162: Joan & Bill Keller- The beginnings of Adventure Travel retail, surviving the early days of Amazon and more
Are you in the Adventure Retail biz? Joan and Bill Keller offer tips and advice on surviving thru the early days of online competition and more.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HEREShow Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I think for both of us it was family. In my case, my parents moved from Minnesota to San Diego when I was two years old and my sister was seven. For as long as I can remember, every summer we drove to Minnesota. I have many, many cousins in Minnesota and we would drive to Minnesota. My parents would call it driving straight. No stopping, 2000 miles straight thru.
Like Joan, it started with family camping. We'd go to Anza Borrego and down to La Mission and San Quintin in Mexico and it was hard to get down there back then. But we also did a lot of longer trips to Yellowstone, Vancouver island. I can still see my Mom standing over the Coleman stove.
Things we talked about
"Get off your seats and see the world club"
Student Services West
German American Society
Michelin Travel Guides
Eagle Creek
Dolt
American Tourister
Delsey
Let's Go Europe
Horton Plaza
Adventure 16 (Wild Horizons)
Changes in Latitude
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Advice, tips
Know your customer because you can't be everything to everyone. You've got to choose exactly. Really know what that customer needs. And you have to be a brand because brands are ubiquitous these days and you can't rely on them like you could 20 years ago to know, to be exclusive. It's not happening. So you've got to build your own brand.
Favorite Books/Podcasts
Midnight Series
Uttermost part of the earth by E. Lucas Bridges
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel, and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.