For this edition of Shop Talk, I talk with Jeff Perry and Isabel Berg from Gear West, our Blister Recommended Shop in Long Lake, Minnesota, to learn about how they build a year-round community around Gear West’s “campus”; what it means to provide service for everything from ski racing to park skiing; some gear trends they’re noticing; how new uphill access at their local mountain, Buck Hill, has influenced the community and their gear purchases; what it looks like to train and staff a large year-round specialty shop, and much more.
TOPICS & TIMES
- Gear West Campus (4:53)
- Gear West Community (7:20)
- Growing the Sport (10:12)
- 30-Year Anniversary (12:00)
- Staying Relevant Year-Round (14:50)
- Service & Ski Racing (17:27)
- Park Skiing (21:36)
- Gear Trend Follow-up (22:37)
- Buck Hill Uphill (25:56)
- Staffing & Training (29:25)
- Masterfit University (31:51)
- What We’re Celebrating (37:24)
RELATED LINKS
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:
- CRAFTED
- Blister Podcast
- Bikes & Big Ideas
- Off the Couch
- Happy Hour (for Blister Members)
Isabel fit a couple pairs of boots for me. She rules!