Trade Showpocalypse 2025: What Does The Outdoor Industry Need? Plus: Predictions For GOA Connect!
- colin7931
- 3 days ago
- 41 min read
Today on the show Colin is joined by the regular Monday crew of Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave to kick off their coverage of the summer 2025 Trade Show Season. Here's the run down!
What have learned from the past 10 years tumultuous trade show scene and shows do we actually need? (05:50)
On the eve of GOA Connect and with Portland's Next Adventure closing up, what do we make of the broader specialty landscape as we head to a show focused on independent dealers? (20:55)
GOA Connect Preview and Predictions! This episode comes out on the first day of exhibition at GOA Connect, what are we expecting? (34:30)
The Parting Shot: Producer Dave has some feelings about threats to outdoor schools and Eoin highlights some new dealers who have joined GOA's ranks. (47:17)
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Episode Transcript:
Colin True
00:00:00.320 - 00:04:08.240
Welcome to the Rock Fight, where we speak our truth, slay sacred cows, and sometimes agree to disagree. This is an outdoor podcast that aims for the head.
I'm Colin True and today we're getting ready for the 2025 showpocalypse as outdoor trade show season is underway.
But before we get to that, tomorrow, Tuesday, you're going to get a new episode of Open Container with host Doug Schnitzman here on the Rock Fight Podcast network. And Doug's guest this week, a media guy who likes to use his words, it's Drew Simmons. Find open container wherever you get your pods.
Lastly, are you heading to Switch back in June? If so, it is June, so are you heading to switch back later this month? If so, be sure to put the Rock Fight live next week. I know.
On the agenda for Tuesday, June 17th at 5 o' clock in the Trailheads Theater. We'll all be there. Producer Dave oh, and Shantae. I'll be there.
If Switchback is going to be the event of the summer, which we keep saying it's going to be, this will be the event at the event. Don't miss it and stick around. We'll be right back. Okay, so I'm at my local outdoor shop and I see this hydration solution called Hydra Pack.
Naturally, I assume it's for safely transporting a hydra. You know, the mythical beast regenerates heads, needs moisture. Makes sense, right? Turns out, no, not even close. Hydra Pack isn't for monsters.
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I mean, did you know that over 90 of your favorite outdoor brands already think so? And they use hydropak technology in their products. And get this, they even have a retirement program.
Re Pack takes old bottles from any brand and gives them a second circularity. No landfill, no dragon hoarding. And retailers.
Hydra Pack is accepting new partners for their repack program and this is something you definitely want to get on board with. So yeah, not a Hydra Pack, but the legendary Hydra Pack.
Learn more@hydra pack.com and hey, if you're wondering how Hydra Pack and the Rock Fight got together. Well, it was because of our mutual friends at Darby Communications.
Because finding incredible solutions to get a message out there, that's just what Darby does. Liz and Royal Robbins were known as American climbing royalty.
Part of the first group of Yosemite based climbers that would scale routes yet unclimbed, who would promote the ethic of clean climbing, and who, with a core group of startup brands, would serve as the foundation of our modern outdoor industry.
From their very first pair of shorts that could boast a true climbing functionality, Royal Robins has become synonymous with comfort Versat wear for the modern adventurer. From Rock Craft productions, coming spring 2026 to a specialty store near you, Royal Robbins presents Being Royal Robins.
It's the story of how the Royal Robins men's desert pucker became an icon and spawned the new Camino Pucker. And it's the story of how an innovative brand launched mosquito protection technology to keep you protected without the use of chemicals.
And why the south hoodie is possibly the most unique hoodie in our outside world. And how you can experience this uniquely American story of adventure through the thoughtful clothing choices of Royal Robins.
Available for streaming everywhere, you find actual water based tributaries. And don't miss a sneak preview at Spring 26 Goa Connect this June. Being Royal Robins because nature and adventure are good for the soul.
All right, it's Monday on the Rock Fight, so of course I'm here with producer Dave and your outdoor industry insider, but our consigliere, Owen Comerford. What's happening, boys?
Eoin Comerford
00:04:08.240 - 00:04:13.359
Just, you know, it's a good day to be alive, Colin. It really is that.
Colin True
00:04:13.359 - 00:04:15.200
Cause you're heading to Reno, Nevada soon. Is that why?
Eoin Comerford
00:04:15.600 - 00:04:30.220
Well, I mean, it's always a good day when you're heading to Reno, Nevada. Maybe only eclipse by when you head out of Reno, Nevada, but no, it's. Yeah. I don't know. There's something going on in the political world today.
It hasn't really made any news, but it's.
Producer Dave
00:04:30.220 - 00:04:30.540
No.
Eoin Comerford
00:04:30.940 - 00:04:37.180
Oh, yeah, yeah. Just I'm. It's a good day in the Comerford household. We'll just put it that way.
Colin True
00:04:37.420 - 00:04:42.180
Are we. What? What part? What? At the bottom of the rankings of airports, where is Reno slot?
Eoin Comerford
00:04:42.180 - 00:04:42.620
Because it's just.
Colin True
00:04:42.620 - 00:04:46.420
I'm assuming it's bottom five, right? We could disagree. It's bottom five. Not a great airport.
Producer Dave
00:04:46.420 - 00:04:48.380
I disagree, Colin. I think it's unranked.
Colin True
00:04:51.820 - 00:04:55.660
It's hoping to get ranked eventually. You know, next year we could be 57.
Producer Dave
00:04:55.660 - 00:04:59.350
Maybe. Maybe it's no newer.
Eoin Comerford
00:04:59.350 - 00:05:07.550
Yeah. It's not great. Yeah, it's not a great airport. The food options very, very limited.
Colin True
00:05:08.430 - 00:05:13.390
Nothing is worse than, oh, your flight's been delayed while you're leaving Reno. That's tough.
Eoin Comerford
00:05:13.390 - 00:05:43.120
And actually, Reno, Reno, it's a funny town because the first time actually I was in Reno was last year at Goa. And I sort of had this visions of Reno being like a mini Vegas, which it really isn't.
I mean, in a lot of ways it's way cooler than Vegas because you're right there on the, you know, you're right. You got the river and I mean, it's an outdoorsy town. It's kind of weird. Yeah, it's like sort of Vegas and Boulder had this weird love child.
I mean, it's kind of funky, which.
Colin True
00:05:43.120 - 00:05:49.160
Is not that, you know, unlikely, right. That Boulder went to Vegas and made some bad decisions.
Eoin Comerford
00:05:49.560 - 00:05:50.600
Really bad decisions.
Colin True
00:05:50.840 - 00:06:11.020
And now we have Reno. All right, guys. Well, we made it to June 2025. We're five, we're six days in.
And so far the outdoor industry is still standing despite there being coast to coast regional trade shows happening. And apparently there was a big concert in Denver last weekend. I don't know if you guys heard about that. That was a thing.
Eoin Comerford
00:06:11.100 - 00:06:12.060
Didn't hear about that.
Colin True
00:06:12.220 - 00:06:49.400
Yeah, there's been, you know, some people talking about it. But we're also on the cusp of three national shows. GOA Connect, Switchback Spring and Outdoor Retailer. We'll be covering two of those shows.
We'll be, we'll have people at GOA and Switchback here on the rock fight. But let's set the table with just the big picture. We haven't had a trade show check in for a while, even though we talk about it fairly frequently.
Personally, what do we think? What do we think we need in the outdoor industry? Owen, let's start with you. What do we need when it comes to events?
Because at this point, we've known these events are coming. We know all the problems with having them all in June and all those kinds of things. When you take a step back and look at it. What do we need?
Eoin Comerford
00:06:50.200 - 00:08:27.800
I think the first thing we need is just a critical mass of people from all across the industry from brands big and brand small, retailers big and small, sales reps, industry associations, some sort of critical mass where we're all together that's like sort of the first thing. And we just haven't had that in, I don't know, a half a decade, maybe longer. So that's number one.
But what that then creates is there's some kind of interaction. And I think all the forms of interaction are important.
Yes, obviously line showings to a degree, Education sessions, happy hours, quite frankly, just dinners out are key as well in the whole deal.
But I think having that sort of critical mass can help then create or recreate the level of community and shared purpose that really has defined our industry for decades and I feel has been sorely lacking for a while. And with that sense of community, then I think we're going to break down some of those barriers.
There's been sort of, I don't know, a feeling between brands and retailers and others that sort of everyone for themselves, like, okay, you know, we're gonna, you know.
And that's led to, you know, discounting and all kinds of other stuff and bad stuff that's going on that I don't think necessarily would have been as bad if we had that critical mass where people were sitting across the table from each other and face to face and there was that more personal aspect to the relationship and it wasn't just a zoom call. Right. And so I think that's the key thing right now is getting to that critical mass.
Colin True
00:08:28.280 - 00:09:06.660
So we've said that, right. I think that's been kind of like the driving force. That's what the folks who started Switchback, right.
Have been saying, like, this is why we want to do it. I mean, or to their credit, much things they've tried that has been sort of an underlying current behind there.
I mean, what do you think it is we've learned over the last 10 years? Right? Because we had that, we had this sort of critical mass sort of event to a really large degree a few years.
I mean, the one thing when we started hanging out with Doug Schnitzbahn, he mentioned that it's less about probably the work getting done at these shows than it is more about the gathering and setting the sort of big picture goals of the industry and everyone kind of being in the same room and hearing them. So what do you think we've really learned over the last 10 years to inform why we need it so much?
Eoin Comerford
00:09:06.980 - 00:10:30.080
I think, at least from my perspective, the first thing we've learned is that trade shows are not really just about writing orders. Right. That has been this sort of fiction, I think, that has been underlying the trade shows and has undermined trade shows for the last two decades.
Right.
The reality is that established brands with established retailer connections, most of those orders happen elsewhere, they happen at a regional show or they happen in one to one meetings between reps and retailers or Whatever, right?
So we chased that for so long, we moved shows around into the quote unquote order writing windows and all this other bullshit, which really messed everything up. So I think that's the big thing that we've learned is that it's not about that.
I mean, product obviously is key to what we talk about, but you know, it isn't this mega line showing. So you don't have to have 60 by 60 booths, right? It is about community and getting together. And so yes, have the product there, have your.
The latest news, newest, latest and greatest. You don't have to have every style and every color. You know, you don't need to have a 60 by 60 booth. It can be a 20 by 20 booth, right?
And really refocus trade shows around connection and discovery, discovering new brands, right? That's the key. That's the sort of secret sauce, I.
Colin True
00:10:30.080 - 00:11:15.620
Think, Dave, you know, when we look at where things stand and we're having a little fun at outsides expense for the festival they had last weekend. But by all accounts, people who were there had a great time. People had a good time. They had the outside festival last, last year.
And you look at their industry day, it does seem to be a little more geared towards the guiding sector, the conservation sector, the kind of more recreational part of what could also be called the outdoor industry. Whereas we tend to talk more about the making of and selling things kind of side of the industry.
And then you have the smaller events like the outdoor media Summits, the Outdoor Market alliance media, the media events that we go to. Is there anything missing? Do you feel like all bases are covered at this point?
Is there something that we still haven't been able to find a solution for when it comes to getting people together in the outdoor industry?
Producer Dave
00:11:16.650 - 00:12:53.320
I think like everything else in our ecosystems, media brands have broken into very small little niches. Right. And so that's what's happened here. As opposed to the one size fits all, like all aspects of the industry coming to one place.
It has broken, like you said, into regional shows, which are more buying specific to media, to PR kind of shows.
So, and to, to like you said, even the, even the nonprofit sector, which was an important part of the outdoor industry, the conservation piece is kind of moved into its own sphere. Right. And so they've all kind of broken apart. So I don't know if anything's missing. I mean you can get all of those things. It's.
I think it goes back to kind of what Colin or Owen was saying, that it's this connection It's. I would even call it connected energy. That's the thing that kind of binds us and that. But in person, nothing replaces that.
You said buying is going on in other places. Yeah, in person. Orders might be written online. Right. And things like that. But the actual buying and selling is so important to that energy.
That creates an industry. And it is an intangible spark, electrical kind of connection. And it's what causes creative ideas to kind of coalesce around similar themes.
They're not talking, they're not sharing. It's just this idea of this energy that's kind of fused through the same inputs and we're all getting the same kind of feedback.
And I think that's an. It's an important part of what connects our, our industry together.
Colin True
00:12:54.040 - 00:13:36.620
Well, it's, it's easy to look at all like the last 10 years and have a negative point of view of like what we have and what we don't have anymore. I tend to look at it because I, you know, Owen, you mentioned it about, you know, we don't write orders.
And Dave, you're saying we're not really writing orders. It is about the getting together. And I was, I've said it on the show by plenty of times.
I was the best example of, I kept trying to make it about writing orders because I was a sales manager. And I wanted to say, boy, it's good thing we went to. Because look at all these orders we got. And it just felt what you just described, Dave.
I didn't want to be like, no, but it's worth it. We spend half a million bucks on this booth because of the energy. Right. It just didn't feel like any water.
And I think the learnings of the last half decade, decade is like, no, that energy is important. Actually, it can be important on the getting together is important enough on its.
Producer Dave
00:13:36.620 - 00:13:39.940
Own, but you don't need the half a million dollar booth to do that.
Eoin Comerford
00:13:40.580 - 00:13:42.020
And that's so sweet.
Producer Dave
00:13:42.020 - 00:13:42.500
They are.
Eoin Comerford
00:13:42.500 - 00:15:12.150
But that's exactly the point, Dave, is you don't need the half booth to do it.
And actually it can be effective from a cost perspective if you view that as, hey, this is where we'll have our head to head, top to top meetings about the business once the assortment has been set. And that was where the real value was.
At least I found for Moose Jaw was where I could sit down across from the president of Mountain Hardware or Marmot or whatever and have a real conversation about this is where the business is at. This is where our business is at. This is what we're seeing in terms of discounts. How can we move the needle here? Not, not what should we buy?
We've already decided that it's now how do we work together to actually sell through and you know. Yeah, you don't need a 60 by 60 booth for that. I would say of the sort of the, the lessons that have been learned.
I think we're seeing that, you know, in, in what's happening with the trade shows today.
So outdoor retailer Switchback, they have set maximum booth size to 20 by 20, which I think is absolutely the right move because also they're not overshadowing the new upcoming brands which are usually taken at a 10 by 10. Also I think both of those shows and actually Goa Connect are being more focused on new brands. Now.
The Discovery marketplace that's coming up at Goa or will have just happened yesterday when the show airs now is five hours. I think it was two hours.
Colin True
00:15:12.150 - 00:15:13.830
Maybe it's two last year, I believe.
Eoin Comerford
00:15:13.910 - 00:15:58.010
Yeah, it's still very short. It did and now that gives those new brands a much larger timeframe to really get to meet and have good conversations with retailers.
Switchback is doing special things for emerging brands or has said it's, has publicly said that it's a focus that they want to be a place where people discover new brands. So I think that message has happened. The one element that hasn't happened is the dates haven't been fixed yet.
I think that'll be the next, hopefully shoe to drop is to say, hey, listen, okay, we've figured out these other things now let's move these shows back to where they need to be. Which would be in my mind August and January for these shows.
Colin True
00:15:58.650 - 00:16:13.280
Yeah, I think already there's been, it's upwards of potentially over more than 10 regional shows that are either happening or have happened by the time this episode comes out. I mean it is just stacked in June and I don't know, or in August. Worked for a real long time.
Producer Dave
00:16:15.830 - 00:16:52.610
Right.
But if you do remove your expectation that you're gonna be, you know, writing the specific orders and you move it to more of a kind of what I call like display and play. Right. I mean that's really what this is about. Show me what you got. Let's talk about it.
Let's build some, you know, some energy around it and then let's connect and let's, you know, and like you said, even those meetings you talked about, you've got a short window.
You're not gonna solve all of the business issues, but you can at least get them on the table, talk about them in a good, positive branded atmosphere, like I'm feeling it. And then we go back and we do the work of solving those right.
Eoin Comerford
00:16:53.330 - 00:17:32.110
And those executives from those brands, for example, can really get a temperature of the industry in a really condensed period of time.
And they can go back and they can say either a wow, the overall reaction to the assortments that everyone saw over the last couple of months is really solid. We're on track, we're doing well, everything is great, or people are really worried about inventory, get a real feel for that.
So you can then react and change appropriately rather than sort of be in this cave where like, oh, we've got reps at regional shows that are talking to these brands or what have you. And the executive team is completely disconnected from what's actually happening on the ground.
Colin True
00:17:33.150 - 00:18:24.850
Best example, and we may have mentioned this as a reference, maybe on the top five apparel pod, but this past Friday spoke to the GM of Marmot who's going to be exhibiting at Goa and at Switchback. And we all have talked about the position Marmot's in and the work they need to do to kind of get back where they used to be.
What better place than to roll into a spot like this where there's a lot of people who have influence in the industry and position and have been in the industry a long time and understand, you know, the nuance there of why they are the way they are and to see what they're doing and if it's working, it's going to be a bump for them. Right. Like, did you see that'll be those hallway conversations. Hey, did you see Marmot? See what's going on at Marmot?
That's how that narrative changes and we don't have that. Then, you know, it's a much harder uphill battle for them, sort of reassert themselves if they're able to do that. But also, half a million bucks.
That used to be a pretty small booth at or I feel like, you know, that's how bad it got.
Eoin Comerford
00:18:25.330 - 00:18:30.730
Really. I was never on the brand side. It really was like, how much would they spend?
Colin True
00:18:30.730 - 00:18:35.570
I mean there was easy. I remember the one, someone told me one of the North Face booths was like a million five or something like that.
Producer Dave
00:18:35.570 - 00:18:36.250
Oh my gosh.
Colin True
00:18:36.250 - 00:18:39.130
I feel like that one was like triple decker or something like, wasn't it?
Producer Dave
00:18:39.130 - 00:18:52.500
Oh yeah. That I've been a part of, of six digit booths, no doubt about it. And they weren't the biggest booths by far. So yeah, North Face was it got silly.
Eoin Comerford
00:18:52.740 - 00:19:05.220
Well, there was the booths and paying for the booths but then there was also paying for everyone to get there and the crazy hotel prices, you know, the eating out, the whole thing. It was a big check to ride, big expense.
Producer Dave
00:19:06.580 - 00:19:16.000
Keane had the. They always for years had the big. A wood based booth. I mean it was a structure, it was kind of a fort. Right.
Colin True
00:19:17.360 - 00:19:19.520
They had to have a four day show just to justify our.
Producer Dave
00:19:19.520 - 00:19:53.970
They did and they had to keep it for years to justify. To bring that thing down. But yeah, no, I don't think.
But you look at Tre though, there's some kind of old school booth building going on there and it creates a great energy. I mean this is not to discount too the importance of environment and experience. Right.
I mean it does create a sense of wonder in the idea where you can go in and create a crafted, sculpted experience is. Is impressive and it's a great for that, for that moment and it's just finding that balance of where you want to, how much you want to bring to it.
Colin True
00:19:55.090 - 00:20:01.650
Well, you know who we are going to see there? Who's going to be at all three of the shows in the next few weeks? He's gonna go three for three. It's our guy, Lloyd Vogel.
Producer Dave
00:20:01.650 - 00:20:02.130
Oh my.
Colin True
00:20:02.770 - 00:20:53.880
From Garage Growing Gear. And you want to know what's new at Garage Growing Gear? Miranda Webster of Miranda Goes Outside partnered with Mazam. Is it Mazama?
Is that how you pronounce that? I'm gonna say Mazama to create a reusable water bottle replacement for single use bottles. Behold the Migo bottle that launched on Garage Grown Gear.
It's a sturdy and safe plastic bottle with unique features including two different cap openings, volume measurements on the side, enviable style and its standard size easily fits in your pack your backpack. Find out why this is no ordinary water bottle.
Go check it out on GGG garagegrowngear.com this is actually I think one of the coolest products I've seen and one of the most just duh products. Right.
All these through hikers and backpackers use a smart, a single use smart water bottle because of the narrowness and it fits all and this basically is that same profile but it's in a reusable bottle like just makes sense.
Eoin Comerford
00:20:54.520 - 00:20:55.080
Totally.
Colin True
00:20:55.080 - 00:22:21.160
So good job Miranda and Mazama.
All right, our next topic is presented by Lem's Footwear who is looking for retailers to come say hi and see what Lemz can offer their shoe wall when they exhibit at Switchback next month. Like we mentioned the first show we'll be covering is GOA Connect here on the Rock Fight. The Connect show is for specialty dealers.
So we want to start with a recent story about a well known specialty dealer that's actually closing up shop, a GOA dealer, and then get into what we're expecting next week when we get to Reno, Nevada. So a few weeks back, news came out that Next Adventure in Portland, Oregon. I think Dave has to excuse himself for a second. He's crying right now.
Is closing after 28 years in business due to a lot of uncertainty.
While that uncertainty could be related to our current tariff situation, Next Adventure has been through the ringer during their tenure, most notably in 2021 when they faced a lawsuit that nearly put them out of business and caused them to shut down all their outdoor programming. They've been through a lot. I mean, just any retailer that's been around for close to 30 years has been through a lot.
It's a tough gig, even if you enjoy doing it.
The first question that comes to my mind coming off the news about Next Adventure is actually what happens with shops when owners just don't want to do it anymore. I think of the state of where we are specialty wise and are new stores being opened up? Is there transition plans? What happens?
Owen, you're probably the best qualified to talk about this. Having been at a retailer for a big chunk of your career, you know, how do you view that? Like, what should retailers be planning for?
Eoin Comerford
00:22:21.320 - 00:24:04.210
I mean, it is a challenge that's facing a lot of independent outdoor specialty store owners because many of them really did start in the 70s, 80s, or even the 90s. And so they've been around for 20, 30, 40, 50 years in some cases.
The challenge is that, you know, if you think of your average, your sort of your average independent specialty store, you know, it's 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 square feet, maybe for a lot of them it's doing somewhere between maybe 600 to a million dollars or so, which is a good chunk of change. But that doesn't really kick off enough cash to make it super exciting.
Beyond an owner operator role where the owner is in there, the owner is kind of the store manager, the buyer doing all the stuff. So it isn't really a great investment vehicle. It's something that's good for another owner operator that really wants to be in the space. Okay.
And so that can be challenging though, to find that person to just sort of come off the street and take the reins like that, not being just a pure investment situation. And so I think a lot of owners have a hard time finding an outright buyer.
And so what you see happening over and over again is they've got an upcoming, let's say, lease renewal, and they're like, do you want to do this for another five years? I don't know. And then they realize that their most valuable asset is actually their inventory.
So they just go through basically an orderly liquidation and that gives them whatever it is, 3, 4, 500 grand or something that they can. That's really what they get out of it. And it's a pretty tough situation.
Colin True
00:24:04.450 - 00:25:11.740
Yeah, I was talking with Gabe at GOA and he was talking about, at least for Goa, specifically between Next Adventure and Midwest Mountaineering. Those are the only two GOA accounts that have actually closed and did not turn the keys over to somebody else.
I think you said there's been 15, I think is the number of transitions from the prior ownership to a new ownership, which is pretty great. And by the way, that's the Goa. That's 100 plus stores. It's not the entire specialty market.
When I look at the landscape of the outdoor industry and specialty and young people coming up and what they might be enticed to do, I wonder why you just said, why would you want to start a shop? You know, wouldn't you rather maybe gamble and start a brand instead? You know, because it's like maybe there's a higher upside there.
And, you know, it's great if these shops are staying open and again, turning the keys over to someone new. But I do worry that we get to the place. Where do we, are we, are we going to have enough people to backfill and keep the specialty market alive?
Right. And kind of like it doesn't just default to being, you know, a big box industry.
We don't, we don't want to become, we don't want it to become the, the Home Depot and Lowe's of the outdoors. Right. Where it's just like Dick's and rei. We need these specialty shops.
Eoin Comerford
00:25:12.140 - 00:27:21.610
What I've seen work tip well with these sorts of stores is where the owners start succession planning early and they realize that the most likely person to buy the store is actually somebody who works in the store.
And so what they'll do is they'll sort of over hire, so they'll hire somebody to be a real store manager so that they can take a bit of a step back, have that person really learn the business as an employee, really running the business, getting all the ins and outs for a number of years, and then offer seller based financing to that person to take over the store. And in that way the store can live on.
You've got somebody who's taking the reins that really knows every aspect of the business because they learned it from the owner operator and then that's where it goes.
But the challenge is that for that time period you're probably, I don't know about overpaying, but basically you're paying for a role that you yourself as the owner had done for a lot of time. And so there's some more cash outlay happening to over hire for that role. So that's the first thing I would say.
I was chatting too with Russell Cree, who's with Bell App Advisors, who specializes in M and A for the outdoor industry.
And he had an interesting point when we were chatting about this was that you really need to keep clean financials that show the true profitability of the business for at least a number of years, like three years before you want to sell.
Because a lot of owner operators, you know, you run personal expenses and stuff through the business because it's the best way to, you know, manage your tax burden, et cetera, you know, your car, all the things legal to do. I'm not suggesting anything but, but what happens in that scenario is it burdens the business maybe with some personal expenses.
And so the business is actually more profitable than it would appear based on those financials. So those store owners, you know, need to.
Again, it's about that planning and really having that sort of three year window to say, okay, if we're gonna, if we're gonna do this retirement, let's get ahead of it. Both from a people perspective, but also from a balance sheet perspective.
Colin True
00:27:22.410 - 00:27:33.780
I mean, I guess it comes down to you gotta really just wanna do this. Right. You really gotta want to own a shop.
It's gotta be just like it's, it's a, it's a tough, tough world to get into and it's going to dominate your life in all facets. Right?
Eoin Comerford
00:27:34.020 - 00:27:52.020
Yeah, I mean it's open, you know, if you're going to make money probably seven days a week. Right. And you've got to deal with people and bills and. Yeah. Customers. Yeah.
You know, I mean this business would be great without if we didn't have to deal with customers, but.
Colin True
00:27:53.140 - 00:27:54.260
Love a clerk's reference.
Eoin Comerford
00:27:54.500 - 00:28:34.230
Yeah. But it can be a really rewarding thing to do, but you have to really enjoy it.
And I think where it can work best is where your store is the community hub of the outdoors for that town. Right.
That's a really important place to be and I think some people really would want to be that and be part of that and be that person in that location.
If all you're looking at it is as a financial transaction and this is a way for me to make money to, you know, pay for my kids college or whatever, there's probably better ways to do that.
Colin True
00:28:35.110 - 00:28:46.070
Dave, what, what's Portland doing for Next Adventure? They just putting a bird on it. They're going to pickle that. Like what's, has the public outpouring stopped yet? Is it going to be years from now?
We're still celebrating the life.
Producer Dave
00:28:46.150 - 00:30:07.670
Lots of folks talking about it, people hearing about it for the first time. So you know, the social media feeds continue to, you know, it's, it's, it's loss, it's awe.
You know, it is, it's been such a center of kind of the Portland outdoor community for sure. I mean, look, you know, REI left not too long ago from their Portland location.
I mean they have, you know, beautiful suburban stores, but it's just not the same of again hopping on your bike and heading down to the shop if you need to. For sure. Look, there's a couple other really great outdoor stores here too.
You know, Foster Outdoor is going to kind of hold the mantle to this and the other is Mountain Shop. You know, they've got a good, a good presence, two story building. They sell all sorts of gear, rental equipment, things like that.
So there are other places. It's just the kind of the central location of, of Next Adventure also made it kind of a standout.
I mean, it's in the inner, you know, east side of the city. Replacing that real estate is going to be very difficult. It's a big shock shop. Plus they have the paddle shop a couple blocks away.
So I think that's another thing in terms of finding an owner for it.
This is a big real estate piece and so I think the city is going to definitely feel the loss because I just don't see who's going to be taking that space in that part of town so easily.
Eoin Comerford
00:30:07.670 - 00:30:09.310
Is there on Grand?
Producer Dave
00:30:09.310 - 00:30:14.110
Yeah, right on Grand. And you know, and a big storefront too. You know, you just.
Eoin Comerford
00:30:15.070 - 00:30:17.550
They're just down from, from the Evo store, right?
Producer Dave
00:30:17.550 - 00:30:19.470
They are just down from the Evo store.
Eoin Comerford
00:30:19.550 - 00:30:21.270
And that's going to hurt Evo.
Producer Dave
00:30:21.660 - 00:31:13.560
It is going to hurt Evo. They bring a lot of folks down there. So. Yeah, it's just not good from a Portland perspective. No, it's not good.
And like I said, there's Other shops that will fill that and hopefully that people will find them and migrate to them. But I have to say, as those classic shops go, you have a big space that was filled to the gills with everything that you could imagine.
Deals in one corner and new in the other. They had the used gear basement. I mean, the classic basement basement with a massive grand staircase to go down it.
And, you know, and it, it, it smelled like it was 30 years old. I mean, that's the, that's the, the vibe that you want. Their shoe section and, and footwear and of course, socks. Just big.
Like, it really kind of gave you everything you want from that visit in one space. And that's, that's the, the big miss for sure.
Colin True
00:31:13.560 - 00:31:15.640
Well, I think they're. They're still open, right? So they close.
Producer Dave
00:31:15.720 - 00:31:18.920
They are until August. Yeah, they're, yeah, they're. They're moving through. But.
Colin True
00:31:19.320 - 00:31:37.060
And like we said, this is coming out on the Monday that we'll be at goa. So if you're listening to this while you're, like, working out the GOA connect and Reno, you know, Owen and I especially will be on the floor.
I think we're near the Oboe's booth, if I'm not mistaken. Come by, tell us what your succession plan is, if you're a retailer. Yeah, I'm kind of curious, you know.
Eoin Comerford
00:31:37.220 - 00:31:58.030
Yeah, I mean, I think what the theme of the show for us is going to be. The state of outdoor specialty retail. So we'd love to hear from anybody.
I mean, if you're a, if you're a rep, if you're a brand, if you're, you know, with, with grassroots and want to chat as well. I mean, we just really want to take a temperature and see where we are as an industry.
Colin True
00:31:58.910 - 00:32:46.170
Yeah. And we're going to get into some GOA preview and predictions in a second.
But first, guys, did you know that at Lem's, we're always pushing boundaries? And this spring we took a big step forward with the launch of our first ever sandal, the Switchback Sandal. It's our biggest release to date.
Built with the single continuous webbing system for secure fit and known as the Switchback Slider. That's a little device, actually, that helps you kind of adjust on the side.
It's actually pretty ingenious when you, if you have a pair of Switchback sandals. We're beyond proud of how it turned out and can't wait for you to check it out.
Catch it in person at the Switchback event in Nashville, June 17th to 18th, or grab a pair@lemshoes.com take my word for it. This will be the most comfortable thing you will step on. And actually it is really comfortable. It's incredibly comfortable.
See, they wrote that, but they're not inaccurate. It's not inaccurate. It's pretty incredible. It's pretty incredibly comfortable. Sandwich handle. So give it a shot.
Producer Dave
00:32:46.730 - 00:32:51.210
I think the switchback slider sounds like a sandwich option at the trade show.
Colin True
00:32:51.210 - 00:32:52.810
Oh, I love a good slider.
Producer Dave
00:32:53.130 - 00:32:54.130
Switchback slider.
Colin True
00:32:54.130 - 00:33:06.210
There's a, there's a new burger place we go to and they on the menu just like a variety of different sliders. So if you want, you don't want to have a giant burger. You can just get like one or two. You can like just order them out of cart. It's perfect.
You know, I just want a little bit. Just want a little slider. I don't want to have a giant burger.
Producer Dave
00:33:06.210 - 00:33:07.450
Do they have a switchback slider?
Colin True
00:33:07.850 - 00:33:12.490
They should. Yeah, I think so. Why not put a little like put the ketchup on it and a switchback design.
Producer Dave
00:33:12.490 - 00:33:12.770
Yeah.
Eoin Comerford
00:33:12.770 - 00:33:13.850
A little comfortable, right?
Colin True
00:33:16.100 - 00:33:17.940
You're listening to Rock Fight Radio.
Rock Fight Radio!
00:33:17.940 - 00:33:45.710
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Producer Dave
00:33:45.710 - 00:33:46.190
Whoa.
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00:33:46.350 - 00:34:15.390
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Colin True
00:34:15.390 - 00:35:08.010
Well, you got DJCT right here with you. And that was bold sock. The first big hit we ever had from Fitz.
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At Goa Connect this June it will be sure to put a smile on your toes. And now back to the show.
Today's Goa Connect predictions are presented by Oboz, the pride of Bozeman, Montana, who also is the cupid to the Outdoor World. And like we were saying, when this episode drops, we'll be in Reno.
So those not as familiar with Kinect, it's a pretty unique show in that it's not set up to carry the kind of normal, frenetic experience of a trade show. Brands exhibit and retailers take meetings with them, but those meetings are. Are preset by the show itself.
So the vibe during the day is more like classes in session than it is like, you know. Right.
Eoin Comerford
00:35:08.010 - 00:35:10.850
It's weird. Oh, yeah. Because I went for the first time last year.
Colin True
00:35:11.010 - 00:35:11.370
Same.
Eoin Comerford
00:35:11.370 - 00:35:12.530
Expecting. Expecting.
Producer Dave
00:35:12.530 - 00:35:13.810
Oh, a trade show. Cool.
Eoin Comerford
00:35:13.970 - 00:35:25.130
I'll get to see everybody. And no, it's all like, black curtain and Rod. It's like. It was like. It was like, what. What's. What's going on? I mean, it's very effective for.
I mean, this is an order writing show. I mean. Yes.
Colin True
00:35:25.130 - 00:35:26.370
This is an order writing show.
Eoin Comerford
00:35:26.370 - 00:35:26.690
Yes.
Colin True
00:35:26.690 - 00:35:40.930
Yes. Yeah. I was sitting. I had a table next to Connor mcoyer, who was still with the Conservation alliance.
And I honestly, like, we were talking kind of across the aisle, and I was waiting for, like, the librarian to be like, shh. Hey, people are meeting right now.
Producer Dave
00:35:40.930 - 00:35:44.290
They do employ librarians to wander the hallways.
Colin True
00:35:44.370 - 00:35:52.130
Yeah, that would be a worthy use of some marketing dollars just to pay a few actors to dress up as librarians at Connect. You know, shush, people.
Producer Dave
00:35:52.130 - 00:35:52.690
Yes.
Colin True
00:35:55.330 - 00:36:19.400
Well, we were alluding to it a little bit earlier. What are we anticipating? Let's start with the Discovery Marketplace, which is the night before the show. You talked about it earlier.
This is a chance for brands who do not exhibit at the show to small brands to show up and display for buyers. I was going through the list of brands that were on there, and I made a list of the ones I was the most excited about.
But I'm curious what you guys think. Is there anyone you're excited to see at the Discovery Marketplace?
Eoin Comerford
00:36:20.830 - 00:36:31.270
Me, actually, in. In a number of cases. It'll be the first time I'll actually get to see people in the.
In the flesh that I've been talking to, you know, online for the past 12 months.
Colin True
00:36:31.270 - 00:36:35.709
Well, we've established you own half of the outdoor industry, so. Right. You own all these brands.
Eoin Comerford
00:36:35.709 - 00:37:09.940
So ownership, just ownership. Part of some of these brands. But like Cassie, for example, from. From Wild Ride, will be there.
And, you know, like, she was saying, we were just chatting via email the other day, and she said, oh, it'd be great to see you in person. I'm like, wow, that's right. I mean, we've been on so many zooms But I can't believe I've never actually met you in person.
So for me it's just the chance to see everybody and also to see everybody after this crazy year with joining you guys in the rock fight and all the rest of it and just. Yeah, it'll be fun. Looking forward to it.
Colin True
00:37:10.180 - 00:37:54.140
Yeah. Looking at the switchback when we'll be together and I've never seen Shantae in person. Right. So I was like this is gonna really almost off putting.
Should we do little cardboard cutouts that we around our heads where we look like we're on computer monitors? I don't really know what to expect. Some of the brands I was looking to had wild rye on my list. Same thing. I've never met Cassie in person. Berghaus.
I've been hearing from those guys. They're apparently doing a big US push. They launched that at the outside festival last week. Shane over there has been reaching out to us.
They're going to be at the Discovery Marketplace. Millet is going to have a spot which we've obviously talked a lot about their push into the U.S.
dave, you and I can go over and millet it up with the MIE guys. Guys or gals. Mountainsmith is gonna be at the Discovery Mountain Place Marketplace.
Eoin Comerford
00:37:54.300 - 00:37:54.860
Okay.
Producer Dave
00:37:55.100 - 00:38:01.500
Dude, you just literally described kind of an old school brand reunion versus Discovery.
Eoin Comerford
00:38:01.820 - 00:38:05.020
Because Burkhouse and Mie were both hit in the U.S. market.
Producer Dave
00:38:05.180 - 00:38:05.660
Yeah.
Eoin Comerford
00:38:05.740 - 00:38:06.980
Probably what, 10 years ago.
Producer Dave
00:38:06.980 - 00:38:07.500
Yeah.
Eoin Comerford
00:38:07.980 - 00:38:11.180
So it'll be, it'll. It'll be more like. Yeah, it's like a reunion.
Colin True
00:38:11.660 - 00:38:56.030
And I don't know if Mountain Smith was just never a GOA brand and now they're just trying because they, they. I know they're. They're pretty healthy presence at REI and places like that, but that'll be interesting. Ripton.
I was interested in the, you know, the jort brand, the active jorts and then another one. There was a. Cause there's a press release. Alpaca. So paca is a. Is that the alpaca? It's alpaca, yeah. Yeah.
And they are now making a big push into outdoor specialty. There was a press release this morning in SGB that they just hired a bunch of new reps, rep agencies.
And this is obviously the beginning of that push into independent specialties. So. Interested to see what those brands have.
Eoin Comerford
00:38:56.030 - 00:39:12.230
Yeah, interesting brand in out of Boulder, but yeah, all alpaca. And really, I mean most people don't know what alpaca wool is like, but it's super soft. The alpaca folks sent me some Stuff. It was really lovely.
Colin True
00:39:12.870 - 00:39:25.360
Who. What was the sock brand in, like the early 2000s that had alpaca wool?
They were actually pretty competitive with, like the smart wools and stuff like that. Back in the day, I had a bunch of pairs that probably I got for free at or, but I can't remember for the life of me now.
Eoin Comerford
00:39:25.600 - 00:39:29.680
Yeah, I've got. Yeah. I don't think I've paid for a sock in like 15 years.
Colin True
00:39:30.080 - 00:39:37.840
If you're paying for socks and you work in the outdoor industry, you're doing it wrong. And plaid shirts for that reason.
Eoin Comerford
00:39:38.400 - 00:39:43.920
Although actually black socks. If you need plain black socks, you're shit out of luck. But otherwise you're in pretty good shape.
Producer Dave
00:39:44.560 - 00:39:50.420
We might know a guy, I was gonna say. Oh, and I want to hold my beer for a moment.
Colin True
00:39:50.420 - 00:39:55.420
And this is when he's not producer David, he's David Fitz, Car style. That's right.
Producer Dave
00:39:55.740 - 00:39:59.020
And we make some of the best basics in the business, Owen.
Eoin Comerford
00:39:59.020 - 00:40:03.500
So is that. Is that Fitz Fitz makes the best basics in the business.
Producer Dave
00:40:03.580 - 00:40:11.940
Oh, without a question. Without question. You want a black sock, we got a black sock. We got a cold sock, we got a navy sock, we got a brown sock. Yeah.
Colin True
00:40:11.940 - 00:40:18.320
There's a new rule that if you're going to be promoting fits outside of their ad space, you need to do it in song form and you just sing. Yeah.
Producer Dave
00:40:18.790 - 00:40:26.390
I don't know, Colin. My attention was taken by Active Jorts, so that's what I'm thinking about right now. I can't get out of that. Right.
Colin True
00:40:27.510 - 00:40:39.630
The other one on the list I'm interested in, we saw them at OR last summer was Pingora, which is a couple of the founders. One of the founders from Code Epoxy is PAC brand. Any brands you guys are excited for? Did I name all the good ones?
Producer Dave
00:40:39.630 - 00:40:40.430
You got all the good ones.
Eoin Comerford
00:40:40.430 - 00:40:47.330
You took all the good ones. To be honest, I haven't had a chance to look at the list, but I'm sure you picked all the good ones.
Colin True
00:40:48.200 - 00:40:49.240
I definitely picked the good ones.
Eoin Comerford
00:40:49.240 - 00:40:50.920
Except for the other good ones that you missed.
Producer Dave
00:40:51.560 - 00:41:05.880
But I will say, though, right, you know, as we kind of get the run up to the beginning of the show, there's always the game that we play in the week prior to the show, which we call where's my pallet? Right where you're always wondering, are my.
Colin True
00:41:05.880 - 00:41:07.560
Stuff going to be there? Do not miss those days.
Producer Dave
00:41:09.080 - 00:41:25.650
Where's my palette? Because, you know, we shipped it from here. So I have a question for you all. Okay, I got a pallet. Going to Reno. Right. For the aforementioned socks.
I'm going to list three states that my pallet is in. Can you name the state?
Eoin Comerford
00:41:27.090 - 00:41:28.530
Where did it. Where did it start?
Producer Dave
00:41:28.850 - 00:41:31.810
Okay, it started from Birmingham, Alabama.
Colin True
00:41:32.130 - 00:41:32.570
Okay.
Producer Dave
00:41:32.570 - 00:41:32.930
Okay.
Colin True
00:41:34.370 - 00:41:36.690
In Reno. When's it supposed to arrive?
Producer Dave
00:41:36.690 - 00:41:41.180
No, it's supposed to be there now, but it needs to be there by Sunday for sure. Right. So.
Colin True
00:41:41.250 - 00:41:43.170
So here's your whole booth on this one.
Producer Dave
00:41:43.170 - 00:41:46.970
Palette no comment. Colin. I can't, I can't.
Eoin Comerford
00:41:46.970 - 00:41:50.570
I'm security. I'm going to go with New Mexico.
Producer Dave
00:41:50.570 - 00:41:54.610
Okay, well, here, here's. I got three for you. I got three for you. Oh, okay. Okay.
Colin True
00:41:55.490 - 00:41:56.370
That was a pretty good guess.
Producer Dave
00:41:56.370 - 00:41:56.770
Okay.
Eoin Comerford
00:41:56.770 - 00:41:58.290
Bruce is New Mexico. Yeah.
Producer Dave
00:41:58.290 - 00:42:01.490
Okay. So the number one is Oregon.
Colin True
00:42:02.930 - 00:42:04.330
Number two, that would be terrible.
Producer Dave
00:42:04.330 - 00:42:05.730
It's like Pennsylvania.
Colin True
00:42:06.210 - 00:42:06.610
What?
Producer Dave
00:42:07.260 - 00:42:09.260
And the third is California.
Colin True
00:42:10.140 - 00:42:10.940
I'm going PA.
Eoin Comerford
00:42:11.260 - 00:42:15.700
I mean, California would make the most sense. So obviously it can't be California.
Colin True
00:42:15.700 - 00:42:17.020
So it's probably. It's probably.
Eoin Comerford
00:42:17.660 - 00:42:21.580
It's probably Portland. Just because they decided they want to do a drive by.
Colin True
00:42:23.020 - 00:42:24.380
Did you ship at air freight?
Producer Dave
00:42:25.020 - 00:42:26.220
No. No.
Colin True
00:42:26.220 - 00:42:27.100
Okay. Well, I mean.
Producer Dave
00:42:27.500 - 00:42:28.940
No, no, it's a pallet.
Colin True
00:42:29.100 - 00:42:34.780
Cause it's weirder. And those places are all really weirder if it's on a truck. Right. Versus to like this one hub on a plane.
Producer Dave
00:42:35.330 - 00:42:35.890
Right, Right.
Eoin Comerford
00:42:35.890 - 00:42:42.690
Just the fact that you're asking me, is it camp in California? And since. Since Colin already took Pennsylvania, I have to go Oregon.
Producer Dave
00:42:43.170 - 00:43:19.350
Okay. Right. The answer is all three. My palate has been in all three of those states and I don't know why. David. Right.
But we've got an email that is supposed to be arriving, so you know what? It's part of what we do in marketing though is you got to pull off the miracles. Right.
And honestly, that's where trade shows allow those departments to shine. Shout out to the events teams, the promotions teams, the marketing teams.
You got to put it all together under crazy circumstances and things that you cannot control. Make it look like it was easy. So if you.
Colin True
00:43:19.350 - 00:43:28.270
If you want to especially. Well, especially. Or when the booths were that big. We were talking about earlier like the day before.
And you're like, how is this going to be ready by, you know, whatever, 8, 9am Tomorrow?
Producer Dave
00:43:28.270 - 00:43:42.390
It is always. I love that going in the early, early setup days. And you always have that same feeling how in the world this whole thing looks like a shell.
And sure enough, by the time the bell rings in the morning, it is transformed. Right. No doubt.
Colin True
00:43:42.390 - 00:43:50.110
What is the. The over underfund amount of steamers that are going to Be on the floor in Reno, like 75 and a half or you take the over.
Producer Dave
00:43:50.830 - 00:43:53.670
I know we got a new one, so I'm pretty excited about that. Right.
Eoin Comerford
00:43:53.670 - 00:43:54.510
Oh, steamer.
Colin True
00:43:56.350 - 00:44:01.510
There's going to be some. Some poor, you know, Marks marketing, junior marketing person, and they're steaming all the apparel.
Producer Dave
00:44:01.590 - 00:44:10.790
And I will just say, do not let that task go on unnoticed. You know what? Spend some time. Train that person. Know what you're doing. Makes a big difference.
Colin True
00:44:11.190 - 00:44:25.310
All right, last thing. Do we have any predictions for the show? Because last year, the last Goa, which I didn't. I don't think either, either.
Owen and I were there, but David, you were there. We got news that that's when. That's where the news came from that Yeti is planning to sunset Mystery Ranch.
Like any bold predictions for what might go down at this show.
Eoin Comerford
00:44:25.460 - 00:44:41.620
Show. My prediction is that when somebody talks about the. Because I was at the.
The last summer show when the Rock Fight was sort of introduced a little bit to. I mean, let's be honest, a lot of blank stares at the time.
Colin True
00:44:41.620 - 00:44:43.860
We got a few cheers. There were a few cheers at least.
Producer Dave
00:44:43.860 - 00:44:44.420
Sounds like.
Eoin Comerford
00:44:44.420 - 00:44:45.900
I think you asked more than we.
Colin True
00:44:45.900 - 00:44:46.820
Thought we were going to get.
Eoin Comerford
00:44:46.980 - 00:45:05.130
You asked me to raise their hand if they. If they had listened to the podcast. It was at least. At least five people, I would say at least.
So my prediction, My bold prediction is that there will be far fewer blank stares and quizzical looks when somebody says the Rock fight.
Colin True
00:45:05.610 - 00:45:24.280
I will agree with that. David and I spoke about. We were quite pleased with the amount, actually, of people who knew at that point.
But you're right, it was definitely not the majority of the room when I helped out at lunchtime to hand out the awards. I don't know if I'm doing that again this year, but. But I have a feeling we'll have more people stopping by to say hi than did last year.
Go from mostly because you're going to.
Producer Dave
00:45:24.280 - 00:45:26.680
Be there, physical looks to looks of discomfort.
Colin True
00:45:27.320 - 00:45:30.600
Well, they're going to come see their boss because you own their brand, you know, so it'll be.
Eoin Comerford
00:45:33.240 - 00:45:41.320
Will. Will anybody, though, physically abuse Colin? That's. That's my question. Are we going to need some kind of security detail?
Colin True
00:45:41.560 - 00:45:43.320
Well, that's also why you're there with me.
Eoin Comerford
00:45:45.730 - 00:45:49.250
Well, yeah, you know, I'm a good guy in a scrap. That's okay.
Producer Dave
00:45:49.730 - 00:45:51.250
You can handle an ice axe.
Colin True
00:45:51.490 - 00:46:08.370
All right, well, today's episode of the Rock Fight was presented by Oboz, who wants to share their love of hiking. And we want to help them by uncovering all the different reasons we love to take the long walk, including the following.
Number one, sunrise makes you feel like a Disney princess. And Dave, you can tell us all about that. Go ahead. Right now. Do you want to tell us about that?
Producer Dave
00:46:08.370 - 00:46:08.770
What?
Eoin Comerford
00:46:11.650 - 00:46:12.650
Feeling like a Disney princess.
Colin True
00:46:12.650 - 00:46:21.170
Number two, that smug feeling of finishing before noon. Which actually, Dave, you can't tell us about because we all know afternoon is your hike time. Yeah. Not before noon.
Producer Dave
00:46:21.170 - 00:46:22.530
That's right. That's right.
Colin True
00:46:23.490 - 00:46:29.170
Number three, dirt tans are the new beach tans. You know, when you take your socks off like that ring around your leg.
Producer Dave
00:46:29.250 - 00:46:31.890
Some would say they never really went out of style.
Colin True
00:46:32.290 - 00:47:11.530
That's true. And number four, hiking means the Bridger Boot Camp collection.
The Bridger Ridge is here to help you smooth out the rough trails in front of you with enhanced stability and protection. The Bridger Ridge is OBO's first boot with Gore Tex. So bring on the smiles and the miles and the Bridger Ridge.
And if you find yourself in or near any number of locations in either Utah, Idaho or Montana, stop into Al's Sporting Goods to pick up your own Bridger Ridges. And this hiking appreciation moment is brought to you by oboz of Bozeman, Montana certified B Corp.
6 million tree planter and inhabitant of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Oboz is the maker of premium quality farm footwear for the trail and the cupid to the outdoor world. Oboz. Love hiking.
Chris DeMakes
00:47:12.970 - 00:47:15.050
It's time for a party shot.
Colin True
00:47:17.210 - 00:47:23.450
Any last we're no parting shot today. Any. Any last thoughts on G away connect before we. Oh, Dave, do you have a parting shot?
Producer Dave
00:47:23.770 - 00:47:45.320
Well, my parting shot is just go back. It's more more Oregon specific.
But you know, all schools are under under incredible budget pressure and those that have outdoor school programs are going to be more and more pressured to make cuts of those. It's a big topic out here in Oregon. And so just a reminder, anywhere you can support outdoor school, it's awesome.
Colin True
00:47:45.480 - 00:47:51.720
Is that something, is it, is there a spot? Is there something we can put in the show notes or a link that people can check out to help support anything like that?
Producer Dave
00:47:51.720 - 00:48:24.180
Or is that certainly send you to the friends group out here in Portland.
But it's really just more of a general let's not let this kind of with all the craziness that's going on with all the things that are obviously worthy of attention in our schools, outdoor school programs are shown over and over to do a very positive benefit and are super critical, of course, to our industry to exposing kids that might not get the chance to spend out time, learn a little bit about the science of nature and maybe build an appreciation and a memory that lasts them through their life. That's my parting, Sean.
Eoin Comerford
00:48:25.300 - 00:48:56.810
The other thing would be, as we're going to go, it would be nice to just give a little shout out to the newly announced members of goa. So we've got downwind sports with three stores in upper Pennsylvania owned by Bill Thompson, Todd King, Arnie Ronis, Nick Dobbs, and Matt Abbotts.
We've also got Granite sports of Hill City, South Dakota, owned by Lisa and Pat Weiderhold. We've got Sherpers and they've got three stores in Hales Corner, Port Washington and some other town.
Colin True
00:48:57.050 - 00:48:58.170
No, you got to say it.
Eoin Comerford
00:48:58.170 - 00:49:00.730
Okay. Oconomowoc.
Colin True
00:49:00.890 - 00:49:02.490
I think that's actually probably pretty close.
Eoin Comerford
00:49:02.570 - 00:49:19.050
I think so. Owned by Nathan Sherper. We've then got the Trailhouse of Frederick, Maryland, owned by Brennan and Katie Hicks.
And finally, wheels up, adventures of Cumberland, Maryland, owned by Mandela and Jamie Eshefu.
Colin True
00:49:20.090 - 00:50:04.340
So there you go. Look at that. All right, I take it back. Double parting shot today. Support outdoor schools. And congrats all of those folks who joined the goa.
Hopefully you stop by and say hi to us when we're at goa.
The plan is to put a new episode up on Wednesday as normal, but with travel, if that gets a little delayed and it's more like Thursday, don't hold it against us. We're still going to try and get you three episodes this week and we'll end it up right there. Guys, we want your emails. Send them to myrockfight.
The rock fight's a production of Rock Fight llc. Today's episode was produced by producer David Karsten, art direction by Sarah Genser, and for Owen Comerford, I'm Colin True.
Thanks for listening and let's get it over to Chris d' amaikz and he's gonna take us out with the rock fight fight song. We'll see you next time. Rock fighters.
Producer Dave
00:50:04.980 - 00:50:05.540
Boom.
Colin True
00:50:05.540 - 00:50:05.980
Yeah.
Chris DeMakes
00:50:05.980 - 00:51:05.650
Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock bike.
Welcome to the rock bike where we speak our truth, slay sacred cows and sometimes agree to disagree.
We talk about human powered outdoor activities and big bites about topics that we find interesting like pop culture music, the latest movie reviews, ideas that aim for the head. This is the. This is where we speak our truth. This is where we speak our truth. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Welcome to the rock flight. Rock fight.
Rock fight. Welcome to the rock flight. Rock flight. Rock fight. Rock flight. Rock flight Rock Flight. Welcome to the Rock Flight. Rock Flight. Rock fight. Rock Flight.
Colin True
00:51:06.370 - 00:51:06.850
Flight.
Producer Dave
00:51:06.850 - 00:51:07.410
Flight.