Podcasts about outdoor recreation industry

For those of us who live here, Michigan is a wonderful place to get outdoors. Whether it's the great lakes, skiing, hiking or ice fishing, we have plenty to feed our adventurous spirit. But did you know Michigan has a robust outdoor INDUSTRY business ecosystem? Joining Chris to share the efforts of Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office is their Executive Director, Brad Garmon!

When you think of fast-growing industries in Idaho, you might think of tech businesses or agriculture. But one of the fastest-growing industries and job markets is fish and wildlife.

Author Luis Benitez chats with Sun writer Kevin Simpson about his book ""Higher Ground: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save the World"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we're sharing some hopes about the future of the now trillion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, the RV industry, and more. Plus, the Cybertruck range extender underwhelms, and perhaps the worst national park idea we've ever heard of.  IMPORTANT LINKS:  For all the links to today's episode visit https://RVMiles.com/302 Become an RV Miles Mile Marker member at https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers Sign up for our weekly Road Signs newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist Support our Sponsors: *Visit L.L. Bean to find your next great piece of gear: https://llbean.com *Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com *Download the Parkwolf app for Apple devices here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parkwolf-u-s-national-parks/id1596595516 *Learn More about Lectric E-Bikes at https://lectricebikes.com

Today – Jason Blevins catches up with Colorado's leader of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, Conor Hall, to talk about the state's role and investment in recreation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With unmatched natural assets and a community intimately engaged in the outdoors, Western North Carolina is the outdoor industry hub of the east, and in 2021 a campaign was launched to develop a regional brand that celebrates and grows the outdoor industry across 24 counties. Today, that campaign has blossomed into a full blown partnership called MADE X MTNS (Made by Mountains). In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Amy Allison, Partnership Director, to talk about how MADE X MTNS is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina's Appalachian region.The Partnership includes Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC, Mountain BizWorks, and the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, as well as numerous stakeholders including regional universities, rural communities, economic development, and conservation organizations. Mentioned In This EpisodeMADE X MTNSOutdoor Business AllianceENONC Outdoor Recreation Industry OfficeSylvan SportMike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal

Episode 397 with Greg Mazu, Chief Encouragement Officer of Singletrack Trails. Singletrack Trails was born in 2004 and has evolved into six different ventures. Over that time, Greg has shifted Singletrack from a boutique trail construction company to a multi-faceted outdoor recreation development firm. And Greg has shifted his focus with the company as an owner-operator to their Chief Encouragement Officer. Facebook Twitter Instagram   The Outdoor Biz Podcast   Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!   Sign up for my Newsletter HERE.   I'd love to hear your feedback about the show!   You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com   Or leave me a message on Speakpipe! Brought to you by Thrive Market Show Notes Things we talked about: The Ventures of an Opportunistic Entrepreneur 00:02:32 Mountain Biking and the Evolution of Trails 00:07:05 The benefits of working through a nonprofit 00:09:50 Building Trails with Impact 00:12:27 Scaling Beyond Competitors 00:13:42 Finding Mentorship in Unconventional Places 00:15:35 The Importance of Networking in the Outdoor Recreation Industry 00:19:19 Staying Active and Focused 00:22:09 The Accessibility Challenge of Outdoor Recreation 00:25:09 Blinkist 00:24:15 Favorite Books Traction by Gino Wickman E myth by Michael Gerber Powerful by Patty McCord Favorite piece of outdoor gear under 100? Portable Bicycle Pump Follow Up with Greg LinkedIn: @gregmazu Linkedin: singletracktrails Facebook: @gregmazu Singletrack trails

Every time you go for a hike, hire a rafting guide, purchase a fishing license or rent a cabin, you are participating in outdoor recreation – an industry that brings $14 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy. But, outdoor recreation is more than the things you buy or the activities you participate in. It's an industry that includes national, state and local government agencies. It includes businesses, nonprofits, communities, volunteers, hobbyists and much more. It is an industry that is growing. And one that's finally receiving some much-needed attention. On this episode I am joined by Nathan Reigner. Since 2021, Nathan has served as Pennsylvania's first Director of Outdoor Recreation. Click here to learn more about Nathan.Be sure to visit my website to get to notified about upcoming episodes. Also, follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for more information about what is coming up next. You can support the podcast by buying merch or donating on our website.Hosting, production and editing: Christian AlexandersenMusic: Jon SauerGraphics: Uncle Traveling Matt's Random Expedition

Welcome to the 200th episode of the Channel Mastery podcast. Today’s guest is Dan Kihanya, Director of Corporate Development and Investment with REI. Dan is also the creator and host of Founders Unfound, a podcast that profiles tech startup founders from underrepresented backgrounds. He is an experienced serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the start-up ecosystem - including founder, early executive, investor, and advisor. In this episode, you’ll hear about Dan’s role with Path Ahead Ventures - offering full-spectrum support to startups owned and led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander people. Dan and Kristin chat about the route that guided Dan to REI and the founding of Path Ahead Ventures, the three staples of the program: resourcing, planning, and capital, and the Embark and Navigate Programs. The Channel Mastery podcast is brought to you by Verde Brand Communications, a consumer-centric brand strategy, and communication agency serving the outdoor recreation industry. Your host is Kristin Carpenter, Chief Strategy Officer, Founder, and Chair at Verde Brand Communications. Channel Mastery is sponsored by our partner Life Time, Inc., owner of the Sea Otter Classic and producer of the Sea Otter Classic Summit outdoor recreation executive gathering. Discussion points: Dan’s background and path to his current position REI’s co-op and brand values resonated strongly with Dan The vision for Path Ahead Ventures (PAV) and REI - ‘founders first’ Two new 2022 programs for founders - Embark and Navigate Bridging the gap - how REI and PAV can support new founders New and different perspectives lead to innovation and inclusiveness ‘Outdoor’ vs. ‘Outside’ Dan’s transition from tech/digital services to physical products/retail Tapping into REI’s vast resources to help founders Demo Day/Pitch Day for Navigate founders - the first ever “Founders Market” in Seattle Reaching typically underrepresented founders - building a network REI stores as a bridge to the community Sign up online to keep up with all Path Ahead Ventures - the outdoors are for everyone! Resources: Embark Program Navigate Program Path Ahead Ventures

In this episode we interview Lexie Gritlefeld of California Outdoor Recreation Partnership. Lexie grew up in California and through hiking, trail running and alpine skiing, naturally fell in love with the outdoors. In college she became disconnected with the outside, but that all changed when Lexie and her dad hiked Mt Whitney together. Getting back to what she loved so much as a kid was exactly what she needed. Being off the grid also gave Lexie a convenient way to disconnect from her career in politics. After spending too much money on gas to ski and snowboard at Mammoth, she decided to make the move. Not a year later Lexie took the opportunity with California Outdoor Recreation Partnership - the perfect fit for her passion for outdoor advocacy. Now as the membership director she's building a passionate community that powers a voice for the outdoor recreation industry to shape policy, support investments, and engage an inclusive community of outdoor participants in California around the benefits of outdoor recreation. If you've ever wondered how policy can shape outdoor recreation, or how you may never know when you'll stumble upon your dream job, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,562 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 127 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

What in Michigan generates $26 billion in consumer spending, $7.5 billion in wages & salaries and 232,000 direct jobs? The Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry, that's what.Join our guest Brad Garmon, Senior Strategic Advisor & Executive Advisor for the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (The Office) as he and Ed discuss the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry. Working alongside colleagues at the MEDC, a priority of the Office is to help grow Michigan's outdoor recreation companies, elevate Michigan as an outdoor lifestyle destination for talent, and attract outdoor industry companies to the state. Also a priority is the recruitment of talent into state's outdoor industry by supporting diversity, inclusion, innovation and community engagement plus enhance the outdoor entrepreneur pipeline to support outdoor startups and small, innovative companies and products. You can also read the transcript from our conversation. 

Show Notes(0:50) Introducing Katherine Andrews(3:12) A History of the Office of Outdoor Recreation(11:43) How Companies Today Are Choosing Locations for Their Businesses(14:11) How Katherine's Office Is Helping Businesses Say Yes to Arkansas(18:05) Northwest Arkansas's Competitive Advantages(20:37) Why Bentonville?(21:22) How Outdoor Companies Can Capitalize on Bentonville(24:22) Katherine's 5-Year Goals for the Office of Outdoor Recreation(27:00) Superpowers and Closing ThoughtsLinksJames Bell Katherine AndrewsQuotes“Arkansas's outdoor recreation scene is unmatched. We are a state that prides ourselves on the abundant opportunities in our great outdoors. In the Natural State, we have over 100,000 miles of navigable streams and rivers, 600,000 acres of lakes, 5 world class Epic Rides mountain bike trails, thousands of miles of hiking trails, over 3.2 million acres of public land, America's first National River, the Buffalo National River…America's first Reserve National Park, which is Hot Springs National Park…the highest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalations, big game hunting…and on and on.” Katherine Andrews, (5:43)“One of the hardest challenges for recruiting companies [is] actually getting someone from the company to come here. But once we actually got them here, then they [say] ‘ok now I understand. It makes sense to me.' There's an incredible opportunity as a state right now to capitalize on attracting new companies and workers to the state by leveraging our natural assets.” Katherine Andrews, (11:09)“Today, one of the biggest driving forces for companies when they're making location decisions is workforce. Some of the others are business friendliness, cost of doing business, cost of living, proximity to suppliers and consumers. Fortunately for us, we have all of those things. We are one of the most business-friendly states in the US, we are located smack-dab in the middle of the country…and we have a very diverse industry in Arkansas.” Katherine Andrews, (11:43) “There's something special happening here. Bentonville is a community that cares deeply about its people and about creating a sense of place. It draws companies in. So if you look at the investments being made by the philanthropic groups, large corporate organizations, and others, that only just becomes more clear. Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest growing metros the US, so…that choice to me would be a no-brainer to move here.” Katherine Andrews, (20:37)“My overall goal is for this office to become the one-stop-shop for all things outdoor recreation, a gathering place for knowledge, information, and resources.” Katherine Andrews, (24:10)

Welcome back to the Startup Junkies podcast!  On this episode, hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Davis McEntire spoke with Phil Shellhammer, director of the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program at the University of Arkansas, co-founder and CEO of Eksplor Gaming, and President of Wize Computing Academy. Phil and his family moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2009 with plans to leave shortly after. However, like many others, they fell in love with the outdoor community and opportunities that the area brought, and Phil now dedicates his time to helping other entrepreneurs find their path in the outdoor recreation space through the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP). Throughout the episode, Jeff, Caleb, Davis, and Phil discussed how GORP is contributing to the growth of entrepreneurs, why Arkansas is an excellent place for outdoor recreation, what's next for GORP, and much more!   Thanks for tuning in!   Shownotes: (1:43) The Origin Story (3:25) Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) (4:43) Why Outdoor Rec? (10:26) The Kind of People and Founders GORP Is Looking to Bring In (12:09) Definition of Accelerate (18:15) Phil's Projects Besides GORP (24:07) Where Is GORP Going? (26:21) National Businesses vs. Local Businesses (28:00) Arkansas' Future in Outdoor Rec (33:53) The Landing Question - Advice to Younger Self (35:39) Get in Touch   Links:  Jeff Amerine Caleb Talley Davis McEntire Phil Shellhammer GORP   Quotes: ”...I think our whole region can claim world-class in a lot of different activities, and people from all around the world really come here and enjoy this activity. Therefore, because we have that, then we know we have people here that are passionate about it and that would have ideas or problems to solve within it.” Phil Shellhammer, (6:24)    “If I can get the right passionate people in a room and just have them talking about where the biggest problems are…then you can actually build entrepreneurs out of that [who] otherwise might not have dipped their toe, and they create a little side gig business until it's a legitimate business.” Phil Shellhammer, (11:40)   “You need people wrapped around you that can help support, that have gone through it before, that know the expertise.” Phil Shellhammer, (30:51) “...My whole goal is to sit with as many people as possible, walk them through their journey, help them figure out where their problem is, what problem they want to solve and how they want to do it. So the more we can do in outdoor rec within that, the better.” Phil Shellhammer, (36:10)

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations. By bringing together various outdoor recreation stakeholders from recreational fishing to the RV and education communities and beyond, ORR promotes the growth of the whole outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities. Jessica (Wahl) Turner is ORR's President. After graduating from Georgetown University, Turner started her outdoor recreation career at the Department of Interior where she managed external relations for the Secretary, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Outside and Let's Move! in Indian Country initiatives. Before leading ORR, Turner directed the Outdoor Industry Association's (OIA) outdoor recreation portfolio in Washington D.C. Under Turner's leadership, ORR has successfully brought together the outdoor recreation industry and advocated for the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and achieved millions of dollars in funding for public lands, waters and rural gateway communities. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Turner discusses her career, the importance of bringing together the outdoor recreation industry, and ORR's diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, Together Outdoors. For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Phil Shellhammer, Director of the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) at the University of Arkansas sits down with Matt on this episode of the Be Epic podcast. They discuss GORP's mission as a business incubation program that is focused on developing entrepreneurs who are creating innovative products and services within the outdoor recreation industry. With an extensive background at Procter and Gamble, Best Buy, Sam's Club, starting his own businesses, and franchising, Shellhammer is leading the way in guiding entrepreneurs to success in the outdoor recreation industry. Learn more about the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) here: https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/greenhouseoutdoorincubator.php (https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/greenhouseoutdoorincubator.php)

About This Episode: We recently sat down with Phil Shellhammer, the Director of the https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/greenhouseoutdoorincubator.php (Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP)) from the https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/ (Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation )at the University of Arkansas. Phil discussed in detail his new role and the mission of GORP. Northwest Arkansas is not just fertile ground for Fortune 50 Companies. It's also one of the best outdoor recreation areas in the country, so it should come as no surprise that firms related to this industry find Northwest Arkansas to be a great place to start or expand their business.   Phil and his team hit the ground running and are not looking back.  Listen to the whole episode to learn more about their plans in this area. And, if you or someone you know loves the great outdoors and has a business idea that you would like to process, you need to reach out to Phil Shellhammer at GORP.      Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Phil Shellhammer Email https://www.uark.edu/ (Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) Website) https://www.livsndesigns.com/ (LIVSN Designs) - Sustainable Outdoor Clothing and Apparel Company https://www.37northexpeditions.com/ (37 North Expeditions) http://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/56 (37 North Expeditions Podcast Episode)   This episode is sponsored by*: https://www.signature.bank/ (Signature Bank of Arkansas) -   https://www.signature.bank/ (Signature Bank) was founded here in Northwest Arkansas in 2005. Their focus is personal and community banking. When you bank with a community bank, you're investing in local businesses, local entrepreneurs, local charities, and the causes close to home. Signature Bank has worked hard to earn its tagline, “Community Banking at its Best.” You may ask why bank at Signature?  Because they focus on the customer instead of having a branch on every corner, this means you can have your questions answered by a real person, whether you're reaching out to the call center or your banker's cell phone. You can access any ATM in the country without fear of a fee.  They will refund all of those fees at the end of every month. Finally, they are constantly improving their digital offerings to ensure you can access the best financial tools from your laptop, phone, or tablet 24 hours a day. Signature Bank of Arkansas is a full-service bank offering traditional checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, business and personal loans, and mortgages. Give the folks at Signature Bank a call (479-684-3700) or visit their websitehttps://www.signature.bank/ ( Signature.Bank) and let them know you heard about them on the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast.  https://www.signature.bank/ (Signature Bank of Arkansas) is a Member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.   http://www.iamnorthwestarkansas.com/canva (Canva) -   Are you looking for ways to build a Digital Marketing Strategy from scratch? Whether you need to design things for your family or personal brand or need a versatile design tool to help you with your social media presence. Canva can help.   Need new Business Cards? Canva has you covered.  Need to create and post Social Media images quickly? Canva has you covered. Need to create videos for Social Media and beyond? Canva has you covered. Need to create a sharp-looking resume? Canva has you covered. Need access to more than 3-Million Royalty-Free Images?  Ok, you get the point! Canva covers just about anything you need from a design perspective, and it costs pennies a day to open a Canva Pro account.    Try Canva for FREE today athttp://www.iamnorthwestarkansas.com/canva ( IamNorthwestArkansas.com/canva)   Email info@iamnorthwestarkansas.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. *Note: some of the resources...

Maine is known as Vacationland to lovers of outdoor recreation from around the world. An industry grew out of Mainers' and tourists' passion for hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing and other outside pastimes, and it generates $3 billion in economic activity for the state. The Outdoor Leadership program at UMaine was created to take advantage of this opportunity. Working with an existing program at the University of Maine at Machias and University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H camps, this new program is preparing students for careers in tourism, education and other fields that pertain to outside activities and learning. In this episode of “The Maine Question,” we head outside with a roundtable discussion that explores the outdoor recreation industry.

After Covid life has changed for a lot of people!! It may well be getting back to a bit of normality now, however what about the future????? The scary thing is that without change, the reality is there is a lot of Outdoor Businesses that aren't going to survive.   If you want to book a FREE call with them to discuss this or other issues you may have come across book a time with them here: https://help.wegetoutdoors.co/links

Throughout his career as a professional mountaineering guide, Luis has summited the top of the famed “Seven Summits” a cumulative 32 times, including being a six-time summiteer of Mt. Everest. Luis works at VF Corporation as Vice President of Government Affairs and Global Impact and President of the VF Foundation. He was Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry for Colorado from 2015 to 2019. Travis and Mace talk with Luis about a range of topics, including why we should assume the most of ourselves and our teammates instead of assuming the least.

We start the episode by addressing the recent horrific violence against Asian-Americans in Atlanta in March of 2021. What does violence against Asian-Americans mean for archaeology and how will we respond? Next we discuss Dr. Bill White's recent paper in SAA Advances about risk management in archaeology. Links Applying Risk Management Concepts from CRM and the Outdoor Recreation Industry to Academic Archaeology Projects by Dr. Bill White (Advances in Archaeological Practice 9(1), 2021, pp. 61-65 National Outdoor Leadership School Follow Our Panelists On Twitter Bill @succinctbill; Doug @openaccessarch; Stephen @processarch; Bill A. @archaeothoughts; Chris W @Archeowebby, @DIGTECHLLC, and @ArchPodNet Blogs: Bill White: Succinct Research Doug Rocks-MacQueen: Doug's Archaeology Stephen Wagner: Process - Opinions on Doing Archaeology Chris Webster: Random Acts of Science Jobs with Cox McClain Our CRM group is one of the fastest growing in the US. We need temporary and salaried archeologists at every level, from technicians to PIs, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Previous Oklahoma experience would be nice but is not required. Send your cover letter, resume, and references to: JOBS@COXMCLAIN.COM. Thanks! Affiliates Wildnote TeePublic Timeular

We start the episode by addressing the recent horrific violence against Asian-Americans in Atlanta in March of 2021. What does violence against Asian-Americans mean for archaeology and how will we respond? Next we discuss Dr. Bill White's recent paper in SAA Advances about risk management in archaeology. Links Applying Risk Management Concepts from CRM and the Outdoor Recreation Industry to Academic Archaeology Projects by Dr. Bill White (Advances in Archaeological Practice 9(1), 2021, pp. 61-65 National Outdoor Leadership School Follow Our Panelists On Twitter Bill @succinctbill; Doug @openaccessarch; Stephen @processarch; Bill A. @archaeothoughts; Chris W @Archeowebby, @DIGTECHLLC, and @ArchPodNet Blogs: Bill White: Succinct Research Doug Rocks-MacQueen: Doug's Archaeology Stephen Wagner: Process - Opinions on Doing Archaeology Chris Webster: Random Acts of Science Jobs with Cox McClain Our CRM group is one of the fastest growing in the US. We need temporary and salaried archeologists at every level, from technicians to PIs, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Previous Oklahoma experience would be nice but is not required. Send your cover letter, resume, and references to: JOBS@COXMCLAIN.COM. Thanks! Affiliates Wildnote TeePublic Timeular

Episode 19: This is a conversation between Tom Adams, director of the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, Nathan Fey, director of the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, and Cassidy Rasnick, deputy secretary of commerce and trade for rural economic development at the Virginia Office of the Governor.

We look at the growing Outdoor Recreation Industry in the Carolinas which rivals Colorado by the numbers in terms of economic impact. It offers a unique bipartisan opportunity and has some surprising factors driving the growth. Todd King, Vice President Marketing and Product, Confluence Outdoors. Thomas Dempsey, Founder, SylvanSport, Dr. Lee King, President, Lees-McRae College, Paul McCormack, Director, SC State Park Service, SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Dave, Jeff and Erik welcomed Luis to the No Barriers Podcast studio and it felt initially like a trip down memory lane. Jeff and Erik have known Luis since they were all young mountain climbers in their late 20’s. They have made films, went on great expeditions and shared countless experiences. Since those days all three have been on different trajectories all while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors where it all started. When Luis is asked if he expected to have gone from climbing to being in the world of business and politics he is adamant he never saw this path for himself. In 2001 the team that would eventually summit Everest together and make history as the team that included the first blind person, Erik Weihenmayer, to ever reach the top. They were brought together, along with our Technical producer and expedition photographer, Didrik Johnck, by their team leader, Pasquale (PV) Scaturro. Luis talks about how people viewed this decision to take a blind guy up Everest as a “career-killer.” They assumed he wouldn’t make it and he’d be known as the guide who was responsible for his death. We know how this turned out though. “We weren’t just going to climb Everest, we were going to shatter that belief in what we could actually get done.” When Luis was young he actually was not athletic and was in fact, quite sickly. With severe asthma and allergies he was confined to his house for most of his childhood and led a sedentary lifestyle. He lobbied his dad successfully to take him to Ecuador where he could acclimatize his lungs in the high altitude and help them heal - as he had read in an article about a successful mountaineer who had similar issues. Luis recalls one of his first meetings with Erik before they climbed Everest on a local ice climbing day in Colorado where he overheard the film crew talking badly of Erik and his abilities and it just reminded him of being a young sickly kid who was also counted out. “It was at that moment that I knew what we were about to do had very little to do with just climbing and a whole lot to do with breaking that perceived barrier of what you were capable of.” After Everest was such a success Luis become high in demand. He remained committed to his goal of being a mountain guide and helping others reach their potential. He loved the concept of a Rope Team on a mountain. For him expeditions are not just resume builders. “For me it wasn’t about returning to Everest or going on these big expeditions but helping other people understand what they were capable of.” Our hosts reflect that wanting to guide and lead requires a special mentality and being of service. Luis ultimately translated his love of the climbing communities and his desire to recreate that special energy their Everest team had into becoming a professional guide. When asked about his best moment in his guiding profession Luis surprises the hosts by saying it was their “failed” attempt at Ama Dablam when they were training for Mt. Everest. As a young, hard-charging team it was hard to let go of ego and make the tough decision to turn around when they realized that weather would make it impossible to summit. It’s moments like these that have informed Luis’ sense of right v. wrong on mountains and valuing real human lives over perceived triumphs. “To make the decision to turn around because of objective hazard when we knew how that would translate and the hardship that would result….being a part of the process to pull the plug...with all that pressure and all that was on the line, to turn around - it didn’t matter, reputation doesn’t matter - I don’t work for you, I work for your family and will not make that phone call home.” As for the low point in his career it was a defining moment in 2006 on Mount Cho Oyu that changed the course of his life. Luis witnessed what he describes as a crime against humanity and ultimately had to make a hard decision to be truthful and let the world know what he witnessed, even if it cost him his professional goals. But, from a lost job and even lost friendships, Luis found a new path in the adversity. He is now the first State Director of the Outdoor Recreation Industry office for Colorado. His office is responsible for over 5,000 CO jobs and they work with other governors to not just act as “tree-hugging hippies,” but to bring awareness that this industry makes significant impact to the USA’s GDP and our economy. It seems like Luis has come full circle by doing work that matters and gives voice to the outdoor community. “I wouldn’t be ready for this position if all of this hadn’t happened in my life.” Each experience Luis has had has been a catalyst to a future experience that brings him closer to his mission. Turns out the Dalai Lama was right: ‘You don’t always choose your own path - the path chooses you.’

Marc Miller is the Outdoor Recreation Industry and Regional Initiatives Deputy at Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A natural resources professional and conservationist, Marc’s role is focused on working to improve public engagement and collaboration with stakeholders, including the outdoor recreation industry and local officials and communities. Marc previously served as the Director of the Illinois DNR for six years, bringing a strong conservation ethic, inclusiveness, professionalism, and science-based decision making to the agency.LINK: Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry*********************************************LINK: Theme music for Outdoor States by Chicky Stoltz

Congratulations Mahting Putelis on this great CO archery bull! Podcast Episode 27 Hunt To Eat: A Conversation with Mahting Putelis Hunt To Eat Hunt To Eat owner Mahting Putelis is a respected outdoor industry leader, entrepreneur, hunter, climber and conservationist. This week, Mahting joins us to talk about his wide-ranging background within the $887 billion outdoor recreation industry and how that's helped shape his vision for Hunt To Eat. We talk about outdoor recreation community building, mentorship, Venison Diplomacy & 'The Gathering', H2E's latest t shirt collaborations and a "Wild First" ethos. Mahting Putelis - On Building Broad Ranging Outdoor Communities:   "If we can coalesce that giant voice, we can effect huge change. If we use Wild First as a baseline, if we say "we are going to protect wild places and wild animals first and then deal with how all that looks after, we can engage a very large part of the voting population. We all love wild places and wild animals. Its very much a baseline, its easy for people to say yes, we should protect these things". Hunt To Eat Apparel Check out Hunt To Eat's conservation-focused, comfortable t shirt line & apparel by clicking HERE To purchase H2E Ambassador Todd Waldron's favorite Hunt To Eat t shirt design, Circle of Life, click HERE Hunting Mentor Apps & Resources Powderhook - A digital hunting mentorship program with over 140,000 users, click HERE Go Wild - A Fishing, Hunting and Outdoors App - click HERE Modern Carnivore - check out their website and incredible hunting mentorship program HERE Outdoor Recreation Industry Did you know that the Outdoor Recreation Industry adds $887 billion per year to the US Economy and represents 2% of total GDP? Read the Bureau of Economic Analysis' report HERE    

Bob visits Luis Benitez, the Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, where they discuss his history in outdoor recreation, his job promoting Colorado to the outdoor recreation industry, and combining the work of government, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Hiking Bob on ,   and  Listen on ,  and 

Over the course of a decade, Luis Benitez has quietly emerged amongst a growing field of inspirational adventurers as one of the more experienced, respected and busiest professional guides and leadership development consultants in the world. Throughout his career, Luis has summited the top of the famed “Seven Summits” a cumulative 32 times, including being a six-time summiteer of Mt. Everest. Benitez also has attempted the famed K2 in 2010. Currently he serves at the first Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry for the entire state of Colorado.

Today’s episode of the Take Me Outdoors podcast features Luis Benitez, Colorado’s Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, and Jon Snyder, Washington’s Outdoor Recreation and Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor, on the topic of growing the number of states that are standing up the Office of Outdoor Recreation. For the third year in a row, the SHIFT Festival will provide a platform for action and the building of best practices around this all-important office -- one that ties together the impact of outdoor recreation, the growth of it as an economic driver and the importance of conservation. This year’s workshop is a critical part of the SHIFT Festival’s theme: The Business Case for Public Lands. SHIFT’s 2017 Festival takes place November 1-3 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and this year’s panel takes place on Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to Noon, at  the Snow King Resort, the epicenter of the action for the Festival this year. This year’s panel will be led by Cailin O’Brien-Feeney with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), who has contributed a great deal of leadership and support to the formation of the growth of this office. Rachel VandeVoort, the newest leader in the group for the State of Montana, will also be in attendance, as will Brad Peterson, who was the very first leader appointed in this role for the State of Utah. Full details can be found here. This episode of the Take Me Outdoors podcast offers a fantastic opportunity to go deeper with two active leaders in this role, Luis Benitez of the State of Colorado, and Jon Snyder, of the State of Washington. Both share their respective state’s vision and goals around this mission-critical office, as well as what the commonalities are for the growth of this office nationwide. The episode is broken up into two interviews, the first features Luis Benetiz. Luis stepped into his role as Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry July 1, 2015, and he’s started his third year in the post and is the State of Colorado’s first Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry. He brings years of experience as a leader with Outward Bound, Fortune 200 and 500 consulting and multiple summits of Mt. Everest to the role. He also served as a Town Council Member for the City of Eagle, Colo., prior to joining Governor Hickenlooper’s team at the State of Colorado. Jon Snyder, who serves as the State of Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s Policy Advisor for Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development, also joins us in this podcast. Jon’s role coordinates policy, legislation, budget items, and outreach related to outdoor recreation. He was appointed in December 2015 after serving on the Spokane City Council for six years and owning a regional outdoor magazine for nine years. Snyder served on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Spokane Transit Authority, and Spokane Regional Health District as well as having a leadership role in passing local ballot measures to fund parks, streets, libraries, and public transportation. Luis and Jon give us great insights into the catalyzing effects that SHIFT has brought to the growth of this State leadership post. The podcast covers a lot - including the importance of this role to bring together a fragmented outdoor recreation economy and conservation movement and the importance of doing so to protect America’s public lands. Download this episode today to get an insider’s view of the State Office of Outdoor Recreation and Industry, and to learn more about Luis and Jon’ missions and goals. By Summer, 2018, it’s estimated that up to 10 offices will be in place in states across America. This year’s SHIFT Festival will again serve as a bellweather for the future impact of this office - please join us to learn more about it in this podcast, and at the 2017 SHIFT Festival!

Colorado's outdoor recreation industry brings in more than $13B dollars a year, and includes a company, Voormi, that calls itself "the microbrew of apparel." Then, a new dance performance in Denver captures the darkest days of Todd Bilsborough's life, when he came back from the Iraq War. The veteran wrote the music for the show. And, the new Denver band "Lost Walks" thought their concept album would resemble a Disney musical, but they ended up with something more like Goth. Plus, long-time voters remember their first time filling out the ballot.

Luis Benitez stepped into his new role as Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry on July 1, 2015. This is a brand-new office and position that's part of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Hickenlooper truly did install one of us into this pivotal new role. Benitez has a lengthy resume that includes multiple successful summits of the world's highest peaks. He's a die-hard outdoorsman who loves to be at altitude, on the water, or on the trail and who is equally comfortable going light and fast as he is hunting fowl. He also has served as a town councilor in the small mountain town of Eagle, Colo., worked for many years for Colorado's Outward Bound and served as a consultant bridging key attributes of being successful in the wilderness as part of a team into Fortune 200 and 500 companies seeking help with team alignment and best practices. Benitez is a rare breed indeed. Listen in to learn the Governor's focus to grow our opportunities within the outdoor recreation market. This podcast has national relevance and I hope to hear your feedback! Follow Intrepid Entrepreneur podcast by joining our community on Twitter + Instagram (@GoLivingUber) and on Facebook. Visit the LivingUber website to join my weekly newsletter, which gives you access to members-only podcasts and content built just for motivated, adventurous entrepreneurs! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Intrepid Entrepreneur Podcast, and share it with a peer who you know will be inspired!