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

Instagram

Facebook

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.

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.

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.

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.

Show Notes

Tell us about your background Jon?

Mike tell us about your background.

What brought Envoy and Locally together?

Jon, tell us about Envoy

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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

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Facebook

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.

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

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.

OMBRAZ launched a new sunglass line after a pair of outdoor aviators snapped on a camel safari in the Thar Desert.

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! 

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!

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.

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:

Linkedin

ATTA website

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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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You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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

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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.

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.

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.

Life Coach and Outdoor Guide Kai Roche talks about Guiding, Outdoor Degrees, Wilderness Therapy, and more from Puerto Rico.

Show notes

Villa San Carlos

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

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.

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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You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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:

Facebook

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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

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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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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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 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.

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/

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.

Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, and Share!

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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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I'd love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: email: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com​

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:

Email 

Website

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.

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

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

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

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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.

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.

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

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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I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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 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 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.

Brought to you by

Show Notes

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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You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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:

Instagram

Linkedin

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

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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.

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.

Joel Hartter Director of the Masters of the Environment graduate program at CU Boulder talks about leading the new Outdoor Recreation Economy Program.

Amit Jaipuria joins me from Postcard Travel. Amit 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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]

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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You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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

Instagram

Facebook

X(Twitter)

Follow up with Tiffany: tiffany.smith@camberoutdoors.org

Tiffany: Linkedin

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. Creating meaning over meeting expectations – Colleen shares how she discovered her true purpose by following her own values instead of traditional definitions of “success.”
3. 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

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast

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You can contact me here:  rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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.

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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Sign up for my Newsletter ​HERE​

I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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

IG, FB, LNKN, TWT, YouTube,

Website

Be Good Foundation

Shop Rebecca Rusc Collections

Discount code: ODBIZ15

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 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. 

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 and empowering brands to SEE their products like never before and retailers to SELL like never before.

Brought to you by

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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

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Takara BMX Bike

First 10 speed

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Moxie - Monoshock

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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Show Notes

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

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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.

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.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ricksaez.com/listen/

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.

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]

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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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.

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

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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.

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.

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)

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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.

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

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:

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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]

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

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.

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!

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/

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.

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

Jennifer tells us a great story about how she discovered the outdoors, moved to California and has become a multi sport outdoor enthusiast.

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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I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

 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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Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share!

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I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here:  rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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

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.

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

LinkedIn

Twitter

Instagram

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.

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.

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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Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE

I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here:  rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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.

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.

10Adventures founder Richard Campbell explains how they share the best human-powered adventures on earth.

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.

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

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

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)

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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Love the show? Subscribe, ​rate, review, and share!​

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I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

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.