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OIA's Audio Outdoorist

Dig deep into the issues facing outdoor brands and retailers, from domestic vs. international manufacturing to brick-and-mortar vs. online commerce. Conversations with CEOs, VPs, supply chain reps, retail clerks, marketing gurus and an occasional celebrity outdoorist offer valuable insights and entertainment about the business of playing outdoors.
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Now displaying: 2017
Aug 23, 2017

In early 2017, OIA announced an enhanced suite of member benefit partnerships in six key business channels, including finance operations and marketing sales. These benefits provide valuable tools to OIA members to improve their operating efficiencies and bottom lines. These vetted and trusted partners understand the outdoor recreation landscape and share the outdoor industry’s values.

Today we’re talking to Randy Norris, segment manager, and Lisa Berghaus, communications manager, with Monadnock Paper Mills. These two help their clients find or develop paper products that meet their needs. “Paper?” you might be asking. “What does that have to do with my business?” Well, take a minute to think about any and all of your printed materials. If you’re a brand, that might include catalogs, look books, direct mail, product hang tags, packaging and merchandise displays that you provide to your retail partners. If you’re a retailer, it could include brochures, shopping bags, price tickets, store signage and gift cards. Long-committed to green initiatives and sustainability, the nearly 200-year-old family-owned company believes that responsible forestry and paper production benefits any industry that relies on woods and waterways.

Monadnock has set itself apart by helping companies make purchasing and sourcing decisions that support a whole-brand sustainability mission. Whether your company already has a sustainability mission that includes paper-purchasing guidelines or you’re looking for a place to start your sustainability work, Monadnock is an ideal partner. Not only do they help on the front end, they offer up-to-date information on the entire paper lifecycle, including disposal and recycling, via a free Field Guide -mpm.com/fieldguide/ - available in print and online.

You can learn more about Monadnock Paper Mills at mpm.com

You can learn more about the other OIA member benefit with Monadnock at oia.outdoorindustry.org/monadnock

Aug 16, 2017

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. 

Jill Domain, the CEO of Bluesign, David Labistour, the CEO of MEC, and Thomas Chiu of Everest Textiles are represent links in Mountain Equipment Co-op’s sustainable supply chain. Each person and company plays a role in making sure that fabrics used for MEC’s outdoor apparel are responsibly made and procured. And it’s not always the easiest process. Listen as they get in depth about why they choose to work in sustainable businesses, and why collaboration is the key to a clean supply chain.

Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.

Aug 16, 2017

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. 

Tom Adams, as the director of the Utah Office of Recreation, and Ashley Korenblatt, as the CEO of Western Spirit Cycling, are both undeniably vested in the success and promotion of the outdoors as an economic—and fun—driver in Utah. Listen in to their behind-the-scenes conversation about why they got into the industry and the importance of protecting the outdoors.

Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.

Aug 16, 2017
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. 
 
Sustainable supply chains. They’re all the rage these days. So, what’s actually in the making of a sustainable, transparent supply chain? Peter Duke, Point6 socks founder and Craig “Smitty” Smith, business development manager at PGG Wrightson Wool, weigh in on their approach to creating a sustainable wool supply chain and the importance of doing so.
 
Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
Aug 16, 2017
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. 
 
We’ve all heard the stereotype: "The outdoors is for old white guys." James Edward Mills, a freelance journalist and photographer, and Jose Gonzalez, founder of Latino Outdoors, are out to change that perception, one outdoor experience at a time. Together, they’re a force for diversity in the outdoor industry, and they’re not stopping until the demographics of the outdoor recreation population reflect those of the American populace.
 
Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
 
Jul 10, 2017
In early 2017, OIA announced an enhanced suite of member benefit partnerships in six key business channels, including finance & operations and marketing & sales. These benefits provide valuable tools to OIA members to improve their operating efficiencies and bottom lines. These vetted and trusted partners understand the outdoor recreation landscape and share the outdoor industry’s values. Today we’ll be featuring Fidelitas Development in our Partnership Profile. We'll hear from their CEO, Tyler Sickmeyer, about an event they are hosting at outdoor retailer, search engine optimization, pay per click advertising, and more. 
 
You can learn more about Fidelitas Development at fidelitasdevelopment.com/OIA
 
You can see events at Outdoor University at Outdoor Retailer here - https://outdoorindustry.org/events/oia-outdoor-retailer/
 
You can learn more about other OIA member benefit partnerships at outdoorindustry.org. Just click on the Membership link at the top of the page. 
Jun 21, 2017
In early 2017, OIA announced an enhanced suite of member benefit partnerships in six key business channels, including finance & operations and marketing & sales. These benefits provide valuable tools to OIA members to improve their operating efficiencies and bottom lines. These vetted and trusted partners understand the outdoor recreation landscape and share the outdoor industry’s values. One of those brands is Apogee Digital Media, and in today's Partnership Profile, we feature Apogee’s, director of revenue, Kate VanHee. Listen in as Kate talks about how Apogee is helping brands and retailers enhance and scale their digital presence.
 
 
You can learn more about Apogee at http://apogeedigital.media.
 
You can learn more about other OIA member benefit partnerships at outdoorindustry.org. Just click on the Membership link at the top of the page. 
Jun 7, 2017
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.
May 25, 2017
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 Metcalf.
 
Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
 
May 25, 2017
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 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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
 
May 25, 2017
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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
May 25, 2017
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 that through collaboration, 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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
 
May 4, 2017
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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
May 4, 2017
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 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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
May 4, 2017
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 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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
Apr 18, 2017

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:

  1. How and when to create a succession plan for your business
  2. Common mistakes store owners make and how to avoid them
  3. Examples of outdoor shops who have/are successfully setting themselves up for succession

Episode guests:

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 Benefits of Membership to learn about our partnership program.

Apr 15, 2017
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 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 collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
 
Apr 15, 2017
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 strategic vision: Together We Are A Force.
 
Want to learn more about these individuals and the work OIA is doing to foster collaboration throughout the industry and to catalyze change? Visit outdoorindustry.org/outdoorist to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and our Audio Outdoorist podcast.
Feb 16, 2017

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 should stay in Utah or leave. To be sure, it’s a complicated issue. In today’s episode, we talk with OIA’s executive director, Amy Roberts, about the outdoor industry’s response to the state of Utah requesting that federal protection be removed from bears ears be national monuments.

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