . . . There's doors and windows and side alleys and back alleys. There's ways in, don't let anything stop you. If you really want to do it, go for it. It's a lifetime of great friends and great fun. It's work, you know, I mean, you got to dig your head in on spreadsheets sometimes and go to places you may not want to go and have conversations you don't want to have, but just go. It's so much fun.
Favorite Books
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
They Call me Coach by John Wooden
Walt Disney by Neal Gabler
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Headlamp
Compass
Connect with Rick
rick@theoutdoorbiz.com
Outdoor Biz Instagram
Rick Saez Photography Instagram
This turned out to be one of my favorite episodes. A great conversation with Mike Harvey from Badfish SUP. You can feel his love and enthusiasm for Whitewater as Mike tells us how he got hooked on paddling, began building whitewater parks and started Badfish SUP.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I live in saliva, Colorado in the Upper Arkansas River valley. I've lived here actually since I was 18 years old. So a good 25 years or so. And I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I grew up in a family that was really passionate about fly fishing, my dad and my grandparents. So most of my first experiences in outdoors where via Fishing. Particularly on my grandparents side, they had a farm type property in southwestern Pennsylvania. So we'd crawl around there and fish and crawl around in the woods. My grandfather would go fishing in the trout stream you know, and leave the kids at home. My grandmother actually taught me to cast a fly rod in the back in the yard and then my grandmother and I would go fish for bluegill in the farm ponds and stuff. So actually my grandmother really got me out there. She was awesome. She you know, she'd get right down in the dirt with me.
Things we talked about
Badfish SUP
Prescott College
FIBArk — America's Oldest & Boldest Whitewater Festival
The Arkansas River Trust
Great Outdoors Colorado
Recreation Engineering and Planning
Advice, tips
I would say that most people in this industry, once you've decided to work in this industry you probably decided because you're passionate about the outdoors. The only choice you need to make, which is like, you know what, I'm going to do this because this is what I love and we'll figure the rest of it out.
Other Outdoor Activities
Paddling
Surfing
Mtn Biking
Skiing
Favorite Books
Big Bang by Simon Singh
Wherever you go There you are by John Kabat-Zinn
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Hydro Flask stainless steel water bottle
Connect with Mike
mike@badfishsup.com
Chris tells us where is passion for the outdoors comes from, some of his experiences with JanSport, Vasque, Eagle Creek, and some great advice he’s received from mentors along the way.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think my first outdoor memories are going to bog sled races in Alaska. My dad's passion for the outdoors just kind of crept right on down with anything from hiking to paddling the climbing, whatever's nearby.
My Dad was stationed there in the military and when he wasn't on base, he was a hunting guide and loved camping. We were out all the time.
It was quite a playground as a little guy. And then we moved back to Minnesota. I think one of my teachers was showing a picture of a Moose and I said, oh, that's my backyard. The teacher had to have a talk with my mom and dad saying well, your son has this fantasy. And my Mom and Dad had to inform her that we had just moved back from Alaska. And Yes, there indeed was a bull moose in our backyard.
Things we talked about
OutnBack, Orem Utah
JanSport
LL Bean
Eagle Creek
BYU
Vasque/Redwing
PUR
Big City Mountaineers
Conservation Alliance
Philmont Scout Ranch
Advice, tips
I went to school at BYU, originally started in business and then I was thinking about it and I decided to go into advertising because that would get me into sports because I love sports and outdoor activities. And then I figured out that I really didn't want to be creative in advertising and the pay wasn't that great... and I thought well, what's my passion? And I just started working at this store called Out and Back. And as I did that, I realized that's where my passion was. And I remember going to my counselor and saying, Hey, I love recreation I'm going to recreate. And the counselor looked at me, the professor, he goes, there's no way you can do that. I said watch me. And I've had this great experience.
People weren't thinking about it from a business standpoint. And so I took it in a little different direction and it was great. But now what I'm really excited about is schools like University of Oregon, Utah State have started these great programs where somebody realized that there's this industry called the outdoor industry. So they're preparing people, whether they have art degrees, business degrees, marketing degrees, and they're creating bachelor's programs and masters programs. They're starting to mentor people together and create programs to place people at places like The North Face, Jansport, and Eagle Creek.
There are opportunities to connect with people, brands and great mentors that are bringing folks along. So I think that's an opportunity for businesses as well as individuals to connect through those programs.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hunt
Fish
Paddle
Hike
Camp
Favorite Books
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Compass
Connect with Chris
speak.christopher@gmail.com
Larry tells us how he got started in the biz, his experiences with JanSport, Wilderness Experience, Outdoor Retailer, has some sage advice for each of us, and much much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE
Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I figured the best Answer to that is . . . I was a twin and we were born wild dogs in a little Illinois town. On one side of our house was a big park and then behind it was forest. And then after the forest there was a canal. Did we ever have a playground. Then on the other side of the canal was all farmland. And this was for my first nine years. Up the street was the largest hill in rock falls and sterling, we called it death hill. My twin brother and our friends, we just terrorized that area climbing trees, diving into water, probably going down the steep embankments was just part of the way we grew up. It so long ago that I probably shouldn't even tell you the date, but it was 1959.
Now we should all be proud of our age. Never shirk the duty of representing your age because there's always somebody younger than you that wonders what it's like to be that age because they need something to model themselves after. I always copied the people who were older than me.
Then we moved to California and I thought, did I ever score when we moved to San Diego. I told my mother after seeing some kids surfing that I want to surf and she said, no way, you hardly know how to swim. And so I had to swim back and forth, three times at De Anza Cove. It's a long way back and forth, back and forth, back. And by the end of the summer I'd done that and I was able to take up surfing and like most of my great endeavors in a sport I never really became great. But I really had a great time. I really enjoyed myself.
Things we talked about
The Mountain People (Eagle Creek)- Steve and Nona Barker, Ricky Schlesinger
Coming Attractions (Sport Science)- Neal Caplowe, Ricky Schlesinger
Wilderness Experience- Jim and Greg Thomsen
JanSport- Skip Yowell, Todd Spaletto, Chris Speak, Paul DeLorey
Uncle Dan's- Colin Moynihan
Advice, tips
Well, I think it was Mark Twain that said "you need two things, ignorance and confidence" you know? I think that a belief in yourself. We went out in the outdoors as youth and I guess that it instilled some confidence that the outdoors was my playground and then I went into the outdoor business. Well, I had the Outdoor part of it done, you know? I had to learn business, but I found words fun so communication is so critical, but confidence, that's really important. And I think that when I started in this business, we were a bunch of men and scratchy plaid shirts and now do we have the diversity that we want to have? Absolutely not, right? are we making progress? Yes, we're making progress, but we're making its slowly. It'd be great to see it happen more quickly. How do we do that? Personal responsibility? How many people have you taken out, how many people of color, how many women, et cetera, you know, if you want this person to be in the outdoors, give them the experience first. The sooner, the better in someone's life. So my view of the next three to five years is that if we take responsibility for our store being more exciting, if we take responsibility as reps for getting the work done more effectively for our retailers so they can concentrate on their store we will be doing them a favor. If as a manufacturer, we think about how our products can be the most unique they can be, instead of just trying to put products in every price point, we will be better manufacturers, bring something new. Not just a new price point. And then as people, if we all bring someone into the outdoors, I've always felt that as a seller of products, as a manufacturer of products, as a retailer of product, we are creating a voter. A voter that works to maintain the beauty of wildlands, we're creating a constituency. That's what I would like to see. The next three to five years being where every single segment of our business looks to improve what they're doing today and take personal accountability for getting more people out there.
Favorite Books
Tracy Ross
The Long Haul by Finn Murphy
Dispatches from Pluto, Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta by Richard Grant
The Broom of God by John Bragg
Stories from the Dirt by John Long
The Home Distiller's Workbook - Your guide to making Moonshine, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and so much more! by Jeff King
Best Gear Purchase under $100
GSI Santoku Knife Set
Connect with Larry
larry.harrison@outdoorretailer.com
Nate and I talk about where his outdoor passion comes from, Backbone Media and how we have an opportunity to unite all outdoor recreation enthusiasts towards better public lands stewardship and recreation experiences for all.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Great conversation with Nate Simmons from Backbone Media on the show today.
Nate and I talk about where his outdoor passion comes from, Backbone Media and how we have an opportunity to unite all outdoor recreation enthusiasts towards better public lands stewardship and recreation experiences for all.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
As a kid my Grandfather and my dad hunting and fishing was something that we did together and that was something that pulled me outside, so I think a lot of it really started there. My grandfather was a big game hunter and talking about his trips to Canada and out West I would hear about those adventures and that always really drew me in to the outdoors. Then, you know, school and boy scouts and camping and that sort of thing starts to come into it a little bit. that was a big driver too.
Things we talked about
Backbone Media
Big City Mountaineers
Protect our Winters
Conservation Alliance
The Nature Conservancy
The Wilderness Society
Advice, tips
I would say start anywhere you can and start where your passion lies. And so if it's a job at retail or if it's a job guiding, any way that you can possibly break into that activity or, or the niche that you're most passionate about, that forms the basis, I think for the rest of your career. And of course definitely start at the ground up. Any way you can leverage your way in and those experiences will pay benefits later as you move up through the organizations or through the industry. I mean, being able to look back at your experience as a guide or as a retail person is important. I've seen so many people build their career because they're passionate about it and they make great connections and they worked their way through.
So many people here who have, who worked retail and they're close to the customer, close to the brands and they see that, you know, the comparison between them. And that's an amazing experience. And I would say the other comment for someone looking to get into the space is, be a student of the game. If you're interested in it, pay attention to the brands that are doing that are doing well and to the brands that aren't doing well. Who catches your radar and why. And I think that's a big part of it too. That's where for backbone when work with a hunting company, we hire hunters and if we work for a fishing company we hire anglers. So it's easy for them to be a student of the game because they're passionate about it and maybe paying attention to it anyway. We're always looking for a newer better widget that makes it easier, faster or more fun, safer as end users. And so that takes a lot of the pressure off the job.
Other Outdoor Activities
Skate ski
Fly Fishing
Elk Hunting
Climbing
Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
50 Classic Ski Descents in North America
Best Gear Purchase under $100
YETI Lowball
Connect withNate
nate.simmons@backbonemedia.net
Mark has had one job in the Outdoor Biz with Outdoor Gear Exchange. We talk about how he got started, the unique evolution of the shop, and some of the great features and services they offer.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Mark has had one job in the Outdoor Biz with Outdoor Gear Exchange and tells us how he got started, the unique evolution of the shop, and some of the great features and services they offer.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I've been enjoying the outdoors since I was a kid. We used to do to a lot of camping with my parents and skiing. I was actually coming up to stowe ski regularly from my home state of New Jersey as a kid. I remember the drives very distinctly and all the things that you do with kids to keep them busy on a six hour drive. Also remember being dragged out for the first first chair every day by my dad who was indefatigable on terms of the need to ski regardless of what the weather was like. And I married someone who's just like that. I tend to be more of a fair-weather skier at this point in my life, and that's OK, I've got the skills.
We also used to do an annual camping trip with my father. We do a canoe camping trip every summer for a week and it was just all part of my tradition.
Things we talked about
Outdoor Gear Exchange
Vermont Teddy Bear
Outdoor Retailer Panel- How to Thrive in the age of Amazon
Nickel Bag Program
Conservation Alliance
Vermont Hut System
Advice, tips
I think getting into the outdoor business is similar to getting into any business. My advice is for people to find a business itself that you value, that you value their values, that you like the way the business runs and just get a job there, doesn't matter what it is. If you are engaged and involved in your business and you're working in an organization that has a good culture, you'll get recognized and you'll move up the ladder. Because you know, a certain portion of everybody working in the outdoor industry, businesses cycles through. You know, for a lot of people it's a stepping stone to get out of college, you want to sort of plant yourself in town, you're in for a couple of years, get a job in the outdoor shop and then move on. We've got that as a big piece of our employment.
We also have many of our employees that have been with us for over five years. We now have an employee ownership program where we've got currently 12 employee owners, Joe, my initial partner and I continue to create that engagement and people want careers, they want a place to stay. They want to stay there and grow. We've been able to create positions and now have a whole department that is just managing fulfillment by Amazon. And that's a great, that's a great avenue for people who want to focus more on the technical aspects. We've also got a great ski tech department and we try to promote our ski in our bike texts to learn more skills and develop their careers.
And we encourage our employees when they're ready to leave, we encourage them to move on and we give them recommendations as needed. We were not looking to be the end point in anybody's career. We want to support our employees, grow their education and when it's time for them to follow their next passion within the industry, we want to support that so it gives us room to move people up who are in a lower area organization who do want those careers as well. So it's good, very positive cycle.
Favorite Books
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
Best Gear Purchase Under $100
Sea to Summit Hammocks
Connect with Marc
duck@gearex.com
Seth is a fly fisherman, author, photographer based here in Bishop, Ca.
He has been fly fishing his entire life. In 2016 he co-authored Fishing Trails 2 with Jared Smith. This is preeminent guide to backcountry fishing in the Eastern Sierra. We talk about fishing, his love for the outdoors and more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Seth is a fly fisherman, author, photographer based here in Bishop, Ca.
He has been fly fishing his entire life. In 2016 he co-authored Fishing Trails 2 with Jared Smith. This is preeminent guide to backcountry fishing in the Eastern Sierra. We talk about fishing, his love for the outdoors and more.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was into the Outdoors before sports, it's always been the outdoors. Growing up both my parents just loved the outdoors and had a passion for it. We'd camp, fish, hike and had campfires and smores. In the Desert, Mountains, you name it, man. And so I have many, many fond memories at an early age of being in the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Flyfishing
Photography
Sports (football)
Electric Fishing: Seth Blackamore
Fishin Trails 2
Orange Lutheran High Hchool
Advice, tips
one of my favorite quotes is this "don't ask yourself what this world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that because that's what this world needs".
If there are people out there that are interested in pursuing the outdoor business, I'd say follow your passions and pursue your passions and money will follow. I got into fishing because I love fishing. I started writing articles and doing photos just for myself about fishing. And then all sudden one day some people started saying, hey, why don't you write me an article about this? So next thing I know it was in a magazine and why don't you write me an article about this? And the next thing I know I'm doing a collab with Jared Smith about our book fishing trails and next thing you know, I was in this industry and started making some money. Without even really trying to pursue this industry. So find your passion and pursue it. And maybe some money will follow.
Other Outdoor Activities
dirt bike riding
spearfishing
Favorite Books
Bible
Let my People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Who killed Jesus,Who killed Kennedy,Who killed Lincoln,Who killed Patton by Bill O'Reilly
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Black Strap Buff
Connect with Seth
Sara tells us about her Science background, how she got into the outdoors and how a vegetarian became the best organic grocery meat buyer in Knoxville.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
We weren't the wealthiest family so when we went on vacation we'd go for a week to the state park and I loved it. I've got an older brother so we were just partners in crime for a week, riding our bikes, swimming in the lake and going hiking it. It was how our family recreated. My mom super adventurous, I'm thankful for that and I definitely attribute my outdoor love to my parents. I'm super thankful for that.
Things we talked about
Rock Creek Outfitters
Three Rivers Market
Blackdome
Breast Cancer Support Services
Southeastern Climbers Coalition
Access Fund
StumpJump 50K Trail Race
Triple Crown Bouldering Series
Advice, tips
Yeah, start small. Start start on the sales floor. You've got to have that baseline of knowledge before I think you can really rise up. You learn how to sell the things that you love and learn how sell things you don't really like too. In a small businesses especially, like us, we hire from within. So if we see somebody on our salesforce doing great, they're going to be a manager and they'll eventually get into merchandising or buying. That's the organic process.
I think it's cool to see how some universities around the country are now even offering outdoor business degrees, industry related degrees related to recreation. Or even design for outdoor which half the sourcing is based on its ecologic friendliness. It's funny you know, I'm an elbow greaser though whatever you want to do, just get your hands dirty, work hard and it all pays off. Just put in the effort.
Other Outdoor Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Running
Snowboarding
Favorite Books
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Guns Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Smartwool socks
Connect with Sara
sara@rockcreek.com
A funny beginning to this episode so I left it in the edit. This episode of Waypoint from the Outdoor Biz Podcast is our monthly update on trends and analysis in the The Adventure Travel space. Today I’m speaking with Therese Iknoian and Michael Hogdson from HI Travel Tales. We talk about how the year is progressing, some the trends they are seeing, the recent ATTA Summit event and much much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show notes A funny beginning to this episode so I left it in the edit. This episode of Waypoint from the Outdoor Biz Podcast is our monthly update on trends and analysis in the The Adventure Travel space. Today I’m speaking with Therese Iknoian and Michael Hogdson from HI Travel Tales. We talk about how the year is progressing, some the trends they are seeing, the recent ATTA Summit event and much much more.
HI Travel Tales
ATTA
Jan tells us how he got into the outdoors through scouting his time with Sequel, Retail Concepts, and how Nite Ize comes with all their great accessories.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes I think you will enjoy my conversation with one of my long time outdoor buds Jan Greenspan on the show today.
Jan tells us how he got into the outdoors through scouting his time with Sequel, Retail Concepts, and how Nite Ize comes with all their great accessories.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I would say perhaps a traditional track, it was through scouting. I lived near school grounds that had a troop, troop to 22 in Beaumont, Texas. We had a really together scouting group, a great scout master Mr Howell. I will tell you that is what set me on course. My father was a great influence on me but was not an outdoors man. So through the scouting groups, it really gave me a chance to get outdoors and experience you know, building my first a campsite, tents and fires and things like that.
Things we talked about
Nite Ize
Sequel
Retail Concepts
Rick Case
Conservation Alliance
Advice, tips
This industry is made up of a bunch of passionate people, passionate about what they enjoy doing on a personal level or whatever that sport or activity is from climbing to cycling or backpacking or boating. I think be true to what it is that you really enjoyed doing and it will come through you, right? In the end it becomes you. Honestly, I think it's through friendships, It's through putting yourself out there when you get a chance. I think it's a pretty forgiving and inviting industry. It's got a great mix of old and young folks. Part of it is, being open and willing to learn. You know, with our inner click and buy society. It's not going to happen as fast as you'd like it. If you're listening to this and want to get in the game, you got to do something.
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Backpacking
Skiing
Walking
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Bendable Twist Tie
Connect with Jan
JGreenspan@niteize.com
Kenny tells about his outdoor shenanigans as a kid, our experience launching Montbell in the US, his time with Kelty, Wenger, Osprey, the cool things going on at The Mountain and much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in a small town in Connecticut and we had huge fields and the Connecticut River was in the backyard there were trees we, had a huge side yard and backyard so we used to camp out in the summertime and we go down to the fields and ride dirt bikes and bmx bikes, back then they were called BMX before they were called mtn bikes, and go carp fishing and it was kind of the Tom Sawyer lifestyle. I was always outside, I was never indoors my mom was always "get outside, go have fun!" you know it's one of those classic tonso of kids in the neighborhood so we built tree forts and raise hell and have a great time outdoors.
That was really about it. So growing up I had two older brothers one is 11 years older, he was was the hippie of the family and one who was eight years older and we have fond memories of when I was a little baby and we'd go on family camping trips. So we go get army surplus Boy Scout wax canvas tents go out to the Cape or down in the North Carolina shore from Connecticut. So it was an interesting experience, the first first Glamping experience for the Ballards was on a crappy old cot that busted and a wax canvas tent getting bit by mosquitoes on the Cape.
Things we talked about
His first outdoor job in a small sailboat sport shop that I started with three friends
Repping with Wendall Tremblay and Harold Mullins at Atlantic Associates
Eagle Creek
Yakima
Montbell
Mad River Canoe
Kelty
Wenger
Osprey
The Mountain
Operation Hat Trick
Cooper's Crossroad
Advice, tips
First and foremost you have to follow your passion. The great thing about the outdoor space, as corporate and commercial and you know, big boy or big girl league it is and although it's become a big business. It's still made up of a group of really passionate individuals. So follow your passion to figure out what you're really good at, what you are great at and go for it. And I think you've got to be curious. You have to be persistent. Think outside the box. Networking always helps you know. And indeed that's a great thing about this industry is there still are folks out there that are humans, that have a connection like you and me over decades of time and places and spaces and jobs. So networking is really really key. And to do that go to the shows. Walk around the show. I mean it's really a magical space. And as much as you know outdoor retailer can be a sometimes trade shows can be a grind it really is the place to just go to see what's going on.
Other Outdoor Activities
Fat Biking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking
Fly Fishing
Hiking, Backpacking
Paddling
Favorite Books
Neal Stephenson
Malcom Gladwell
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Jetboil Java kit
Connect with Kenny
Kballard@themountain.com
This episode is Sponsored by: https://www.kabbage.com/outdoorbiz
I’m speaking with Colin Moynihan from Uncle Dans. Colin was a guest on episode 48 back in November. We talk about how the year is progressing, some the omni channel tactics we presented at the Winter OR show, and more. Waypoint Outdoor- April 2018
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE HOW TO THRIVE IN THE AGE OF AMAZON
- Paradigm Shift
a. Consumer now control where, when and how much.
i. On Demand
ii. Brands as Retailers and Retailers as Brands
iii. The D2C Playbook.
- Path To Purchase
a. Gotta be where they are.
- 50/50 Rule
a. If you are not 50% digital in some aspect of your business, you will be.
b. Think Sales Channels In-Store, Online, Mobile, Social, Marketplaces
- Frictionless Experience
a. Make it super easy.
i. Inventory, Order and Fulfillment Management
ii. Experience & Services
b. Easy to find, Easy to buy, Easy to Return
- Everybody’s A VIP
a. Starbucks App
Ricky and I talk about how he got into the outdoor and luggage biz, his experience growing Eagle Creek, his current project with a Chinese Bag retailer and much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
like most of the things that I got into it was sort of backwards. I grew up in the New York suburbs. Wasn't particularly an outdoor guy at all. I was more team sports guy. I was one of these guys who played everything pretty well and nothing great. I plated in a varsity in a couple of things but not that much. I hung out with a bunch of athletes and really enjoyed playing to all kinds of ball sports.
I went to American University in Washington DC and started hanging out with people that you have an affinity with. Next thing you know these folks that are my better friends, some of which are still my best friends today, started doing some camping and backpacking in the Shenandoah mountains. Which is, you know, an hour and a half drive. And so I kind of got introduced to that activity really through through the college folks that I hung out with
Things we talked about
Coming Attractions
Sports Science
Neal Caplowe
Hermans Sporting Goods
Eagle Creek
JanSport
Bloomingdales
Macys
Hudson Trail Outfitters
Kelty
Vasque
TGA
Clive
Vista Buddhist temple
Outdoor Outreach
Advice, tips
Well, I would start with, there are no easy answers. And the business really isn't the same business. I mean the products are the same. The outdoor pursuits and the consumer is doing the same thing. How you get to that consumer is so different now. You know, I'm glad I got out when I did because my skills will become obsolete I think in most industries.
Outdoor specialty retail is in significant danger of being extinct, online is the place to be. I would say what Barker and I learned with Eagle Creek is, if you're going to start a business, you've got to understand what your core competency is and what your leverage point is. In order to be competitive in the marketplace you've gotta be better than most other people at something. Whether it is . . . most people think it's cost right away, but it doesn't have to be cost. You know, you could be more innovative and it can be cheaper. You could be more convenient, you could have a better relationships, but you've got to have a point of leverage. And if you can't find that, if you can't figure out what your core competency is, as my Jewish mother would say, don't bother.
So many people go into business thinking, I really love the outdoors and I want to start an outdoor business. It's like, OK, so what are you good at? You know, how you're going to beat the competition and find your niche in the marketplace?
Other Outdoor Activities
Golf
Running
Hiking
Favorite Books
Thich Nhat Hanh
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Fleece Zip Turtleneck
Connect with Ricky
email: rickyschlesinger@gmail.com
This episode is Sponsored by: https://www.kabbage.com/outdoorbiz
Lee tells us a funny story about his first job in the outdoor biz, how he got into the outdoors, we talk fishing, books and how the National Forest Foundation intends to plant over one million trees in US National Forests.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
You know most people on your show tell you the stories of my grandfather or my father taught me how to hunt, fish etc. I grew up in Cleveland Ohio and played a lot of ball sports as a kid. The only thing my dad and I ever did together was play golf. And so really my intro to the outdoors happened starting as a freshman in college. I just fell into a bunch of folks who were really into the outdoors and we were living in southern Ohio, kind of near the Ohio Kentucky border. So we did a lot of whitewater rafting down down in West Virginia, a lot of hiking all over the place. And they're the guys who kind of gave me the bug. Then the crazy part was the first real job I ever got was with Cascade Designs. And from there I just had an unbelievable opportunity to do all kinds of fun things in the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Cascade Designs
REI
Goal Zero
Simms Fishing
Outdoor Retailer
Icast
National Forest Foundation
Advice, tips
I think it's a really interesting time for young folks because I have this belief that the outdoor industry the outdoor customer has kind of this barbell thing going on right now. There's this cool part about the baby boomers moving towards retirement and there's nothing better than having people who fuel your industry retiring with money and time to go play. But you know that's going to tail off over time. And it's really the next generation coming up that's so critical for the future of companies in this space and companies need to attract these folks. I'm a great believer that one of the best ways to be successful is to make sure that your company reflects either what your customer base is or what you'd like it to be. There's no better way to drive business, so I think it's really important for companies to find these folks who've got the passion about the outdoors and bring them in and find those spots to bring them in.
I think another part of it is to think creatively about the side doors and the back doors to get in the outdoor industry. It's really hard coming in the front door. You know if I graduated from college and I have a degree in fashion design or something man it is hard to have a outdoor company hire you.
So to me the opportunity is through some of those side doors and back doors. There's a way in through the nonprofit world. They there's a way in through professional services that are servicing outdoor companies. I mean we Ken Miedell a great guy who works for me who's now over at another brand doing a great job. He was a guy doing our big ERP implementation and who we ended up hiring then ended up coming into the company doing a great job. And you know went from from Cascade came in to our research area and then to Dakine. I mean those opportunities happened. You just got to look for those opportunities and make those connections and for somebody to be willing to say the gene pool needs to widen, let's just not rehire all the same people over and over again. Make your move.
I also think you and I have this interesting story where there's been these companies that have been amazing breeding grounds for people. The A16 story, how many people came through A16 and went on to other things. Cascade Designs was and is a great place for people to come in and then go on to other things. Those companies that will incubate people, I think they're out there they're still out there and that's great place to start.
Other Outdoor Activities
Biking
Hiking
Fishing
Paddling
Favorite Books
Read Me by Neal Stephenson
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
I am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Goal Zero Flip Charger
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Calm
Connect with Lee
Sponsored by: www.kabbage.com/outdoorbiz
Gordon tells us how he landed at Toad & Co, his experience there, his time at the OIA, his love for surfing and much more. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Gordon tells us about how he landed at Toad & Co, his experience there, his time at the OIA, his love for surfing and much more.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My parents are really big into camping, first tent camping and then we got travel trailer when they got older and didn't like the tent set up. So did a ton of camping around around the East Coast. When I was young I was in the scouts and actually was an Eagle Scout before the age of 14. It wasn't a particularly popular thing to be but we had a great scoutmaster that just loved adventure travel and just getting out. So we would do the 50 mile afoot floats in the Adirondacks just did some really cool whitewater rafting and fun adventures. So I think those probably solidified my love for it. And then when I went to college I got in the outdoor club in college and just became a lifelong participant and enthusiasm of those activities.
Things we talked about
Toad and Co
Outdoor Retailer
Students for Social Responsibility
Ben and Jerry's
Stonyfield Farms
Patagonia
Planet Access
Advice, tips
I think in terms of getting in I think it's a great time. I think 10 years ago there was not a lot of young innovation or there was no obvious next generation of brands coming in and now the whole venture out section has so many new business models, new products it truly makes me feel old. And I realize OK now that full generations are adults I need to figure out exactly how they operate because they have different views maybe than I do, and in a lot of ways involved in the right way. You've got this young energy and I see it in companies too. I mean we are I would say at least, I'd bet you almost 50 percent but certainly 40 percent are under the age of 30. There is no lack of enthusiasm and engagement for careers in the industry. Unfortunately our industries are not like the investment banking industry or the consulting where they have these very refined and honed recruiting engines. Hacking your way into the industry is still the case.
My best advice is Be proactive. Find out about the companies you are interested in, about the areas or interests you have. Go to outdoor retailer show or reach out and talk to the folks in these businesses. And you know just make yourself known and chances are if you have skills and a passion you're going to get an opportunity.
I think if you're in the industry the opportunity is what I call second generation, the first generation are getting to retirement age. The second generation has learned a lot but we're not technologically savvy. We don't really fully understand what the direct to consumer models are and so there's so much innovation opportunity. I think treating the opportunity to have a career in the industry with a seriousness that says this is a profession and I'm one of the best in class and I want to the best I can be and enjoy everything the industry brings you'll go far.
I think there's just so much opportunity. I think the industry and I continue to grow and we continue to be more relevant than ever. And I think if we get better at telling our stories and growing our audience and we get more sophisticated in terms of our fashion style quotient and our business sophistication. I think there's a lot more opportunity for the industry to have influence across many other industries. It's a great time to start a career in the industry.
Other Outdoor Activities
Fly Fish
Mountain Bike
Surfing
Skiing
Snowboarding
Favorite Books
E-myth by Michael Gerber
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Barbarian Days, a Surfing Life by William Finnegan
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Fly Fishing gear
Connect with Gordon
gordon@toadandco.com
Sponsored by
kabbage
We talk about her agency Terra Public Relations, her time with Stanwood and Partners PR and her career as a DJ in Jackson. She also tells about her Luge course. Hit the link in the show notes to see the video.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes With over seventeen years of experience in PR Alli tells us about her agency Terra Public Relations, her time with Stanwood and Partners and her career as a DJ in Jackson. She also tells about her Luge course. Hit the link in the show notes to see the video.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My family were big fans of camping when I was little and I actually have a picture of my sister and I in front of the Tetons when I was like 7 or something like that. No I got a job at the ski shop out at Jackson Hole Mountain resort. And that was the beginning of my true appreciation of the people and the mountain and the other things that Jackson has to offer. Yeah a retail experience, a little retail experience rental monkey experience, I got to be excellent with a screwdriver.
Things we talked about
Alli's Luge run
Smartwool
Goodhew Socks
Jackson Teton County Animal Shelter
Advice, tips
I feel like you know if you treat people by the golden rule and you really work hard in the outdoor industry opportunities do kind of present themselves.
Other Outdoor Activities
Snowboarding
Mountain Biking
Hiking
Luge
Favorite Books
anything by David Sedaris
You'll never eat lunch in this town again by Julia Phillips
Popular Science
Popular Mechanics
US weekly
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Seirus Days Mitt
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Google Docs
Dropbox
Connect with Alli
allin@terrapublicrelations.com
This episode of Waypoint is all about product. The new Spring products are arriving in stores now. This episode is my conversation with Rock Creek buyer Sara Ray Lewis. Sara tells us what she is most excited about and we talk about some of the new apparel, footwear and water sports gear arriving soon. Get your shopping list ready!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode of Waypoint is all about product. The new Spring products are arriving in stores now. This episode is my conversation with Rock Creek buyer Sara Ray Lewis. Sara tells us what she is most excited about and we talk about some of the new apparel, footwear and water sports gear arriving soon. Get your shopping list ready!
Things we talked about
Gear
Grayl water filters
Backpacker's Pantry
Nemo
The North Face Fanorak
Homestead Collection
Teva Alps
Teva Classic
Chaco
Speaqua Barnacle
Osprey
Aeropress
Stanley
Connect with Sara
sara@rockcreek.com
They represent brands like Volcom, Electric, Stance, HUF and others. We talk about he grew up around retail at Adventure 16, his experience at Montana State and how he got his start in the repping world.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Jordan operates a sales agency in Southern California focused mainly on the Action Sports Industry representing brands like Volcom, Electric, Stance, HUF and others
Jordan and I talk about he grew up around retail at Adventure 16, his experience at Montana State and how he got his start in the repping world.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
as young as I can remember and just going back and looking at photos from when I was little kid one and a half years old we were out camping. And yeah I mean I was pretty much born and raised in A16 and hanging out there with my uncle Mick from as long as I can remember.
Things we talked about
JM Sales & Service
Adventure 16
Montana State
Philmont Scout Ranch
Volcom
Electric
Huf
Mizu
Stance
Advice, tips
Get out there and do it. The more you know about it and the more you involve yourself in it the more people you meet doing those types of activities the more likely you are to get a foot in the door. I mean I look back to how I got into it and that's exactly how I how I got into it. I was just around all the time and serving skating, snowboarding and doing everything I would have been doing anyway. It turned into a job for me. And ask a ton of questions. That's one thing looking back that I don't think I did enough was ask questions, and we never do when we're young we think we know it all you know. And so yes. Surround yourself with it and ask tons of questions about it. I've spent the last five years really investing into it time wise and money wise and building it to a certain point where the changing of the guard will happen soon.
Other Outdoor Activities
Fly Fishing
Surfing
Snow Boarding
Favorite Books
One second after by William Forstchen
Let my people go surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Stance Adventure Socks
Connect with Jordan
jordanmead@gmail.com
Jordan on Instagram
JM Sales on Instagram
Dave tells us how Centerstone Technology grew out of The Buyers page and how brands, reps and retailers are using Centerstone’s B2B wholesale platform to manage and process orders. We also talk about how he got excited about the outdoors growing up in Michigan and he tells us a funny ski story involving marshmallows as a kid.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE
Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Yeah I'm from the Midwest originally and my family did a lot of camping when I was younger. I was also involved in the scouting program in my community, actually I went to college. We did quite a lot of outdoor activities so I've always always enjoyed the outdoors and I started skiing when I was 5 in Michigan.
Actually a funny story there. The last day we were skiing I went into the lodge and filled my pockets with little marshmallows from from the hot chocolate stand. Of they of course melted in the car on the way back to Chicago and my dad was not pleased to say the least. I was not happy and we were on the side of the road, I was in there in my tighty whiteys and my dad was angry. My mom and brother were laughing their heads off.
Things we talked about
Centerstone Technologies
Advice, tips
We all know the outdoor industry is a relationship focused industry and I certainly have made some of my best business relationships and friendships going back as far as the outdoor show being hosted in Reno Nevada. But I think if you're passionate about the outdoors my suggestion is just get involved in any way that you can.
Whether it's working for a brand or for a nonprofit, working at a retailer just get going in some capacity. And I think you'll find that you'll make great contacts and friendships in the industry.
Other Outdoor Activities
Yoga
Favorite Books
Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Never Summer Longboard
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Evernote
Salesforce
Connect with Dave
Centerstone on Twitter and Facebook
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE This episode of Waypoint from the Outdoor Biz Podcast is our monthly update on trends and analysis in the The Adventure Travel space. Today I’m speaking with Gabe Artalejo Director of Sales- Key Accounts at Eagle Creek. Gabe tells us how retailers are embracing Adventure Travel at retail and we talk about other ways they are getting involved in this hot category.
Connect with Gabe on Linkedin
Ruben tells us how his parents shared their passion for hiking, fishing, camping and skiing and got him excited about the outdoors. We talk about how Quivers got started, how brands are taking Quivers and creating unique online experiences for a wide range of audiences and much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
It was really when in the late 80s when I moved to Colorado that I got introduced to the outdoors. My parents were into hiking and fishing, camping, skiing you name it. They were taking us on the weekends into the outdoors in western Colorado. So my earliest childhood memories were camping in the mountains of Colorado, everything from hiking during the day to sitting around the campfire at night and then evenings trying to fight off hypothermia.
After that I moved to northwest Montana in the mid 90s. My parents bought property kind of parallel to Glacier Park, it was unbelievable. We still have property up there and it's a place that I just absolutely love to go back to and again. That allowed me not just to go on weekends but even in the evenings, afternoons after school I could go do a hike or go wakeboarding. So for me outdoors has always been a huge part of my life.
Things we talked about
Quivers
Advice, tips
I think the first part that advice is really not to be so focused on products that are directly in the outdoor industry right. When I was coming out of university I really wanted to do something with outdoors but you know I love software, it's what I'm good at and is what I'm interested in. I thought that those were polar opposites right. But in reality they became very complimentary to each other which was interesting. So I think it's one of those situations where you don't necessarily ignore what you're good at, or what you're interested in just because you want to stay in the outdoor industry for example. But look for opportunities where the two can actually work together.
And that was that was really where Quivers came about, yeah we do work with a lot of other industries. We work in consumer electronics and Twelve Volt automotive and a variety of others but sporting goods is certainly our biggest industry at this point and it's where we started. And it allows me anyway to engage with a lot of brands in that industry which is a huge part of what I enjoy and like.
Yeah absolutely. And actually the company I worked for right out of university or while I was in university actually was based out of Bozeman Montana. And that's another interesting trend is more and more tech companies are getting based out of more places that are not Silicon Valley or major cities. I had some great friends that worked there that would put in their 8 to 4 in the summertime and in the evening hours and they'd go I fly fishing. It's not just necessarily a career choice but now also a lifestyle choice in terms of staying in the outdoors and still being able to do what you like to do.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Favorite Books
The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Leatherman knife
Connect with Ruben
We talk about the challenges she faced along the way, her childhood in Hawaii, taking a NOLS course during college and her career as a professional climber in the early days of professional climbing.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes We talk about the challenges she faced along the way, her childhood in Hawaii, taking a NOLS course during college and her career as a professional climber in the early days of professional climbing.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I kind of grew up in a in two contrasting worlds, when I was a kid my family lived in Houston Texas of all places. Which is, I don't know if you've ever been there but as a city there's lots of buildings. My experience in the outdoors there was going to the swimming pool and the zoo. Basically I spent a lot of my time at shopping malls and going roller skating and bowling and things like that . . . not climbing. But my mother's side of the family was from Hawaii. So we were really lucky because we got to go to Hawaii every summer and that was just a magical place for me growing up. My grandparents lived on Maui and the climate there is perfect, it's paradise of course. People who just are outside all of the time even if you're inside the indoors and the outdoors kind of mesh together. I played in the dirt with bare feet all the time. We went to the beach all the time so that was really where I became passionate about the environment and the outdoors. Then I ended up coming to Colorado to go to college and was studying environmental science and took a semester off and went on NOLS Course. We went to the Wind River Range and we had a desert section and a caving section some winter sessions in the Wyoming range. We also had a climbing section. I did learn actually how to climb before I went on NOLS with some skier friends of mine but when I went to that was when it really hit home and I thought gosh I this is something that I want to do for the rest of my life, so yeah I came back kind of a changed person.
Things we talked about
EVO Rock and Fitness
Metro Rock- Boston
Kristen Ogden Carpenter
The Access Fund
Advice, tips
First you have to be crazy. No, I get so many resumes that cross my desk and and people sending me e-mails and telling me how passionate they are about climbing and about EVO. And it's it's great to hear that, you know that's a very important ingredient in looking for staff is you want them to be passionate about what they do. But you know passion isn't enough anymore. Unfortunately the industry has become very professionalized.
And it's just getting to be even more sophisticated. The climbing gym industry specifically I think is more in its infancy than other parts of the outdoor industry. But we're starting to see that gosh you know the the big guns in the industry have professionalized themselves and we need people who have hard skill sets that no degrees in business or accounting can really help with, analytics and marketing and things like that. So I guess my advice would be to say to people that yes definitely follow your passion but find a skill that you can develop that you're good at.
When I was 18 my mother sent me to this aptitude testing thing and it lasted for a couple of days it was really intense but it was awesome because they tested my skill sets from math to reading comprehension all that stuff. Then they also tested what your passions were and what you liked and then they gave you advice on what would be great for you to pursue as a career.
I would say, I don't know if that company is even out there anymore but I'm sure there's ways to test your aptitudes to figure out, OK I have a knack for spreadsheets or something. Hard skill sets are really important and we really need people that are professional that show up on time and that are organized.
Other Outdoor Activities
Ski
Runing
Favorite Books
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Petzl Headlamp
Connect with Hilary
hilary@evorock.com
Website
This episode of Waypoint from the Outdoor Biz Podcast is our monthly update on trends and analysis in the The Outdoor space. Today I’m speaking with Scott Ohsman of the Cairn Company. Scott was one of the guests on our panel at Outdoor Retailer and operates a sales and consulting agency in the Pacific Northwest. We talk about how the year is progressing, the health of retail, Amazon and more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Connect with Scott: sohsman@thecairnco.com
Dan and I talk about his lifelong experience in the outdoors, what its like to manage brand ambassadors and he also tells us about his cool VW Bus. Follow him on Instagram at funky bus and check it out.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in a family that really loved the outdoors. My dad was in the Navy and we basically explored every area that we lived from Florida, California, Hawaii, to Washington D.C.
My parents would take us out exploring these different cities and the surrounding areas like national parks, nearby cities, you name it.There’s photos of me in Yosemite Valley from before I could even walk. We mostly did car camping since we are a family of four kids. It was definitely a little bit of a mess. More fun though. And then as a kid I joined the Boy Scouts and continued that outdoor obsession through my childhood and into my adult life.
Things we talked about
Shaper Studios
Boardworks
La Jolla Kayak
Eagle Creek
South by Southwest
Advice, tips
If you’re just trying to get into the outdoor biz, I’d say the first thing is to hone in on what you’re passionate about in the outdoors, whether that’s surfing, or hiking, or camping, etc. Then also try to hone in on something that you’re passionate about on the business side of things, like product design, marketing or sales. If you can combine those two passions, then I’d say you’re golden.
Additionally, if you don’t have the business experience yet, try pursuing some in person volunteering opportunities to help build that experience. Volunteering can not only help you gain experience, but can also set you apart from other candidates and gives you an idea of what a job in the industry is like.
And don’t forget to Boogie!
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing
Backpacking
Rock Climbing
Scuba Diving
Playing with our little girl
Favorite Books
On the Road by by Jack Kerouac
Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Ukelele
Eagle Creek Pack it Sets
Connect with Dan
Funky Life
Funky Bus
Derwyn has an extensive background in software development and was co-founder of Jama Software. Currently he manages product strategy, development and market position to help Talkoot grow and share their numerous strengths as a product.
Derwyn tells us how he got into product strategy, his experience as events manger at Outside magazine and his thoughts on how branding might evolve in the next few years.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Derwyn has an extensive background in software development and was co-founder of Jama Software. Currently he manages product strategy, development and market position to help Talkoot grow and share their numerous strengths as a product. He tells us how he got into product strategy, his experience as events manager at Outside magazine and his thoughts on how branding might evolve in the next few years.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I feel very connected to the outdoors. I grew up in Santa Fe New Mexico. My dad was a huge advocate for backpacking and we went backpacking all the time. I mean we had a VW Bus and we rode out into the wilds of Santa Fe or up into Colorado. Then I was on the search and rescue team when I was in college going to St. John's College. I have skied my entire life hitchhiking up every single weekend to go skiing.
Things we talked about
Outside Magazine
Mtn Hardwear
Butron
Doc Martens
adidas
Advice, tips
What I'm seeing is that the outdoor industry or brands and retailers are looking to technology in order to stay current and move faster. And there's not only an understanding of technology that you can bring to the table but there's practices and workflows that software has figured out. I'm a big proponent of the Agile software development methodology that that exists. I did this in my talk a little bit, I talked about how those concepts can really be applied to organizations dealing you know brand and or retail.
And I would say anyone looking to get into the outdoor industry, if someone is passionate about the outdoors now is a great time. If you're in the technology sector working on some you know, some software company that sells to other you know server brands, now is a great time because your expertise in the technology world is really needed greatly in the outdoor industry as well. So I think it's a great opportunity for people to move around.
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing
Sailing
Swimming
Cyclocross
Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon McKenzie
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull
Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Beanies
Connect with Derwyn
Blog
Thread is a writing studio that helps great brands like adidas, Burton, Simms fishing and others tell their story and Talkoot is a cloud based platform that brings the dark ninja skills of content creators together in one bright, sunny, crazily useful place. Brian and I talk about how framing impacts brand stories and how a guy with and economics degree got into storytelling.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Thread is a writing studio that helps great brands like adidas, Burton, Simms fishing an others tell their story and Talkoot is a cloud based platform that brings the dark ninja skills of content creators together in one bright, sunny, crazily useful place. Brian and I talk about how framing impacts brand stories and how a guy with and economics degree got into storytelling.
First exposure to the Outdoors
I was from the Midwest and me and my friends would jump in a car on Friday in Chicago and drive up to upper Michigan and in the middle of January and camp on the shores of Lake Superior. We'd go build an igloo in negative three degree weather just because we so wanted to be outdoors and we just felt so out of place in Chicago. So then me and those two friends moved out to Seattle and spent our 20s and 30s climbing, backcountry skiing and Mountaineering.
Things we talked about
Thread Creative
Talkoot
adidas
Framing
Nike
NFL Films
Patagonia
Afrika Bambaataa
Tofurkey
Simms Fishing
The Immigrant Story
Advice, tips
When I left the adidas I started freelancing. And when you work for a big company oftentimes there's a lot to grumble about and it's easy to grumble because you have a boss and have a boss's boss. And there's so many things impacting what you do that it's easy to grumble but then when it's freelance you can't grumble anymore because you don't have a boss it's you. You got yourself into this and you have to get yourself out of it. At first that was a weird thing but then I was like oh my gosh I can do anything I want, I can work for anyone I want. And as long as I was able to be financially independent, and that doesn't mean being rich by any by any means, my expenses are underneath my revenue. I can do anything I want. It gave me an insane amount of freedom. And so I would just volunteer work I would you know I'd just go ask people to do stuff. Sometimes clients would pay me for one thing and then I would go and do this whole other thing along with what they paid me for. And I'd come in and I present. You know this headline is better and I read a story telling and here's you know here's why you want this headline versus that. And so just start doing work for people I wanted. You know I was always into the outdoors. And so it was just a natural thing I would just call it outdoor company say let me tell you about let me give you a free talk. Yeah. You know fly down and tell you about story and it always resonated. Started work you know with one brand and then another and now we're deep into it.
Other Outdoor Activities
Trail running
Paddle boarding
Skiing
Favorite Books
Thinking Fast Thinking Slow by Daniel Kahneman
How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Connect with Brian
Thread Creative
Talkoot
Paul tells about the great walking, hiking, biking and kayaking adventures available in Scotland, how Wilderness Scotland has grown and has some great advice for anyone wanting to start an Adventure Travel Business or get in the industry.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
Well I guess like most most kids we spend a bit of time out camping and hiking.
I grew up a teenager in the southeast of England. So I really developed a love for the hills and the places that we have.
I probably was one of the early adopters of mountain bike biking but we really didn't have any bikes that were designed for mountain biking.
We'd go ride on really heavy bikes that were clearly not designed for the trails, they weren't designed for the road either but we'd have a blast anyway and it's just a great way to get out into the countryside and explore and follow it.
Things we talked about
International watch
Wilderness Scotland
Wilderness Ireland
Advice, tips
The thing that I would emphasize is within a travel there's a whole range of careers. So most people usually associate with being a guide. Well I would say we've got people working in ship operations, and folks that really put everything together, and people working on the sales side and finance roles. Whatever your education might be or your background or experience you probably will find a role within adventure travel. It's an amazing industry to work in. I've never met such a fantastic or more inspiring group of individuals. You know, whether that's within our own company or people that we may work with. It's just a very uplifting industry.
Other Outdoor Activities
Running
Hiking
Biking
Swimming
Favorite Books
Colin Prior Photography
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Hyrdoflask
Connect with Paul
Wilderness Scotland
Wilderness Ireland
Show Notes This episode of Waypoint is all about product. Last month the Outdoor Biz converged on Denver for the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show and I saw plenty of great new products. Those products will hit store shelves later this year so this episode is my conversation with A16 buyer Christo Kuzmich. Christo and I talk about some of the great new gear you will see on Outdoor Retailer shelves this Spring, maybe even now in some of them. Get your shopping list ready!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Things we talked about
Technica Forge Customizable Hiking Boots
Wigwam Peak to Pub socks
Osprey Aether Pro Mens
Osprey Aether Pro Womens
Osprey Lumina 45
Mystery Ranch Terraframe-3 zip-50-pack
Eureka Mountain Pass 3 Person Tent
Western Mountaineering Quilt
MSR Stoves
Sea to Summit Alpha Cookware
Big Agnes Sleeping Pads
Refillable Propane Canisters
Nemo Stargaze Recliner
Connect with Christo
christo@adventure16.com
Laura tells us about her thru hiking experience on the PCT and Appalachian trails and her work as a Trail Steward for The Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in a family that was into traveling and into the outdoors but wasn't exactly a backpacking or camping family. So I got more into all of that as a young adult in college and then afterwards my parents had traveled with us all around. They liked to be active outside but we just weren't exactly like the camping family. So when I was in college I went to Virginia Tech University in southwest Virginia, the Blue Ridge mountains in Appalachia area. I used to get out and go with friends for day hikes down there. Parts of the mountains down there are a part of the Appalachian Trail so that's really where I got my first exposure. I also started to really enjoy hiking and then after college I just got a little bit more into it and transitioned from a day hiker to small weekend backpacks. I really wasn't doing big trips yet. The biggest trip I did before I started the Appalachian Trail was a five day supported trip in Glacier National Park with a large group. Otherwise I would just kind of go out on my own or with small groups here in Virginia Maryland D.C. area for a weekend trip. It's kind of like a little seed got planted and started growing my hunger to do bigger hikes.
Things we talked about
Salazon Chocolate
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Leave No Trace
Friends of the Inyo
The Pacific Crest Trail
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Advice, tips
Yeah I would say just start hiking on the weekends and see if you actually like hiking. You know sometimes people they think they want to hike because it sounds exciting it sounds like a big adventure. But the main thing you have to do is figure out do I like hiking. You can't figure out if you like you're right except by striking out and go hiking.
And the other thing is if you have one bad experience when you think you might still like it just get out and try again, or go out with different people, or seek out another opportunity. Don't let bad weather or bad companionship or sore feet turn you off. It's good. Another thing it is really important and I think is becoming more and more of a voice in the outdoor industry is go out there even if there's other people that don't look like you or don't sound like you. They're not the same colors as you or they're not the same ethnicity background, sexual persuasion or physical model. There are other people out there that look like you and somebody who's through hiked long trails. I feel like there still are a lot of people that look similar but there is a lot more diversity than you think.
Another important thing is we can all invite other people. There's so many great organizations out there now that are trying to amplify the voice of this. I got into it because I was into it and I liked it. But there were people that influenced me. I did have friends that were more experienced or that they knew the ropes and they invited me out. And so I kind of feel like now anything I want to do I make sure that are other people that might be thinking about it.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Running
Favorite Books
Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Darn Tough socks
Sawyer water filter
Patagonia Baggies
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Sounds of the Trail podcast
Connect with Laura
LUCI lights have been mentioned as the favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100 by a number of guests on the show. John tells us how the idea came about for the lights and some great work they do helping provide lights to disaster stricken areas after earthquakes and hurricanes.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes LUCI lights have been mentioned as the favorite outdoor gear purchase under $100 by a number of guests on the show. John tells us how the idea came about for the lights and some great work they do helping provide lights to disaster stricken areas after earthquakes and hurricanes.
MOWERD’s First Exposure to the Outdoors
Yeah it happened right away. You know NGO’s and Amazon were the first two. So the business model was sort of initially established in my mind right away that it wouldn't be able to just sell into one or the other. You know you have to build a diverse portfolio and especially if you're going to compete globally. The outdoor industry it just lends itself to Lantern's. It's a natural so it's very easy. Emergency preparedness was also easy, lifestyle has become pretty interesting because a lot of people see the wow factor of it and find sort of elegant design. We started our first International distribution in any meaningful way in Japan. And Japan has a proclivity to High design in their retail markets. And so we've sort of tested the product in Japan that did well there. So the U.S. was relatively easy in terms of acceptance. Now we've moved into sort of a health and wellness. You know like a Luci candle you know whether it's waterproof can go a bath or a tent and it's totally safe and colored lights that go in pool. Paul McCartney I know has our lights in his pool. That's always fun when when it Beatle has your lights, then you know you're doing OK. You made it. Right?
Things we talked about
Save the Children
International Medical Corps.
The Humane Society
Advice, tips
I think it's important to know your market. I mean the outdoor business is an interesting one. There's a show called outdoor retailer we were just at. And actually we won the editor's pick for the best product at the entire show. Yeah it's kind of wild considering you're going up against the North Face, Osprey, these amazing Patagonia amazing brands you know. Its interesting to walk shows like that. Talking to people understanding the market but then also you know there's the outside looking in there's also the inside looking out go camping, see what you're missing. You know solve your own problems.
I always felt like that's sort of the best best way to do it. And then lastly you know be open, listen. learn to listen to others. You may think you have all the answers. 80 percent of the time you're probably wrong. If you're open to listening and especially to the market. Then there's a lot of things that are sort of counterintuitive that actually make sense. So once you built a solution especially if it's good. Keep your ear to the ground. Be humble.
Other Outdoor Activities
Basketball
Favorite Books
Girl on a Train by A J Waines
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Best Gear Purchase under $100
The Luci Pro Mobile
Connect with John
MPOWERD.com
Bruce is involved in a number of great organizations and tells about this work with the recreation industry, the timber industry, National Trails Day and a unique program involving Rotary Clubs. We also talk about how the Capitol Christmas Tree gets chosen and transported to DC.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Bruce is involved in a number of great organizations and tells about this work with the recreation industry, the timber industry, National Trails Day and a unique program involving Rotary Clubs. We also talk about how the Capitol Christmas Tree gets chosen and transported to DC.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think I'm like a lot of like a lot of folks in that for me it was with the boy scouts, that was my introduction. I lived in suburban Boston and didn't have access to a lot of real wilderness especially at that age. I did find a real affinity to some of the local open spaces and parks that were part of our local surroundings. Then where it really kicked in for me was after college. I got a job for a company called Trek International doing camping trips in North America, Europe and North Africa and I did that for seven years and was hooked.
Things we talked about
American Hiking Society
Choose Outdoors
National Trails Day
Capitol Christmas Tree
Nature Conservancy
The Conservation Fund
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
National Turkey Federation
America's Forests with Chuck Leavell
Continental Divide Trail
Advice, tips
I would say that from all of my perceptions of what the industry or alliance does I think they are very successful in many ways. Way more successful than we ever were and have come a long way.
Often times the first time you go to Washington and depending on your connections and depending on what your messages are who you're meeting with oftentimes you're going to get a low level staffer or maybe even an intern. And what I've come to understand very early on is you should treat them just as you would meeting with that member. Because in some cases they will go right back to the member because they're excited about something or they're really interested in something.
But also more importantly many of those young people who I met 30 years ago are now members of Congress. I was working with Cory Gardner who is a senator from Colorado when he was a staffer for Wayne Allard.A lot of a lot of what happens in Washington becomes of comes from relationships.
I didn't go in there you know slamming the timber industry or flaming oil. I needed this. I mean a Continental Divide Trail. We spent 30 years working on went through you know if you were to look through the topography a lot of that was oil gas a lot of that was mining a lot of waste raising. And if I had gone in with guns blazing against all of those other stakeholders I would get nowhere. You know I would have been you know disenfranchised by the converse of that was by working with them. I got a lot more done with members of Congress than I ever would have if I had taken sort of a polarizing view which I think unfortunately has been you know the way that people fight to get things done. You know depending on which way that you know majorities in Congress you know you may be great one year you know White House the devil is in the wind I think to these things.
I mean there was legislation that I worked on back here I thought it was a no brainer to love it and you would be down to the wire and it wouldn't happen. Well you know guess what. Fifteen years later it gets slipped into an omnibus bill and you get it done. But you do go through that whole period of feeling like you're just banging your head against a wall or you know. How can people not understand how this is good for everyone. Right. And then ultimately because you developed that relationship because you've had that perseverance because you know being able to demonstrate the many benefits to the country or when an issue is good know I think a lot of these legislators go back there with truly the best edge they're here because they love our country and they want to do things that are better then they get caught up in the machine back in a ball game.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, Climbing, Mtn Biking, Skiiing
Favorite Books
My Life as an Explorer by Sven Hedin
Forever Green by Chuck Leavell
American Canopy by Eric Rutkow
Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Wilderness Warrior by Douglas Brinkley
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Hydroflask
Connect with Bruce
Rachid tells us about how he turned a love for painting into a prolific outdoor photo career and some of the cool places he gets to shoot.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I actually went to finish high school up by in Mount Shasta area at a boarding school. I was really big into painting and drawing in high school so I got accepted with that portfolio into this new College of Art and then from there is where I actually had my first experience in the darkroom. In a lot of ways it was a blessing in disguise I'd say because that was where I first came out to California. Tt was my first time living in the mountains and then ultimately led to my first backpacking trip. So there there was a silver lining there for sure. I've always been outdoors, I grew up skateboarding my whole life in South Carolina and being outside. On Hilton Head Island on the beach at the ocean . . . I've always loved being outdoors. But once I was in Northern California that was when I really had my first experience hiking in the mountains.
Things we talked about
Trinity Alps
Mt. Shasta
Lake Tahoe
Kirkwood
Aurora Photos
Advice, tips
Find a niche that you're you're really excited about, especially within the outdoor industry. If you want to work on the high level of any of those different disciplines you really need to have focused in, you may get less jobs initially but it will translate into larger paying more high volume work in the long term. The thing is that is really tough right now, the landscape it's just changing and that's across all disciplines, not just the outdoor business but all businesses. The kind of Content we're making, how much we're making where it's going, how it's being ingested is evolving. Media, internet campaigns, marketing campaigns have changed drastically and editorial is a completely different landscape than what it used to be. It takes a much smaller role so I think it's really important to be aware of what's going on.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hike, Snowboard, Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
The Peregrine by J. A. Baker
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Black Diamond Headlamp
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Sunseeker iPhone iPad
Star Walk iPhone iPad
Connect with Rachid
website
This episode is a recording of the panel conversation at Outdoor Retailer. I moderated a discussion outlining 5 tactics Outdoor Retailers can use to thrive not just survive in the age of Amazon. On the panel were:
Scott Ohsman- The Cairn Co. Colin Moynihan- Uncle Dan's Outfitters Marc Sherman- Visionary, The Gear Exchange Jay Getzel- President, Mountainsmith download the tactics pdf in the show notes here Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE
Gordon tells us about some of his more epic assignments and how he learned to “endure” as a youngster on family adventures.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I actually got exposed to the outdoors at a very young age. My father moved to Bishop because he was helping to build the Barcroft Station for University of California and the Navy in the White Mountains. I have a picture of myself at six weeks old up at the Patriarch Grove at the Bristlecones. We were very outdoorsy and did a lot of camping, sometimes I say that I learned to suffer at very young age, we endured some epic trips as a kid.
Things we talked about
Barcroft Station
Bristlecones
Patriarch Grove
Union Carbide Mine
Mountain Gazette
Outside Magazine
National Geographic Explorers
Mountain Travel Sobek
American Prairie Reserve
American Himalayan Foundation
Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation
Advice, tips
My advice is persevere because it's not an easy thing to do, and be passionate about it. Keep your options open. I remember the best advice I ever got was keep doing what you love but have a fallback. Have another career that you can pursue. It was funny because he said now Gordon here he's got the perfect name and he's got guiding. I laughed at the time but you know that was true. I had artists who were cousins who were very successful artists eventually in the Bay Area, and they said have a way to make money that doesn't take a whole lot of creativity. When you have your free time you can devoted that your creativity. I thought that was great advice as well. But the main thing is to believe in yourself. I think in photography especially, one place where a lot of people fall down is with modern cameras and digital and Photoshop and all that. It feels like you don't really have to pay your dues, but that's really important. To be technically proficient and know how to light a situation and so that you can go someplace and know that you're gonna come back with something decent, even if it's not what you expect.
Other Outdoor Activities
Walking up down the coast or just sitting on a rock and kind of meditating, or watching what's going on, you know it's a wonderful experience.
Bicycling
Climb at the climbing gym periodically
Favorite Books
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Mawson's Will by Lennard Bickel
The Terror by Dan Simmons
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Headlamp
Connect with Gordon
Website
Jeannette tells us about the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, her career in Outdoor Rec and Education, her experience with A O R E and the great work they do.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Jeannette talks about her career in Outdoor Rec and Education, her experience with A O R E and the great work they do.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan. I'm the only girl, I have three brothers and a father who were very active outdoors. So really my introduction to the outdoors started with YMCA camps. And then it just kind of took off from there. My father was a camp counselor and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. That led me to Whitewater rafting and conservation work to the Outdoor Rec at the University of Michigan.
Things we talked about
University Rec Programs
University of Michigan
Cal Poly Pomona
Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education
Student Conservation Association
Advice, tips
I would say getting outdoors is all about investing in yourself and I mean you can teach anyone to climb and teach people to paddle. You can go on courses and learn the skill sets but you really need to think about how you want to give back. Whether it's in communications or as a photographer, if it's designing equipment that is better and more sustainable for the environment, one key is to not limit yourself to what maybe we historically have and isn't our profession. It might be providing legal services and learning how to ethically pass legislation and being active in government. So my advice would be to just find your passion and how you may want to apply that in that outdoor space. I strongly believe in lifelong education. I think there's nothing that could go wrong with teaching yourself. If it's learning a trade, if it's going back to school, I think you need to spend some time on yourself and then you can give back to others.
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing
open water swimming
Favorite Books
Moleskine Journal
National Geographic Atlas
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Best Gear Purchase under $100
long inflatable Big Agnes mattress
Connect with Jeannette
At the recent Winter Outdoor Retailer Snow Show we talk product with Cordura's Cindy McNaull, Eagle Creeks Jaime Marchbank and Jan Greenspan from Niteize.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show notes Cordura Eagle Creek Niteize
She tells about her travels, how she got into the outdoor indsutry and how the leadership academy came to life.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Stasia tells about her career, her experience at The Outdoor Industry Association and how The Skip Yowell future leadership academy came to life.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I led by tours of Paris and I lived in Australia for a bit. I just did a lot of travelling. I just went to many places as I possibly could.
Eagle Creek was really my first job in the outdoor industry. My relevancy to that industry was on the travel side. I was a pretty adventurous traveler throughout my 20s and got into the industry from Frank Whiting, he recruited me into the industry. He told me they were looking for some real travelers to be part of Eagle Creek and do some PR so that was my first official job.
Things we talked about
Outdoor Industry Association
The Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Deanna Lloyd
Big City Moutaineers
Advice, tips
For me one of the things that I found most valuable is pulling from the resources that we have. We are in such a cool place in our industry where many of the founders are still part of what we're doing even if they've left their companies there's still participating in other ways. Reach out to them and talk to them about their careers, talk to them about how to get into that industry, they're super accessible. The other thing is just to continue the hustle. If you work hard and continue to put forth consistent work that gets recognized in our industry. That will set you apart from others.
Other Outdoor Activities
Jogging, Cycling, Snowboarding
Favorite Books
Dove by Robin L. Graham
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Healthy Love Seat Chair
Connect with Stasia
The founders of The new Wayfinder Co-working space tell us how the space came to life and about the unique coop model they have.
https://wayfinder-coop.com/
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE https://www.patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast
Travis Campbell tells us about his first year at Smartwool, what the OIA is working on and how the Outdoor Industry leads the public lands battle.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Travis Campbell tells about his first year at Smartwool, what the OIA is working on and how the Outdoor Industry leads the public lands battle.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first six years my family lived down in Miami of all places. It's funny I think of myself as the northwestern kid but we lived in Miami till I was six. It seemed like we spent every weekend down in the Florida Keys. We would just go down there and we'd camp and we'd fish and my mom always tells the story of how I caught my first fish at two years old and I never stopped. I don't think I really figured out fly-fishing until I was 12 or 13.
Things we talked about
Steamboat
Smartwool
Smartwool Facebook
The Outdoor Industry Association
Sage
Farbank
Reddington
Rio
The Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Conservation Alliance
Advice, tips
Folks that are already in, you mentioned it a little earlier with Stacia, I think there's some really cool opportunities in the space right now. Like the Future Leaders Academy the Stasia helps run that OIA puts on. I think that's an awesome program entering our third cycle. We've had just a really good response to that. I think there's things like the sustainability working group that OIA helped facilitate that can be a great networking opportunity and fundamentally helps move the industry forward on sustainability. We've got lots of great conservation organizations that you can get involved with. It's somewhat of an insular industry right so you'll meet industry people at all these conservation organizations and you know at the end of the day it's all about the network.
I think the same is somewhat true for folks trying to get into the space. When I talk to people that are trying to get in I always caution them that I think we're an overly insular industry. We always want to hire folks who have outdoor industry experience and that can be really hard for people who are trying to get into the space. That's where things like volunteering with conservation organizations and places like that will give you exposure to the people in the industry and I think just help you network your way in.
Other Outdoor Activities
Mtn Bike
Camp
Rafting
Backcountry Skiing
Favorite Books
All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Womens Smartwool Merino Socks
Mens Smartwool Merino Socks
Connect with Travis
Krista tells us about her experience as a division 1 volleyball player at Duke University, how she got involved with Outdoor Retailer, and the changes she’s seen in the industry over the years.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Krista tells us about her experience as a division 1 volleyball player at Duke University, how she got involved with Outdoor Retailer, and the changes she’s seen in the industry over the years.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I actually ended up just knowing somebody that was already working here in the office. At that time the company was owned by Nielsen and I had an interview with Kenji Hartunian. I was able to come on board as a junior sales rep and took over the West Coast territory which, I like to think is one of the best territories with a lot of solid outdoor brands. Fast forward ten years later I'm now the Sales Director heading up the sales team for Outdoor Retailer.
Things we talked about
Nielsen
Emerald
Growth and Changes in the Industry
2008-2209 recesson
The Tornado
Larry Harrison
Kenji Haroutunian
Venture Out
Merging of Outdoor Retailer and The Snow Show
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Marisa Nicholson
Advice, tips
I would say be passionate. I think what's great about this industry is that it is really inclusive and you have an opportunity to find a mentor. Many of the individuals are founders of many of the brands that are iconic brands in the industry. They still work in the industry so I think being passionate and have a willingness to be a part of a team are important. Obviously finding your niche and an outdoor activity is always great but also look to make those connections with a mentor. I really think there's been some great steps forward to take advantage of some some really great knowledge from individuals we have and in the industry. You also have the outdoor industry association and the outdoor foundation that launched the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, that I think is now in the third year and I think that's a great step forward. I think there's also advice for our industry to be open and to see talent outside. I think we have a lot of great people who are in the industry and retention of talent is really important for us as we continue to remain competitive with other industries. Whatever we can do internally to advance get people, to train them, to let them have support and mentorship is really important as well and we need to play a role too.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Favorite Books
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Lucy Leggings
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Simon Sinek TED talk
Connect with Krista
Outdoor Retailer contacts
Dan tells us about the cool adventures offered by UnCruise Adventures and some great locations to add to your adventure bucket list.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Dan tells us about the cool adventures offered by UnCruise and some great locations to add to your adventure bucket list.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Mine starts in a different way, when I was four years old my family bought a tugboat here in Puget Sound which we lived on summers and I was granted a log raft on the Snohomish River. So my first personal adventure experience was when I was five my dad let me and a buddy go on a about a 1,000 foot leash up the river where we broke the leash and went down the river. Fortunately this was the tidal part of the river so there were no rapids. But you know at that the Gilligan's Island show was a big thing and we had on this wood raft we had an antenna, a steering wheel that did nothing and of course we were scared to death but we were singing the Gilligan's Island going down this river.
Things we talked about
UnCruise Adventures
Pacific Northwest
The Amazon
Costa Rica
Panama
The Gulf Coast
Alaska
Sea of Cortez
Columbia
The Arctic
Advice, tips
The first thing of course is have the desire. I always like the folks that come up through the guide ranks. They understand the guiding side and the importance of what we do. Then there's a whole other level of understanding business which most of us that are passionate about what we do have no idea about. This takes a while, generally adventure people aren't necessarily business folks first, they're adventure people first. So I would suggest to anybody that has started their world in adventuring and guiding and this kind of thing to start a small business first. Most of these adventure jobs are seasonal so maybe you start doing yoga retreats in Alaska on your own during the offseason and get that experience. Maybe it's just a few weeks a year at a time rather than you know taking the deep plunge where you don't have any income and you're trying to make a year-round business survive.
Other Outdoor Activities
Backcountry skiing
kayaking
hiking
Favorite Books
Salmon in the Trees by Amy Gulick
The Alexander Archipelago by Gustav Tjgaard
Sailing around the World by Josh Slocum
anything by Jack London
Best Gear Purchase under $100
micro spikes
Connect with Dan
Shannon Stowell of The Adventure Travel Trade Association, Chez Chesak of Tracks and Trails and Tim McGuire of Eagle Creek talk about:
some of the best things that happened in 2017
how 2017 ended up, will it go down as a good or bad year
what they are excited about for 2018
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Notes from Shannon:
Analysis on 2017 Adventure Business
**Adventure travel businesses continued to thrive in 2017.**
73% of operators responding to our Industry Snapshot were forecasting higher profits for 2017 over 2016. About 40% of them said the reason for the growth in business was ‘new customers’
This also points to one of the most pressing topics for our industry going forward, which is destination management and traveler education. ‘Overtourism’ and sustainability are a concern our companies and destination members are thinking a lot about. Even if ‘too many’ tourists seems like a far off problem for some places, it is now coming to the forefront for countries emphasizing adventure travel development in their economic growth plans.
Best Things that Happened in 2017
We got more refined in our understanding of adventure traveler motivations and by comparing survey research from 2007 with new work conducted in 2016, and discovered that a driving motivation for travelers is personal growth, learning, and ultimately often ‘transformation’. This yearning, seeking, is really what continues to drive our industry forward. We have something magical to offer that people need.
Adventure businesses around the world continued to innovate for the benefit of the environment and communities. ATTA and a group of other adventure companies established the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund in 2016 and in 2017 the first set of global projects received funding.
We got serious about quantifying our industry’s benefits. It was discovered by researchers working in Jordan, that for every dollar generated in the mainstream tourism sector, adventure travel will drive five times more revenue towards local communities than mainstream tourism. The recently formalized Jordan Trail, as an example of adventure tourism, is expected by economists to generate $7.3M total revenue per year, with 65 percent remaining in the local economy. (SS note- this may not sound like a lot of revenue but when you look at the average income of a Jordanian- $635/year and many of those in the nether reaches are below the average, this is significant- roughly a third of the population live in poverty at least part of the year and this # was before the massive influx of refugees) Researchers compare this with Dead Sea tourism, as represented by hotel complexes which provide all services on-site: while these resorts bring in an estimated $101M in revenue per year, only 14 percent remains with local communities.
So doing the math:
65% of 7.3M = 4.7mm (equivalent of 7400 average salaries)
14% of 101M = 14 mm
**What Businesses Are Excited About for 2018:**
There’s a lot of talk about new technologies and the ways in which they are altering the travel landscape. Augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence… we have showcased some of these experiences at our events. Alongside of this however, it is also recognized that the quest for ‘real reality’, authentic experiences, real experiences is a major trend that is impacting all industries. (https://futurereport.schibsted.com/wp-content/themes/schibsted-futurereport/downloads/schibsted-future-report-2018.pdf). Adventure businesses are excited about taking a Whole Experience approach to their trips, designing experiences with more intentionality and considering how all the elements of a trip fit together to deliver a full experience to travelers. With all the technology also comes a strand of interest in digital detoxification on trips and adventure travel offers this.
Asian outbound markets. Adventure travel businesses accustomed to serving the dominant markets of North America and Western Europe are gearing up for asian travelers. Although these are not the dominant adventure travel source markets now, travelers from Asian countries are on a trajectory to have a significant influence on the adventure tourism sector just as they have other tourism sectors.
**Connect with**
Shannon
Chez
Tim
Soraya tells us about the recently formed Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and the great work they’re doing and her introduction to Adventure Travel thru her families Safari business.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Soraya tells us about the recently formed Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and the great work they’re doing and her introduction to Adventure Travel thru her families Safari business.
First Exposure to the Adventure Travel
I grew up in Kenya and my parents actually ran a safari operation out of Nairobi so we would spend a lot of our weekends out on safari. I guess it depends on how you define adventure travel, you know doing extreme sports or traveling to Patagonia to climb or going to India backpacking. Your budgets like four dollars a day so I got to help people have their adventures. It was fun because in addition to being able to travel and having a lot of those experiences I got to see the other side of it which was the planning and what's involved and how you really craft that experience that's once-in-a-lifetime for a lot of people.
Things we talked about
The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
The Adventure Travel Trade Association
REI Adventures
Ex Officio
Eagle Creek
Back Roads
Shannon Stowell
Steve Barker
Advice, tips
I think this is maybe a more general answer to the question, I think what's been really cool to see over maybe the last decade or so is people are really sort of creating jobs for themselves based on what they want to do. It may not have been something that was necessarily stated or that your parents thought was an actual career or something like that, but if you find your passions, align them and say what "what do I want to do, how could this look, how can I get there and who can I meet that can help me craft this and turn it into something". I think is really powerful and I feel like there has been a trend in sort of this generation coming up. Looking for jobs to really find more than just the money and everything like that but more about what do I really want to do, what jobs that line up with their passions. I think then finding finding mentors and people who can sort of guide you and help you answer some of those challenging questions is gonna be super important.
Other Outdoor Activities
Rock Climbing and mountaineering
Skiing and snowboarding
Sailing and kayaking
Favorite Books
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
Surviving the Extremes by Kenneth Kamler
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Crocs
Connect with Soraya
John has been guiding the troops at A16 for over 20 years. We talk about the history of A16, his perspective on 2017, the great events A16 has planned for 2018 and what is in the water that spawned the many outdoor industry leaders and execs that have come out of A16.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes John has been guiding the troops at A16 for over 20 years. We talk about the history of A16, his perspective on 2017, the great events A16 has planned for 2018 and what is in the water that spawned the many outdoor industry leaders and execs that have come out of A16.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
The cabin in Idaho really was my first exposure to the outdoors. I was really young, a little toddler. As a little kid I would listen to my dad tell stories about him coming back from his trips. He was an avid backpacker, then peak bagger and environmental activist. He was also a Navy captain, kind of a sturdy guy and he he loved the outdoors. So I would hear stories and he took me on my first trip. I was about I guess maybe six six years old. I grew up in Southern Idaho which is in the middle of farm country. However where we were about an hour and a half on our ten-speeds from some mountains south of us. World class Keene and Sun Valley and up over the Lina summit under the Sawtooths, which are as you know some of the most magnificent valleys and the head waters of the Salmon River right there.
Things we talked about
Furst Outdoor Job- my first outdoor job was was actually believe it or not making t-shirts. I had a little company I started back when I was a freshman in high school.
Radical Reels
Donate a Pack Foundation
Banff Mountain Film Festival
8000 Meter Challenge
Pacific Crest Trail
Advice, tips
I do and these things aren't going to be a big surprise because it's things we know and we've been and trying to teach new people as they come through A16. The first one is pretty easy. I would advise anybody that wants to get in the outdoor business, and it doesn't matter what level they're trying to get in at. It's always the same answer, work retail. If you want to be a rep, you want to be a president of the North Face or whatever it is, get in there and work retail. Part of that is to understand the business. You'll be exposed to all aspects of the business when you do that. From a rep coming in and doing a clinic you learn about the rep side and then you get a little more detail about some of the brand stuff. You just get exposed to all of it, you get a picture what it's about. Another part of it is you've got to go to work for a good company or you have to be self motivated to do this piece of it and that's to learn how to sell. It's skill everyone uses. I don't care whether you're working the sales floor or running a company you're selling all the time. So I would just advise people that you don't just work for any retailer or media. If you walk into a shop and they're just sitting there chewing gum, you know sitting in a chair behind the counter that's not the kind of retailer or go work for. You want to work for somebody they can teach you the skills. If they don't the book stores are full books and podcasts in all kinds of things, so learn how to sell. Another thing I would advise people to do is and this is probably the toughest thing of all is to learn how to take criticism. Not only learn how to take it but ask for it. You rarely see that, even in my generation you didn't see that a whole lot but our generation did a great job of bringing up some really great kids and now they're Millennials. We hire a lot of these people and they really are sensitive. They're wonderful people but they need to be better at taking criticism. Another thing, this is what Mick told me and I think maybe it answers your question earlier about a 16 but it is to an act like an owner. As you know we became an employee owned company along those lines back in 1987 now and when I say act loke an owner don't confuse it with a boss. Acting like an owner doesn't mean to start bossing people around. I'm talking about spending your time, spending your money talking to customers and solving problems. If you keep doing that someday you might you might actually own the place. I've got a few other ones written down here, I don't know if you need to cut me short on this one. I think it's also important that you have clear written career objectives and clear values written down. We'll talk about this later but understanding business stories. The good news about all this is if you do these things and certainly other advice that you get and get on your program because most people never will do these things. If you do those things and you're disciplined about what you do and what your plan is and you put in the effort it will happen.
Other Outdoor Activities
I'm a woodworker, a craftsman, a builder and I do it every day at my shop. Fixing something or repurposing a fixture around here. Building a cabinet for home or piece of furniture. That is something I picked up from Mick, it's amazing the therapy.
Hiking with my grandkids
Favorite Books
Anything the Irving Stone, Michener or David McCullough.
Innovators by Walter Isaacson
Men to Match my Mountains by Irving Stone
In Search of Excellence by Tom Peters
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Boy Scout Handbook
Best Gear Purchase under $100
A16 Sasquatch "Keep it Wild" Trucker Hat
Snow Peak Flame Lantern
Connect with John
Mike Wallenfels, Deanne Buck and Travis Campbell tell us about a couple of the best things that happened in 2017, how did 2017 end up, will it go down as a good or bad year, what they are excited about for 2018, and what they're most excited about Outdoor Retailer moving to Denver
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Things we talked about
what are a couple of the best things that happened in 2017
how did 2017 end up, will it go down as a good or bad year
what are you excited about for 2018
what are you most excited about the OR move to Denver
Connect with
Mike
Deanne
Travis
In this episode Don Bushey tells us about this early days in outdoor retail at The Wilderness Exchange in Berkeley California and how it gave him the inspiration to launch a similar store in Denver, Colorado. We also talk about some of the changes to the outdoor business over the years and what it takes to compete in the current online environment.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes In this episode Don Bushey tells us about this early days in outdoor retail at The Wilderness Exchange in Berkeley California and how it gave him the inspiration to launch a similar store in Denver, Colorado. We also talk about some of the changes to the outdoor business over the years and what it takes to compete in the current online environment.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
It was as a kid growing up. I grew up in Michigan and we had a choice of several 200-300 foot tall hills which were augmented with trash. Actually a lot of the municipality would dump their trash on top. We actually had one hill called Mount Trashmore, so you know we did a lot of turns and we only had 300 feet to ski so we turned a lot.
Things we talked about
The Eastern Sierra
REI Berkeley
Mountain Hardwear
Sierra Designs
The North Face
Bob Swanson
Royal Robbins
Wilderness Exchange
Jerry Jordan
Montbell
Neptunes
Bent Gate
Planet Outdoors
Friends of Berthoud Pass
Other Outdoor Activities
Climbing
Skiing
Surfing
Favorite Books
Hawaii by James Michener
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Black Diamond Moji Power Station
Connect with Don
Website
Deanne tells us how she got her start in the outdoors and the great work Camber is doing in the outdoor community including their terrific mentoring program.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Deanne tells us how she got her start in the outdoors and the great work Camber is doing in the outdoor community including their terrific mentoring program.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
There was about not much difference between my life outdoors my life indoors. We were playing outside all the time. I remember in the summer our screen door would slam and my mom would make it back by dinnertime. When I reflect on growing up I often say I didn't know the difference between public land and private land it just was in there, it was just all outdoors. We lived on a lake and went swimming, I rode my bike everywhere. We had snowmobiles, jet skis and I feel like I grew up in the outdoors. That said I am also very much a team sport sort of person. When I got to college I graduated from University of Nebraska Omaha and met someone who had grown up in Davis California. He was a climber and raft guide and he started saying you know there's this thing called rock climbing, so I would say that it was different the first time I went into the mountains. It was it was intimidating, I didn't know how to find a trail but I really did find that I started to very quickly really focus my life around my love for being outdoors and for the mountains and trail running. The outdoors is very much been a part of my life my entire life it's just becoming many different iterations.
Things we talked about
Adventure 16
Kern River Tours
Camber Outdoors
Camber Job Board
Camber Events (exchanges)
Advice, tips
I think there's a lot of ways that people can get in to be out there, especially young people. One is making sure that they stay active and pursue their passion, another great way to get involved in the industry and learn a lot about it is retail. I had a couple retail jobs at Mountain Sports in Boulder and Adventure 16 and I still have friends from that period. It doesn't matter which retailer you're at it is still a good way to get started. It is a great way to get to know people. I think applying for jobs that you're interested in.Camber has something called the exchanges and they're in cities all around the country. They are a great way for someone to come and learn about the industry.
Other Outdoor Activities
rock climbing
cross country ski
skate ski
trail running
Best Gear Purchase under $100
#3 Camalot
Brooks running shoes
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
NPR podcasts iTunes
On Being with Krista Tippett iTunes
Connect with Deanne
deanne.buck@camberoutdoors.org
Hydro Flask VP of Sales Mike Wallenfels tells us about his first jobs in the outdoor biz, how Mountain Hardwear got started and some of the other interesting startup projects he is involved with.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I tried Boy Scouts it didn't really work I got the Cub Scouts and they didn't do enough stuff as quick as I wanted it to happen so my dad did a great job exposing my brother and I to backpacking early on so backpacking the Adirondacks.
Hs first Outdoor job was at Stanley Andrews Sports in San Diego
Things we talked about
Hydro Flask
Adventure 16
Patagonia
Eagle Creek
Sierra Designs
The North Face
Marmot
Outdoor Retailer
Mountain Hardwear
Columbia Sportswear
Timbuk2
OIA
Outdoor Pursuits Consulting
Big City Mountaineers
Grass Roots Alliance
Cairn
Cascade Angels
Advice, tips
Get in the door and work your way up
Dont burn bridges
Other Outdoor Activities
Road and Mtn Bike, Backpacking, Skiing, Rafting, Paddleboarding, Fly Fishing
Favorite Books
Men to match my Mountains by Irving Stone
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Lucie Lights
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Office 365
Evernote
Basecamp
Connect with Mike
Outdoor Pursuits Consulting
Tim tells us how he got hooked on the Outdoors and Adventure Travel and has some good career advice for those wanting to start and Outdoor or Adventure Travel career.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Tim tells us how he got hooked on the Outdoors and Adventure Travel and has some good career advice for those wanting to start and Outdoor or Adventure Travel career.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think you know I took a much different path than most. I literally had never backpacked, camped or spent a night outdoors in my life until I was 21 years old. I happened to be a senior at San Diego State and most of my time had been working on a business degree. I was, I think they called us yuppies back then, working towards a successful career and you know probably selling copiers or fax machines. I also happened to be on the soccer team and played soccer for SDSU for a few years. In order to to get my degree I need to take a couple of college electives. I remember trying to find an elective that was you know easy and fun and help my grade point average a bit. So I came across a class that kind of puzzled me, it was called wilderness and the outdoor experience. So I had no idea what that meant but it sounded easy and fun so I signed up for it. I remember going the first day and it was held in a large auditorium type room of about about 400 seats. I made sure to sit well towards the back so if if I wanted to get out of there I could. As I sat and watched our professor walked into the room, walked down the aisle and a small little dog followed him. It was happened to be a guy I think a lot of your listeners might know, professor Jeff Salz. He proceeded to tell a story about a trip that he and a friend and I think one other person had taken down to Patagonia to attempt an unclimbed route on Mt. Fitzroy. Again this is all brand new to me. He's showing slides of their snow cave they lived in for weeks. Now I hadn't been to a national park or anything I mean nothing. My dad was military US Air Force lived in England for a long time. I understood the family goes to a national park that's not even I don't know what we did, not digging my parents at all but just sort of the circumstance of the time and our family. So I'm now in this class watching Jeff tell this amazing story of just horrible conditions and this attempted climb and on the descent his best friend actually dies! I'm watching this going I want to do that, not die bit it was just so fascinating to me. So I was immediately absorbed and part of the class in order to get your grade you had to go on outing and write a journal about it. So again I'm watching these slideshows from various presenters and so ignorant. My very first outing, first time outdoors by myself I took a Greyhound bus, I think it was because my car wasn't running at the time, from San Diego to Lone Pine and and climbed Mount Whitney. I want to say it was it was probably August or early September. I didn't have any real issues, I was in pretty good shape. Well that's yeah so that sort of, that tees up the the next part of the story which is I had to rent the gear . So I looked around, in those days you looked in a phonebook you couldn't couldn't google it, but I looked in a phone book and found out about a store not too far from San Diego State called Adventure 16. I'll never forget that day, you know driving down and walking into the store. It was almost like a Wizard of Oz moment where you just walk inside this kind of nondescript building and all of a sudden there's a cabin in front of me, I'm listening to bird tapes and crickets and the smells of pine trees. There's an old dog and they've got campfire memories burning and I'm like oh my gosh this is amazing so that was my first exposure to the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Adventure 16
Mountain Travel-Sobek
Eagle Creek
EastPak
JanSport
Nike
Keen
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Advice, tips
I think you know me, hopefully these are opportunities for folks to learn and understand how different paths get you to where you are. There's not one right way. I've been very fortunate and ended up having terrific roles with great brands and a terrific family that's been very patient with me. When it comes to advice choose great companies, not only the companies that you'd like to work for but that you share interests with or appreciate what they're doing. I've been very fortunate and choosing great bosses. I always pay attention to that. Ricky Schlesinger and Steve Barker at Eagle Creek in the early days; Paul Delorey and Jim Thompson at JanSport; Peter Ruppe at Nike. Choose your boss wisely. Don't be afraid to bite off more than you can chew take risks, be bold!
Other Outdoor Activities
Glamping
Favorite Books
Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Coleman Comfort Cot
Eagle Creek Pac-It System
Connect with Tim
tim_mcguire@vfc.com
Adam has a strong track record protecting the Arctic and it is good to know we are in good hands with people like Adam and his team. Adam talks about the headwinds we are up against in Arctic Alaska and how you can get involved at a local level as well as nationally.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Adam Kolton, the new Executive Director for the Alaska Wilderness League has a strong track record working to protect Arctic Alaska. It is good to know we are in good hands with people like Adam and his team. Adam talks about the headwinds we are up against in Arctic Alaska and how you can get involved at a local level as well as nationally.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Getting to spend time in the wilderness on days off from working at the restaurants and hotels in Yellowstone
Things we talked about
Alaska Wilderness League
Conservation Alliance
Outdoor Alliance
National Wildlife Federation
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Bakpacking
Favorite Books
Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Best Gear Purchase under $100
YETI coffee mug
Connect with Adam
adam@alaskawild.org
This episode is with Forsake Founder Jake Anderson. Forsake is one of the newer footwear brands in the Outdoor World. Launching in 2013 Jake and his team have put together a great collection of Mens and Women’s active footwear. Jake tells us how two guys with zero footwear experience saw a market opportunity, wrote a business plan and turned into a growing brand. His story about their first sales presentation is pretty funny, many of us have been there.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in upstate New York not too far from the Adirondacks and I think my first exposure to the outdoors wasn't a particularly positive one. It was one of those drag the kids along the families going camping for a weekend. It rained the whole time and us kids complained, that was when I was pretty young. When I was probably in like 7th or 8th grade I got really hooked on skiing and that has continued ever since. That was the first really inspiring part of the outdoors for me. We also started a tradition among some high school buddies in high school where we would do a backpacking trip in the Adirondacks just about every summer. The trips always revolved around some sort of a certain goal, whether it was finding a mountain or doing a certain route. That type of goal-oriented activity in the outdoors was always more appealing to me than just more general let's go camping for the weekend.
Things we talked about
Forsake
Union College
Jim Mann
Kickstarter
Eastern Mountain Sports
Advice, tips
So in the Outdoor industry there's no really clear path, you really have to find your way in and I think if you're willing the easiest way is to just start with customer service. Start at the bottom, learn the customer, learn the operations, figure out how these organizations work and chart your path from there. If that's not appealing to you or is not a place you want to start. There are some degree programs focused on product design and engineering. There are a number of programs around the country at schools that offer one year Master's degrees in product development. Places like The University of Utah and the University of Oregon. I think those are are the closest you'll find to a more formal practice in the industry, specially if product is the way you want to go. So that would be my suggestion.
Favorite Books
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Leatherman multi tool
Connect with
jake@forsake.com
Forsake Website
This episode is with my good friend, Bishop legend and renowned climber Don Lauria. Don is a retired engineer, lives in Bishop, and is the editor and CFO for the Bardini Foundation. He made the third ascent of the Dihedral Wall (1967), the second ascent of the North America Wall (1968), and the second ascent of the Wall of the Early Morning Light (1971), frequently climbing with Dennis Hennek. In this episode we talk about his store West Ridge Sports and much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with my good friend, Bishop legend and renowned climber Don Lauria. Don is a retired engineer, lives in Bishop, and is the editor and CFO for the Bardini Foundation. He made the third ascent of the Dihedral Wall (1967), the second ascent of the North America Wall (1968), and the second ascent of the Wall of the Early Morning Light (1971), frequently climbing with Dennis Hennek. In this episode we talk about his store West Ridge Sports and much more.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was an engineer at North American Aviation back in the early 60s and a friend of mine asked me if I'd like to go backpacking. I'd never been backpacking, I didn't even know what the word really meant. I'd never been in the Sierra and that's where he wanted to go so I went. I didn't own any equipment, didn't have a pack and there weren't any packs back then, this is 1957. So there wasn't much available, Kelty certainly wasn't available so I made my first pack frame out of wood. The guy that asked me to go was an engineer and he had already designed a wooden pack frame. He gave me the plans and I just went home and cut it out and put it together. I went to an army surplus store and found some kind of a canvas bag that sort of fit the frame and sort of nailed it on. We went up to Big Pine Creek to The Third Lake and spent the weekend. I enjoyed myself so much so that I went again the next summer.
Things we talked about
Stony Point
The Sierra Club
West Ridge Sports (Mountaineering)
Yvonn Chouinard
Doug Tompkins
George Marx
Bob Swanson
Jim Thomsen
Greg Thomsen
Royal Robbins
60/40 Parka
Yosemite
Dennis Hennek
Tony Puppo
Chris Iverson
Todd Vogel
Eastside Sports
Allen Steck
Allan Bard
The Bardini Foundation
Supertopo
Norman Clyde
Best Gear Purchase under $100
a good rope
Connect with
don@thebardinifoundation.org
Hey guys, Rick here to let you know about another Special Bonusode dropping today. Following up on our gear list from last Wednesday today we are giving you our 2017 Reading List.
I have interviewed over 50 members of the Outdoor Industry tribe and peppered them with questions like what was your first outdoor job and what are your favorite books. The answers to the favorite books question has produced quite a diverse reading list. Many of these books are now on my list to add to my library.
If you’re looking for a great list of reading material or curated shopping list for the book lover in your family or friends circle this is it. Go to The Outdoor Biz Podcast.com/readinglist17 to see the favorite books from all my guests this year.
And while you’re at it don’t forget to subscribe to the Outdoor Biz Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Jay has been with Mountainsmith for over 8 years with stints at CAMP USA, Timberland and Kelty prior to that. He has an impressive career and we talk about how the Mountainsmith team has delivered consistent success as one of the smaller outdoor gear brands, the current state of outdoor retail and plenty more. Enjoy!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Jay has been with Mountainsmith for over 8 years with stints at CAMP USA, Timberland and Kelty prior to that. He has an impressive career and we talk about how the Mountainsmith team has delivered consistent success as one of the smaller outdoor gear brands, the current state of outdoor retail and plenty more. Enjoy!
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first exposure in the outdoors dates back to growing up on the East Coast. I'm from New Jersey and my dad was always a huge proponent of taking my brother and I out for adventures dating back to being little kids. Heading into scouts and stuff like that I'd say my earliest memories of outdoor trips were a split between camping up in the Poconos which was an annual excursion for my dad my brother and I, then also with the scouts they turned us on to an area down in South Jersey a lot of folks refer to as the Pine Barrens. If you're familiar with Jersey at all it's a place where the Jersey Devil lives. The Jersey Devil is a mythical creature that the hockey team is named after. He lives down in the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens is this really cool interconnected network of cedar creeks and there's a lot of Outfitters down in the area down there that will put you in with a canoe and pick you up a day later. It's a place where families and scouts and and folks that just want to go out and spend a little bit of River time camping and paddling.
Things we talked about
Mountainsmith
Eastern Mountain Sports
Kelty
Timberland
Camp USA
American Alpine Club
Big City Mountaineers
Continental Divide Trail Coalition
Advice, tips
I mentioned it earlier the fact that none of the jobs that I've found and grown into over the course of my career were ones that were not necessarily posted on the Outdoor Industry Association website or on snooze or SGP or what have you. They all came via word-of-mouth and networking. I think that's the most important thing that being in a sales and marketing role in the outdoor industry affords you the chance to meet folks at all different levels, whether that be at the brand level at the sales representative level at the vendor level or at the retail level and nationally and even globally. I think having that network especially on the sales rep side means that you've got these folks that have tentacles spread out through all different brands across geographic regions and thereby affords you the chance that once you develop these strong relationships with folks know who you are and know what your skills is. Generally speaking people like to work with people that they like to hang out with. Mountainsmith has a little bit of that. The people we want to work with are the same people that we want to be sitting around the campfire somewhere with drinking a beer at 10 o'clock at night. That's the kind of person that you tend to gravitate towards when you're out after hours at the Outdoor Retailer show and it's those people that, if you build those deep relationships with when an opportunity comes across their table they know that you'd be a good fit for you're gonna get a phone call. I think it's really really important is to be yourself and to make sure that those bonds that you create are lasting ones. I mean some of the friends that I've made 17-18 years ago in the outdoor industry are my best friends now and I know would have my back if an opportunity where to present itself. They could further my career. People tend to want to work together and help each other out and I think that's the great thing about our space, we are very collaborative. There definitely seems to be a bit of a insular nature to us, probably to a fault. I think a lot of folks in the outdoor industry tend to look at people that haven't worked in the outdoor space and say, I think I'm guilty of it too, you see a resume come across your desk like oh my god that guy's never worked in retail, wait a minute that girl never worked retail she can't possibly know what we do. I think the other industry has definitely opened up. 18-20 years ago if you didn't have at least some outdoor industry experience in your resume you immediately went into pile B. I think that as our industry grows up and the interconnectedness of our digital world grows up without a doubt people are starting to realize that a marketing manager from another consumer goods industry can easily segue over to the outdoor space, or a salesperson can easily segue to the outdoor space. I think anotherskillset that is really important is that skill sets are transferable across industries and building a good network of people that you would trust to throw your resume on the top of a pile is certainly an asset to you as you as you try to grow your career.
Other Outdoor Activities
Backpacking
Hiking, Camping
Skiing, Trail Running
Favorite Books
Contagious by Jonah Berger
Tribes by Seth Godin
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Mountainsmith Lumbar Pack
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Connect with Jay
Jay
jay@mountainsmith.com
Mountainsmith
mountainsmith.com
Please rate and review us HERE Thank you! [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]
Aryn has been in HR and Recruiting for over 10 years in Vail, Colorado. She recently launched Mountain Careers and believes you can have it all; an amazing career balanced with a mountain lifestyle. With positions from accounting to nursing Mountain Careers is the website to visit for careers in the best ski towns. If you’ve always dreamed of living in a mountain town you won’t want to miss this episode.
Show Notes Aryn has been in HR and Recruiting for over 10 years in Vail, Colorado. She recently launched Mountain Careers and believes you can have it all; an amazing career balanced with a mountain lifestyle. With positions from accounting to nursing Mountain Careers is the website to visit for careers in the best ski towns. If you’ve always dreamed of living in a mountain town you won’t want to miss this episode.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first exposure to the outdoors was probably skiing. I grew up in the Midwest in Chicago and every weekend there were programs we could sign up for to go skiing. We would take buses and go skiing about two hours outside of Chicago for the weekends.
Things we talked about
Mountain Careers
Vail workforce Center
Vail Valley
Vail Chamber of Commerce
Advice, tips
Yes the thing I talk about is for people to really think about what they want to do. Figuring out what you want to do is not easy and I think a lot of people actually move to the mountains because they don't know what to do. They love the mountains, they want to be there and the career comes second. That's okay but you know I find that at a certain point people want more meaning in their work so answering that question, what do I want to do and finding those answers is important.
I always suggest people start volunteering because that might give you different experiences and get you outside of your comfort zone. Visit Co-working spaces and show up to some of their events to learn different skills. Start networking, asking to have coffee with people who might be in a career field that you are looking to be in are some of the things that I'm recommending to people. I'll talk through their problems and I often think to myself your problem is you don't really know what you want to do. A lot of people say you know what, I don't really care what I do I just want to live in the mountains. That a common phrase phrase. A lot of times if they live in the mountains and they're looking for a career change but they don't know what what they want to do it's because there are limited opportunities. I want I say that they're limited but the more you seek them out and take those connections and show up at networking events and tell people hey I'm looking for a career and put yourself out there I think doors just start opening. We're a professional community just like the Front Range it's just it's smaller, so you just still have to show up make those things happen.
Other Outdoor Activities
Camping
Nordic Skiing
Trail Running
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Patagonia Vest
Connect with Aryn
mountaincareers.com
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE
Special Bonusode dropping today. Just in time for your Holiday shopping I’m excited to give you the first Outdoor Biz Holiday Gear Guide.
I have interviewed over 50 members of the Outdoor Industry tribe and peppered them with questions like what was your first outdoor job to what are your favorite books. One question that has struck a cord, and even stumped some of your peers has been what is your favorite piece of Outdoor Gear under $100.
If you’re looking for a curated shopping list for the outdoor lover in your family or friends circle this is it. Go to Outdoor Biz.com/gearlist17 to see the gear my guests in the biz can’t live without. Then either march out to your nearest outdoor specialty store and buy, buy, buy of for convenience you can also hit the links to some of our favorite shops and buy online too.
Unfortunately on some interviews I forgot to ask the gear question! So to those guests I apologize.
And while you’re at it don’t forget to subscribe to the Outdoor Biz Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE
Her parents are quite the adventurers and Alison has followed their path straight from the cradle. Her journeys have taken her on wild bikini clad adventures into ancient cultures with her camera and pink eco surfboard to share global secrets of survival, sustainability, health and happiness through her comedic and inspirational film and blog series: Alison’s Adventures. Alison goal with Alison Adventures is to inspire and educate the kid in each of us through humorous entertainment that leads to action.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Her parents are quite the adventurers and Alison has followed their path straight from the cradle. Her journeys have taken her on wild bikini clad adventures into ancient cultures with her camera and pink eco surfboard to share global secrets of survival, sustainability, health and happiness through her comedic and inspirational film and blog series: Alison’s Adventures. Alison goal with Alison Adventures is to inspire and educate the kid in each of us through humorous entertainment that leads to action.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
The great outdoors oh wow where to even begin, I was sort of that Tarzan child. I was born in a log cabin actually in the Colorado Rockies. Almost born in a car bumping down the road during a blizzard. Then at two months old my adventure photographer parents whisked me away up the highest peak in southern Peru and since then life has just been this kind of crazy moment of adventure. They were adventure travel guides and photographers for companies like Patagonia, National Geographic and Eagle Creek which I know is one of your alma maters. So yeah pretty much just adventure survival travel 101 since birth.
Things we talked about
Alison's Adventures
Naked and Afraid
USC film school
Sustainable Surf
Surfrider
Yoga Adventure Ohana
Advice, tips
I just think it's interesting now it is because our world is so saturated with Instagram and Twitter and Facebook where people can look at lives like mine and be like whoa she has it made. All she gets to do is like travel and post on Instagram and that is so far from the reality. I've worked 10 to 15 years to get to this point. I think you have to follow your heart and passion. But you can't get frustrated when it doesn't happen in two seconds. It will happen you just have to build it now and to stick with it. I think a lot of folks don't realize the stick with it-ness that's required and they give up too soon. They're right on the cusp of giving it one more month you know, and it would have gone well. Because everybody post things that look so ridiculously incredible, I'm not gonna post how bad my day is. So of course you're gonna look at it and be like oh wow she has it made. She just got to swim with the dolphins but the reality is is I was up for three nights in a row editing a film and then got to go for a swim. It's a whole different world than people think.
I think you have to really love what you do. You can't let other people influence you too much. I mean you know people laughed at me when I said I'm gonna dress up in a ball dress, go to France, go to a castle and find a beast. They're looking at me like are you coconut? Even with the Maldives, like I'm gonna go to an Islamic country, in a bikini, with a pink surfboard and get on trash island where nobody's been and get footage of it and somehow get it on Oprah or Ellen or wherever. I think that people sometimes don't realize if you take that risk, whether it's being naked on TV or just walking around the block one day in the middle of the night to see the stars it's just kind of getting out there and trying it. Cuz you never know what's gonna happen in that next minute or who you're gonna meet. I think a lot of people stop themselves before they even start. It's like they'll get this great idea and then they'll stop. I'm like let's just go do it. People get these great concepts and ideas and they just talk themselves out of it. Come on just try it. A lot of people think money is is a factor but the reality is the more you make the more you need and if you if you just start with small baby steps I it's amazing what kindness will do.
I grew up in a tribal society where it's like you give me potatoes and I give you fish so why can't that keep working? It's not about you know save the world, it's about do we care enough about our species to want our future generations to promote that tribe concept. Because we're all here together you know, we we can all continue to live here together or we will all go away together. We're probably all gonna go away together anyway but let's make the best of it while we're here.
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing, Snow boarding, Hiking
Favorite Movies
Titanic
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Pelican Marine Case
Connect with
Website
Luis tells about his background and how adventure travel continues to evolve towards discovery and experiential adventures. We also talk a bit about his newest venture Modern Adventure. You can check that out at modernadventure.com
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Luis tells about his background and how adventure travel continues to evolve towards discovery and experiential adventures. We also talk a bit about his newest venture Modern Adventure. You can check that out at modernadventure.com
First Exposure to the Adventure Travel
My first exposure was right out of out of college. I grew up in San Diego and I saw an advertisement in the San Diego Reader, it said something like get paid to travel and show young people around the United States. Long story short I called that number and had a phone interview and they gave me a job. I spent a summer driving a big white van around the United States full of international tourists. They were trips at mostly national parks and it was just an incredible incredible ride. I'd found my calling and just absolutely loved to share the world with people and to be outside.
Things we talked about
Backroads
Adventures by Disney
REI Adventures
Adventure Travel Trade Association
The Clymb
Modern Adventure
Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
Adventure Cycling Association
Sustainable Travel International
Advice, tips
I get that question a fair bit and I think that guiding is still a great way to to enter the industry. Then depending on what people are interested you can essentially find a job that will allow you to do that. Whether they want to be a raft guide, mountain guide, hiking guide or just more of a trip leader working for for companies where you're essentially lead group travel. You know there's companies that are looking to hire. One of my favorite jobs as a guide was for Backroads. It's active nationally and you travel all over the world. I know that they're actively looking for guides. So visit Backroads.com and there's an opportunity to check out. The wonderful thing about that is it's a great introduction from the ground up.
The other side of it is the Adventure Travel Trade Association. They have great resources including a job board and is convenient. So if you're in the industry and want to grow I think that's a good way to build your network. I've always been a believer in the best time to build relationships with people is when you don't need anything. Building relationships because of a shared interest or approach, people are very responsive to that. So start building your networking from there. For people that that aren't in the industry I would say the other tip right now, which is different is content is king. There's young people that have managed to create some really compelling content channels like Instagram. If you build an audience you have a pretty amazing set of choices. Having an engaged audience in the tens of thousands can give you influence and that influence allows you to to open some doors. Then you start to be recognized so I think there's some young people even as early as high school that can start developing a point of view and a voice. If that happens I think it could lead to really interesting results.
Other Outdoor Activities
backpacking, snow sports, being in the water, diving
Favorite Books
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
The first 90 days by Michael D. Watkins
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Snow Peak titanium mug
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Headspace iPhone iPad
Service iPhone iPad
Evernote iPhone iPad
Trello iPhone iPad
Slack iPhone iPad
Connect with Luis
This episode is with my good friend and long time adventure compadre Gary Bard. Gary is the older brother of Allan and Dale Bard. Allan was a great climber and even better on skis pioneering the red line route in the eastern sierra. Dale was one of the finest boulders and climbers in the Camp 4 hey days in Yosemite. Gary has a unique career in the Outdoor Biz. His “day job” was in the Berkeley Fire department ultimately retiring as deputy Chief. He spent time in retail with REI and Marmot in Berkeley, was a tech rep for Ortovox for many years and has many expeditions in adventure travel including safaris, skiing in Norway and a circumnavigation of ellesmere Island. Many of you know the Bard Boys as great story tellers and Gary does not disappoint in this chat, enjoy!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE First Exposure to the Outdoors
Trout fishing with my dad. Every year soon as school was out we took off for two weeks on a family vacation kind of thing. The three three boys and mom and dad. The day school got out we loaded the station wagon put our one wheel trailer behind and off we went. We went everywhere, some of the most memorable ones are Lake Almanor, we went to a couple lakes up in Washington and Oregon and a lot of times to Trinity Lake. It was straight spin fishing.
Things we talked about
Yosemite
Glacier Point Hotel
Army Ranger School
REI Berkeley
Marmot Berkeley
"The Insta-Mount"
Mountain Traders
Berkeley Fire Dept
Mountain Travel/ Sobek
Palisade School of Mountaineering
Ibex Expeditions
American Himalayan Foundation
1963 US Everest Expedition
Echo- The Wilderness Company
OARS
Advice, tips
I have always been somebody who doesn't hesitate when it comes to doing things I know nothing about. I got offered a job with Pitney Bowes when I got out of the military repairing mailing machines and I didn't even know what a mailing machine was. I took the job, it was a lot of fun and I had a great time. I had a lot of combined outdoor experience and I had some great opportunities there's no question about it. I mean some of the things I did were directly related to the fact that I had time off and some money to spare. When I came back from the military first thing I did was take my brothers Allan and Dale rock climbing to Indian Rock. The third time I took them they were better than I was so what's the advice for people- that is take what you know, have a goal and then work toward it.
I was also reading stuff about explorers and talking to people and learning from things they did. It just kept building and building and then every once awhile you get to use some of it.
In the fire service we had a goal and that is never make the same mistake twice. That's a good goal in life. So learn things about things you like and are interested in, step forward and try it, that's my advice.
Other Outdoor Activities
Cross Country Skiing, Birding, Kayaking, Hiking
Favorite Books
The Grumpy Historian by Ed Asner
Alone by Admiral Byrd
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Swiss Army Knife- Mountaineer model
Connect with Gary
email- ncaflyfisher@gmail.com
Listen as Luis tells us about his background which set the path for this career in the Outdoors and government. He also talks about all the fantastic things the Colorado office of Outdoor Recreation is doing. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
You know I tell people all the time that I was lucky enough to grow up in the outdoor industry and it's really true. My American grandfather, dad's from Ecuador mom's from the United States, my American grandfather owned a sporting goods store. A small specialty fly fishing bird hunting shop that was literally right down the road from my grade school. You know those pictures that you see from the olden days, I would walk a quarter mile down the road my grandfather's shop every day on ice before school and my parents he liked to pick me up after they got off of work. What I really learned at a very young age other than just specialty family-owned retail was that these places in these spaces were really convening spots for folks to talk about things that they loved the most. My grandfather had the normal core customers but those core customers loved spending time in the shop to talk about fishing, hunting, hiking, and boating. He was one of the original Orvis dealerships so if you know anything about fly-fishing that was a fairly significant brand back in those days. So to hang out with some of his old cronies at a really early age and realized that all these folks love talking about policy and access and conservation and stewardship, that was my start.
Things we talked about
Outward Bound
Warriors to Summits
Trekking for kids
Colorado Outdoor Office of Recreation: Economic Development, Conservation and Stewardship, Education and Workforce Training, Public Health and Wellness
Outdoor Research- Dan Nordstrom
Camber Outdoor Job Board
Advice, tips
I think it's on all of us as leaders within the industry to make sure people know what's out there. Number one a lot of people younger folks that I talk to think a lot of these jobs it's kind of a wizard behind the curtain. I'd love to be a ski or snowboard shaper but I don't know, do I just call a ski company and ask them? I mean I think that's been the journey up to this point you used to have to hack your way in. I think what the responsibilities of officers like mine and I talk to a lot of my counterparts is that we need to educate everybody about how deep and wide our ecosystem is. So if you have a searchable database that has every outdoor company and nonprofit listed, which we have in Colorado and it's constantly being built bigger and bigger. A young student can go in to be like okay I got a list of fifteen different ski companies. Much like folks wanting to start out their career, they know what their landscape looks like in the backyard. With a little bit of knowledge and then access to some senior level folks, you know you got to get out there. Invite CEOs, not to a closed-door session where you know the general population can't attend but open door sessions where anybody that wants to comment is interested can do a little networking, professionally exchange emails and ideas. We are really working hard to create that ecosystem here so people feel like A they understand that it's an inclusive environment and economy and B they can start to define what a career path could or should look like.
Other Outdoor Activities
Luis does it all
Favorite Books
Undaunted Courage by Steven Ambrose
Everest, West Ridge by Tom Hornbein
Best Gear Purchase under $100
nokero solar lights
We believe people should be able to thrive after dusk. We exist to bring light to the energy poor so rural communities are safe, happy, healthy and productive. By inventing, engineering, and producing the world’s most efficient solar lights, we affordably lift 1.2 billion people out of the dark. We are Nokero (no kerosene) and are on a global mission to eliminate kerosene lamps.
Connect with Luis
you can follow Luis and the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation on Twitter @CoRecIndustry
Chez tells us about his background in the Adventure Travel business, his thoughts on the future of Adventure Travel his new role with Tracks and Trails and offers some great tips for getting into the travel business.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Chez tells us about his background in the Adventure Travel business his new role with Tracks and Trails and offers some great tips for getting into the travel business.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
It started with the outdoor industry actually. I found out that you could work for places like the American hiking Society or the American Alpine Club and got into working with those organizations allowed me to fall in love with the Outdoor Industry. From there a friend of mine had taken over an Adventure Travel Association and I worked for him to get that spun up over nine years and then from there the Family Travel Association and now Tracks and Trails.
Things we talked about
Adventure Travel Trade Association
Family Travel Trade Association
Tracks and Trails
United States Supreme Court
Winter Wildlands Alliance
Advice, tips
You know the secret of the travel industry, but it isn't gonna be secret anymore is that with the internet a lot of people thought all sorts of travel jobs were gonna go away. An example is travel agents , but the opposite has happened. We can each book all the trips now which is great. But now we're also overwhelmed with information. So now a lot of them are getting away from the name travel agent because they really feel more like a travel advisor. They get to know your family or your friends or whatever, they get to know what you're looking for in travel and they can plan it for you. Generally it's either entirely or almost entirely free, some of them have a planning fee just in case. They don't want you poaching their itineraries, if they work with you and give you a whole itinerary then you go book it yourself that's bad for everybody. The reason why I bring all this up is because these guys, with Millennials starting to travel more have millennial travel agents. Travel agencies are psyched about that, they love young travel agents and you know travel agents they get a bad rap because there are a lot of bad ones out there but that just means that the industry embraces the good ones that much more if you can separate yourself. So a fantastic way to get into the travel industry and in particular if someone thinks that they're a blogger or they want to be a blogger or they want to be a travel writer they can do both. They can set up a blog and say hey look I'm blogging I just went to this great place, Salta Argentina it's amazing. They're also becoming more like concierges and one of the perks is that you can take these trips to go experience and see what it's like and that way you can speak from expertise because you have you've been there. I've done that trips and this is why it's cool, you got photos, you know the product and can sell it a lot better. The equivalent of swag and pro deals for the travel industry is a fam tour or a familiarization tour. That's where an agent or a writer is taken to a destination shown around you have a great time yeah they over feed and over drink you and honestly they can be kind of intense because they pack so much in just such a short trip right. It's just like alright let's go see this, let's go check that out, let's go experience it, let's go do zip lines. Okay you've done that let's go stand-up paddleboard so there's a lot of travel agents out there that do nothing but sell Disney and cruises and good for them doing that, but more and more you're also starting to see these specialist travel agents arising and so adventure travel is certainly one that an agent could specialize in. Or you know a certain region, if you're passionate about Latin America you can specialize in Latin America. So there's all sorts of different opportunities out there. Then there are in terms of pursuing a travel agent job I there's a full-time job or an add-on to what you're currently doing then there are consortium like Travel Leaders is one where somebody can become a travel agent through them or just basically have a national network that will help you do things like setting up your website. It immediately gives you a much more professional presence rather than just saying hi I'm Chaz I'm your travel agent. You've got a whole network of information that you can tap into. There is the also opportunity to become trip leaders. I think a lot of people in a climbing community know how to become a guide. They're probably all guides themselves at some point, that's how you break into it. You become a guide like a river guide and then you you decide that you're wanting to take the next step so you can become a seasonal guide. Find a company that specializes and what your passion is and what you know well, what you can do well. The key there is that if you're an introverted person or you don't have great people skills don't go that route, but if you're that person, you got that personality and you're passionate about a certain sport there's probably a tour operator out there running trips focused on that sport. Find them, become a seasonal guide and then start to work your way up coming back year after year, you know showing good progress, showing interest in the backside of the business and start to get into the tour operator business. By the way if you're out there and you're passionate about your sport and you don't find a tour operator that's running that sport, BINGO start doing it.
Favorite Books
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Ulysses by James Joyce
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
TripIt iPhone iPad
Connect with Chez
Chez Chesak on Facebook
@chrischesak on Twitter
chrischesak on Instagram
email: chez@tracks-trails.com
Alden tells us about how he became a SEAL and how SEAL teams develop such strong teamwork . . . hint be selfless! He also offers some great inspiration for life and growing your career
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Alden tells us about how he became a SEAL and how SEAL teams develop such strong teamwork . . . hint . . . be selfless! He also offers some great inspiration for life and growing your career
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I discovered rowing because I pretty much discovered every other sport that I wasn't good at. You know everything that involved a ball and hand-eye coordination just didn't seem to get this kid to score any points for his team. Running was not a real fit for me. I'm a big guy, I was big kid then and the idea of sitting down and going backwards for long periods of time kind of worked. As for how I discovered it I still to this day remember it. My parents were driving me around I ended up going to boarding school and we were driving up the Housatonic River and I came around a corner and saw these two long sleek boats in the water. I'd grown up by the water and I was like that's it, that's cool. It literally was like an aha Wow and that I think I can do. I rowed through high school and rowing ended up getting me an invitation to the Naval Academy. I rowed through all four years at the Naval Academy.
Things we talked about
Navy SEALS
from a "self ish" mindset to a "self less" mindset
Perfect PushUp
Perfect Pull Up
Pentagon Alarm
Presidio Natural
Climbing Mt Rainier
The Guardsmen
Advice, tips
The idea about being always on is the mindset of "all in all the time" and how do you pick yourself up when you've failed again and again or all your head wind seemed against you. The hack that I've always used and it came about at a young age when I got diagnosed with asthma was, and this is coming from my mom. She would just pull me aside and just read me the riot act about my limits are up to me. The hack that I started coming up with was what I call making an outcome movie. The outcome movies I ended up relying on, in particular going through different elements of SEAL training like hell week we're understanding the consequences or the outcomes of both the positive and the negative. Either succeeding or failing. The outcome movie that I usually made was not a positive one it was the negative one. I seem to find more power from the negative you know. Everyone talks about the positive piece, visualize yourself getting your diploma or during the trophy presentation or the bonus but it was the negative side that inspired me the most. And the negative side for me was creating a movie in my head where I would visualize myself going back to my hometown and hearing people that really weren't my friends saying I told you so, you wouldn't make it, quitter. That was kind of level one and then what made it worse is that I didn't visit my parents because I really cared about my life, and having them my son quit but we're so proud of him, like oh god you know I let them down right and then the final deepest level again was someone I care about even more. Of course I wasn't married, I didn't have kids but I wanted to in the future. I visualized at some point later in life showing my future kids this is why dad quit and don't you do what I did. I created these movies and I would create these movies not just for kind of physical dark days but also the mental and emotional dark days, that's my hack.
The other thing that I have for folks when they ask, I end up coaching some people from time to time. And you know they'll say hey you know how do I get to get into this seat or how do I go up the corporate ladder and the thing that I really tell them about is first connecting with their being their authentic selves. What they really are inspired about and you know when you go out and in the corporate world or the entrepreneurial world, whatever world that you want to go hike and play in it really comes down to your energy your attitude your inspiration and passion. There's plenty of apps out there to teach you everything under the Sun but but there isn't anything that's going to teach you about really being yourself and having the guts to say hey this is what I really love. I mean you're a great example Rick here's somebody that's gone out and created a podcast you have awesome photography you got all your hands in all kinds of different things. If somebody is like hey I love the outdoor space and I'm not sure what I want to do next and I know this probably isn't a job for me well I can tell you right now you better be an absolute rockstar and give it all you have and be all in all the time in the job you have so when the next opportunity comes along you created an option to make your pivot and go to the next place. You have to create those options through the excellence of your current work.
Other Outdoor Activities
Boating
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Favorite Books
Be Unstoppable by Alden Mills
The Diamond Cutter by Geshe Michael Roche
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Polar heart rate monitor iTunes
60beat Heart Rate monitor iTunes
NPR Podcasts
Freakonomics
Connect with Alden
alden-mills.com
Welcome to episode 50. WOW five oh. Feels like I launched The Outdoor Biz Podcast just the other day. This episode is with Steve Barker founder of Eagle Creek, recent leader of the Outdoor Industry Association and serial conservationist. Steve and I have been friends for a long time and we cover a lot in this wide ranging conversation from Eagle Creek, his non-profit work and much more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with Steve Barker founder of Eagle Creek, recent leader of the Outdoor Industry Association and serial conservationist. Steve and I have been friends for a long time and we cover a lot in this wide ranging conversation from Eagle Creek, his non-profit work and much more.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up in Oyster Bay New York as a kid of the generation where my parents every morning told me not to come back until dinner. I grew up in a little town and started exploring things in my backyard. My mom was real sick when I young so spent a lot of time in the hospital so I had a lot of time on my own and found the outdoors as place that I could go and just spend endless hours turning over rocks, going fishing, hiking different paths. You know it's interesting I talk about being from New York area people think you're from the city but Oyster Bay was actually pretty rural. We had lots of trails and hiking and eventually I scored a job when I was 11 or 12 mowing the lawn at Sagamore Hill which was Teddy Roosevelt's family home. Boy that was certainly inspiring, I got to go in the house and it was like a museum of exploration, certainly was very inspiring.
Things we talked about
Fredericks Skiing and Hiking
Outward Bound
Oregon State University
Idyllwild
Mountain People
Nona Barker
2/10 net 30
Larry Harrison
John Fagan
Solana Beach
Ricky Schlesinger
Elfin Forest
Escondido Creek Conservancy
Conservation Alliance
Outdoor Industry Association (ORCA)
Sally McCoy
Alaska Wilderness League
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Adventure Travel Trade Association
Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
Eastern Sierra Avalanche
Roots Rated
Advice, tips
I was involved early with the Future Leaders Academy and and that was certainly one place where the industry said hey we're we're seeing a lot of the boomers are aging out of the industry we've got a lot of young people that are excited about getting in. Since companies are now more medium to large size companies we have siloed up our organizations and we have the what my daughter calls cubicle refugees out working for us that may not be looking at the broader picture because they end up in a marketing silo or a product silo sourcing silo and don't really see what's going on in sales or branding. So it's much harder to get a general education and even harder to figure out what kind of institutions to get involved in outside of work that could support your career. That was the genesis behind the Future Leaders Academy. So I guess it starts out with suggesting that people that are interested invest in yourself. I don't see where companies are spending near enough time developing employees, they're having a hard enough time just competing. So you've got to take that on yourself and have an equity mindset as far as what are you getting out of your job that will give you a long-term payback. What are you learning, are you actually getting equity. I think you can look at it as real equity. If you're not getting anything good, if you're not learning at your job find out where to learn it yourself. There's plenty of resources out there now. Start with an annual planning and goal setting process and figure out where you want to be in a couple years. Be honest about your self-assessment and say here's the things that I need to learn. Ideally that can be done with your supervisor or your boss but it's really on you to develop that plan. Then go get that knowledge, go get that experience. If you can't get it in your work go get it by volunteering. I have learned probably as much, maybe more volunteering with nonprofits, it's really broadened my experience and my knowledge from volunteer fire department to working in local conservation or working with groups that are getting kids outdoors. You have a lot to help them with, you'll always get more back volunteering than you give. So that's a suggestion look at the nonprofit area as a career as well, there's a lot of real and opportunity there, maybe more entrepreneurial opportunity in non-profit than there is in the profit community. If you're interested in product, though I think we probably have enough product, looking at how to add value in the supply chain or figure out how to continue the life of a product or a material. Reuse it, recycle it is a key area that if you're interested in a career in product well then make some product, learn something about the supply chain. Simply being able to draw something pretty in Illustrator, I don't think that brings anything new to the table these days and as I said, we've probably got enough product. So figure out how to either how to make a product and/or understand the supply chain.
I also would say find mentors. Once you figure out here's where I want to be figure out who has the knowledge and can help you. It takes a little hutzpah but reach out to those people and ask them if they will talk to you, have a conversation over coffee and find your own mentors don't wait for them to find you. Then take some risks and fail. I think I talked early on about having a huge failure which I thought my life was ending when we failed at mountain people. It was extremely sad but I learned so much from that, Eagle Creek never would have happened if I hadn't failed at mountain people. So really embrace your failures. Then look around the industry be it the OIA, Conservation Alliance, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, Camber, Sustainable Working Group, Adventure Travel Trade Association, every single one of those organizations has an opportunity for you to learn. Volunteer, get involved and meet your future mentors and understand more about the industry, the area of public land and sustainability. There's just so much more resource today for somebody in the industry than there was when we started and it's shame on you if you're waiting for somebody to come to you. We've laid it out, we've developed all these institutions for you. Everybody in my age group wants our industry to survive and thrive and we know that it's going to take switched-on young people to see this legacy continue so there's a lot of people waiting for you to show up.
Favorite Books
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
Ordinary Wolves by Seth Kantner
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer
White Spider by Heinrich Harrer
Carl Hiaasen
A Night on the Ground a Day in the Open by Doug Robinson
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Tenkara Rod
Big Agnes sleeping pad
Pack-It Specter™ Cubes
Forge Coffee Cup
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
pulse point iPhone iPad
weatherlink iPhone
roots rated iPhone iPad
duolingo iPhone iPad
google translate iPhone iPad
seat guru iPhone
TripAdvisor iPhone iPad
Eastern Sierra Avalanche
Roots Rated
Connect with
sbarker@oldcreekers.com
This episode is with Colin Moynihan President with Uncle Dan’s Outfitters. Colin tells about the recent change in ownership at Uncle Dan's, thoughts on the state of outdoor retail today and his experience at the Skip Yowell Future Leaders Academy.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with Colin Moynihan President with Uncle Dan’s Outfitters. Colin tells about the recent change in ownership at Uncle Dan's, thoughts on the state of outdoor retail today and his experience at the Skip Yowell Future Leaders Academy.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was born and raised in New Hampshire just south of the White Mountains so I was fortunate to have the outdoors all around. Early memories are of small amazing hikes that are accessible over some of the lakes there and there's one mountain called rattlesnake mountain that is a pretty good hike for little kids. When you get to the top you feel like you're at the top of a mountain that's about four times the size nice. The lakes they're just amazing and it's always been engrained in my mind as one of my first outdoor memories. The other I think that burns in my mind is just a little snapshot of the local mountain we used to ski, it's called gunstock about 15 minutes from home. I just remember the first time, I was probably about five and sitting on the back of a hayride type vehicle with my skis getting pulled up to the mountain. I don't remember actually skiing but I remember the atmosphere and the feeling and that's another that's always sort of stuck with me.
Things we talked about
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Sports and Marine Paraphernalia
Camping World
Uncle Dan's Outfitters
Marcus Lemonis
The Profit-CNBC
Chase Jarvis
Creative Live
Big City Mountaineers
Flying Scarfs
Advice, tips
I think number one is is really cliche but the idea of following your heart and making sure that you end up doing everyday something that you love to do is really important to me. I see a lot of people that I love that haven't necessarily found that and I feel fortunate. But I also always push myself and challenge myself to go for that over you know maybe security sometimes. I would just say work hard you know, don't expect things to fall into your lap. If you're persistent and passionate and work hard and you're open to changes I think the great things will follow I really do. We have a lot of people on our team who I think are like that and I think they have big futures ahead of them if they keep keep grinding and working hard and loving what they do.
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing, Paddleboarding, Kayaking
Favorite Books
4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Anker Chargers
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Instagram-
Connect with Colin
colinmoynihan@gmail.com
colinmoynihan@uncledans.net
Instagram- colin.moynihan
In this conversation Malcom tells us about the recent change in ownership and the cool new things going at Neptune Mountaineering. They are making some exciting updates to this iconic Mountain Shop while keeping the original vibe and commitment to service alive. Malcom's message to you . . . Shop Local!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes In this conversation Malcom tells us about the recent change in ownership and the cool new things going at Neptune Mountaineering. They are making some exciting updates to this iconic Mountain Shop while keeping the original vibe and commitment to service alive. Malcom's message to you . . . Shop Local! First Exposure to the Outdoors
My Dad worked for the State Department which at the time meant he was a CIA spy. They were running money over to the Chinese nationalists but whatever, he got tired of that and settled down. He landed in Central Connecticut where there are these awesome trees hemlock trees that grow up and they're the perfect climbing trees, they couldn't invent a better tree for climbing. So I lived in the trees when I was a kid. We didn't have TV or if we did we were allowed to watch like McHale's Navy every Tuesday or something. We got into lots of trouble and we were the original free range kids. One of our favorite things to do was climb into the trees or in the apple apple orchards and steal apples and that's what we lived on, apples. Hemlocks get huge and we'd climb up and hang on pretend we're in the crow's nest. I used to climb around on those and there was this cliff in the neighborhood. We would rake the leaves and my dad is an environmentalist always hated burning leaves. So we would throw them off the cliff you know just to let them decompose, that became our crash pad. It was big springy and bouncy. We'd we'd climb around on those cliffs until we fell and hit the leaves, and then we'd bounce off and do it again. We had a lot of fun. My dad was also a sailor in the summer and so we spent a lot of time on the sailboat. So I got really familiar with knots and ropes and rigging. When they packed me into a traveling summer camp in 1969 I went to the Tetons. My climbing lesson it turns out was with Pete Lev. He was my first climbing instructor. I've actually been hanging out with him a little bit and we've reconnected. I was probably climbing five eight, you know here's this 14 year old and I knew all the knots and stuff and was climbing 5.8. People ask me you know how long have I been climbing and I'm like I never stopped, I grew up climbing.
Things we talked about
Neptune Mountaineering
Camp Jule
Gary Neptune
Advice, tips
I think two things one get off your damn phones and two is, it matters where you shop. I don't care whether you live in Des Moines Iowa or Boulder Colorado we're not going to survive as a society unless we support the communities in which we live. Shop local, whether you're buying coffee or buying groceries.
Other Outdoor Activities
walking his dog
climbing at the gym once in awhile
Favorite Books
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
The Beast in the Garden by David Baron
Best Gear Purchase under $100
petzl e-lite headlamp
Connect with
Instagram- maldaly
email- malcomdaly@gmail.com
In this conversation Greg tells how he got into fishing woodworking and the great fishing on the LA River. Yes, you can fish for Carp and Tilapia in the LA River.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes In this conversation Greg tells how he got into fishing woodworking and the great fishing on the LA River. Yes, you can fish for Carp and Tilapia in the LA River.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I grew up on an Apple ranch and my childhood was spent climbing trees and being in the outdoors. Video games weren't around then so we played outside, dug holes and got dirty. Then we moved from there to Idaho and I spent a lot of time fishing lakes and some streams up there with my my friends. Gosh I remember fishing for carp in the canals and trout in the mountains and fishing the Snake River. One of my favorite things to do was crawdad fish. My Mom would take me to this little canal, really a little irrigation ditch next to some railroad tracks few miles from the house. I would go with my Doberman and my Doberman would run off chasing muskrats and whatever else. I would just have a ball with of a piece bacon on the end of a string catching all the crawdad I could catch.
Things we talked about
Whitewater Rafting
Kern River
Zambezi River
Fishing the LA River
Birding
Woodworking
NuCast
Parchers Resort
Bob Marriotts Fly Shop
Trout Unlimited
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, Birding, Rafting
Favorite Books
Fly Fishing, A Trailside Guide by John Merwin
Fishin Trails 2, by Jared Smith and Seth Blackamore
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Sierra Nets Magnetic Rod Holder
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Merlin Bird ID
Connect with Greg
Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram
Sierra Nets
Michael Lanza is the author of the National Outdoor Book Award-winning book, Before They’re Gone and his blog The Big Outside. In this wide ranging conversation we talk about outdoor gear innovation, climate change, public lands and a whole lor more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Michael Lanza is the author of the National Outdoor Book Award-winning book, Before They’re Gone and his blog The Big Outside. In this wide ranging conversation we talk about outdoor gear innovation, climate change, public lands and a whole lor more.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Interestingly unlike a lot of folks you and I probably know and unlike my kids like who are lucky to grow up the in outdoors, my family didn't really do that stuff. I grew up in central Massachusetts with four siblings. My family would take fun vacations too, we'd go to Cape Cod and hang out at the beach and I loved it. Then it was in college when some friends said hey let's go for a hike. We were in New England in summertime and I don't remember what little mountain we hiked but some little rocky topped peak somewhere in Hampshire. I was just kind of blown away, I mean it wasn't a big mountain or anything but I just remember the winds blowing you could see so far and it just struck me that the this is what I'm doing from now on and I was you know it was like hook line and sinker.
Things we talked about
Backpacker Magazine
The Big Outside
Before They're Gone, by Michael Lanza
Glacier National Park
Conservation Voters for Idaho
Advice, tips
Yeah you know I guess what I did when I decided to make that shift was just do it. I mean that sounds easier than it is of course. In reality when I did it I was unmarried and younger and childless and I could just live real cheaply for a while. Pare down your life if that's what it's going to take, or if you're in a different place in life save up some money to make the transition. Look at your skills and the companies that are out there and how you might be able to apply those. Research what companies are looking for, certainly not all those companies design gear right they do a lot of other things too.
Other Outdoor Activities
Running, Mtn and Road Biking, kayaking, rafting, climbing
Favorite Books
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin Audio book
Before They're Gone, by Michael Lanza
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Light weight pack from Gregory, Osprey, Hyperlight
Light jacket- Black Diamond Alpine Start Jacket-Mens, Black Diamond Alpine Start Jacket-Womens
Apps, Tools, Podcasts, Routines
I actually get up do a little work and then I have some breakfast. I spend about 20-25 minutes just doing some stretching and yoga. It feels good, it kind of calms me mentally and I do a little bit before bed, five minutes or so because it's so relaxing. I think it helps me sleep tremendously. Most days of the week I either hit the gym which I'm gonna do today or I'll hit my local trails and go for a run mountain bike ride or out on my road bike to maintain that fitness level. You know stay fit enough to enjoy the things that I like to do.
I think a lot of people listening to show can appreciate its way you stay sane right? There's nothing better than heading out for an hour or even just 20 minutes. You come back and everything's right in your world.
Connect with Michael
The Big Outside on Facebook and Instagram
Twitter is Michael A Lanza
Crazy Jack has been climbing Mt. Whitney for over 20 years. He tells us how he got into the outdoors and some great stories from his summits of Mt Whitney, sometimes summiting twice in one day!
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Jack tells us how he got into the outdoors and some great stories from his summits of Mt Whitney, sometimes summiting twice in one day!
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was in the Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970 and my wife and I got married in 68. I married into her family and she had two brothers and two more sisters so five kids. She was a preacher's kid so father Sadler who was his name, he would take church groups up into the Sierras and I mean it was quite an undertaking. I was invited obviously to go along and it's my first real experience in the Sierras and the backcountry. I remember hiking in my heavy heavy-duty boots, I had a 10 pound mummy bag, what an experience. I guess that opened the door.
Things we talked about
Whitney Portal Store, Doug Tompson
Crazy Jack
Adventure 16, John Mead
Sierra Mountaineering, Kurt Wedberg
Point Loma Nazarene University baseball
Mark Fulton 8,000 Meter Challenge
Advice, tips
You could just start today by just putting on your walking shoes and walk around the block yes nothing else I mean people ask me all the time well how do you get in shape get off you know yeah you just have to go out and start you start so slow and then you know you progress and you feel good and then you might even need to check in with your doctor to make sure you know what you're trying to do but but still it's a matter of just getting up and getting going.
I hope other people get out. If it's not the Sierras get somewhere else do something else. It's out there for us to adventure into and I hope that's something that they get from this . . . just go!
Other Outdoor Activities
Bicycling, walking
Favorite Books
Mount Whitney- Mountain Lore from the Whitney Store, by Doug Tompson
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Steri-pen
Connect with Crazy Jack
Website- crazyjacknortham.com
Scott’s agency operates in the Pacific Northwest, he talks with us about Amazon and offers some strategies and actionable tactics independent retailers can employ and improve their game.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Scott’s agency operates in the Pacific Northwest, he talks with us about Amazon and offers some strategies and actionable tactics independent retailers can employ compete with and against them.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first real exposure, again having a father grew up in the city in New York and my mother grew up in Denver I didn't have a lot of outdoor exposure other than parents friends who took me out fishing in Minnesota. Growing up in Cedar Rapids Iowa I also did the Boy Scout and got as far as Weblos. My father was at the Hyatt in Chicago so that's the kind of father-son stuff we did. Honestly I had different experiences depending on what you call outdoor. My mom took us on trips and we got to go horseback riding and that kind of thing. So I was exposed in different ways but not the traditional backpacking type activities.
Things we talked about
JanSport
Sportscasting
TSPN
Amazon
Consumer driving “path to purchase”; consumer is setting the price/value, Amazon has set up consumer expectation of a “friction less” transaction.
in 2016 over 55% of US consumers started their “path to purchase” on Amazon
Kelty
Acorn
Zappos
Razorfish (Jason Goldberg)
Channel Advisor (Scott Wingo)
Advice, tips
“everything goes through that phone, so figure out some way somehow to be on that phone” -Scott Ohsman
make sure you’re near the top of the “path to purchase”
set up your business up so your margins allow you to take all forms of payment
set up your business to meet consumer expectation of a “friction less” transaction
use reviews as POP info
add technology, for example consider iPads and other screen options as POP displays
(used/refurbished iPads available on e-bay for $100-160)
implement a loyalty program for your customers (Amazon has approximately 85 million prime members. That is about 35 percent more than last year) More households subscribe to Amazon Prime than have a cable subscription
Consider a “dynamic” pricing program
Consider a “private label” program
Implement one thing a week or two things a month and by the end of the year you have a whole new business
Favorite Books
Contagious by John Berger Hardcover Audible
Be Unstoppable by Alden Mills Hardcover Audible
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Luci solar lanterns
Mountainsmith mountain back slingback chair
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Jason and Scot Show e-commerce podcast
Sales Calc iPhone iPad
Genius Scan iPhone iPad
Connect with Scott
Twitter: @scottohsman
Facebook: Scott Ohsman The Cairn Co
Website: TheCairnCo.com
Kristie tells us about growing up as an outdoor kid in Oregon and the work she's done to launch Oregon Youth Outreach and help more kids outside.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Kristie is an avid sky diver and recently launched Oregon Youth Outreach. She tells us about growing up as an outdoor kid in Oregon and the work she's done to launch Oregon Youth Outreach and help more kids outside. First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was I was born and raised in Portland Oregon and I probably had a pair of skis on my feet when I was two years old. I grew up on a lake sailing and canoeing and lots of acvities. We never went backpacking or camping. My parents weren't that adventurous. There's also no shortage of things to do up here which is why I'm back.
Things we talked about
www.oregonyouthoutreach.org
urban-nature-partners.org
https://www.vivenw.org/
www.soulriverinc.org/
www.eaglecreek.com
www.outdooroutreach.org
www.bigcitymountaineers.org/
Other Outdoor Activities
skydiving, cross country skiing, hiking and snowshoeing
Favorite Books
Unbound by Steph Jagger
I Love You, Send Money, by Jordan Alexander
Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
anything by Victoria Laurie
anything by Deepak Chopra
Apps
Infinite Abundance- Depak Chopra iPhone iPad
Hours Tracker- iPhone
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Northwest Forest Pass
Ex Officio Underwear
Connect with Kristie
Oregon Youth Outreach
Oregon Youth Outreach on Facebook
Australian Television Presenter & Producer, Adventure Addict and once upon a time Miss Australia tells us a wild story about how she helped her brother become the youngest Australian to climb Mt. Everest in 2005.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Australian Television Presenter & Producer, Adventure Addict and once upon a time Miss Australia tells us a wild story about how she helped her brother become the youngest Australian to climb Mt. Everest in 2005.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Oh I grew up in a very outdoorsy family and I have two older brothers too. You know the boys and I were always outside. I think in the 70s so it was definitely something that my parents put in the milk and we were always outside doing things growing up in Sydney in Australia. Its beautiful down here, incredible climate, so it's just a natural thing today. And then my first real adventure was actually when my brother came to my parents over dinner one night and said "I'm going to be the youngest trying to climb Mt. Everest." He had no mountaineering experience. I mean we live in a flat country. My parents to their credit said "well if you believe in that dream then how are you going to make it happen?" And as a young man he made it happen and I said to him age 19, well I'm going to help you. I've just finished school was between school and college. I put myself on a plane and at 19 spent three months living in Nepal and six weeks at base camp. That was my first real experience of adventure travel. Everything stems back to that trip.
Things we talked about
UnPlugged Project
Advice, tips
I think that authenticity of an experience, we really want to go out and hang out with people and to be part of their lives. So I think authenticity and experiential travel will be where it's at. I'm an ethical sustainable traveler as well. I think world is becoming far more conscious of our impact. So how can you know if you're going to get on a plane and travel how can you give back in a different way? How can you be sustainable? How can you leave footprints and nothing else and take away your memories but nothing else? I think people are becoming more and more educated. I think providing that service of sustainability will be rewarded for ethical environmentally sustainable travel. I definitely will pay extra for that.
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing, Bungee Jumping
Favorite Books
Yeah I like books so it's really hard to me to pick a favorite book because I spend hours in a bookstore. I hope that they never disappear from our planet. I think we can learn an awful awful lot from books but I don't have a favorite.
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Steri Pen
Eagle Creek Pack It System
Connect with Caroline
website- Caroline Pemberton
Facebook- Miss Adventure
This episode is with Stacy Bare from Sierra Club Outdoors. Stacy tells us about climbing an ant hill in Botswana and a project of his called Adventure Not War where he goes back to ski and adventure in all the places where he fought, cleaned up after war, or was supposed to go to war.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with Stacy Bare from Sierra Club Outdoors. Stacy tells us about climbing an ant hill in Botswana and a project of his called Adventure Not War where he goes back to ski and adventure in all the places where he fought, cleaned up after war, or was supposed to go to war.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
So right before two years old and my brother was probably six my parents moved the family to Botswana. My dad was an agricultural professor at the university just outside of Gaborone which is the capital of Botswana. I have this memory, I don't know if it's actually my memory or if it's just stories that have been told to me and I've seen the slideshow photos but I distinctly remember trying to climb up on top of a termite mound. These termite mounds are absolutely huge and I have memories of that. I got to know the Okavango and just doing some really cool stuff like that. Then my family moved us back to eastern South Dakota which is where I grew up. From about age four or five on I was in Brookings, South Dakota. Home of the South Dakota State University fighting Jackrabbits! The highest point in my hometown with a covered landfill and I was running up and down that little hill and then around the bluffs of eastern South Dakota on the big Sioux River. South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska was where I grew up and I spent a lot of time camping, running around and just being a kid and doing a lot of stupid stuff.
Things we talked about
The Sierra Club
Sierra Club Outdoors
Adventure Not War
Veterans Expeditions
Outward Bound
Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
Other Outdoor Activities
Favorite Books
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The White Spider by Heinrich Harrer
Open Midnight by Brooke Williams
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Thermarest Pro Lite Air Mattress
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Get outside every day
Sun Salutations- iPhone iPad
Mountain Hub- iPhone iPad
Connect with Stacy
Stacy A Bear on Facebook and Instagram
This episode is with Paul Petersen. Paul was one of the early members of PSIA, the Professional Ski Instructors of America and currently operates the Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company with his wife Dianne. If you ever find yourself on highway 4 near ebbetts pass be sure and stop in.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with Paul Petersen. Paul was one of the early members of PSIA, the Professional Ski Instructors of America and currently operates the Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company with his wife Dianne. If you ever find yourself on highway 4 near ebbetts pass be sure and stop in.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My folks were from Scandinavia, my dad was from the North mother was from Denmark. They were both skiers so we would go ski when I was about three years old. That's probably my first exposure to getting outdoors and playing in the mountains. As time marched on they had me in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Our Boy Scout troop was very active, we did 80 mile canoe trips and 60 mile backpack trips. That led to interest in rock climbing and things of that nature and and then I also sort of fell into cycling and as I became young man my parents supported me in that so I was well rounded.
Things we talked about
PSIA
Fisher
Rossingnol
Bear Valley XC Ski and Adventure Company
Columbia College
Climate Change
Advice, tips
The outdoor industry has all sorts of different career pathways. I've had my ski school director here who went on to run Ski Areas and he took on Rossignol and was the CEO and president then he went back to k2. Wherever you start whether it's working in a ski shop or repping for a company there are definitely opportunities that come up. Another buddy of mine Casey Sheehan, we did all sorts of cross-country skiing together and he's run a couple of small companies like Kelty and Patagonia. Now he's run a small brand up there called Keen. He also launched all conditions gear and he's just regular guy with door interests like us. But you stay smart about it and play your opportunities and don't be afraid to move around a little bit. There's some pretty good careers that come out of this industry and a lot of different ways to play it. You've got cycling and bike shops, you've got ski shops at resorts, you've got city shops. My brother worked for REI. All these well managed companies will bring you up and train you and put you kind of wherever you want to be. Just jump in and follow your passions.
Other Outdoor Activities
Cycling, paddling, snorkeling , surfing
Favorite Books
The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko (audio book)
Let my people go surfing by Yvon Chouinard (audio book)
Fatu Hiva by Thor Hyerdahl
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko (audio book)
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Lucie Lanterns
Bike lights
Connect with Paul
Bear Valley Cross Country
http://www.bearvalleyxc.com/
Sam Roberts talks about some of his adventures and the great he and the Friends of the Inyo do in the Eastern Sierra.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sam Roberts talks about some of his adventures and the great he and the Friends of the Inyo do in the Eastern Sierra.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Well I was lucky enough to have parents that just loved the outdoors and love to camp. So much so that when I was 3 or 4 my dad took a job working at a processing plant, the skeleton of which still remains near Owens Lake. We lived in a little tiny little hamlet called Cartego. It is a tiny little hamlet and if you blink on 395 you're gonna miss it. But actually my first memory is of sweeping snow off our driveway. We used to take walks through the desert there at the foot of the Sierra. So those first few years there were I think what set my path. I was four and five and then we moved back to Southern California to go to the schools there. I have vivid memories of being there and that was a tiny little place. Then that led of course to camping trips. I'll always come up to the Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra. That led to backpacking hiking and I had an uncle who liked to backpack and scramble up Peaks so he introduced me to that.
Things we talked about
Norman Clyde
Glacier Lodge
Smoke Blanchard
Palisade School of Mountaineering
John Fisher
Sierra Club
American Alpine Club
Ibex Expeditions
Allan Bard
Adventure 16
Friends of the Inyo
Winter Wildlands Alliance
Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Alliance
Advice, tips
First and foremost just get out you know, really get outside. Look to people like David Brower and John Muir, these guys are icons in conservation and they started by having these wild intense experiences outdoors and that just manifested itself. So I would say first and foremost get out, know sleep out in the dirt, live your outside for a while and see if it's really for you. It's not for everyone and if it is for you run with it. You don't even have live the dirt bag life. Come up to Mammoth get a hotel room and go on a hike, go to your local park. Just get out and like Bard said let a bird shit on you and get out where it's real, it'll change your perspective.
Other Outdoor Activities
backpacking
fly fishing
paddleboarding
Favorite Books
Flow. The psychology of optimal experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (audio book)
Barbarian Days. A surfing life, by William Finnegan (audio book)
The Rise of Superman, by Stephen Kotler
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Dynafit Guide Leash
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
This American Life
Connect with Sam
sam@robertsphoto.com
Sevag tells us how he and his team started The Parks Project to provide much needed resources to parks. It all began with a work day in a local park.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Sevag tells us how he and his team started The Parks Project to provide much needed resources to parks. It all began with a work day in a local park.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I was born in Turkey but moved here when I was like three and grew up in the Southern California area surfing, skating, snowboarding doing all that stuff. So that's where that background is from. My first job out of college was at O'Neil clothing. I got a job doing sales support and customer service. I didn't expect to be in apparel or outdoor clothing or anything like that. I just took it as a random job after I graduated I ended up loving it. We were having surf breaks at lunch and had a mini-ramp out front, it was great.
Things we talked about
Parks Project
Toms
Tim Ferriss
Santa Monica Trail Council
National Parks Foundation
Joshua Tree Conservancy
California Conservation Corps
Sierra Club
Grassroots Alliance
California Wilderness Coalition
Outdoor Industry Association
Other Outdoor Activities
Skateboarding
Camping
Favorite Books
SGB
Let my People Go Surfing- Yvon Chouinard (audio book)
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Topo Designs Backpack
Goal Zero Lantern
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Asana- iPhone iPad
Dropbox- iPhone iPad
Connect with Sevag
info@theparksproject.us
Katie likes to create – content, communities, and campaigns. Her preferred space for creation is within the outdoor industry and she has some great tips for all of us content creators.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
My parents have always really been adventurous, not necessarily outdoors all the time but they're super adventurous people. The only cruise I've ever been on was to Alaska when I was a kid. My dad used to drag me to Yosemite when I was like oh man I want to hang out with the neighborhood kids and ride our razor scooters. I'm from Miami so it was a very different exposure to the outdoors. There's so many people in the outdoor industry that I feel have these great stories of how they grew up you know with the mountains in their backyards. I still don't even know how to ski properly so I'm definitely very grateful for having come into this space kind of later in life. I was in college and started climbing at this gym Tallahassee Rock Gym in flat Florida but we went on a trip to go climbing and I mean that changed everything.
Things we talked about
Morning Fresh
Outdoor Advocate Network
OIA
Conservation Alliance
Advice, tips
I think that there's this overarching theme and and these actions that anyone can take. The first one you have to be part of this digital community it really is such a strong active community yet it's so important to be a part of it. Add your voice, it's amazing how many people I talk to you that are my generation or even older and they just won't do it, they just don't embrace it. Tt's like man come on you got to get with the program. I mean I get it whenever a new platform pops up or there's an update, I don't want to go change everything. SO what do is find what you enjoy. I also think that everyone can start checking out their analytics. It's super easy to just jump in and learn so much. You can learn when your audience is online most and cater your posting to that. You can learn who your audience is like where these people come from what cities they are from with a gender breakdown and age breakdown. It's so informative and I think it'll really shape the way that you produce content. Whether you're selling a product, a hard good or you're selling content, an idea or service, local or national building a community is so important. And it happens so organically on social, so there's like no excuse not to write.
Other Outdoor Activities
Favorite Books
old guide books
Best Gear Purchase under $100
National Parks Pass
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
hootsuite- iPhone iPad
Hotels Tonight- iPhone iPad
Yelp- iPhone iPad
Connect with Katie
@katieboue on all the socials
Jennifer tells us a great story about how she discovered the outdoors, moved to California and has become a multi sport outdoor enthusiast.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors
You know I'm from Texas and to be really honest I didn't do much in the outdoors. Our vacations consisted of going to see grandma and going to see my dad. It's a little bit embarrassing to say but I moved to San Francisco after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. You know it's hot in Texas, it's it's pretty sweltering but when I moved to San Francisco the day after I graduated college. I got there and just fell into a group of friends honestly if I back up I had like a personal awakening in San Francisco. I wasn't this this kid whose dad or mom took us outdoors. We went to the state fair that's about as far outside as we went. I just fell into a group of friends and both recreationally and politically I was awakened when I moved to San Francisco. From an outdoor perspective I found my religion I guess. That experience of 22 to 26 you know 27 being out there just really shifted how I defined myself. I met a group and they camped and they skied we mountain biked, rollerblade oh wow we just did everything outside. Getting my heart rate up it just made me feel good about me and good about my friends.
Things we talked about
Levi Strauss
Outward Bound
OIA
The Higg Index
Advice, tips
Two things I'm gonna say is stay connected to business objectives. Marketing is a part of the business you need to make sure that marketing is clearly linked to your business objectives. Then understanding your audience and making sure you're pinpoint specific on who you're trying to reach and listen to them and do research on them. Really understand your audience. Then when you do your marketing plan make it integrated. Make sure you're hitting your audience at many different angles. It's all about how many times you reach them and how often. You've got to get them in different ways.
Get engaged and get involved. If you care about something be it the outdoors or about child advocacy, whatever it is it will make your life more full by getting engaged and making a difference. There is no better time than now and we would love you to get engaged in the work of OIA.
If you have a great story shows collaboration to do really important work to move our industry forward I want to hear about it. I would love to get an email from folks. I also encourage you to go into our website and look at all the other stories, we have about 40 of them. We want to tell the story of the outdoor collaborator.
Other Outdoor Activities
running, hiking, biking and snow boarding
Favorite Books
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Mountain Vision by Jeff Evans
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Osprey Porter
Connect with Jennifer
jpringle@outdoorindustry.org
Tim tells us how he got hooked on the Outdoors and Adventure Travel and has some good career advice for those wanting to start and Outdoor or Adventure Travel career.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Tim tells us how he got hooked on the Outdoors and Adventure Travel and has some good career advice for those wanting to start and Outdoor or Adventure Travel career.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think you know I took a much different path than most. I literally had never backpacked, camped or spent a night outdoors in my life until I was 21 years old. I happened to be a senior at San Diego State and most of my time had been working on a business degree. I was, I think they called us yuppies back then, working towards a successful career and you know probably selling copiers or fax machines. I also happened to be on the soccer team and played soccer for SDSU for a few years. In order to to get my degree I need to take a couple of college electives. I remember trying to find an elective that was you know easy and fun and help my grade point average a bit. So I came across a class that kind of puzzled me, it was called wilderness and the outdoor experience. So I had no idea what that meant but it sounded easy and fun so I signed up for it. I remember going the first day and it was held in a large auditorium type room of about about 400 seats. I made sure to sit well towards the back so if if I wanted to get out of there I could. As I sat and watched our professor walked into the room, walked down the aisle and a small little dog followed him. It was happened to be a guy I think a lot of your listeners might know, professor Jeff Salz. He proceeded to tell a story about a trip that he and a friend and I think one other person had taken down to Patagonia to attempt an unclimbed route on Mt. Fitzroy. Again this is all brand new to me. He's showing slides of their snow cave they lived in for weeks. Now I hadn't been to a national park or anything I mean nothing. My dad was military US Air Force lived in England for a long time. I understood the family goes to a national park that's not even I don't know what we did, not digging my parents at all but just sort of the circumstance of the time and our family. So I'm now in this class watching Jeff tell this amazing story of just horrible conditions and this attempted climb and on the descent his best friend actually dies! I'm watching this going I want to do that, not die bit it was just so fascinating to me. So I was immediately absorbed and part of the class in order to get your grade you had to go on outing and write a journal about it. So again I'm watching these slideshows from various presenters and so ignorant. My very first outing, first time outdoors by myself I took a Greyhound bus, I think it was because my car wasn't running at the time, from San Diego to Lone Pine and and climbed Mount Whitney. I want to say it was it was probably August or early September. I didn't have any real issues, I was in pretty good shape. Well that's yeah so that sort of, that tees up the the next part of the story which is I had to rent the gear . So I looked around, in those days you looked in a phonebook you couldn't couldn't google it, but I looked in a phone book and found out about a store not too far from San Diego State called Adventure 16. I'll never forget that day, you know driving down and walking into the store. It was almost like a Wizard of Oz moment where you just walk inside this kind of nondescript building and all of a sudden there's a cabin in front of me, I'm listening to bird tapes and crickets and the smells of pine trees. There's an old dog and they've got campfire memories burning and I'm like oh my gosh this is amazing so that was my first exposure to the outdoors.
Things we talked about
Adventure 16
Mountain Travel-Sobek
Eagle Creek
EastPak
JanSport
Nike
Keen
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Advice, tips
I think you know me, hopefully these are opportunities for folks to learn and understand how different paths get you to where you are. There's not one right way. I've been very fortunate and ended up having terrific roles with great brands and a terrific family that's been very patient with me. When it comes to advice choose great companies, not only the companies that you'd like to work for but that you share interests with or appreciate what they're doing. I've been very fortunate and choosing great bosses. I always pay attention to that. Ricky Schlesinger and Steve Barker at Eagle Creek in the early days; Paul Delorey and Jim Thompson at JanSport; Peter Ruppe at Nike. Choose your boss wisely. Don't be afraid to bite off more than you can chew take risks, be bold!
Other Outdoor Activities
Glamping
Favorite Books
Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Coleman Comfort Cot
Eagle Creek Pac-It System
Connect with Tim
tim_mcguire@vfc.com
Shannon tells us how he became interested in Adventure Travel and has some good tips for anyone wanting to get into Adventure Travel.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Shannon tells us how he became interested in Adventure Travel and has some good tips for anyone wanting to get into Adventure Travel.
First Exposure to Adventure Travel
I would say my first exposure was actually through reading. I grew up as a suburban city kid in the Denver area and I was an avid reader of adventure stories. Authors like Jack London and John Steinbeck so I think that's really where my mind first kind of lit up around adventure travel. When I was 17 I was part of a group that went to Fiji to build a dormitory for a kid's camp so I got to live in a pup tent in outside of a small village in Fiji for three months. We had no bathrooms and no running water so we bathed in the river and used an outhouse and really got to hang out with a lot of the locals. It was an absolutely incredible experience.
Things we talked about
ATTA
ATTA World Summit
Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
Advice, tips
Two common entry points that we see are one: young people who get in by becoming a guide or working for an adventure travel company, which i think is a fantastic way to get started because you really get to see firsthand what it means to work in this industry. Either it's a guide or you know somebody who's helping create itinerary and you get that consumer experience.
The other and this is sort of fun and funny, is that people who are disaffected with the careers they've just gone on an adventure travel trip are thinking "I want to do this". We have numerous people who have come in and acquired companies or have done mid mid-career shifts. I know several CEOs who are former bankers, for example I know of a Wall Street banker right now who by night is building his adventure travel company and his goal is to to quit the bank. He said my bank work and my day-to-day life is black and white and the adventure travel work even though it's on nights and weekends is like living life in color. I love that. There are also professionals in our space, lawyers and financial people who have figured out how to find their niche in the adventure travel industry where they've combined their professional skill set with what they love to do, so those are those are the two common entry points.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking, Biking and Stand Up Paddling
Favorite Books
Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett
West with the Night Beryl Markham
Best Gear Purchase under $100
The Grayl
NRS hydroskin tops
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Slack iPhone iPad
Connect with Shannon
ATTA
adventure.travel
Deanne tells us how she got her start in the outdoors and the great work Camber is doing in the outdoor community including their terrific mentoring program.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Deanne tells us how she got her start in the outdoors and the great work Camber is doing in the outdoor community including their terrific mentoring program.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
There was about not much difference between my life outdoors my life indoors. We were playing outside all the time. I remember in the summer our screen door would slam and my mom would make it back by dinnertime. When I reflect on growing up I often say I didn't know the difference between public land and private land it just was in there, it was just all outdoors. We lived on a lake and went swimming, I rode my bike everywhere. We had snowmobiles, jet skis and I feel like I grew up in the outdoors. That said I am also very much a team sport sort of person. When I got to college I graduated from University of Nebraska Omaha and met someone who had grown up in Davis California. He was a climber and raft guide and he started saying you know there's this thing called rock climbing, so I would say that it was different the first time I went into the mountains. It was it was intimidating, I didn't know how to find a trail but I really did find that I started to very quickly really focus my life around my love for being outdoors and for the mountains and trail running. The outdoors is very much been a part of my life my entire life it's just becoming many different iterations.
Things we talked about
Adventure 16
Kern River Tours
Camber Outdoors
Camber Job Board
Camber Events (exchanges)
Advice, tips
I think there's a lot of ways that people can get in to be out there, especially young people. One is making sure that they stay active and pursue their passion, another great way to get involved in the industry and learn a lot about it is retail. I had a couple retail jobs at Mountain Sports in Boulder and Adventure 16 and I still have friends from that period. It doesn't matter which retailer you're at it is still a good way to get started. It is a great way to get to know people. I think applying for jobs that you're interested in.Camber has something called the exchanges and they're in cities all around the country. They are a great way for someone to come and learn about the industry.
Other Outdoor Activities
rock climbing
cross country ski
skate ski
trail running
Best Gear Purchase under $100
#3 Camalot
Brooks running shoes
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
NPR podcasts iTunes
On Being with Krista Tippett iTunes
Connect with Deanne
deanne.buck@camberoutdoors.org
Peter tells about a nice family tradition that was his first experience in the outdoors and the cool things he is doing with Suffer Better.
Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Peter tells us about a nice family tradition that was his first experience in the outdoors and the cool things he is doing with Suffer Better.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
we've continued this tradition where my dad took me and my brothers on a fly-fishing trip . We were able to go when we reached that ripe old age of 12. We went off into the wilderness for a week with him and some of his buddies. My brothers and I still do that with our sons only we go to go to the same place where we've gone for 50 years. We actually just got back and saw more bears than people which was a good thing.
Things we talked about
Gravity Sports Film Festival
Peace Corps
Spark
Suffer Better
Race Across America
Advice, tips
What I love this about this industry now is I think there's so many ways to get involved. First to me is you got to know somebody. I still think it's true that if you know somebody you should utilize that. I think those things make a huge difference. I also think people are more open to just showing up, going to somebody and saying look I'm interested in this and I want to do this. I think on the other side companies and people are more receptive to that and just sort of grab the bull by the horns and jump in. There are places like my daughter for example. She's 25, she's a trail runner and she's gotten into web development. She went to a good school and came out with a neuroscience degree but wasn't excited about those jobs so she's gone back and gotten into web coding school. Every industry needs that and a lot of them. I think if the industry is interesting to you there's a lot of ways to get involved and it doesn't mean you have to be this crazy outdoor focused person. There's a lot of ways to work in the industry in sort of those non-traditional ways too.They're more traditional to business but non-traditional to outdoor. I think those opportunities exist and I also think you put yourself out there. I think people are more able to do that now than they used to be. So I think the opportunities are there it's just putting yourself out there and and letting the world know what is interesting to you and that you have something to offer.
Favorite Books
Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko
The Hard Way by Mark Jenkins
Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Titan by Ron Chernow
After Jackie by Cal Fussman
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Petzl Tikka
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Garmin Watch
Connect with Peter
Suffer Better
This episode is with Marty Hiester. Marty tells us about his background with Adventure 16, GSI, starting peak 62 and now in Sales, Marketing and Product Development with Omega Pacific.
Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with Marty Hiester. Marty tells us about his background with Adventure 16, GSI, starting peak 62 and now in Sales, Marketing and Product Development with Omega Pacific.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
My first exposure to the outdoors was with scouting, I'm proud to be an Eagle Scout. At 11 years old I was in great troop were backpacking was a focal point. I had a shelter, a canteen, a mess kit and a pack back and really learned the basics of outdoor skills. I wouldn't be here today without that.
Things we talked about
Granite Stairway Mountaineering
Adventure 16
Sierra Designs
Marmot
Snow Lion
The North Face
Black Ice
Liberty Mountain Sports
OMC
Katadyn
GSI Outdoors
Peak 62
Omega Pacific
Red Rock Rendezvous
Advice, tips
the most important thing I think is that with a lot of these companies you get a chance to get exposure. As I look over my resume I've been so lucky to work with such a diversity of companies and get so much exposure to so many great things. One of the advantages of the outdoor industry is that people are friendly. I feel like when I describe our trade we see our tribe every six months, it's a hundred hugs a row! It's not a normal industry, it is like a high school reunion and I love that phrase. Because of that if you love the outdoors and you have that passion built in. You get your foot in the door learn all that you can, learn organizational skills, learn scheduling skills etc. People that can meet the deadlines and get it done are the most valuable people in these outdoor companies today.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking and Fly Fishing
Favorite Books
The Brand You 50 by Tom Peters
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Lifesaver Explorer water filter
Hydro Flask a 40 ounce wide mouth with a straw lid
Apps, Tools, Podcasts
Mac OS iPhone iPad
The Candid Frame iPhone iPad
Macbreak iPhone iPad
lynda.com
YouTube
Connect with Marty
@MartyHiester on the socials
martyhiester.com
Brian and I talk a little fly fishing biz and what its like to work with National Accounts such as REI.
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Sierra Designs exec Stephen Barnes tells us how he got exposed to the outdoor industry and his experience as a product leader and independent sales rep.
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Conservation Alliance Executive Director John Sterling tells about how he got his start in the outdoors, the great work done at the Conservation Alliance and how you can help support our public lands.
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We talk about how she got started in the outdoor biz, her outdoor career and her thoughts on building brands and connecting consumers to brands via passion. Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Please rate and review HERE
Jeff and I talk about first exposure to the outdoors, his retail and repping career and the great activities provided by Big City Mountaineers.
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I recently caught up up with Beau Johnston of Living Overland Journal and Toyota Cruisers and Trucks at Outdoor Retailer. We talked about a different element of the outdoor business as Beau tells us about this works with Toyota and the great content his team creates for the Living Overland blog.
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Hydro Flask VP of Sales Mike Wallenfels tells us about his first jobs in the outdoor biz, how Mountain Hardwear got started and some of the other interesting startup projects he is involved with. Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Please rate and review HERE
This episode is with OIA Executive Director Amy Roberts. Amy gives her perspective on Outdoor Retailers last show in Salt Lake and the move to Denver. We talk about the public lands issues facing us today. Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Please rate and review HERE
This episode is with Rumpl Founder and CEO Wylie Robinson. Wylie tells us how he got into backpacking and camping as a kid and the great story about Rumpl got started. Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Please rate and review HERE
Hey guys, this episode is with David Deioma. David recently launched mudroom backpacks. We talk about how he got the inspiration for mudroom and the challenges starting and operation a new brand. His outdoor career and how he’s has bounced between the outdoor biz and a career in finance. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is with Kenji Haroutunian. Kenji has a distinguished career in the Outdoor Biz. He currently runs his firm Kenji consults and is President of Friends of Joshua Tree and on the Access Fund board. We talk about his career and the battle for public lands. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is with Jim Moss. Jim has been helping outdoor recreation, adventure travel, race and event companies and manufacturers navigate legal issues for years. Jim tells us how he got into outdoor recreation law, we talk about his recent book, his involvement with Boy Scouts, risk management in recreation and much more. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is with Bob Woodward. Bob has had a first row seat witnessing the growth and development of the Ski and Outdoor Industries. In this episode he tells how he got interested in the Outdoors and we talk about his nordic career, the Poly Party Days at SIA and a much more. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is with Jim Thomsen. Jim and his brother Greg are two of the pioneers of the outdoor industry. We talk about how he and Greg wound up owning The Mountain Shop, one of the first outdoor retail stores in So CA, how Wilderness Experience began and Jim’s experience with JanSport. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is with Ted Ganio. Ted has recently taken on a new role with Vista Outdoors and has gone from traipsing around China visiting factories and suppliers to traipsing around the US visiting factories and suppliers. We talked about the difference between US and Asian manufacturing and some of the cool new products and processes he’s learning about. It was interesting to his take on the differences between Asia and US manufacturing. Facebook Twitter
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Today I’m speaking with Dave Best. We had a fascinating conversation about a wide variety of topics related to the outdoor biz, his athletic career, how his love for sports set the stage for his recruiting and coaching business and much more. Dave operates The Best Group out of Missoula Montana. In 11 years of recruiting he has witnessed first hand a variety of employment cycles. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Todd Walton, Todd is the Director of communications & Marketing at Snow Sports Industries of America. In this conversation, we talk about his brief but fun Radio career, how his retail experience and outdoor adventures set the stage for his Outdoor Biz career and much more. Be sure to check out his best gear purchase under a $100 too, I bought one! Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Jeff Sheets. Jeff and his team make up Trailhead Sales and Associates, an Independent Rep agency in California, Arizona and Nevada. Some of the brands they represent are Eagle Creek, Adventure Medical Kits, Hydrapak, McNett, and Farm to Feet. Facebook Twitter
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The episode that you are about to listen to is with my good friend Geoff O’Keefe, he and I worked together years ago at A16. Geoff has held roles with American Recreation Products, Mountainsmith, Lowe Alpine Systems, and Patagonia. He was one of the original members at Planet Outdoors, one of the first online retailers in the first coming of the .com era. Geoff is now a partner at New Normal Consulting and operates his personal project O’Keefe Woodworks. In this conversation, we talk about his career experience, how he “stumbled up” the career ladder and had a ton of fun along the way. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Maura Kistler. Maura is the buyer and one of the owners at Water Stone Outdoors in West Virginia. In this conversation we talk about how she got into the outdoor biz, her love of paddling and all the cool things going on at Water Stone Outdoors. There is a 2-3 second dead spot where we lost connection for a bit but you don't miss anything. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Andy Palmer. Andy and his wife Lori are the founders of The Adventure Portal, a terrific resource for everything related to Vehicle-Assisted Adventure information and news in the U.S.A. Andy made a mindless comment to a buddy one time about getting paid to camp and he has just about pulled it off. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Fynn Glover. Fynn is the founder and CEO of RootsRated Media. In this conversation, we talk about his Division 1 Soccer career, how he brought RootsRated to life and how it has grown from a media company to a software company. His story of how he went from “what to build” to building RootsRated into content delivery and then evolving towards software is fascinating. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Serena Bishop Gordon. Serena is a Professional Cyclist and Program Director for The Conservation Alliance. We talk about her finance education, her brief time working with Enron and how she got involved with Adidas and The Conservation Alliance. Facebook Twitter
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This episode is my conversation with Mike Glavin. Mike tells us about his background in the outdoor biz and his learnings about launching his new project zenbivy bed on kickstarter. He had the design and development experience from his years in the outdoor industry and as we find out, kickstarter was an entirely new learning process for him. His learnings about how we sleep and why mummy bags are not for everyone is very interesting. Facebook Twitter
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This next episode is my conversation with Mary Maliff. Mary has been a recruiter in the outdoor biz for a few years and also has tons of outdoor experience including river guiding. In this conversation we talk about her recreation background, how she became a river guide and how she got her first job in the outdoor biz. Facebook Twitter
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Amy has a diverse Industry background, her experience includes roles as a buyer for Any Mountain and Peter Glenn, Director of Soft goods sales with Burton and now operates her Coaching business Take Aim From Within. In this conversation, we talk about she got into the outdoor biz, her buying career and how she transitioned into Coaching. Facebook Twitter
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Jeff Sermak is the National Sales Manager at Eagle Creek and on the Outreach Committee at the Conservation Alliance. He is doing great work at Eagle Creek and has a funny fish story for you. Facebook Twitter
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Shannon has had a terrific outdoor career on the PR side of things. In this conversation, we talk about how she got interested in the outdoors her first outdoor job, river rafting and guiding and I think we’ll learn about a new career direction for her. Facebook Twitter
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Welcome to The Outdoor Biz Podcast where Each week on The Outdoor Biz Podcast you’ll hear genuine conversations with Outdoor Industry Insiders, Iconic founders and leaders from brands like JanSport and Fishpond, Sales Reps from Outdoor, Bike, and Ski, Industry Recruiters, Executives, and many others. They talk about their careers, tell inspiring stories, and offer advice and direction on the path you can take to get your job in the industry and grow your Outdoor Career. Hosted by Author, Speaker, Adventurer, and industry insider Rick Saez. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts.
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Stephen has built a solid career as an Outdoor Lifestyle and Landscape Photographer. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him when I was a Product Manager. His clients include National Geographic, Cascade Designs, Backpacker Magazine, Kelty and a slew of others. We had to deal with a Skype crash in the middle of this but don’t worry, you didn’t miss any of the good stuff.
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The episode you’re about to listed to is my first podcast interview. Good thing I recorded it with my good friend Allan Pietrasanta. Allan has been an eastside resident here in Bishop since he walked out the door on graduation day from UCLA. We talk about his path to the outdoors, some of the politics related to the outdoor biz and plenty of other good stuff.
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