In this episode of the Adventure Sports Podcast, Curtis Linville interviews Whitney Gilliam, a passionate split boarder, avalanche educator, and pastor from Crested Butte, Colorado. They discuss Whitney's journey from Little Rock, Arkansas, to the Colorado Rockies, her love for split boarding, and the importance of community and relationships in outdoor sports. Whitney shares insights on avalanche safety, decision-making in high-risk situations, and the therapeutic nature of outdoor adventures. The conversation emphasizes the joy of being outdoors, the challenges of backcountry skiing, and the need for a spectrum of enjoyment in outdoor activities.

Motivational. Sensational. Big adventure. Humanity. Big mountain expeditions with Chris Warner. What amazing accounts of climbing the world's tallest peaks. This revisited episode from 2016 is always fresh. Thanks, Chris for sharing your world with us!

In this episode of the Adventure Sports Podcast, Curt Linville speaks with Zeb Smith, a consultant specializing in helping adventure outfitters and guides succeed in the outdoor industry. They discuss the challenges faced by small businesses in this sector, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, including rising costs. Zeb shares his journey from CPA to consultant, the significance of permits, the seasonality of revenue, and strategies for retaining talent in a transient workforce. The conversation emphasizes the need for aspiring outfitters to gather information and seek support to turn their passion into a sustainable business.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Sports Business

03:02 Zeb Smith's Journey and Consulting Approach

06:02 The Importance of Business in Adventure Sports

08:58 Transitioning from Hobby to Business

12:08 Advice for Aspiring Outfitters

15:04 Navigating Permits and Regulations

18:00 Seasonality Challenges in Adventure Sports

21:04 Retaining Talent in a Seasonal Industry

24:03 Leadership and Employee Engagement

26:06 Impact of the Pandemic on the Outdoor Industry

30:51 Setting Goals and Vision for Business

33:54 Career Paths in Outdoor Leadership

36:36 Passion vs. Profit in Outdoor Business

38:25 Navigating Economic Challenges

45:48 Empowering Employees for Sustainable Growth