159: Greg Thomsen-Blending Business, Adventure and the Outdoors

Super fun conversation with Greg Thomsen of Agron, we talk about his outdoor experience, winding down the Adidas Outdoor US business and more.   Facebook Twitter Instagram   The Outdoor Biz Podcast   Please give us a rating and review HERE   Show Notes First Exposure to the Outdoors My father was a bit of an outdoorsman who really liked the high sierra towns. So my brother and I spent most of our summers growing up just doing that. We would generally spend weeks at a time up in Mammoth camping and hiking and fishing around the mammoth lakes area. And then I think when I was 13, I did my first free solo climb of a little Crag called Crystal Craig, which is above mammoth lakes. With my brother. It was not very difficult, probably low fifth class or even fourth class, but it was really exposed and I got kind of excited about it over the next few years. By the time I was 15 I was doing multi pitch climbs in Yosemite and really interested in the outdoor world and also an outdoor equipment. Things we talked about Agron (Adidas US) The Mountain Store in Tarzana (A16) Wilderness Experience Nike The North Face Patagonia Girl Disrupted by Claire Thomsen Doug Tompkins Bill Simon Yvonn Chouinard American Alpine Club John Long Dream Meditation Advice, tips My best advice is that if you're going to do anything in business, like if you want to be in a brand or you want to be in supply chain or almost any aspect of a regular business, checkout the outdoor business. Because I think it would be better to be an account in an outdoor company that it would be being an accountant in a machine shop. And if you like the product and if you like the outdoors, I really don't think there's any place better. I don't think there's a better community of people. It's still competitive, but a really great group of people. So I would say jump in at whatever level you can jump in. Just like starting a long trek, you've got to take the first step and then just keep moving forward and enjoy it and try your best to be the best of what you do and enjoy doing it because that joy is what propels you forward. Favorite Books The Climbers by Jim Harrington A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson Favorite Piece of Gear under $100 Jetboil Connect with Greg [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.