CONTENTS
FEATURE 16 MAKING A LIVING
The legendary Kurt Smith is not only one of the best- known independent reps in the outdoor industry—with a client list that includes BioLite, Evolv, Lifestraw, Salewa, Nemo Equipment, Sterling Rope, Teren Designs, and Wild Country—he’s also one of the most respected climbers of all time.
3 LETTER
24 GEAR
4 NEWS
THE GOOD SALES REP In an age of online dominance and manufacturers looking for easy outs, is the independent outdoor sales rep still relevant?
SURE SELLERS No snow got you down? Here’s gear for the bottom line that sells no matter the weather. 28 LISTEN UP ON THE COVER Rep Kurt Smith and Water Stone Outdoors owner Holly Fussell keep the soul of outdoor retail alive in West Virginia. Photo by Karen Lane
INSIGHTS AND STATS Updates and analysis from the Grassroots community FEATURE 10 YOUTH MOVEMENT THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT Grassroots businesses provide the training ground for employ- ees who dream of careers in the outdors industry and beyond.
FEATURE 22 STORM DAMAGE
IN NEED Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the outdoor community and retailers in the Southeast hard. Here’s how you can help.
2 GRASSROOTS STORIES
Photograph by Andrew Kornylak
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