KORE Outdoors Podcast

The one and only Kelli Jones joins host Christian Rawles to talk about how she's grown Noso Patches from creating a patch to repair her beloved puffy jacket to a thriving business on a mission to keep outdoor apparel out of the landfill. Kelli has been instrumental in creating the Title 9 Pitch Fest and has worked hard to support and advocate for other female founders in the outdoor industry.This conversation covers how Kelli puts the 'show' in trade show, how she decided to go all-in on Noso, growing a business in a mountain town like Jackson & the work Noso is doing to keep outdoor apparel going for longer.Show Notes:Learn more about KORE OutdoorsNoso Patches websiteNoso Patches on InstagramGoggleSocTraction book & the EOS SystemRocky the RocketConnect with Kelli on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Andy Bethune has spent his career developing brand and marketing strategies for the biggest names in the outdoor industry and founder-led startups just getting started. In this episode, Andy breaks down the components of branding and provides actionable steps to creating a clear brand strategy.This conversation covers topics such as consumer psychology, branding fundamentals, marketing strategies for startup brands, and what the outdoor industry can learn from the hunting industry.Andy is the Principal Strategist and Founder of Black Ram Consulting. Show Notes:KORE OutdoorsOrigin Agency Stone GlacierGritty FilmsFirst Light / Meat EaterConnect with Andy on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

In this episode of the KORE Outdoors podcast, host Christian Rawles talks with Rob Owens, the founder and president of Onward Up Sales and Marketing, an outdoor sales agency in Western Canada. Rob shares his journey from a sponsored climber and mountain guide to building a successful sales agency representing top outdoor brands. The discussion covers the crucial role of sales reps, strategies for early-stage brands, and the intersection of alpinism and entrepreneurship. Rob provides valuable insights on commitment, self-awareness, and risk management, all critical elements for thriving in the mountains and in business. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone involved in the outdoor industry.Show Notes:Learn more about KORE OutdoorsOnwardUp Sales & MarketingOutter Limits SaskatoonJack TackleMark Twain quote Storm CareLearn more about wuwei

In this episode of the KORE Outdoors Podcast, host Christian Rawles talks with Dan Durston, founder of Durston Gear. Based in Golden, British Columbia, Durston Gear is renowned for its innovative ultralight backpacking gear. The discussion covers valuable insights on product innovation, inventory management, and authentic marketing within the outdoor industry. Dan also emphasizes the importance of nurturing a passionate community and staying true to core values while leading a product-driven company.Show Notes :KORE OutdoorsDurston GearSlow ProductivityMontana Knife CompanyZenBivyAlpacka RaftsThermarestFounders Podcast

Jen Loofbourrow is the founder of Alpine Fit, an Anchorage-based brand focused on making functional outdoor apparel. As the name suggests, Alpine Fit has created multiple fits for its apparel so that customers can find the perfect size for them.In this conversation, we discuss the challenges that come with creating multiple fit styles and how this is an advantage that smaller brands have over larger ones. Jen talks about her experiences working for Lululemon and how the different seasons of her career prepared her for launching Alpine Fit.Links:Alpine Fit WebsiteAlpine Fit on InstagramLearn more about KORE OutdoorsConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Wylie Robinson is the co-founder and Chairman of Rumpl. Up until November of 2024, Wylie was the CEO of Rumpl. In 2024, Wylie stepped down as CEO and brought in Josh Simpson to be the General Manager of Rumpl.This conversation covers the early days of Rumpl, building a brand, riding the wave of changes in social media, balancing the wholesale and e-commerce channels as well as how to build a team.Show Notes:Jeremy Koreski Old Growth photo Shawn Palmer - mountain bikerRumpl's original Kickstarter page with iconic imageRumpl websiteRock Fight podcast episode with Wylie Robinson & Josh SimpsonLearn more about KORE by visiting their websiteConnect with Wylie on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Bill Amos is the Founder & CEO of NW Alpine based in Salem, Oregon. NW Alpine has been producing technical outdoor apparel in the US since 2010. For many of those years, NW Alpine produced everything in-house and was the contract manufacturer for several other brands.Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:How alpinism prepared him for entrepreneurship Starting a USA-made brand in response to the 2008 financial crisisLessons learned from starting, growing and eventually closing a factoryWhy manufacturing in the US is critical for the future of the economyLearn more about NW Alpine and see their gear: NW AlpineLearn more about KORE: KORE OutdoorsConnect with Bill on LinkedIn:  Bill AmosConnect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian RawlesWant to get in touch? Send an email: christian@koreoutdoors.org

Lloyd Vogel is the CEO of Garage Grown Gear, the online retailer that has become the go-to site for ultralight backpacking gear as well as the place to discover new brands and craft gear makers.Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:The Importance of Differentiation: Why specialty retail needs to focus on unique, valuable, and convenient offerings.Taking Risks to Stand Out: How embracing lesser-known brands can lead to success in the outdoor industry.Lessons from GGG’s Journey: The role of strategic partnerships and supporting vendors with innovative solutions like small loans.Building a Thriving Audience: Tips on leveraging giveaways, email lists, and existing communities for growth.Long-Term Focus vs. Trends: Why following trends can be risky and how to ensure your brand evolves with the market.Advice for Founders: Lloyd’s tips for outdoor entrepreneurs on making impactful moves and focusing their energy where it matters most.A Changing Landscape: Lloyd’s thoughts on the current reckoning in outdoor gear retail and what it means for small businesses.The KORE Podcast is a production of KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. You can learn more about KORE here.Want to get in touch? Email us at koreoutdoorspodcast@gmail.comShow Notes:Garage Grown GearSenchi DesignsVirginia Foothills DesignsInbox When Ready - email inbox managerLight Phone - mobile phone Lloyd usesYou can connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn: Lloyd VogelYou can connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian Rawles

Brendan Madigan is best known for his role as the owner of Alpenglow Sports, an independent outdoor retail shop in Tahoe approaching its 50th year of business. But Brendan's real superpower is his ability to build communities.Brendan also runs the Winter Speaker Series which will hit $2 million raised for local charities in 2024. He's the co-owner and race director of the Broken Arrow Sky Race as well as the co-founder of TrailCon. Here are a few of the topics that Brendan discusses in this conversation: How he is building a community of customers through Alpenglow Sports and the events that he runs Why specialty retail shops have a responsibility to give back to their communityHow trains and retains longterm staff at AlpenglowThe important role that challenger brands play in the outdoor industryLinks to things mentioned in this episode:The Act of Listening with David Isay Raide ResearchDPS SkisStart With Why by Simon Sinek

Cam Brensinger is the founder and CEO of NEMO Equipment, the outdoor equipment company renowned for its innovative tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags. In this episode, Cam shares some of his mountaineering adventures that led him to start NEMO. He also tells the story of spending 12 years and $10 million before reaching profitability and how he's continued to buy out investors on his way to building a family-owned brand that will last for decades. Other topics in this episode include: * The bravery that comes from ignorance * How adventure brings out the best of us* The benefits of being a privately-owned company* Patiently growing NEMO with close to zero ad spend* Why ‘how we do things’ is more important than ‘how much’* Vision and values as guardrails * The importance of having people who will challenge you* Lateral and linear design processes