Casey Shaw is a product designer who has played an important role in outdoor apparel design and fabrication through his work at Cloudveil, Arcteryx and Patagonia. There’s a good chance he has contributed directly or indirectly to one of your favourite pieces of outdoor apparel.

This episode is a wide-ranging conversation about how Casey approaches product design, how he thinks about innovation and the stories behind some of his favourite projects. He truly is a polymath and this conversation barely scratches the surface of his wide-ranging interests and skill sets. Here are just a few of the interesting topics he covers in this conversation:

* Why climbing is the best activity for testing apparel

* Tuning racing motorcycles & sound frequencies

* Designing for a very specific activity leads to better products in general

* Using cleverness (instead of money) to solve problems

* The story of creating the Atom LT for Arcteryx

* Working for Yvon Chouinard

* Designing the worlds best down parka

* Having a process for problem-solving

* Measuring is as important as making

* The theory of comfort

* Risk with discretion can be a tool

* Finding the sublime balance in life and innovation

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Eoin Comerford was the CEO of Moosejaw Mountaineering for 12 years, from 2012 to 2024. During his time at the Michigan-based outdoor retailer, he launched many new initiatives including the Outdoor Accelerator, a topic discussed in this episode. He also led Moosejaw through an acquisition by Walmart and, later, by Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Eoin is currently an advisor to, and investor in, early-stage outdoor brands. He is the Principal at Outsize Consulting where he spends his time advising founders and working with retailers and investors in the outdoor industry. A few of the topics covered in this episode are:

• Three things every founder should focus on
• The advice Eoin gives every founder he works with
• Pitfalls to avoid when raising investment capital
• How to create a plan to profitability

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Greg McDonald is the General Manager of Ridley’s Cycle, an independent bike retailer with three locations in Calgary and a very successful online store. Greg is also a board member of the National Bike Dealer’s Association and, prior to Ridley’s, he was a sales rep in the outdoor and bike industry.

In this episode we discuss the current situation in the bike industry and the challenges many retailers and brands are facing. We learn about some of the issues that led to the situation as well as some potential solutions. We also get into the details about how brands can better support retailers through improved sales programs and partnerships that create win-win situations at every level of the industry.

Eleven years ago Ryan Popov began Popov Leather as a passion project, hand-crafting wallets on his dining room table during nights and weekends. Since then, his company has shipped over 120,000 orders through Shopify and it now employs over 20 people at a workshop in Nelson, British Columbia. 

The latest episode of the KORE Outdoors Podcast is a deep dive into e-commerce and digital marketing. Ryan has turned his focus on learning as much as he can about running a successful e-commerce business and he’s a wealth of knowledge. With host Christian Rawles of Ambler, he discuss digital ads, where to start with email marketing, the importance of customer reviews, and the most important hire he made that helped fuel his growth.

Louis-Julien Roy is the Founder & President of Mountain Exposure, a sales agency in Western Canada serving both the outdoor and cycling industries. Mountain Exposure is also the Canadian distributor of Ibis Bikes. 

In this episode, we discuss the role of sales representatives and best practices for early-stage brands to work with reps. We dive into the tactics of selling your products to retailers and the art of relational selling. This episode is full of actionable advice on how to sell your products in the outdoor and bike market.

This episode is hosted by KORE board member Christian Rawles.

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer are the wife and husband partners behind Bivo, the performance hydration company that hit the market in 2020 with the first-of-its-kind stainless steel water bottle built specifically for cycling.

Hosted by Christian Rawles, co-owner of Ambler Mountain Works, this episode of the podcast touches on the R&D that went into creating a stainless steel bottle which outperforms a plastic squeeze bottle, their grassroots tactics to build a following before even creating a product, the heartbreak of a faulty first production run, the power of live events to find your customers and much more.

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Raquel Vélez is the founder and CEO of Alpine Parrot, a company that makes technical outdoor apparel for sizes 14-30, which, until now, has been a category that the outdoor industry has all but ignored. Raquel has a background in engineering and she used her experience working with Bay Area tech companies to springboard her journey into entrepreneurship. In this conversation, she breaks down how apparel patterns are made and why previous methods for creating plus-size apparel didn’t work. She also discusses the important role that mentors, peers and her time in accelerator programs have played in keeping her going through turbulent times.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Georgia Grace Edwards is the co-founder and CEO of outdoor apparel brand Gnara. She is a driven business person who has raised millions of dollars for her company by winning pitch competitions and winning over investors. 

Gnara is well-known for its patented Go Fly zipper technology, which allows women to pee outside without removing clothing. They produce their line of apparel, like the popular Go There Pants, as well as license their Go Fly technology to other brands.

In this episode, Georgia Grace talks about the power of pitch competitions, how to grow customer loyalty by being transparent, and why solving a real problem is the best inspiration for facing the challenges of growing a brand.

Gnara has recently launched a second Kickstarter campaign for its Go Free Leggings.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Alex Lauver is the Senior Director of Materials, Innovation and Sustainability at Outdoor Research. As his title implies, he operates at the intersection of multiple disciplines. He works on projects that bring innovation to market as well as on the  operations side of the business. It's a position that requires the ability to take complex topics and explain them in a way that makes them easy to understand.

In this episode, Alex discusses the role that innovation can play in product development and how to foster innovation within an organization. He shares his perspective on sustainability within the outdoor industry as well as the challenges we face moving to a more circular economy. He also gives an overview of PFAS substances, what they are, and how new regulations will change the way technical apparel is manufactured.

You can read more about Alex and some of the insights from his work on linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lauver/

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

James Friedrich is a senior merchant at Mountain Equipment Company and a consultant at his firm Venturing Up. James has experience on the brand side as well as on the retail side, which provides him with a unique perspective. In this episode we learn how to position your product in the market, the importance of the value equation, how to price your product and how to work with retailers to have successful sell-through of your products.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Robin Hall is the co-founder of Town Hall Outdoor Co, based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, which produces high-quality, sustainable outdoor apparel for kids.

In this episode, we talk about utilizing in-person events to gain traction as a new brand, working with co-founders to bootstrap the business and the importance of finding the right retail partners to work with.

Robin loves the outdoor industry and helping other up-and-coming brands grow. She is a founding member of the “Rural is Rad” movement, which helps shine a light on the brands that are being started in smaller communities.

You can learn more about on their website townhallco.com and you can connect with Robin on LinkedIn.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Wes Allen owns Sunlight Sports in Cody, Wyoming with his wife, Melissa and both are advocates for strengthening the outdoor industry through independently owned retailers and brands.

Wes has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in the outdoor industry: he's worked in sales at REI and Chaco and he's president of the US-based Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, a community of independent outdoor specialty retailers and brands.

This episode is full of actionable advice for smaller brands looking to grow in the outdoor industry. Wes explains omni-channel selling, which is using all channels and platforms to offer products and services to prospective clients, and why he believes it is the best way for both brands and retailers to succeed. He also tells us why we should be cynical about big, publicly-traded companies if we want the outdoor industry to survive, and he gives us some excellent tips brands can incorporate to improve their selling to retailers.

Aside from appearing in this podcast, Wes regularly shares his experiential insights through industry publications and public speaking events. You can find his writing and follow him on LinkedIn.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Mallory Ottariano is the founder and Chief Everything Officer at Youer Apparel. She started her brand as a creative side project making one-of-a-kind apparel and has grown it into a full line of active lifestyle apparel for women.

Today, Mallory owns her own factory in Missoula, Montana where they produce thousands of pieces of apparel every year. Mallory has been a vocal advocate for domestic manufacturing and has grown her loyal customer base by being transparent about what it takes to run an apparel business and the costs associated with producing apparel in America.

In this episode, we talk about what it takes to get a brand started, her struggle to find reliable factories, and how her loyal customers funded her expansion to start her own factory.  She tells the story of how she turned a horrible experience pitching her products to REI into a viral social media video and how she has grown her brand without spending a dollar on advertising.

Mallory has utilized social media to organically grow her business. You can find her on Instagram and learn more about Youer on their website.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Jamie Bond is one of the founders of RUX, the Squamish, BC-based innovative gear storage brand. In this conversation, we learn about how he and his team took RUX from an idea to a reality through a successful Kickstarter campaign. We dive into the do’s and don’ts of running a crowdfunding campaign, how to grow an early-stage e-commerce company and the importance of building a brand as well as innovative products.

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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 Outdoors
• Noso Patches website
• Noso Patches on Instagram
• GoggleSoc
• Traction book & the EOS System
• Rocky the Rocket

Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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:

• Origin Agency 
• Stone Glacier
• Gritty Films
• First Light / Meat Eater

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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:

• OnwardUp Sales & Marketing
• Outter Limits Saskatoon
• Jack Tackle
• Mark Twain quote
• Storm Care
• Learn more about wuwei

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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 :

• Durston Gear
• Slow Productivity
• Montana Knife Company
• ZenBivy
• Alpacka Rafts
• Thermarest
• Founders Podcast

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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 Website
• Alpine Fit on Instagram

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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 biker
• Rumpl's original Kickstarter page with iconic image
• Rumpl website
• Rock Fight podcast episode with Wylie Robinson & Josh Simpson

Connect with Wylie on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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 crisis
• Lessons learned from starting, growing and eventually closing a factory
• Why manufacturing in the US is critical for the future of the economy

Learn more about NW Alpine and see their gear: NW Alpine

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn:  Bill Amos

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian Rawles

Want to get in touch? Send an email: christian@koreoutdoors.org

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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.

Want to get in touch? Email us at koreoutdoorspodcast@gmail.com

Show Notes:

• Garage Grown Gear
• Senchi Designs
• Virginia Foothills Designs
• Inbox When Ready - email inbox manager
• Light Phone - mobile phone Lloyd uses

You can connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn: Lloyd Vogel

You can connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian Rawles

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

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 community
• How trains and retains longterm staff at Alpenglow
• The important role that challenger brands play in the outdoor industry

Links to things mentioned in this episode:

• The Act of Listening with David Isay
• Raide Research
• DPS Skis
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

In this episode, Christian sits down with Bill Amos, founder of Northwest Alpine, to talk candidly about his decision to close the company after 15 years. Bill shares what went into making the call, the relief that followed, and he reflects on what he's learned through the experience. From the challenges of sustaining a U.S.-made apparel brand to the pressures of demand, cash flow, and retail consolidation, Bill offers unfiltered insights on the hard truths of entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the future of domestic manufacturing, why demand matters more than margin, and what independent retailers and small brands need to survive in a changing market. This conversation is an honest look at the other side of building a brand—the moment when stepping away is the wisest choice.

Episode Highlights

• The decision-making process behind closing Northwest Alpine and how Bill felt after the announcement.
• Why demand, not margin, is the biggest driver of viability for small brands.
• Lessons from running a U.S.-based manufacturing business—and why Bill still believes in its future.
• The current state of outdoor specialty retail, the REI problem, and what independents need to thrive.
• Why direct-to-consumer is increasingly expensive, wholesale is tough, and what founders can do to find a "third way".
• The importance of in-person connection, founder-led storytelling, and community-driven growth.
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build U.S.-made outdoor brands—and why Bill says to “wait five years.”
• What’s next for Bill as he takes on a new role leading apparel development at Spiritus Systems.

Learn more about KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear and keynote speaker at the upcoming KORE Summit, returns to the podcast for a timely conversation about leading a growing business, why ultralight backpacking has become backpacking and the future of independent outdoor retail.

Episode Highlights:

• The personal evolution from doing everything to leading everything — how Lloyd shifted from solopreneur to CEO.
• Garage Grown Gear’s framework for saying “no” to good ideas to make room for great ones.
• Why ultralight backpacking isn’t a niche anymore—it’s becoming the new norm in outdoor retail.
• The importance of staying deeply connected to your brand’s purpose and resisting horizontal sprawl.
• How independent retailers can win by creating spaces of discovery, not sameness.

Links:

• Connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn
• Garage Grown Gear
• Adotec Gear (bear bags)
• Derek Sivers - "Hell Yeah or No"
• Norda Run
• Huckberry
• Nathan Barry - Skyscrapers vs. Strip Malls
• Nemo Hornet
• Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody 0.5
• Justin Outdoors YouTube channel

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

In this episode, Christian talks with Tony McWilliam, founder of Faction Skis, about the realities of starting and scaling a product-focused brand. Drawing from his design background, Tony shares how design thinking helps with branding, problem-solving, and decision-making. He dives into the risks of expanding too quickly, the importance of staying focused, and why early-stage founders should do every job themselves. They explore the value of deep relationships with factories, retailers, and mentors and candid advice on margin, funding options, and building a sustainable business. A must-listen for outdoor industry entrepreneurs navigating the messy middle of brand growth.

Episode Highlights:

• Why design thinking is a powerful framework for brand building and problem-solving.
• The three pillars every business needs: Product, Demand, and Distribution.
• What founders should not outsource in the first few years.
• Why deep relationships with factories are more valuable than chasing the cheapest quote.
• Candid advice on margin: it matters, but not at the expense of long-term success.
• The importance of mentorship, community, and asking for help in the early stages.

Links:

• KORE Outdoors 
• Tony's Website: The Woods Agency
• Candide Skis
• Forward Outdoor Apparel
• Faction Skis
• Db Journey
• Black Crows Skis
• Looking Sideways Podcast with Db Journey founder Truls Brataas

Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise and is supported by the Province of British Columbia. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

In this episode, Heather Kelly, founder of Heather’s Choice, shares the raw, real story behind building her food company from scratch. She talks about how outdoor adventures shaped her confidence, what she learned from raising early-stage capital, and the emotional toll of nearly going bankrupt. Heather also reflects on her Shark Tank appearance, the big move from Alaska to Oregon, and why she’s choosing to scale her business her way. This is a conversation about ambition, resilience, and staying grounded in your values even when the pressure to grow fast gets loud. If you’re building something, this one’s for you.

Topics We Cover

• The tension between growth, authenticity, and maintaining control in founder-led businesses
• How adventure and time offline influence entrepreneurial resilience and creativity
• The reality of startup funding: lessons from angel investment and Shark Tank
• The evolving mission and market of Heather’s Choice—from outdoor meals to everyday solutions
• The bold move from Alaska to Oregon to scale manufacturing and build a sustainable future

Learn more about KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise

Links:
Heather's Choice
Proper Hotel - Austin
Profit First - book

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
Connect with Christian on LinkedIn
Christian's website

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

This episode is a conversation with Dawson Westeknsow, a seasoned product leader in the outdoor industry who has held key roles at Thule, REI, and Oboz Footwear. Now working as a professional EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer, Dawson shares the principles of EOS and how it can dramatically improve leadership, structure, and clarity for businesses—especially those in the outdoor industry.

Key Topics:

Dawson’s Journey into Outdoor Product Management From sales at a power tool company to leading product at REI and Oboz, Dawson’s entrepreneurial spirit found a home in product roles that mimicked running mini-businesses within larger organizations

Discovering EOS
Dawson was first exposed to EOS while working with a founder-led outdoor brand facing leadership dysfunction. The system helped untangle issues by introducing clarity, structure, and accountability.

What Is EOS?
EOS is a simple, proven framework to help business owners get what they want from their business by focusing on:
Vision – Clear goals and a roadmap to get there.
People – Right people in the right seats.
Data – Running the business on facts, not feelings.
Issues – Identifying and solving problems at their root.
Process – Systematizing key operations.
Traction – Ensuring day-to-day execution aligns with long-term goals.

Why EOS Works for Small Outdoor Brands
EOS helps create the kind of business where founders can finally take a vacation—because everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and is actually doing it. It’s especially powerful for companies with fractional or remote teams.

Real Results
From smoother product launches to founders finally stepping out of the daily grind, Dawson shares stories of transformation that make a compelling case for EOS—even (or especially) for companies under 50 employees.

Links & Show Notes:
KORE Outdoors

The EOS Vision/Traction Organizer

Books mentioned:
Traction
What The Heck is EOS?

Connect with Dawson:
Dawson's website
Dawson on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian:
Christian's website
Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Tina Thompson, co-founder of Seniq, joins us to talk about the deeply intentional process behind launching a new kind of outdoor apparel brand. From obsessing over product development to creating grassroots buzz without paid influencers, Tina shares the highs, lows, and learnings from Seniq’s first year in business.

Topics We Cover:

• The origin story of Seniq and what makes it different
• Prioritizing product over marketing—and why that’s working
• Building relationships instead of transactions with early customers and ambassadors
• The emotional toll and self-discovery of being a founder
• The role of strategic partners and angel investors
• What's next for Seniq’s product expansion and retail growth

Links:

• Seniq
• Seniq Ski Collection launch video
• Tina's blog post - Advice Worth Ignoring: Building a Startup on Gut Instincts
• Anna Wintour's Masterclass
• Founders Podcast about Todd Graves of Raising Canes

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

This episode features a deep dive into the evolving world of outdoor content creation, brand partnerships, and community building with Aaron Lutze, former Red Bull field marketing manager turned full-time content creator and YouTuber behind "Super Rider." The conversation is rich with insights on how challenger brands can effectively partner with creators, the value of long-term brand relationships, and the future of media in the outdoor industry.

Aaron shares his journey from being an OG trials rider and VHS tape producer to his corporate career at Red Bull, and his eventual return to content creation. He explains his belief in building value and community over time rather than chasing viral hits. Central to his philosophy is the idea that content is king, but distribution is queen. He discusses the challenges and rewards of building a YouTube channel from scratch, his dream of reviving the Japanese trials show "Super Rider," and why authenticity and long-term partnerships are key for brands working with creators.

The conversation also explores field marketing, the art of creating "double secret handshakes" to unlock hyper-local opportunities, and how brands can connect meaningfully with communities rather than simply imposing their agendas.

Show Notes:

• Aaron's YouTube channel: Super Rider
• Aaron's podcast: Second Nature 
• The Second Nature Slack channel
• The Infinite Game - book by Simon Sinek
• Influencers vs Content Creators - interview with Patrick Crawford
• Six at 6 newsletter by Billy Oppenheimer 

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

In this episode, Cassie Abel, founder and CEO of Wild Rye, joins the podcast to share the real story behind building a women-first outdoor apparel brand rooted in the mountain town of Ketchum, Idaho.

Cassie opens up about the early chaos of launching Wild Rye, including a flawed first product run, a last-minute brand name change, and the realities of navigating co-founder dynamics. She also talks through the years-long process of expanding into snow outerwear and what it means to lead with intuition in a data-driven industry.

This conversation covers decision-making under pressure, the challenges of raising capital and the unique energy that comes from building a brand with heart. It’s a candid and insightful episode for anyone curious about what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business in the outdoor industry. 

Show Notes:

• Wild Rye website
• Second Nature Podcast with Cassie
• Title Nine Pitchfest
• Women-Led Wednesday
• Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

Cassie on LinkedIn

Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Pete Day of Mosko Moto reveals what it takes to build a premium adventure motorcycle gear brand from the ground up. He explains why product quality is the foundation of everything, how they design for hardcore users who demand maximum utility, and the balance between innovation and accessibility. 

Pete shares insights on maintaining premium status while staying within reach of working riders, building community through 50+ annual events and multi-day riding experiences, and growing his Instagram to 90K+ followers. The conversation ends with Pete's definition of success and why the interesting path beats the efficient one every time.

A few topics from the episode:

• The product-first philosophy: "Nobody wants to be in your community if your product sucks"
• Designing for hardcore users: maximizing utility for riders who push gear to its limits
• The danger of detaching into an "ivory tower" of premium pricing and exotic materials
• Why Mosko attends 50+ events annually and hosts multi-day riding and camping experien
• Growing a personal Instagram following to 90K+ while staying authentic to the sport

Links
Mosko Moto
Pete's Instagram @moskopete
Kuiu
Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Dusty Lizard campout

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Mike Blarowski, co-founder of Pinkbike and Shopify expert, joins the KORE Outdoors Podcast to unpack what he calls the Shopify Advantage—how outdoor brands can simplify e-commerce and build businesses that support their lifestyle. From early lessons at Pinkbike to helping founders optimize their online stores, Mike shares practical insights on using Shopify effectively, creating high-converting email flows, and adapting to the future of AI-driven search. This episode is a field guide for makers and entrepreneurs who want to grow online without losing their connection to the outdoors.

• What “the Shopify Advantage” means for outdoor brands
• Common e-commerce mistakes and how to fix them
• Using email automation to convert visitors into loyal customers
• How AI is changing SEO and online marketing
• The best apps for your Shopify store

Learn more about KORE

Links to what was mentioned on this episode:
Iceberg Commerce (Mike's E-commerce Agency)
Pixel Union Themes
Google PageSpeed Insights
GT Metrix
SparkLayer
Klaviyo
Copy That copywriting course
Copy Posse

Shopify Apps:
Locksmith
Judge.me
Gorgias
MyWorks
BetterReports
KNO Commerce
Matrixify

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Cristina Ashbaugh, co-founder of Yardsale, shares how they reinvented the ski pole by adding magnets and modular design—starting with taped-together prototypes in her San Francisco apartment. With no industry experience, she and co-founder Kelly McGee launched their business unconventionally: through NYC subway ads, cold-calling ski shops as a "student researcher," and a rehearsed Shark Tank pitch that secured an investment from Kendra Scott.
Cristina discusses tactical strategies, including DIY PR that landed Fast Company coverage, managing wholesale complexity with customizable products, why they're running their own fulfillment instead of using a 3PL, and expanding beyond ski poles into bags and technical apparel for the "90% of skiers."

Learn more about KORE Outdoors

Links

• Yardsale website
• Yardsale's Substack (Behind the scenes of building the brand)
• See their NYC subway ads & truck ads
• Watch their Shark Tank episode
• South Park documentary about their creative process: 6 Days to Air
• Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Darren Rayner has been shaping how brands tell stories online for more than two decades. As the founder of Magnafire, a Vancouver-based creative agency working with Red Bull, Arc’teryx, and Lululemon, Darren shares how his early days running a snowboard apparel brand gave him a unique lens on content long before “content” was a thing.

In this episode, we trace his journey from spray-painting t-shirts and hacking video streams in 2001 to leading a team producing some of the most effective short-form content in the outdoor industry today. Darren breaks down why short videos outperform long ones, how brands can use the “content pyramid” to stretch their budgets, and why founder-led storytelling matters more than ever. It’s a practical, inspiring conversation for any entrepreneur who wants to use video strategically without overcomplicating it.

Learn more about KORE Outdoors

Highlights from the conversation:

• Darren’s apparel brand and the ahead-of-its-time content strategy that helped them grow
• The shift from long-form to short-form video and how brands adapted
• Magnifier’s “content pyramid” framework for efficient content creation
• Founder-led storytelling and building trust through transparency
• Brand vs performance marketing budgets (70/30 approach) and evolving funnels

Connect with Darren on LinkedIn
Connect with Christian on LinkedIn

Links to things mentioned in the conversation:

• Magnafire
• Zendaya x On Running - Zone Dreamers
• Satisfy Running - I Think I Saw You On My Run Today
• Liquid Death's YouTube Channel
• Gucci short film starring Demi Moore & Edward Norton 

For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.