On Aug. 4, Gordon Seabury, CEO of Toad & Co., became the next OIA board chairman, replacing Jennifer Mull, Backwoods CEO. On Aug. 5, he delivered his first speech in his new role at the Industry Breakfast at ORSM15, basically detailing why the industry rocks.

If you missed it, here’s the full speech:

Fifteen years ago, OIA’s early leaders asked me to join the board to bring a next generation perspective and be the voice of “youth.” Time does fly when you are having fun and now as I bookend my board tenure as the chair, I look forward to helping guide the important work of the association for continued success in the 21st Century.

Given my personal history and the vision of the earlier leadership, I am also looking forward to engaging the next generation of leaders in this powerful $646 billion dollar industry that brings so much joy, inspiration and health benefits to the communities and consumers around the world.

I was just recently on my annual fly fishing sabbatical to the Dean River, BC – fortunate enough to be completely off the grid for a week. The trip allowed my mind and soul to be being fully present and connected with that beautiful place without interruption (other than the occasional adrenalin rush from a world class steelhead ripping line from the reel). I was reminded why I have spent the last two decades in this industry.

I thought while it was fresh, I would use this morning’s opening to remind us all why we are here.  
    
Here is my top Gordon Seabury reasons to love and support the industry we are fortunate to call our own. Hopefully some of these resonate with each of you.

#10 – We work with inspiring people living their fullest lives.

We are passionate professionals who genuinely love what we do and are building organizations and an industry we are proud of. Not everyone gets to work with their closest friends. 

#9 – We create and sell high-quality, innovative products and services we believe in.

And those products enrich the outdoor experiences we promote.

#8 – We are making the world and our consumers healthier.

Outdoor activities can prevent a wide range of health problems. Doctors are now handing out “park prescriptions” for heart disease, obesity & attention deficit disorder.

#7 – We are passionate about protecting outdoor places.

We want to ensure our consumers today and our grandchildren generations to come can enjoy the same beautiful spaces. Earlier this year OIA, Conservation Alliance & Outdoor Alliance created a coalition:
•    The purpose: Strengthen our advocacy work at the local level.
•    The plan: Provide resources to help our members advocate for important recreation places close to home.

#6 – We are committed to reducing the footprint of our products.

Personally inspired by the industry’s leadership in triple bottom business practices 20 years ago, OIA continues that tradition with a commitment to helping our industry with best practices in environmental and social responsibility. The OIA Sustainability Working Group in collaboration with more than 300 outdoor organizations are developing solutions to reduce the environmental and social impacts of our products.

#5 – The outdoors bring families together.

My best memories growing up and as an adult with my wife and two daughters are in the outdoors. Just last week, I was hiking with my oldest daughter Hannah on her 18th birthday through 15 miles of some of the most beautiful terrain in the Eastern Sierras. These moments bring us closer and also share our appreciation of the outdoors with our children.

#4 – The outdoors provide a much needed counter balance to our fast paced connected lives.

For me, it is a haven from the demands of a 24/7 connected life…relaxation of mind and body. For my kids, it is a playground for their blended lives mixing social engagement, experience and digital storytelling. While a different outdoor lifestyle, the good news is the outdoors remains as relevant as ever.

#3 – Specialty outdoor retailers remain the foundation of the industry and hub of their communities.

They support innovation (Toad & Co. would not be here without their early & continued support). They provide local intelligence on the best places to recreate in the outdoors and afterwards. They give back to their community with education and training, while supporting local not-for-profits.

In recognition of their importance, OIA recently announced a formal relationship with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and Outdoor Retailer:
•    Purpose: To collaborate to develop programs that support specialty retail.
•    Plan:  Build relevant content and work to enhance the show experience.

I am personally very excited about the important work that will come from this relationship. 

#2 – The Outdoor industry represents aspiration AND accessibility.

While our top athletes continue to achieve and enthusiasts are well respected for talents. The industry has evolved over 20 years and inclusion, education and diversity are equally recognized and important. This next generation of outdoorists honor both the achievement and the joy of the experience. 

#1 – We are much bigger than the sum of our individual parts as a collaborative community. 

It comes back to the great people in this building, passionate advocates for outside recreation, sustainable business practices and doing the right thing. Together we are stronger and can continue to grow our influence. 

Look at that list of industry characteristics…relevant for this new generation?  You tell me. And so, I believe we are a growing community that can be THE example of success if we continue to work towards a common vision together.