2023

In January 2021 Steven quit his job with no plan for the future. In March he started posting videos on YouTube and by November had replaced his previous income. He now works full-time posting outdoor content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. He loves sharing the knowledge he has gained growing a business in the creator economy almost as much as he loves the outdoors.

Parker McMullen Bushman is the CEO and Founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies, Co-founder of Inclusive Guide, and Social Media Diva KWEEN WERK. Listed by Outside Magazine as one of the 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry. Parker is a dynamic speaker that engages organizations in new thinking around what it means to be a diversity change agent and create dynamic organizational change. Parker’s background in the environmental education and outdoor recreation fields spans over 24+ years. Parker has a passion for equity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Her interest in justice, accessibility, and equity issues developed from her personal experiences facing the unequal representation of people of color in environmental organizations and green spaces. Parker tackles these complex issues by addressing them through head-on activism and education.

Kirk Deeter is the editor-in-chief of Angling Trade, as well as the editor-in-chief of TROUT magazine, the national publication of Trout Unlimited. He has written and fished throughout the world, and his work also has appeared in other media including WIRED, Garden & Gun, USA Today, London’s Daily Telegraph newspaper, and the full range of fly-fishing magazines and websites. He is also the co-author of The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing.

Jenna Celmer, MPA is a digital strategist, podcaster, & speaker with a passion for community building and a devastating wit. Currently a marketing and business strategy consultant for outdoor, action sport, and cybersecurity brands, Jenna began her career launching a technology campus and aerospace accelerator in Colorado in collaboration with the US Air Force Academy. She went on to join the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee for three games as a scientific communicator and analyst, where she worked directly with executives of Pro-Sporting Leagues such as MLB and the NFL to enhance anti-doping programs. Jenna currently serves on the Boards of Colorado Blackpackers, The Lockwood Foundation, and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs so she can put her development skills to good use.Jenna’s passion project is encouraging her online community of outdoor enthusiasts to boldly and responsibly explore the world around them, while shamelessly loving themselves.

Following almost a decade as a freelance journalist for publications like Backpacker, Outside, High Country News, Rock and Ice, and others, Ryan launched Trails Magazine as a print-only, quality-over-quantity, coffee table periodical for the backpacking and hiking communities. He does most of his editing (and a little bit of remaining freelance writing) from his home in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

Maren leads social and community strategy for The North Face. With over a decade of experience in bringing brands to life through social media, she’s become a thought leader on all things content and community. She has a master’s degree in Digital Media from the University of Washington and is a public speaker on topics like social media strategy, content creators and digital trends. She leads an outdoor industry networking event based in Bend, Oregon focused on creating connections and building community. In her free time, you can find her on the trail or paddling the river with her pups.

Adam Ruggiero is the editor in chief of GearJunkie, podcast host for the GearJunkie podcast, and co-host of Outdoor Retailer’s bi-annual Gear Guide. He’s worked in virtually every segment of outdoor journalism: freelancer, news reporter, video talent, editor, podcast host, emcee, and now EIC.

Spencer is heavily involved in Colorado’s outdoor recreation space, using his voice via the OutThere Colorado publication to promote safe and responsible practices among outdoor recreation enthusiasts. When he’s not writing or managing the brand’s marketing and content efforts, he’s typically trail running, rock climbing, or hiking one of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks. Increasing accessibility in the outdoor space via education and awareness is one of Spencer’s top priorities and a key reason for his involvement on non-profit UpaDowna’s Board of Directors.

Andrew Gibbs-Dabney is the founder and CEO of LIVSN Designs, an outdoor brand focused on making versatile apparel designed to last longer. He is dedicated to the values of sustainability and conscious capitalism. He truly believes business success and social progress go hand in hand and he has built LIVSN on these ideals from day one. A Fayetteville native, Andrew previously worked as CEO of Fayettechill Clothing Company where he learned every moving part of building an apparel brand. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Andrew loves to go backpacking, mountain biking, paddling, and camping.

Rick Saez is a well-connected, authentic outdoor industry podcaster, evangelist, and business development consultant committed to helping as many people as possible learn about, enjoy, and energize the outdoor travel/adventure industry. He has 20+ years of boundless focus in the outdoor industry as an award-winning product innovator, brand marketer, consultant, content creator, eco-educator, guide and podcaster. Rick is the former director of product, marketing, and sales for outdoor industry trailblazers Eagle Creek, JanSport, Umpqua, Dana Design, and Lowepro. He’s also the creator and host of the Outdoor Biz Podcast gathering entrepreneurs, brand leaders, and enthusiasts around the mic to share stories from the wild, the startup files, and the retail aisles. Rick is the four-time Outdoor Writers of America Association “Excellence in Craft” award winner.