Retail therapy. Not what you think...I've been in a "career eddy" for the past few months and working at a core outdoor retail shop (exactly how I started in the outdoor industry 30 years ago). It's been a fantastic reset - chop wood, carry water - and journey for me personally and professionally to focus on what's exactly in front of me and leave attachment behind. Retail therapy isn't always shopping. Hear me out...
Over the past few months I've had quite a few interactions with customers asking how I got here and why I'm working retail. I explain #career #change #retail and I'm amazed to see them process it:
They open up about their work / life balance, what they thought they were doing with their career, at home, in the outdoors, with family, why they made decisions they did, what they hoped would come next, why they chose the path they are on, and what they saw as their current status.
In every one of these interactions, especially after being honest about how I got here, they paused. You could see the wheels turn and watch them evaluate their position and what they might change.
And yes I'm ready to get back into my career flow state. Experiencing my own version of retail therapy with customers is another part of what makes retail work. You can't get that online.
Outdoor Blogger Summit
Planning is in full swing for the upcoming Outdoor Blogger Summit and I'm excited to be a part of the steering committee for this year's summit. We are busy tapping new speakers and looking for people who can fill the "what do people want to learn and grow" and "what are attendees going to get the most out of" categories.
The OBS has been a must-attend event for brands wanting to get involved with this outdoor blogger community, bloggers wanting to crack into the outdoor space, seasoned writers and more. Last year, as the DJ and an attendee, I learned more about how to start a podcast, different aspects on how bloggers are using content, branded content, social media best-practices and more.
GO. You will not regret it. Early bird registration is LIVE!
Get Your Ears On Spotify
Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up with two musical parents, I jumped in with both feet. First as an appreciator, but then learning to play guitar and sing. I've been in a number of bands and still play every chance I get. Come see me at the Outsider's Ball at the Outdoor Retailer show in Denver. As part of the All Star Band for the music showcase at the show, I'll be at Your Mamma's House in Denver on night 3 - and as a member of the BD Band, too!
But I digress...
As a radio DJ, I got to play what I wanted and what listeners wanted on a show I called The Skyway. It's a nod to the air space from the song by The Replacements...one of my favorite bands (saw them live in 1989). I played roots, rock, Americana, blues and pretty much whatever the hell I wanted with some loyal listener requests thrown in. Since I'm not behind the airwaves in the form of a DJ mic, I've created a Spotify channel, so jump in and enjoy these playlists.
Oskar Blues Launches in Idaho
January 2014 brought the re-introduction of craft brewing's finest and original micro-brew in a can to Idaho. We worked with Oskar Blues and the local distribution partner to help bring the brand back via events and public relations outreach. As spring rolls around, look for more grassroots outreach for their REEB brand bikes and events to promote new flavors, tap availability and more fun than you can shake a stick at here in Idaho.
Adventure Bicycle Trip - Eastern Idaho
Working with the State of Idaho Tourism, we pedaled for over 150 miles in Eastern Idaho via rails-to-trails, Forest Service roads, double-track and only a fist-full of paved miles. The idea was to show media not just an amazing time on the bike, but showcase Idaho's burgeoning adventure bicycle scene. Fitzgerald's Bikes in Victor, ID via the Bike Tender showed us quite a time. Promoting bicycle tourism has been a fun project for all of us and creating trips accessible to anyone was challenging, but very worthwhile
36 Hours of Boise By Bike
Over a long weekend recently, we had the opportunity to host a number of writers in our hometown of Boise to experience all this amazing city has to offer. By bike. Along with the Idaho Tourism, we showcased the diversity of our capital city from nights out to see Shakespeare performed in an outdoor theater and enjoy seed-to-table dinners in beautiful orchards, to down-and-dirty mountain biking on easily accessible trails, our guests had the opportunity to do and see a bit of everything. The overall opinion of the weekend: Boise is an incredible place for adventure and a perfect destination for a weekend getaway, easily explored by bike.
Give Idaho, Spring Edition
What better way to spring into the warm months of the year than with a celebration of the places where we love to play? Idaho Mountain Touring was awarded Patagonia EnviroBucks from the manufacturer through a special retailer program to be given to local nonprofit organizations at the choosing of IMT. IMT chose to support The Nature Conservancy - Idaho, Idaho Conservation League, and Land Trust of the Treasure Valley and the awards inspired a second, spring edition of our Give Idaho event.
Give Idaho
Just over a week ago, The Walton Works and Idaho Mountain Touring celebrated the launch of the GIVE IDAHO campaign with the Boise community.
GIVE IDAHO was inspired by Idahoans’ collective love for the Gem State that we have felt and seen within our community. It was inspired as well from the belief that preserving Idaho’s environment will strengthen the state’s economy.
Beacon Prep For The Season
With Arapahoe Basin already open for the season to the delight of many Coloradoans (and to the jealous envy of every other snow hound across the country not close enough to enjoy it), and snow falling with frequency at upper elevations, we are eagerly perched at the edge of our seats ready to dive into the season.
Wall sits and plyometrics, waxing and edging, packing away swim trunks and unpacking wooly socks, upgrading gear; as we prepare for endless turns and to sniff out secret stashes, its also time to refresh our skills for safety in the backcountry.
Norway
What Cranks Your Tractor?
Rendezvous
In about one month, guess who will be in Las Vegas for the Mountain Gear Red Rocks Rendezvous? That's right...this guy. Last year I had the honor of being the MC for the event, presenting amazing climbers, being the face only radio can love behind the mic to keep everything rockin' and rollin' at the scene. This year, I'm looking forward to doing something similar and perhaps getting a little climbing in as well.