Roanne (GOA), Ed (River Sports), Andy (Erik’s Bicycles), Canoelover
This week I took a trip to Portland, Oregon, where quite a few outdoor brands have their headquarters (Keen, Leatherman, Columbia, etc.) Yakima is also located there, and periodically they invite a few select industry folks to come in and give them feedback, no holding back. This is a company that listens…except for one engineer, and he’s new. We’ll talk him off the cliff eventually.
It’s a bit flattering to be trusted with details of a three to five-year plan. knowing that loose lips sink ships (and give an unfair advantage to their competitors). On these matters I am as silent as the tomb. Wild horses might get it out of me upon penalty of a good hoofing, but Thule doesn’t own a wild horse. I checked.
All work and no play (this is work, in case anyone doubts it) is tough, so we took the last half-day to hike into a few creeks in the Columbia Gorge. Of course, we talked a lot about work while hiking, but also on family, friends, and aging parents. We also ate a lot of really good food, and most of us drank really good microbrew. I was the designated driver, for which my friends were grateful.
I discovered the secret of the 80’s Hair Club for Men. A sure cure for follicular impairments. And it’s totally green. I was thenceforth known as Simply Green.
The only bummer… missed Voodoo Doughnuts. Oh well, next time.
Respectfully submitted,
Canoelover