The Grassroots Podcast

Episode #15: The Public Lands Policy Problem: Advocacy, Economy, and the Future of Outdoor Access

On this episode of The Grassroots Podcast, Grassroots Vice President and host, Dana Howe explores the complex world of public lands policy with Rebecca Gillis from The Conservation Alliance and Jake Dickerson, co-owner of Wild Iris Mountain Sports. This conversation examines how political pressures are shaping the outdoor recreation economy, what business-friendly public lands policy could look like, and how the outdoor industry can stay engaged in protecting access. Tune in to discover how public lands policy affects everyone from Main Street retailers to weekend adventurers and what we can all do to ensure these shared treasures remain accessible for generations to come. Learn more & follow our guests: Jake Dickerson: * www.wildirisclimbing.com [http://www.wildirisclimbing.com] * Wild Iris Mountain Sports on instagram: @wildirismtn * Jake on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-dickerson-b822b7176/]  * Jake on instagram: @thefancy123 Rebecca Gillis: * https://conservationalliance.com/ [https://conservationalliance.com/] * TCA on instagram: @conservationalliance * Rebecca on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccagillistheconservationalliance] * TCA on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-conservation-alliance/] News & Resources: * Wyoming Climbers Alliance [https://www.wyomingclimbers.org/]  * Wyoming Climbers Alliance instagram: @wyoclimbers * Lander, WY Economic Impact Study [https://www.wyomingclimbers.org/economic-impact-study]  * Join The Conservation Alliance's Brands for Public Lands coalition here: https://conservationalliance.com/brands-for-public-lands/ [https://conservationalliance.com/brands-for-public-lands/]  * How TCA and Brands for Public Lands Helped Save Millions of Acres of Public Lands [https://conservationalliance.com/2025/07/how-tca-and-brands-for-public-lands-helped-save-millions-of-acres-of-public-lands/] (TCA)  * Eroding protections for public lands [https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-TRUMP/PUBLIC-LANDS/zdpxkxdwnvx/] (Reuters) * Next Interior newsletter, for updates on happenings within the U.S. Department of Interior, stay updated here: Next Interior News [https://memos.nextinterior.org/]

Episode #14: The Future is Bright

In this episode of the Grassroots Podcast, host Dana Howe is joined by Hannah Mathews, of the Futurists Project, and Peyton Short, a recent Futurists grad. Together, we dive into how the Futurists Project is reshaping professional development in the outdoor industry by fostering purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration. We explore the importance of including small business retailers in these conversations, the “ah-ha” moments that happen when retailers and brands come together, and how mentorship is planting passionate specialty retail advocates throughout the outdoor industry. Plus, we share how you can support the next generation of leaders through scholarships, mentorship, and more. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and ways to get involved. Learn more & follow our guests: Guest Info: Peyton Short on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peyton-short-a7a649129/] Hannah Mathews on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahmathews/] Links & Show Resources: Donate to the Skip Yowell Scholarship Fund [https://donorbox.org/skip-yowell-alumni-scholarship-fund-2] Futurists Project Website & Program Info [https://thefuturistproject.com/pages/our-programs#] Nonprofit Partnership Playbook [https://drive.google.com/file/d/17a8fUzcma1C367DEeAXeUg_3ZVEy-ifJ/view]

Episode #13: The Good Sales Rep

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the featured story from our recent Grassroots Stories issue, "The Good Sales Rep," with Kurt "The General" Smith, owner of Top Gun Sales Agency. Kurt shares his journey from professional climber to seasoned sales rep, his insights on how the industry and his role has evolved, and the keys to success as a sales rep in today's market. We’ll also discuss the critical role of sales reps in supporting specialty retailers and brands, and why mentoring the next generation of reps is crucial. Follow Kurt's rep & family travels: @generalsmith on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/generalsmith/] Top Gun Sales Brands: Evolv [https://www.evolvsports.com/] Salewa [https://www.salewa.com/] Biolite [https://www.bioliteenergy.com/] Lifestraw [https://lifestraw.com/] Sterling Rope [https://sterlingrope.com/] Nemo Equipment [https://www.nemoequipment.com/] Wild Country [https://www.wildcountry.com/en-us/] Teren Designs [https://terendesigns.com/]

Episode #12: Get Ready for Connect - Your Guide to Making the Most of Kansas City!

On this episode of The Grassroots Podcast, Host Dana Howe, dives into everything you need to know for Connect November 10-14, 2024 in Kansas City. Tune in as the Grassroots Events Team, Maggie and Chelsea, join Dana to cover the essentials: from attendance stats and appointment schedules to prep tips for productive business meetings, both for retailers and brands. Discover the extracurriculars to recharge your day, and new brand introductions at Discovery Marketplace. Plus, get hot tips from Maggie, Dana, and Chelsea on maximizing your time in KC! Key Dates for Fall 2024 Grassroots Connect November 9th - Grassroots Retail Member Welcome Party November 10th - Education Day, Discovery Marketplace & Exhibitor Move-In November 11-14 - Grassroots Connect Links & Citations: Schedules & Registration: ⁠connectapp.grassrootsoutdoors.com/login⁠ [https://connectapp.grassrootsoutdoors.com/login] All other show relation information: ⁠connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com⁠ [https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com/] Restaurant Recommendations: ⁠La Bodega⁠ [https://labodegakc.com/] ⁠Mildred's⁠ [https://www.mildredskc.com/] ⁠Extra Virgin⁠ [https://www.extravirginkc.com/] ⁠The Westside Local⁠ [https://thewestsidelocal.com/] Questions? Follow Up with our guests: Dana Howe - dana@grassrootsoutdoors.com Chelsea Flynn - chelsea@grassrootsoutdoors.com Maggie Perrault - maggie@grassrootsoutdoors.com

Episode #11: Responsible Sustainable Retail

In this episode of the Grassroots Podcast, host Dana Howe dives into responsible business practices and sustainability in outdoor retail with Bryan Wolf from Roads Rivers and Trails (RRT) and Chris Enlow from Future Scapes Consulting. We explore RRT's ongoing journey to become a BCorp and their new Responsible Inventory Initiative. Chris offers practical advice for retailers, starting with evaluating where you stand, to taking meaningful baby steps to address responsible business practices and sustainability. If you're a retailer seeking actionable steps, this episode is for you! Tune in to discover how these leaders are navigating the path towards responsible retail and learn how you can too. Guest Info: Bryan Wolf: rrt@roadsriversandtrails.com roadsriversandtrails.com Chris Enlow: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisenlow/ www.futurescapes.co info@futurescapes.co Sources: * https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/ * https://www.rei.com/dam/18549043_product_impact_standards.pdf