SGB Executive

Breckenridge, CO-based Rocky Mountain Underground— a ski maker that also runs a combination retail shop and tavern—is expanding into Canada with a locale in Whistler, BC. But Mike Waesche, president, and Scott Mant, North America sales manager, told SGB the company sees this move as a grassroots extension of RMU’s unique concept rather than a corporate expansion. These ski bums and business moguls wouldn’t have it any other way. (Read More)

Top headlines from across the active lifestyle industry featured in SGB during the week of October 14, 2019. (Read More)

In her first formal presentation with Wall Street at Caleres’ Investor Day, Molly Adams, president of Famous Footwear, discussed the shoe chain’s strong connections with active families and big opportunities ahead in the sport leisure category. The majority of her talk, however, detailed how her experience working at Walt Disney is helping Famous transform from a “House of Brands” to a “Branded House.” (Read More)

Six former Cabela’s employees are running the startup outdoor gear seller Nexgen Outfitters Inc. in Sidney, NE, where Cabela’s had been headquartered before being acquired by Bass Pro Shops. With the recent expiration of a noncompete injunction, the online provider is feeling a surge of momentum. SGB checks in on Nexgen’s journey. (Read More)

The surprise acquisition of Olympia Sports extends JackRabbit deeper into the sporting goods space, but Bill Kirkendall, CEO of JackRabbit, said the Maine-based sporting goods chain is “right in our wheelhouse” because of its focus on specialty retail. The acquisition follows a strong turnaround in the JackRabbit running business. (Read More)