091: Kenny Ballard, Outdoor Sales Pro

Kenny tells about his outdoor shenanigans as a kid, our experience launching Montbell in the US, his time with Kelty, Wenger, Osprey, the cool things going on at The Mountain and much more. Facebook Twitter Instagram   The Outdoor Biz Podcast   Support the show   Please give us a rating and review HERE   Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors I grew up in a small town in Connecticut and we had huge fields and the Connecticut River was in the backyard there were trees we, had a huge side yard and backyard so we used to camp out in the summertime and we go down to the fields and ride dirt bikes and bmx bikes, back then they were called BMX before they were called mtn bikes, and go carp fishing and it was kind of the Tom Sawyer lifestyle. I was always outside,  I was never indoors my mom was always "get outside, go have fun!" you know it's one of those classic tonso of kids in the neighborhood so we built tree forts and raise hell and have a great time outdoors. That was really about it. So growing up I had two older brothers one is 11 years older, he was was the hippie of the family and one who was eight years older and we have fond memories of when I was a little baby and we'd go on family camping trips. So we go get army surplus Boy Scout wax canvas tents go out to the Cape or down in the North Carolina shore from Connecticut. So it was an interesting experience, the first first Glamping experience for the Ballards was on a crappy old cot that busted and a wax canvas tent getting bit by mosquitoes on the Cape. Things we talked about His first outdoor job in a small sailboat sport shop that I started with three friends Repping with Wendall Tremblay and Harold Mullins at Atlantic Associates Eagle Creek Yakima Montbell Mad River Canoe Kelty Wenger Osprey The Mountain Operation Hat Trick Cooper's Crossroad Advice, tips First and foremost you have to follow your passion. The great thing about the outdoor space, as corporate and commercial and you know, big boy or big girl league it is and although it's become a big business. It's still made up of a group of really passionate individuals. So follow your passion to figure out what you're really good at, what you are great at and go for it. And I think you've got to be curious. You have to be persistent. Think outside the box. Networking always helps you know. And indeed that's a great thing about this industry is there still are folks out there that are humans, that have a connection like you and me over decades of time and places and spaces and jobs. So networking is really really key. And to do that go to the shows. Walk around the show. I mean it's really a magical space. And as much as you know outdoor retailer can be a sometimes trade shows can be a grind it really is the place to just go to see what's going on. Other Outdoor Activities Fat Biking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking Fly Fishing Hiking, Backpacking Paddling Favorite Books Neal Stephenson Malcom Gladwell Best Gear Purchase under $100 Jetboil Java kit Connect with Kenny [email protected] Linkedin 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.   This episode is Sponsored by: https://www.kabbage.com/outdoorbiz