"Outdoor Innovators" is a podcast hosted by Michael Wolfe, where he engages in captivating conversations with entrepreneurs within the thriving outdoor industry. Throughout each interview, we delve deep into the personal journeys of these innovators, unearthing the origins of their business, the genesis of their ideas, and the driving forces behind their companies' goals.
Tune in to "Outdoor Innovators" to be inspired by the fascinating tales of success, failure (a lot of that), and the boundless possibilities that unfold when nature and entrepreneurship intertwine.
Oh man, y'all are in for a good one. On this episode of the Outdoor Innovators Podcast, I sat down with the co-founders of Pingora, Mike May & CJ Whittaker.
Mike and CJ grew up around the corner from each other in Salt Lake City, Utah. After high school, life took CJ into the outdoor industry designing product for some major brands while Mike stayed in Salt Lake and helped run his families manufacturing business.
A few years ago, life brought these life-long friends back together in the form of an innovative outdoor bag company that is looking to take on some major stakeholders in the industry.
Listen in as we talk about everything from how these two business partners met, to skiing in Japan, to just recently launching their young brand in Asia!
As always, thank you for listening!
Michael Wolfe, Host
5 Sept 2023
Mano & Machine: Michael Clark
On this episode of the Outdoor Innovators Podcast, I talked with Michael Clark. Michael is an outdoor product designer and owner of Mano & Machine, a product design firm with its own product line.
Michael grew up in Salt Lake City with an entrepreneurial father and designer mother. After serving a mission for his church, Michael attended the University of Utah where he studied business. During his time at Utah, Clark realized his true passion was design and after finishing his product design degree, Michael was one of the first employees at a company called Nomatic.
Every single outdoor product we fall in love with has a guy like Michael Clark behind it. This episode tells his story.
Give it a listen! It's a good one.
Michael Wolfe, Host
15 Aug 2023
Cache: Tyler Green
In this episode of Outdoor Innovators, I sat down with Tyler Green, the co-founder of Cache, an innovative tailgate pad system! Join us as Tyler shares his captivating story of building a business with his brother Dillon and their determination to turn their idea into a tangible product. Discover how their passion and persistence transformed Cache into a growing venture, and gain valuable insights into their unique journey in business and in life.
Thank you for listening!
Michael Wolfe
Host, Outdoor Innovators
25 Jul 2023
NOM Nutrition: Joe Maio
In this episode of Outdoor Innovators, I sit down with Joe Maio to talk about NOM Nutrition. Joe has a unique background for a founder in the outdoor industry. Joe went from being a dentist in the military, to having his own dental practice, to starting a nutrition company. You'll want to hear his story!
As always, thanks for listening!
Michael Wolfe, Host
18 Jul 2023
NOCEA: Brandon Harrop
On this show we usually like to focus on brands with an innovative product in the outdoor industry. This episode, I thought it would be cool to switch it up a little bit and chat with Brandon, the owner of an outdoor creative business. Little did I know, Brandon fits the bill of a creative, AND innovative entrepreneur in the outdoor industry.
We talk about Brandon starting out making comedy videos with his friends for fun, to eventually filming a commercial with a famous live bear!
This episode is a journey, and it ends with a lot of inspiration and guidance from a great human.
As always, thanks for listening.
Michael Wolfe, Host
12 Jul 2023
Skotti Grill: Christian Battel
On this episode of Outdoor Innovators, I chat with Christian Battel, founder of Skotti Grill. Christian Battel is an avid outdoorsman who loves fishing. He wanted to enjoy his catch fresh out of the water, but after the Police told him he wasn't allowed to have open fires by the river, he decided to come up with a solution. Christian and I chat about everything from his upbringing in Germany, to his company entering the United States market.
There is a little bit of a language barrier, but Christians english is great and we have a great international business conversation!
Thanks for listening, friends.
Michael Wolfe, Host
27 Jun 2023
Uberleben: Tim Garcia
On this episode of Outdoor Innovators, I sat down with Tim Garcia at the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, Utah. Listen in to Tim's story as he goes from leaving the entertainment industry in Southern California and working at REI, to building a minimalistic outdoor brand in a small remote town in Idaho.
We also talk about an underground air-soft arena... so this episode is an absolute riot.
Thank you so much for listening, it means the world to me and I hope you enjoy this episode.
Michael Wolfe, Host
p.s. Uberleben is spelt with an umlaut over the "U" but it wont let me add it... so just imagine it there.
20 Jun 2023
Thread Wallets: Colby Bauer
In this episode of Outdoor Innovators, I sit down with Colby Bauer, the co-founder of Threat Wallets! Tune in as we talk about how Colby went from selling backflips to his neighbors, to disrupting a 3,000 year old industry: wallets. We also chat about the Carry On Foundation, an organization focused on teaching youth mental resiliency through skateboarding. You won't want to miss this one.
Thank you so much for listening!
Michael Wolfe, Host
6 Jun 2023
Haven Tents: Derek Tillotson
In this episode of Outdoor Innovators, I sat down with Derek Tillotson, the founder and inventor of the Haven Tent, the best way to sleep outside! Join us as Derek shares his story of going from NuSkin distributer, to world traveler, to inventing an innovative, lay-flat hammock that is basically like packing up your bed for a night of camping! Discover how Derek's passion and love for the outdoors has helped him grow Haven from a wild idea while camping on his families ranch, to the best way to sleep outside!
Thank you so much for listening!
Michael Wolfe, Host
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Contact Outdoor Innovators
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Outdoor Innovators?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
