88: Bill Gamber and Big Agnes: Actions Speak Louder Than Marketing

Breaking Trail

If you're happier and more comfortable when you're outside, you'll get out and play more. That's why Big Agnes, aka, The Mother of Comfort, a Steamboat Springs-based company exists - to make you more comfortable. And Bill Gamber, one of the founders, joins us today.

In 2000, Bill Gamber and his business partner borrowed the name of a local peak in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area to start Big Agnes. The company launched with a simple, but revolutionary idea: "never roll off your pad again" with a unique, integrated sleeping bag and pad system. This would be the first in a long line of product "firsts" he would introduce to the outdoors. His innovations over the years have been adopted throughout the industry. (I'm reading from the official bio that was sent to me - they are kind when they say that. Others copied what he did I editorialize and digress. So back to his background:

Bill provides career opportunities and year-round employment for more than 100 people in the small mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He has been influential in building Colorado's outdoor economy and shaping the state's recreational future. For 28 years, Bill has lived off-grid outside of Steamboat with his wife and three kids, in his solar and wind-powered home. Today Big Agnes has a full line of Sleeping Bags consisting of those that attached to pads and not. They also are the innovation leaders in tents and sleeping pads having won more than 14 awards like the prestigious Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice award. Bill loves the backcountry and wants to get people where they're going – top of a peak or first family Car Camping trip. Big Agnes gear is sold and used globally.

I wish I could have had another hour with Bill. We talked about starting a company, getting distribution, and why Big Anes doesn't make car tents. I was hell-bent on finding a formula for building a brand and company culture but here's what I learned: The people at Big Agnes let their actions do the talking, and I think that makes a great story. Recently, Bill invited all employees to embark on the 740-mile hike of the Continental Divide Trail. They signed up for various segments and hiked from New Mexico to Wyoming. You'll learn more about that and how current international trade policy is affecting those in the outdoor industry.

This episode is packed -

So, with that, let's listen in and gear up for what's next.

Where to find Bill Gamber

• Big Agnes website

• Instagram

• Facebook

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About Lisa Gerber:

Lisa advises CEOs and senior-level management on how to use the power of storytelling and effective communication to influence action and bring ideas to life.

She guides companies through the digital maze of constantly changing tools to build discovery, loyalty, and ultimately help them achieve their own big leaps.

When she is not in her office, she might be out skiing or trail running. This is where she does her best creative problem-solving.

To learn more about booking Lisa for consulting, speaking or workshops, visit www.bigleapcreative.com.