Oia's Audio Outdoorist

In this episode, you’ll hear from OIA’s Executive Director Amy Roberts. This is the second in a series of quarterly installments to keep our members updated about our projects, initiatives and general industry happenings.   We spoke with Amy over Skype to talk about the many achievements, developments and headlines that have dominated the association’s focus since January 2017. As a reminder, OIA’s work focuses on three foundational pillars: policy, participation and sustainable business. You can read more about them and the work we do in those areas on our website outdoorindustry.org. In this episode, we focus heavily on policy work, especially as it relates to America’s public lands and outdoor recreation, as well as the developing news around the twice-a-year industry trade show, Outdoor Retailer.

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    Ever wonder how CEOs of big outdoor brands started their careers in the outdoor industry? We talked to Casey Sheahan of Keen and Peter Metcalf, formerly of Black Diamond, to find out. Turns out in this line of work, leadership is about more than business savvy and work ethic. Peter and Casey are utterly respectful and personally dependent upon public lands. They infuse that sentiment into every business decision they make. If you want to know authenticity in the outdoor industry, you need to know Sheahan and Metcal

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    Kim Miller, CEO of Scarpa, and Don Bushey, owner of Wilderness Exchange Unlimited, have been friends, climbing partners and colleagues for, let’s just say, a while now. Their love of the outdoors and the collaborative outdoor industry cemented their career paths early on. Listen in as they chat about the importance of being outside as kids, their career paths and the collective power of the outdoor industry. Kim and Don demonstrate that through collaboration, our industry as a whole can do more so much more than a

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    What’s the most important ingredient to a sustainable outdoor industry supply chain? According to Valerie Presolly and Vik Sahney, sustainability gurus at MEC and REI, respectively, it’s collaboration. Vik and Valerie demonstrate that our industry as a whole can do more so much more than a single company or individual can do alone. That is the concept behind our new campaign and our strategic vision: Together We Are A Force.   Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collabora

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    The Renewal Workshop may be a newcomer to the outdoor industry, but its founders—Nicole Bassett and Jeff Denby—are mainstays in sustainable apparel manufacturing. Toad&Co, headed up by Gordon Seabury, is one of the first outdoor companies to sign on as a brand partner with Renewal Workshop to make sure that their damaged, used or excess product doesn’t end up in a landfill. Hear about their collaboration to positively influence the end-of-life cycle of outdoor apparel. Gordon, Nicole, and Jeff demonstrate that tha

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    Getting kids outside. It’s the future of the outdoor industry and, in the end, it’s what we should all be striving for. Beaver Theodosakis, the founder of prAna, has focused his time as an Outdoor Foundation board member on programs like Parks4Kids to get young people like Ella, Ella and Emme (dubbed the 3 Es by their parents) outside. Listen in as the 3 Es talk about what inspires them and why they just plain old love to get outside.   Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster coll

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    Today you’ll hear from three of those individuals. One of them is Conrad Anker, a world renowned alpinist and captain of The North Face Athlete team. The other two, Tsedo and Pema, are the daughters of Sherpa Adventure Gear founder, Tashi Sherpa. The outdoor industry has gained so much from the people and the landscape of Nepal, and we’ve recognized that it’s important to give back collaboratively. Tsedo, Pema, and Conrad demonstrate that that through collaboration, our industry as a whole can do more so much more than

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are ALREADY working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.    Today you’ll hear from two of those individuals: Stacy Bare and Kevin Rosenburg. They are both U.S. veterans - Kevin from the Navy and Stacy from the Army - and wildly passionate about the therapeutic power of the outdoors to set you right, mentally and physically. After serving our country, they found themselves lost as they returned to civilian life. One saving grace for both? The outdoors. Stacy and Kevin demonstrate that that through collaboration, our industry as a whole can do more so much more than a single comp

Between 20 and 30 years ago, outdoor specialty retail shops began popping up around the country. Owned and run by passionate outdoorists, these stores became institutions in their towns and communities. Over time, some of them were swallowed up by bigger companies or went out of business, but many of them thrived. Now, though, owners are aging out and inching up on retirement with no built-in plans for succession. This episode will address: How and when to create a succession plan for your business Common mistakes store owners make and how to avoid them Examples of outdoor shops who have/are successfully setting themselves up for succession Episode guests: Bob Wade, Ute Mountaineer Carolyn Crook, Pack Rat Outdoor Center Jim Smith, Mountain Chalet Membership in OIA comes with a host of business benefits including preferred partnerships with law firms, HR specialists, insurance providers and other experts who can help you plot your next step. Visit outdoorindustry.org and click on Benefit

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.   Today you’ll hear from three of those individuals -  They’ve watched the industry grow and mature, and they’re fiercely committed to protecting it. They’ve joined the voices of their organizations: OIA, Outdoor Alliance and Conservation Alliance to advocate for public lands. The only thing that rivals their love of the outdoors is their love for public policy. They are Alex Boian, Adam Cramer and John Sterling, and they demonstrate that through collaboration, our industry as a whole can do more so much more than a sing

In 2016, we conducted an extensive series of interviews and surveys to find out how OIA—the outdoor industry’s membership trade association—can best support outdoor companies. What we learned is that our members see us as a convener—the unifying entity best equipped to galvanize the industry around three important issues: policy, participation and sustainable business. We then identified individuals who are already working to move the needle on those issues within their respective companies.   Today you’ll hear from two of those individuals. They are colleagues, friends, climate warriors, and outdoorists. They’ve been all over the world, from the offices of politicos in D.C. to the vast, sweeping landscape of the Artic to advocate for the protection of the outdoors. They are Gareth Martins and Lisa Pike Sheehy and they demonstrate that through collaboration, our industry as a whole can do more so much more than a single company or individual can do alone. That's the concept behind our new campaign and our str

As evidenced by an open letter from more than 200 CEOs to the incoming Trump administration, the outdoor industry is 100-percent aligned on the importance of protecting our public lands. The letter, which is available on outdoorindustry.org, states:  “It is an American right to roam in our public lands. The people of the United States, today and tomorrow, share equally in the ownership of these majestic places. This powerful idea transcends party lines and sets our country apart from the rest of the world. That is why we strongly oppose any proposal, current or future, that devalues or compromises the integrity of our national public lands.” There is no doubt our industry stands united for public lands. However, as we’ve seen over the past month, there are a range of opinions about how best to respond when those public lands are threatened, as they have been by policymakers in Utah. You’ve likely been following the recent news and the passionate debate surrounding the Outdoor Retailer trade show—whether it sh

Why hasn’t your company adopted the Higg Index to evaluate your supply chain? Perhaps you’re not sure how to get buy-in from your executive team to invest in the tool. Maybe you think you lack the internal human and budgetary resources. Or you’re afraid the tool’s built-in score sharing could expose internal business practices to competitors or could reflect poorly on your brand. Or maybe you think the various tools you’ve been using to internally audit your supply chain are sufficient. The people you’re about to hear from faced these same questions and challenges before they began using the Higg. But they and their companies recognized the value and the imperative of an industry-wide, standardized tool for measuring and benchmarking corporate responsibility. They are among the early adopters and biggest proponents of the Higg Index. Over the next hour, they explain why. If this doesn’t convince you, consider this: For a limited time, Outdoor Industry Association is subsidizing the cost of registration for al

As the retail landscape shifts and as consumer behavior shifts, it’s important that your in-store brick-and-mortar merchandising and display strategy shift with it. B&M stores have a lot of advantages over online retailers, and there are ways to leverage those when presenting your inventory to shoppers. This episode will first address high level merchandising strategy then delve deeper into specific topics: what outdoor specialty retailers can learn and apply from other retail categories and how to link in-store merchandise to digital channels, even without e-commerce. Episode guests: Robin Enright Salcido from Merchandising Matters - http://merchandisingmattersnow.com/ Judy Bell from Energetic Retail - http://www.energetic-retail.com/ Jill Nickels from Gensler - http://www.gensler.com/   Links from episode: Under Armour Brand House case study - https://outdoorindustry.org/article/a-sure-fire-way-to-boost-holiday-sales/#articles,case-studies,marketing,retail Shop Association - http://www.shopassociation.

This is the first in a series of quarterly updates from OIA's Executive Director, Amy Roberts. Amy speaks to our members about OIA's 3 pillars (policy, participation, sustainable business), how the election results will impact the industry, a change in trade show cycle, and the transforming retail environment.

“The outdoor recreation industry enjoys bipartisan support and OIA excels at working with both parties. Republicans and Democrats alike recognize the power and longevity of the outdoor recreation economy. We look forward to working with President Trump and his team to communicate that message and get to work on the many issues facing our industry.” —Amy Roberts, Executive Director of Outdoor Industry Association In this episode, we speak with Alex Boian, Cailin O'Brien-Feeney, Rich Harper, and Jessica Wahl from OIA's Government Affairs team. How will a Trump presidency impact the outdoor rec economy, our public lands, and international trade? What newly elected members of congress are champions of the outdoor industry? What state- and local-level policy has us most excited? Listen to our 2016 Election Analysis to find out. 

There’s more to setting up an insurance plan than getting property and theft protection for your store. For example, shops have to protect themselves from liability when renting ski or bike equipment. What insurance do you need when hosting an event? What about when you ask an employee to participate in an outdoor activity where he/she could get hurt?    In this episode, we speak with Rob Martin, director of Outdoor Sports Insurance (a program from Horizon Agency, an OIA vendor partner). Rob will comment on the unique insurance needs of outdoor retailers and give advice on how they can best protect themselves. Joe Butler of Black Creek Outfitters and Bob Wade of Ute Mountaineer also chime in with their experiences.   Relevant links: Rob Martin: (952) 914-7165, rob@horizonagency.com Outdoor Sports Insurance - http://www.outdoorsportsins.com/ Ute Mountaineer - http://www.utemountaineer.com/ Black Creek Outfitters - https://www.blackcreekoutfitters.com/  

For any small retail business, finding, interviewing and hiring good employees can be a challenge. For specialty outdoor retail, it can be even trickier because you want/need to find employees who are not only capable of the work tasks but who also exude passion and authenticity for outdoor products and activities and who reflect your store’s vibe. We often remark that great outdoor shops are convivial, communal hubs/gathering places. They’re about so much more than the transactions at the register. The personnel in the store and in the backroom are key to maintaining that community.   Show guests include Ponch Membreno of Toad and Co. (www.toadandco.com), Lori Kleiman of HR Topics (http://hrtopics.com/), and Nicole Leinbach Reyhle of Retail Minded (https://retailminded.com).    

Outdoor specialty retailers are very unique among retail operations because they do so much more than sell products. They offer education and community events, they support recreational programs at local schools and parks, they often interface with local government on issues related to outdoor recreation, and they are general hubs of engagement for outdoorists in a town/city. Community engagement is a huge part of developing a strong reputation and loyal customer base. This episode focuses on best practices for: Creating unique and impactful community events/programs Partnering with brands/suppliers on in-store or local promotions and events Local advocacy—how retail shops can lead efforts to promote recreation and conversation. Why is it important for shops to be the voice of these efforts in a community? Show guests Darren Bush, Owner and Chief Paddling Evangelist at Rutabaga Paddlesports John Mead, Owner and President of Adventure 16 Deek Heykamp, Owner of Next Adventure

Darren Josey, North American marketing manager at Polartec, sits down with Audio Outdoorist at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2016. In this interview, Darren discusses how Polartec works with brand clients to produce fabric in the locations where the customer cuts and sews. This reduces shipping costs, shipping times, and currency risk. We also talk to Darren about the "Made in America" movement and how it is the responsibility of both brands and consumers to understand and communicate the message. Polartec's headquarters are in Lawrence, MA, where they continue to pioneer leading fabric technologies – category defining fabrics – used in the most challenging environments around the globe.