KORE Outdoors Podcast

Riding the entrepreneurial roller coaster with Brent Firkser of GOSO Cookware

The KORE Outdoors podcast was created for outdoor founders like Brent Firkser. He's been the audience, and now he's the guest for episode 50. Brent built GOSO Cookware, a carbon steel pan with a fully removable handle, and turned it into a $166K Kickstarter and a growing business he runs solo from his home in Nelson, BC. He breaks down how the KORE Network shaped GOSO from idea to launch, why finding a manufacturer willing to work with a solo founder was harder than designing the product, and how he wrestled with pricing a premium product. It's a candid look at building a physical-product business alone and defining success on your own terms. Register for the KORE Summit Topics covered: Grief as the catalyst — regret minimization as the real reason he started GOSO The KORE Network as a zero-to-one engine — mentorship, manufacturer intros, community over silo Winning over a manufacturer as a small, unproven customer Kickstarter mechanics — the $1 pre-sale filter, the accidental early launch, hitting funding goal in hours Pricing psychology — second-guessing your own value, "buy once, cry once" Brand as vehicle for community, not the product itself — GOSO's ethos and the Backcountry Table event Defining entrepreneurial success — control of time, enjoying the process, decoupling self-worth from the business cycle Solo-founder resilience — patience, perseverance, self-compassion, "weathering the storms" Links GOSO website Backcountry Table event page Chuk Outdoors RUX Wildelore Launchboom Barebones Pete Day of Mosko Moto The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Taking on the incumbents as a solo founder with Lizzie Shilko of Revi Gear

Lizzie Shilko launched Revi Gear, a Colorado ski helmet brand, in August 2025 — and spent her first season hand-delivering helmets out of her car trunk to shops across the state. She walks through the retail hustle that landed her first account, why customers make better sales reps than any sales force, and how a cold-email campaign — sent from a brand with no website, no funding, no logo — landed her a manufacturing partner. Lizzie also gets candid about the gap between her McKinsey background and founder life: no salary, no security, no manager to validate the work. She talks through the anxiety of founder-led social media, separating internal conviction from public comments, and why speed to market beat waiting to get it perfect. Approaching year one, she's shifting from sprint to endurance — fewer SKUs, more intentional growth. A tactical conversation for anyone building a hard goods brand from scratch. REGISTER for the KORE Summit Episode Highlights Show up in person — retail hustle, hand-delivering helmets, founder-as-sales-force Pull marketing beats push marketing — customers become unpaid sales reps Fake it till you make it — sourcing manufacturers with zero brand infrastructure Manufacturer trust — flying overseas, wiring life savings, building the relationship Founder-led social media — growth, public criticism, internal vs. external validation Speed to market — pre-orders as real product-market-fit signal Sprint to endurance — shifting from launch speed to intentional, incremental growth Evolving "why" — from proving personal capability to building something others can be proud of Links Revi Gear's website Revi Gear on Instagram Revi Gear on Christy Sports Seniq Half Days Wild Rye Away luggage Built Bars The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast

From sewing prototypes to a sold-out launch with Morgan Tuohy of Dera

Morgan Tuohy built the world's first dial-fit running belt in his attic — sewing a Boa dial salvaged from a worn-out pair of shoes onto a remade prototype. In this episode, he traces the line from crying through his first marathon at age 12 to launching Dera 35 days before we spoke. Morgan is candid about the failure of his first company, Near Zero Labs, and the lessons that reshaped how he builds: ask for help, pay for people's time, and don't try to be the person behind the sewing machine forever. He walks through finding a factory as a single-product startup, running email-first instead of chasing Instagram followers, and a five-minute masterclass on landing pages. Along the way, he pushes back on startup orthodoxy and shares why he wants Dera to feel like going on a run with him and his friends. Episode Topics The origin story: from marathon to maker Building prototypes in the attic and validating demand Lessons from a failed first company Finding and winning over an overseas factory as a single-product startup Email-first marketing and building an owned audience Anatomy of the landing page and launch funnel Building community differently in the outdoor industry Rethinking startup gospel: not being embarrassed by your first product Links Dera's website Sign up for Second Nature's Slack community Courier Socks Register for the KORE Summit For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Investing in Outdoor Founders with Andrew Luter of Rio Chato Investments

Most outdoor founders think raising money means venture capital. Andrew Luter of Rio Chato Investments spends much of his time talking founders out of taking money and, instead, helps them to see what options they have that may be a better fit. He breaks down why most outdoor businesses are the wrong shape for VC, and why using equity to solve a cash-flow problem is like taking out a splinter with a chainsaw. We cover the funding tools founders overlook, the big wholesale orders that can quietly kill small brands, why coachability beats product and pitch, and the "danger zone" where a brand is too big to be small and too small to be big. Topics covered in the episode: When raising equity is the wrong move The REI/big-box order as a working-capital trap Underused funding: PO financing, revenue-based financing, CDFIs, friends and family Why coachability beats product and pitch The "danger zone": too big to be small, too small to be big Community-first brands as the next wave in outdoor Links Andrew's Substack Rio Chato Investments Heather Kelly's Substack Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn Register for the KORE Summit The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Doing Things Differently with Jensen Cipriano Brehm of Ombraz

Jensen Cipriano Brehm is the co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses — the armless, cord-based eyewear brand that started with a broken pair on a camel safari in India and turned into one of the more distinctive product stories in the outdoor industry. In this conversation, Jensen walks through the founding journey, how Ombraz found their first customers in the ultralight backpacking and bikepacking worlds, their approach to building in-house content and media, raising a small round of funding while retaining equity, and how he and co-founder Nikolai run the whole operation remotely. Topics Origin story: broken sunglasses on a camel safari in India, four years of wearing a MacGyver'd pair, then building the company Finding initial traction in ultralight backpacking and then exploding into bikepacking Keeping all content creation in-house — why agencies produce soulless, interchangeable outdoor content Raising a Series A in 2020 — retaining equity while gaining runway for inventory and hiring Delegating early: 3PL, customer service, and letting go of ego Ombraz's 9 core brand pillars as a decision-making filter Co-founder dynamics with Nikolai — complementary skill sets, business coaching, and the Positive Intelligence framework Running the business fully remote via Slack and monday.com Defining success as low stress, staying creative, and having fun Links Ombraz website Sarah Swallow on Instagram Ronnie Romance on Instagram GOSO Cookware Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Building a brand for the Renaissance athlete with Mattie and Matt Sims of Courier Socks

Matt and Mattie Sims are the co-founders of Courier Socks, a performance sock brand built for the Renaissance athlete — the person who isn't limited to just one sport. In this episode, we get into how a snapped achilles and a $10 sock sparked a product thesis, how five co-founders from world-class brands assembled into something that felt inevitable, and what it really looks like to build a bootstrapped brand without quitting your day job, without outside funding, and with a toddler in the mix. Topics covered: Building with five co-founders — why more wasn't messier, it was essential The Renaissance athlete — Courier's positioning and who they're actually building for The sock category opportunity — why performance socks have been left behind relative to footwear Bootstrapped growth and marketing — what's worked, what hasn't, and the myth of the breakthrough moment Lessons from Lululemon — what they carried out and what they left behind Links: Get 15% off your Courier Socks order by using this link. Or use code KORE15 at checkout Courier's website Courier on Instagram BDBC Public Relations The Running Event / Switchback tradeshow Tiny Experiments - book by Anne-Laure Le Cunff For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Scaling a Cottage Outdoor Brand with Chris Schabow, CEO of Enlightened Equipment

Chris Schabow didn't plan to run a manufacturing company — he was a nonprofit fundraiser with a sewing machine from Goodwill and a side hustle making backpacking gear. A chance conversation revealed that Enlightened Equipment, the brand he'd been reverse-engineering for years, was operating out of a hole-in-the-wall shop in his own town. What followed was a cold letter, a ghosted coffee meeting, and a leap of faith that cost him his salary, his benefits, and almost his financial stability. Nine years later, he's CEO. This is the story of how you build your way to the top — one baffle at a time. Highlights from the episode How a nonprofit fundraiser with a $18 Goodwill sewing machine stumbled into a career at the brand he'd been reverse-engineering from the internet From leaf blowers in the attic to commercial stuffing machines: how Enlightened Equipment rebuilt its production floor around technology instead of headcount Why going overseas was the only math that worked — and how the brand navigated the ultralight community's backlash The "stuff on demand" shell model that saved the company during COVID and became the foundation of how they operate today What it actually looks like to lead a team you once punched a clock alongside — and why starting at the bottom made Chris a better CEO than any outside hire could have been Links Enlightened Equipment Prairie Dog Shovels E Clean (down restoration service) Garage Grown Gear Ripstop by the Roll Thru-Hiker Backpacking Light For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Engineering The Future of Skiing with Jonathan Audet of Ferreol Skis

Jonathan Audet and his two co-founders set out to build better skis. What they built instead may change entire industries. In this episode, Jonathan shares the story behind Ferreol Skis — a Quebec-based brand combining sustainability, in-house engineering, and a fierce love of skiing into one of Canada's fastest-growing ski companies. We also dig into Ferreol Technologies and the aluminum alloy they developed that the industry is calling the strongest in the world. From backyard experiments to Canadian military contracts to the French market, this is a masterclass in founder obsession and engineering-driven brand building. A few of the topics covered in this episode: From backyard experiments to the largest Canadian ski brand Building a sustainability-first ski company without sacrificing performance The world's strongest aluminum — developed for skis, destined for space Growing internationally: How to use government resources to enter new markets Hiring intrapreneurs and the founder's guide to staying coachable Links Ferreol Skis Watch Jonathan & his co-founders' appearance on Dragon's Den For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Building a Category-Specific Brand with Dario Phillips of Slowtide

Dario Phillips, co-founder of Slowtide, built the surf industry's most recognizable beach towel brands by betting on a single product category and surrounding it with authentic art, meaningful collaborations, and a clear brand identity. In this conversation, Dario traces the full founder arc — from marketing director at Quiksilver to rolling the dice on 800 towels in a Venice Beach garage. He talks about the realities of licensing deals, co-founding remotely across two islands, and why a decade of building has taught him to trust his team's instincts over outside hires. He also shares how Slowtide is expanding beyond towels into outerwear and new product categories, while staying grounded in the values that started it all. A few of the topics from the conversation: Leaving Corporate Board Sports to Co-Found Slowtide The Case for Category-Specific Brands Licensing as a Growth Strategy Co-Founding Across Time Zones and Islands Founder Confidence Over Outside Hires Sustainable Growth and Giving Back Links: Slowtide Slowtide's Custom Products Slowtide x New Balance Connect with Christian on LinkedIn The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

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AI and the Outdoor Industry with David Kenworthy and Michael Rueckert

David Kenworthy (MMGY Origin) and Michael Ruckert (Centium AI) break down what outdoor industry founders and marketers need to know about AI visibility. Learn how AI models train on internet content, why there's often a gap between how brands see themselves and how AI describes them, and what AEO (AI Engine Optimization) means for your business. From understanding tokenization to exploring vibe coding opportunities for startups, this conversation delivers actionable insights on positioning your brand in the AI era. Episode Highlights How AI Models Train: Understanding tokenization, word associations, and how AI predicts brand recommendations by indexing internet content to form probability-based responses The Brand Perception Gap: Why there's often a disconnect between how outdoor brands market themselves and how AI actually describes them to consumers Centium AI Platform & AEO Strategy: What AI Engine Optimization means, how to measure brand visibility across multiple LLMs, and where AI sources content about your products Links Centium.ai MMGY Origin Superhuman.ai Newlsetter Connect with David on LinkedIn Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

14k Followers in 30 Days: The Playbook That Built Seniq's Growth on Instagram

Tina Thompson grew Seniq's Instagram following from 10K to 42K in just one year - including 14K new followers in 30 days. In this conversation, she breaks down the exact playbook that transformed Instagram from a content channel into a revenue generator. Tina shares how she reduced her time commitment from 20 hours to just 5 hours per week while accelerating growth, the specific content strategies that unlocked hockey stick growth during the launch of their ski apparel, and how she uses trial reels and AB testing to optimize performance. This is the tactical Instagram masterclass every outdoor brand founder needs. Show Highlights This episode is a deeper-dive into the tactics that Tina laid out in her Substack post about Seniq's Instagram strategy. Here are the main topics Tina lays out in her post that we dive into in this episode: Be yourself Most strategy is useless Consistency is everything Don't reinvent the wheel Fun is key Unlock & Repeat Pinning works Giveaways are a must Show the product Lo-fi > Hi-res The best launches have a formula A/B testing reels drives quick results Links Tina's Substack Seniq on Instagram Tina on Instagram Mallory Ottariano / Youer on Instagram Behind The Diary YouTube channel Tiny Experiments book The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

25 Years of Packrafting with Thor Tingey of Alpacka Raft: From Innovation to Industry Leadership

Thor Tingey, CEO of Alpacka Raft, discusses what it takes to establish a new category in the outdoor industry and to build an independent, family-owned company. Twenty-five years after pioneering modern packrafting, Thor shares hard-won wisdom about balancing innovation with customer feedback, navigating explosive COVID-era growth, and why maintaining in-house production is critical to his long-term strategy. Thor explains how thoughtful, sustained growth and deep customer relationships define market leadership in the outdoor industry. Episode Highlights Domestic manufacturing philosophy: Why in-house USA production preserves critical manufacturing knowledge that offshore production erodes. Establishing a new sport: The unique challenges and responsibilities of pioneering packrafting as a recreational activity and building a market category from scratch over 25 years. Customer-driven success metrics: Defining business achievement through authentic superfan stories rather than revenue numbers—when customers evangelize your brand unprompted, you've won Innovation vs. feedback balance: Weighing when to push design boundaries versus listening to what experienced customers actually need in the field Market leadership responsibility: Grappling with the ethical dimensions of being the category creator—from social media restraint to thoughtful product positioning Links: KORE Outdoors Alpacka Rafts Sheri - a documentary about Thor's mom who was Alpacka's original founder & CEO Abundance - book Thor mentions For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Meet the 19-year-old Taking on Gore-Tex: Sam Digiambattista of Indersity

Sam Digiambattista was shopping for a ski jacket when he discovered that Gore-Tex—the gold standard in outdoor fabrics for 50 years—is made with PFAS, harmful forever chemicals. Rather than accepting the status quo, the then-teenager decided to do something about it. In the two years since, Sam has developed his own PFAS-free waterproof breathable fabric and launched Indersity, a technical outerwear brand committed to environmental responsibility without sacrificing performance. At just 19 years old, Sam demonstrates remarkable conviction and values-driven leadership that makes you believe sustainable innovation is possible in the outdoor industry. Topics Covered: Why this teenager rejected the fabric standard From zero knowledge to proprietary fabric in two years Speed wins: Building a technical brand without waiting for permission Taking on investors to capitalize on an opportunity Getting athletes on board early Staying hands-on while growing Links: Indersity KORE podcast episode with Alex Lauver KORE podcast episode with Casey Shaw For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Everything Starts With Product - Pete Day of Mosko Moto

Pete Day of Mosko Moto reveals what it takes to build a premium adventure motorcycle gear brand from the ground up. He explains why product quality is the foundation of everything, how they design for hardcore users who demand maximum utility, and the balance between innovation and accessibility. Pete shares insights on maintaining premium status while staying within reach of working riders, building community through 50+ annual events and multi-day riding experiences, and growing his Instagram to 90K+ followers. The conversation ends with Pete's definition of success and why the interesting path beats the efficient one every time. A few topics from the episode: The product-first philosophy: "Nobody wants to be in your community if your product sucks" Designing for hardcore users: maximizing utility for riders who push gear to its limits The danger of detaching into an "ivory tower" of premium pricing and exotic materials Why Mosko attends 50+ events annually and hosts multi-day riding and camping experien Growing a personal Instagram following to 90K+ while staying authentic to the sport Links Mosko Moto Pete's Instagram @moskopete Kuiu Purple Cow by Seth Godin Dusty Lizard campout For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

The Shopify Advantage: Mike Blarowski on Smarter E-Commerce

Mike Blarowski, co-founder of Pinkbike and Shopify expert, joins the KORE Outdoors Podcast to unpack what he calls the Shopify Advantage—how outdoor brands can simplify e-commerce and build businesses that support their lifestyle. From early lessons at Pinkbike to helping founders optimize their online stores, Mike shares practical insights on using Shopify effectively, creating high-converting email flows, and adapting to the future of AI-driven search. This episode is a field guide for makers and entrepreneurs who want to grow online without losing their connection to the outdoors. What “the Shopify Advantage” means for outdoor brands Common e-commerce mistakes and how to fix them Using email automation to convert visitors into loyal customers How AI is changing SEO and online marketing The best apps for your Shopify store Learn more about KORE Links to what was mentioned on this episode: Iceberg Commerce (Mike's E-commerce Agency) Pixel Union Themes Google PageSpeed Insights GT Metrix SparkLayer Klaviyo Copy That copywriting course Copy Posse Shopify Apps: Locksmith Judge.me Gorgias MyWorks BetterReports KNO Commerce Matrixify Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

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Why Can't We Do That? Reinventing Ski Poles with Cristina Ashbaugh of Yardsale

Cristina Ashbaugh, co-founder of Yardsale, shares how they reinvented the ski pole by adding magnets and modular design—starting with taped-together prototypes in her San Francisco apartment. With no industry experience, she and co-founder Kelly McGee launched their business unconventionally: through NYC subway ads, cold-calling ski shops as a "student researcher," and a rehearsed Shark Tank pitch that secured an investment from Kendra Scott. Cristina discusses tactical strategies, including DIY PR that landed Fast Company coverage, managing wholesale complexity with customizable products, why they're running their own fulfillment instead of using a 3PL, and expanding beyond ski poles into bags and technical apparel for the "90% of skiers." Learn more about KORE Outdoors Links Yardsale website Yardsale's Substack (Behind the scenes of building the brand) See their NYC subway ads & truck ads Watch their Shark Tank episode South Park documentary about their creative process: 6 Days to Air Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Short Form, Big Impact: Darren Rayner's Video Strategy For Outdoor Brands

Darren Rayner has been shaping how brands tell stories online for more than two decades. As the founder of Magnafire, a Vancouver-based creative agency working with Red Bull, Arc’teryx, and Lululemon, Darren shares how his early days running a snowboard apparel brand gave him a unique lens on content long before “content” was a thing. In this episode, we trace his journey from spray-painting t-shirts and hacking video streams in 2001 to leading a team producing some of the most effective short-form content in the outdoor industry today. Darren breaks down why short videos outperform long ones, how brands can use the “content pyramid” to stretch their budgets, and why founder-led storytelling matters more than ever. It’s a practical, inspiring conversation for any entrepreneur who wants to use video strategically without overcomplicating it. Learn more about KORE Outdoors Highlights from the conversation: Darren’s apparel brand and the ahead-of-its-time content strategy that helped them grow The shift from long-form to short-form video and how brands adapted Magnifier’s “content pyramid” framework for efficient content creation Founder-led storytelling and building trust through transparency Brand vs performance marketing budgets (70/30 approach) and evolving funnels Connect with Darren on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn Links to things mentioned in the conversation: Magnafire Zendaya x On Running - Zone Dreamers Satisfy Running - I Think I Saw You On My Run Today Liquid Death's YouTube Channel Gucci short film starring Demi Moore & Edward Norton For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Bill Amos - Lessons From Shutting Down NW Alpine

In this episode, Christian sits down with Bill Amos, founder of Northwest Alpine, to talk candidly about his decision to close the company after 15 years. Bill shares what went into making the call, the relief that followed, and he reflects on what he's learned through the experience. From the challenges of sustaining a U.S.-made apparel brand to the pressures of demand, cash flow, and retail consolidation, Bill offers unfiltered insights on the hard truths of entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the future of domestic manufacturing, why demand matters more than margin, and what independent retailers and small brands need to survive in a changing market. This conversation is an honest look at the other side of building a brand—the moment when stepping away is the wisest choice. Episode Highlights The decision-making process behind closing Northwest Alpine and how Bill felt after the announcement. Why demand, not margin, is the biggest driver of viability for small brands. Lessons from running a U.S.-based manufacturing business—and why Bill still believes in its future. The current state of outdoor specialty retail, the REI problem, and what independents need to thrive. Why direct-to-consumer is increasingly expensive, wholesale is tough, and what founders can do to find a "third way". The importance of in-person connection, founder-led storytelling, and community-driven growth. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build U.S.-made outdoor brands—and why Bill says to “wait five years.” What’s next for Bill as he takes on a new role leading apparel development at Spiritus Systems. Learn more about KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Connect with Bill on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

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Lloyd Vogel Returns! Garage Grown Gear CEO & KORE Summit Keynote Speaker

Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear and keynote speaker at the upcoming KORE Summit, returns to the podcast for a timely conversation about leading a growing business, why ultralight backpacking has become backpacking and the future of independent outdoor retail. Episode Highlights: The personal evolution from doing everything to leading everything — how Lloyd shifted from solopreneur to CEO. Garage Grown Gear’s framework for saying “no” to good ideas to make room for great ones. Why ultralight backpacking isn’t a niche anymore—it’s becoming the new norm in outdoor retail. The importance of staying deeply connected to your brand’s purpose and resisting horizontal sprawl. How independent retailers can win by creating spaces of discovery, not sameness. Links: Connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn Garage Grown Gear Adotec Gear (bear bags) Derek Sivers - "Hell Yeah or No" Norda Run Huckberry Nathan Barry - Skyscrapers vs. Strip Malls Nemo Hornet Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody 0.5 Justin Outdoors YouTube channel For more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/ The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Tony McWilliam: Lessons from Faction Skis on Building Brands with Focus and Intention

In this episode, Christian talks with Tony McWilliam, founder of Faction Skis, about the realities of starting and scaling a product-focused brand. Drawing from his design background, Tony shares how design thinking helps with branding, problem-solving, and decision-making. He dives into the risks of expanding too quickly, the importance of staying focused, and why early-stage founders should do every job themselves. They explore the value of deep relationships with factories, retailers, and mentors and candid advice on margin, funding options, and building a sustainable business. A must-listen for outdoor industry entrepreneurs navigating the messy middle of brand growth. Episode Highlights: Why design thinking is a powerful framework for brand building and problem-solving. The three pillars every business needs: Product, Demand, and Distribution. What founders should not outsource in the first few years. Why deep relationships with factories are more valuable than chasing the cheapest quote. Candid advice on margin: it matters, but not at the expense of long-term success. The importance of mentorship, community, and asking for help in the early stages. Links: KORE Outdoors Tony's Website: The Woods Agency Candide Skis Forward Outdoor Apparel Faction Skis Db Journey Black Crows Skis Looking Sideways Podcast with Db Journey founder Truls Brataas Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Christian on LinkedIn The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise and is supported by the Province of British Columbia. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

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