Rock Fight

On today's episode of THE ROCK FIGHT Justin Housman and Colin True drafted outdoor sports from 7 different categories. Here are their lineups and we need you to vote on who has the best team of outdoor sports! The Fighting Housmans Water: Surfing Wheeled: Overlanding Trail: Hiking Camping: Horsepacking Snow: Resort Skiing Climbing: Alpinism (mountaineering) Wild Card: Base Jumping A True Winner Water: Sea Kayaking Wheeled: Mountain Biking Trail: Trail Running Camping: Backpacking Snow: Backcountry Skiing Climbing: Bouldering Wild Card: Skimboarding To hear the draft, listen to the episode at the link in comments or on your favorite podcast app. #outdoorindustry #podcast #vote

FROM THE ROCK FIGHT NEWS DESK: Nike Names Former Adams College Quarterback Stan Gable as New CEO: Vows to ‘remove nerds from campus’ in bid to return brand to former glory and gain control of Greek Council. Beaverton, OR - In a surprise move, Nike has named Stan Gable, a company veteran and former Adams College quarterback, as its new CEO, succeeding John Donahoe after Nike’s financial struggles in 2024. Gable’s return comes at a critical time as Nike attempts to recover from significant losses, including $25 billion in market cap in a single day, and control of the Greek Council. While the company achieved $50 billion in annual sales, some believe Nike has lost its innovative edge, relying too much on retro products and missing opportunities for groundbreaking innovation. Gable’s no-nonsense, anti-nerd approach may signal a shift back to a focus on athletic excellence, cutting-edge design, and aggressive marketing. "I’m thrilled to welcome Stan back to Nike," said Executive Chairman Mark Parker. "His global expertise, tenacious leadership style, and passion for sport make him the perfect choice to guide us through this pivotal time. Stan’s nerd-averse competitive drive is exactly what Nike needs to lead us back to the top." Gable has been critical of Nike’s recent focus on data-driven direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing strategies, which alienated key wholesale partners and led to brand dilution. His vision focuses on reviving product innovation, re-engaging wholesale partners, and restoring Nike’s brand dominance. "We’ve focused too much on performance marketing and not enough on product performance. It’s time to remove the nerds from Nike’s campus and return to what we do best: winning," Gable said. Industry experts are watching closely. Not lost on observers is the fact that norms of Gable’s 1980’s prior experience are no longer socially acceptable, or even legal, and may not apply to today’s vastly different market conditions. Or the obvious need for ‘nerds’ in the R&D and IT functions that will be critical to successfully commercializing footwear innovation. While a popular pick with rank and file, it remains to be seen if Mr. Gable can balance the needs of a $50B enterprise, or is he just another ogre fighting a losing battle to progress.

FROM THE ROCK FIGHT NEWS DESK: Backcountry’s new owner looking to ‘shaker things up’ on the trail. In a surprising move, digital first consumer-centric conglomerate CSC Generation, owner of premium home goods brands Sur La Table and One Kings Lane, has acquired outdoor retailer Backcountry.com. As part of the deal, CSC promises to "bring elegance, comfort, and an ergonomic, ‘Leave No Trace’ sensibility to basecamp living.” The news is causing mixed reactions in the outdoor community. Some praise the new ownership’s track record of breathing new life into distressed retail brands by leveraging their expertise in technology, data, and operations. Others look forward to the improved styling of camp kitchenware, including Gearhead-grade wooden spoons. While still others worry about the potential environmental impact of contemporary designer dining sets littering our wild spaces. Calls for comment at Everest basecamp were not returned, although it is doubtful anyone would notice another abandoned hutch or armoire.

It's been 12 years since I left backcountry.com, and my 13 years there were incredibly impactful. I learned how to build brands, teams, software, and develop strategy. When I left Backcountry.com in January 2013, it was evident that relying solely on selling other brands online for revenue would challenge the business. I had an alternative plan that was not supported, so I left, and the goat moved away from the core outdoor athlete to the squishy middle. It's difficult to witness something you helped create become a distressed asset. Most of my best friends are the people who built backcountry. We should all pour one out for the goat. Rock Fight broke this news. Strangely, there has been no official PR. https://lnkd.in/gmucGiYV

Have you listened to Gear & Beer? It's the latest addition to The Rock Fight Podcast Network. Last week's episode featured Meg Carney and gives you the info you need to navigate PFAS when it comes to outdoor gear & apparel. Check out Gear & Beer wherever you get your pods (or at the link in the comments)!

I'd like to reintroduce you to someone you know all too well. The latest from Rock Fight Action figures it's...TOO CLOSE TOURIST (when close isn't close enough)! Get ready for the adventure to end a lifetime with the Too Close Tourist: Large Mammal Mama Edition! Why settle for a zoom lens when you can get close enough to smell a bison's breath? The perfect companion for thrill-seekers who think safety barriers are mere suggestions! Each figure comes with the patented Darwin Evolutionary Adventure Data System (DEADS) of realism accessories designed to put you not just on the ledge, but over the edge. Also included is our “Go Viral Guarantee” social media badge to ensure your untimely demise gets all the fans, followers, and upvotes it deserves. Large Mammal Mama Features Include: 🦬 Interchangeable Camera Gear: Including DSLR, lenses, battery pack, and tripod for those impossible-to-resist close-ups. 🦬 State-of-the-art ‘Intruder’ Drone: For when you absolutely must disturb protected habitats. 🦬 Region-specific Warning Signs: To be disregarded at every opportunity. 🦬 Bison Buddy: Reenact your own trampling or goring with your very own buffalo partner, complete with realistic charging action. Learn geography the hard way while developing a newfound respect for emergency services when you dive into the wild world of close encounters with the Too Close Tourist Series. Collect all four: Large Mammal Mama, Accidental Cliff Diver, Don’t Feed the Barry, and Slip & Selfie. #actionfigure #toy #outdoorindustry

In a move that has sent ripples through both the running and animal rights communities, Rabbit, the apparel company known for its plush comfort and performance running apparel, has found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy with the launch of its first running shoe, the Dream Chaser. The shoe, initially praised for its innovative Flowstate Foam midsole and recycled polyester upper, has become embroiled in allegations that it incorporates actual rabbit feet as a performance-enhancing "lucky charm." While Rabbit vehemently denies these claims, the rumor has sparked a heated debate about the ethics of performance gear and the unintended consequences of marketing strategies. "Our commitment to 'rabbit-inspired performance' is purely metaphorical," insisted Rabbit's Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Jessica Bunnay. "Any resemblance to actual lagomorph anatomy is purely coincidental. Frankly, they’re just drawn that way.” Click the link in the comments for the full article.

Big thanks to our pals at Darby Communications for blasting this out to the masses. Ain't no one better. Hope to see some of you in SLC next week! https://lnkd.in/d4aEpUjm

BREAKING NEWS! Outdoor Industry Organization Adds Second June to Calendar RENO, NV — In a groundbreaking move, the Outdoor Industry Organization  (OIO) announced today the addition of a second June to the calendar. This unprecedented change is intended to accommodate the growing number of outdoor-related trade shows that traditionally take place during this month.   "June has always been the cornerstone for our industry," said OIO President Jill Smith. "By adding a second June, or Double June, we can ensure that every event gets the attention it deserves without forcing retailers and manufacturers to choose between them.”   Retailers are enthusiastic about the change. "I’ve always felt like I needed to clone myself to attend all the important shows in June," said John Buyer, owner of Mountain Gear. "Now, with two Junes, I can properly allocate time to each event, such as not attending early morning speaking events.”   Industry executives are equally supportive. "This decision reflects our industry's commitment to growth and innovation," remarked Jane Black, CEO of Adventure Co. "Having a second June allows for more networking, product launches, and educational opportunities, and bulk discounts on pallets and shipping expenses.” However, not everyone is thrilled with changes. The Gregorian monks, the historical custodians of the calendar, have expressed their displeasure. Brother Anselm, a spokesperson for the monastic community, voiced their concerns. "The calendar is a sacred construct, perfected over centuries. Adding an extra month disrupts the natural order and trivializes our heritage." Full story at link in comments. #outdoorindustry #tradeshows #retail

BREAKING NEWS! Spontaneous Open Toe Sandal Committee Convenes on Show Floor of Grassroots Connect RENO, NV– Initial reports indicate that an Open Toe Sandal Committee has spontaneously convened near the food aisle at the Grassroots Connect trade show currently taking place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Traditionally, such gatherings occur when the gravitational pull of sandals brands like Chaco, @Teva, BIRKENSTOCK, and Bedrock Sandals get too close together, pulling wearers into a quorum. Due to the overwhelming presence of neutral, dark colors, these proceedings are rarely captured on camera. This is a developing story. Link in comments. #outdoorindustry #tradeshow #sandals