093: Sara Ray Lewis from Outdoor Retailer Rock Creek Outfitters
Sara tells us about her Science background, how she got into the outdoors and how a vegetarian became the best organic grocery meat buyer in Knoxville.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Support the show Please give us a rating and review HERE Show NotesFirst Exposure to the Outdoors
We weren't the wealthiest family so when we went on vacation we'd go for a week to the state park and I loved it. I've got an older brother so we were just partners in crime for a week, riding our bikes, swimming in the lake and going hiking it. It was how our family recreated. My mom super adventurous, I'm thankful for that and I definitely attribute my outdoor love to my parents. I'm super thankful for that.
Things we talked about
Breast Cancer Support Services
Southeastern Climbers Coalition
Triple Crown Bouldering Series
Advice, tips
Yeah, start small. Start start on the sales floor. You've got to have that baseline of knowledge before I think you can really rise up. You learn how to sell the things that you love and learn how sell things you don't really like too. In a small businesses especially, like us, we hire from within. So if we see somebody on our salesforce doing great, they're going to be a manager and they'll eventually get into merchandising or buying. That's the organic process.
I think it's cool to see how some universities around the country are now even offering outdoor business degrees, industry related degrees related to recreation. Or even design for outdoor which half the sourcing is based on its ecologic friendliness. It's funny you know, I'm an elbow greaser though whatever you want to do, just get your hands dirty, work hard and it all pays off. Just put in the effort.
Other Outdoor Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Running
Snowboarding
Favorite Books
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Guns Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Smartwool socks
Connect with Sara
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