Feature .02 ONCE IN A LIFETIME Jimmy Funkhouser Ed McAlister Marc Sherman Chuck Millsaps Matt Wanker What is your origin story? How do you get into this business? Why did you do it? How does that story determine who you become? We sat down with top independent specialty outdoor retailers from across the country and asked them those questions. The answers may surprise you. By Doug Schnitzspahn E everyone in this business reaches a point when they stop and ask themselves, "Well how did I get here?" It's an important question-not only because it makes you go back and think about the principles and plans that got you to where you are today, but also because it provides a map and inspiration for others who dream of becoming an outdoor retailer. The way things work always changes. The way it all began can help you better frame the present and the path moving forward. Photographs by Andrew Kornylak With those principles in mind, we decided to gather five top independent specialty outdoor retailers from across the country and sit them down around a table to talk it over. The The Open Air Demo at Winter Market 2017 proved the perfect time to bring this brain trust together. After a day testing the latest skis and snowshoes at Solitude, we met in a cozy condo by a fire, settled in on some comfy couches, and thought back on where it all began. Here are those stories. Next, we want to know yours. Summer 2017 / OUTDOOR RETAILER 45