Outdoor Biz Podcast Rick Saez

Today my long time outdoor compadre Kenji Haroutunian makes his 3rd appearance on the show. As longtime director of two top-fifty trade shows in the country (and many events and services beyond), Kenji’s experience has afforded him a truly independent viewpoint to best understand the ebbs and flows of business trends, successes, failures and the tools that can be applied these days to make a difference.
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Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches
Show Notes
04:27 The pivot from outdoor retail (A16) to trade shows. I don't quite remember how that happened.
I had been managing stores, a store manager for Adventure 16 in L. A. and then in the Valley store, and was back in the L. A. store managing there. And then got a call from Larry Harrison, who was. Put on task by the outdoor retailer team to go find their next account exec. There was a long-time account executive who was leaving, and they're looking to fill that spot. And I said, like, well, what's an account executive? It's not something that I was familiar with and sounded pretty fancy, but you know, long story short, I interviewed down in Laguna Beach with the team. And then, back then, it was called Miller Freeman, who was the owner of the outdoor retailer shows. And I got hired there as a salesperson having zero experience selling space or advertising, and starting in, in earnest, my career in the media slash shows business.
08:00 The Big Gear Show
Big Gear rose up out of what was the paddle sports retailer show. So that was a show launched by a couple of guys from the paddle sports industry who became sort of unhappy with the timing of outdoor retailer. Paddle sports was a big part of the outdoor retailer show, and they passed. They took their boat, went off, and started their own show. Out of that came the desire to be more inclusive categorically. So, instead of just paddle sports, why don't we bring in hike, running, camping, and biking and create a more comprehensive and inclusive platform? And so that's where the Big Gear Show came from. It launched in 2020.
14:29 Outdoor Biz Evolution
Those trade shows were all a bunch of guides, and, you know, we were young kids who worked at the retail shop floors and stuff. It was not as sophisticated then as it is now today.
You're right. That evolution is big. And I think, you know, the infusion of capital market representatives, you know, I, it was very different. You're right. You know, during my time, for example, at the show's helm was during the time when financial investors started showing up in numbers dozens and then like hundreds of people were coming, and we even created an event for them called what's that called, Fund Source? And it was specifically designed for new brands to pitch to investment community people and get valuable feedback and maybe even score an investor, you know, in the, in the sort of mode of Shark Tank. Right. But it was, I think Camber Outdoors is helping to sponsor it.
17:10 Do you have any thoughts on how that shakes out, consolidates, and continues to expand?
I shy away from the word trade show anymore because it's kind of a loaded term.
It kind of almost by default says the old. Way or the old show model that were the outdoor industry anyway, has become passé. And I think that whatever we're going to call the new show model you know, at big gear, we call it B2B2C or just simply like an inclusive platform that makes less of a deal of your categorical status.
You know, interestingly, you know, I, I have a, well, I don't have my badge on right now, but I came in the show and they had sort of parsed the show entry timing by what kind of badge you had. So it was like, you get an eight, if you have this badge, get an 11, if

Hello again everyone. Welcome to episode 451 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I’m speaking with fellow OWAA member Emanuel Rose. Emanuel is an author, outdoorsman, and marketing expert. He says his love for the natural world has been a constant in his life, and he finds joy in exploring towering forests and the energy of the ocean. His childhood fantasy of discovering special wild places inspired him to write, and his children's book series is growing as a result of that passion.
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Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
Show Notes 06:10 Emanuel started writing in childhood, shifted to children's books for grandchildren.
09:41 Emanuel is working on two projects, one about mentoring Gen Z and the other for Gen Z on how to be dynamic individuals. They also wrote about the importance of showing leadership in detoxing from technology and triggering more outdoor time.
12:35 Started a podcast because I was seeking to engage in conversations, provide resources for marketing and AI, and inspire outdoor exploration and wilderness activities.
15:39 re: podcasts, as the host, having the talent and the control allows for selecting guests and topics based on personal interest and connection to outdoor retail wholesale space.
17:21 Authentic Marketing in the Age of AI-AI Marketing: The text is a conversation about the challenges of marketing in the modern world. It focuses on the importance of simplifying marketing efforts and getting back to basics, such as addressing people's concerns in a human-to-human manner and making transactions easy for them. The speaker emphasizes the need to move away from getting lost in key performance indicators (KPIs) and various tools, and instead, focusing on solving problems, providing solutions, and effectively communicating with people.
21:00 Daily Routine: Morning writing and client work, followed by leisure activities in the afternoon such as golf, workouts, or mini adventures. I can easily access nature within an hour.
25:54 Including specific details when reaching out to someone generates better questions and improves the interaction. It's a great tip for effective communication.
Emanuel's Childrens Books
Learn More
You can follow up with Emanuel at: emanuelrose.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#writer, #marketing books, #children's books, #nature-themed books, #value clarification, #mentorship, #nature impact, #self-discovery, #authentic marketing, #OWAA, #fishing tips, #coaching, #simplifying marketing, #generative AI,
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Jonathan Chester has photographed on all seven continents, and specializes in documenting the wild, remote, and extreme and is equally at home in urban and rural settings, covering nature, landscapes, and environmental themes. He continues to guide and lecture on adventure cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic.
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Show Notes 51:13 Thanks for tuning in to the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to never miss an episode. Spread the word and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts.
00:00 Jonathan Grew up in Adelaide, enjoyed nature, joined scouts, and wanted to be a scuba diver.
03:19 The University underwater club led to a scuba diving career.
07:41 you always learn more from getting into hairy situations and trouble than you do when everything goes smoothly.
When everything goes smoothly, it's like, it's too easy, right? The aphorism that, you know, good judgment is the product of experience, but experience quite often is a lot of bad judgment and a lot of sort of uncomfortable or difficult circumstances.
10:35 Decided not to be a guide, became a photojournalist and storyteller for 35 years.
14:08 Exciting sailing journey leads to Antarctic expedition.
18:27 Since 1978, Jonathan has sold photos and stories in magazines.
19:52 Had a career in presenting slideshows in Australia, learned power of storytelling, moved away from climbing and photography.
24:36 Struggling to retrieve rope, dropped camera lens, still works.
28:21 Advancements in power sources for remote travel and photography, including lithium battery packs and solar panels, have made it easier to stay charged while on the move. These technologies have also influenced the capabilities of drones for capturing aerial photography.
30:18 Travel and technology have unavoidable carbon costs.
35:30 Passionate about landscape photography, finds power in nature, and emphasizes creating rather than just taking photos. Utilizes zoom lenses for convenience.
37:15 Staying safe and comfortable while working in the field. Good gear, fitness, and routines are important for photography in challenging conditions. Multiple bodies are useful for quick changes.
40:28 Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars: I always wanna make sure I'm well hydrated and have some decent gloves.
41:58 Favorite book: one of the best reading books about the history of the Antarctic peninsula is called The Storied Ice by Joan Booth. And there's a wonderful biography of Frank Hurley by a colleague of mine, Alistair McGregor. Frank Hurley, A Photographers Life.
40:46 Outdoor essentials: hydration, layered gloves for photography, multi-functional trekking pole.
45:19 The author discusses the importance of photo books and collaboration with a writer, encouraging others to publish.
46:11 Jonathan is excited about the new climbing book, The Art of Climbing, by an Australian, Simon Carter. He's proud of his own books and admires wildlife photographers.
Learn More
You can follow up with Jonathan on his website: extremeimages.com 
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Jonathan Chester, #photo books, #polar bears, #Penguins, #wildlife photographers, #Patagonia, #microplastics, #environmental impact, #landscape photography, #adventure photography, #Mountain Travel Sobek, #Extreme Images, #sustainability, #conservation, #mountaineering, #historical mountaineering, #expedition narratives, #Antarctica history
Pod

Hello again, everyone. Welcome to episode 449 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. This week, I’m talking with Lauren Hefferon. Lauren has been a devoted cyclist for over 40 years. While in high school in Southern NH, Lauren discovered her passion for pedaling after a serious ski injury prevented her from downhill ski racing and playing many team sports. Upon graduation with a degree in Graphic Design in Mass Art, Laure decided to follow her entrepreneurial cravings and launched Ciclismo Classico. Their mission is to inspire active travelers to embrace cycling as a soulful form of travel that connects us with the world and to the passionate, curious, and creative human spirit.
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Brought to you this week by Thrive Market
Show Notes 00:00 Rick Saez shares outdoor industry insights, interviews, and product innovation on the Outdoor Biz Podcast.
03:30 Lauren grew up without a bicycle in the 1960s, until she got her purple Schwinn.
06:34 Art and curiosity drive Lauren's varied interest in anthropology.
11:21 After Cornell, Lauren toured Europe, worked as a tour guide in Italy.
13:30 Created educational bike tours, focused on teaching, not luxury. Started with Pisa to Florence itinerary.
17:21 Some of the early challenges were in bike quality and hotel operations.
20:59 Lauren believe in learning through bicycle tours.
24:25 Promotion of lesser-known trips in Italy creates a succession of tours.
27:57 The goal is to create memorable and safe experiences on bicycle trips, including organizing a surprise performance by the Cortina Choir in the Dolomites.
31:20 Switching from driving tours to biking trips, aiming for full human-powered travel, with exceptions for uninteresting or traffic-heavy stretches.
32:53 Gravel riding in Tuscany and other regions is popular.
35:25 Prefer phone calls for personal connection in planning bicycle trips. Focus on understanding and personalizing experience.
40:44 I love Mary Oliver's nature poems. They remind me to be grateful.
42:01 Cycling should be enjoyed at your own pace, not about speed or sleekness, akin to a ski vacation.
45:37 E-bikes are extending cycling age range and accessibility.
49:32 Lauren turned cyclist after a knee injury, emphasizing the importance of low-impact exercise.
51:13 Thanks for tuning in to the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to never miss an episode. Spread the word and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts.
Learn More
You can follow up with Lauren on Facebook and Instagram by email: and call her directly at: 617-640-4837. That's my cell phone. And then our 800 number is 1-800-866-7314. And our company is www.cyclismoclassico.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Ciclismo Classico, #bike touring, #educational tours, #Italy, #guided tours, #safety clinics, #immersive experience, #cultural interaction, #ebikes, #adventure travel, #personalized experiences, #electric bikes, #environmental benefits, #eco-friendly practices, #gravel riding, #Piedmont, #Tuscany, #Sicily.
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This week I’m talking with Chris and Kelly Kibbee, founders of No Limits Scuba in Tempe Arizona. If you’re just discovering scuba or looking to go professional, No Limits Scuba sets you apart on your path, by offering the highest quality and standards for safety and fun.
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Show Notes 06:25 Dream of scuba shop ownership fulfilled; now No Limits Scuba has been a full-time career for 11 years.
09:57 Thriving desert diving community offers surprising vibrancy.
11:23 Arizona and Colorado compete for most divers.
16:11 Training leads to becoming a diving instructor. Skills prepare for teaching and responsibility.
19:56 Progress through courses to gain new diving skills and specialties.
22:49 Gradual diving program tailored to individual goals.
24:44 Traveling fosters a sense of community through scuba diving, creating lasting connections with a group of dedicated individuals who become like family.
27:13 Instructor helped mentee become a successful scuba diving instructor.
30:21 Arizona offers diverse outdoor activities, including snowboarding and hiking. The state's geographical diversity allows for cooler, higher elevations just a few hours north of the valley, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
36:15 Enjoys both biographies and fiction, recently read some of Nick Offerman's books, specifically recommending "Paddle Your Own Canoe" for its solid comedic approach to living a meaningful life and Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
Tune in weekly for valuable insights and tips. Subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
You can follow up with Chris and Kelly on Facebook and Instagram and by email: chris@nolimitesscuba.com and kelly@nolimitesscuba.com
Next Steps
If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords
#Scuba diving, #Outdoor gear, #SCUBA certification, #Scuba instructors, #PADI, #Open water training, #Survival skills, #Underwater world, #Exotic destinations#No Limits Scuba, #Marine life, #Dive shop, #Desert diving, #Dive school, #tropical locations, #Professional certification, #Outdoor industry, #Underwater exploration, #Scuba lessons
Get Your Podcast Published NOW! 
I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers ears.
Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the deets and let me know if you have any questions.
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Hey everyone. Welcome to episode 447 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. This week I’m talking with Cory Higgins, Cory is the Jetty Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer. One of his early memories of Jetty is Putting $200 in a trucker hat at Jerm's apartment by the Port Hole to pay his portion of starting the company and making their first 3 tees. They’ve come a long way since then!
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Brought to you this week by Thrive Market

Show Notes
"Outdoor Adventures: So, yeah, I mean, there's so many memories of outdoor adventures."— Cory Higgins 00:03:4100:03:45
Entrepreneurship Journey: "And after college, we were sitting around. We were working on 9 to five. And on the weekends, we'd gather at the one guy's apartment and crack some beers and talk about starting a business and working for ourselves someday."— Cory Higgins 00:04:2000:04:57
Starting a Business in the Surf Industry: "And then we just kinda, like, sat on it for a minute, and I did some I did some of that backpacking in Australia."— Cory Higgins 00:04:5700:05:26
Following Your Passion: "Can I take a sabbatical from school and come run your screen printing department?"— Cory Higgins 00:06:2300:06:28
Marketing Strategy: "Our CEO and me would both be working behind the bar talking about in the summertime, we have a big influx of, tourists, and we'll just be talking about the company and selling t shirts and hats and promoting it. And then all those tourists would then go back to their hometowns in the winter with a new t shirt or hat, and then they would talk it up for us to their hometowns. Mhmm. It just kinda kept growing like that."— Cory Higgins 00:09:2100:09:45
B-Corp Impact: "And, he was like, you should look into becoming a B-Corp."— Cory Higgins 00:11:3100:11:33
Sustainable Fashion Trends: "Just trying to use more natural fibers and trying to get everything out of China that we can and diversify a whole lot more."— Cory Higgins 00:17:2700:17:36
Customer Feedback and Retailers: "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, constantly taking feedback. I think the most feedback we take is from our retailers."— Cory Higgins 00:19:2400:19:30
"Product Line Growth and Feedback": "Just you take it all with a grain of salt because one opinion doesn't mean anything."— Cory Higgins 00:20:1700:20:21
Life's Journey: "You're on the path you're supposed to be on."— Cory Higgins 00:27:4400:27:46
Favorite Gear Under $100: NiteIze Biner Clips
Favorite Books: Start With Why by Simon Sinek, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Learn More You can follow up with Cory on Linkedin, Instagram: cory_higgins and by email: cory_higgins@jettylife.com
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter
Keywords #Jetty, #B Corp certification, #outdoor lifestyle products, #surf lifestyle brands, #organic growth, #social media, #partnership, #collaborations, #product development, #natural fibers, #manufacturing, #US manufacturing, #community events, #international expansion, #young entrepreneurs, #outdoor gear
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Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.