We Didn't Make the Cut

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the finalists for the 2007 Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award and Outdoor Industry Innovator Award, as nominated by the outdoor industry and then selected by OIA’s Board of Directors.  VIA Paddling Instructor  LINK

Comments

[Johnny Bravo]

A horse's ass is right! Another example of the OIA serving it's close little circle of friends. Get real, dig deep OIA! Really look into the industry you supposedly serve and look for true innovation and people/groups that are thinking outside of the box and serving the industry. I look forward to hearing of the 4 people that actually show up at any awards ceremony you have.

[John]

Wait what about the rep Brad Werntz? He is a good rep why rain on his parade?

[Megan]

Ditto what John said. Brad at Pemba Serves is an amazing business person that continues to do things we only wish we came up with. Check out his iClinic concept on his website: www.pembaserves.com

Brad takes being a "good rep" to the next level and on top of it, is genuinely interested in the business of other reps in his territory (Midwest). He is not only a resource but he is an idea guy that is interested in ways to keep this industry healthy and viable.

Perhaps the OIA has been a good old boys club in the past, but this nomination and finalist is certainly NOT an indication of that.

I can't speak for the other nominees, but Werntz is the real deal and embodies the d

[Megan]

..oops, got ahead of myself...

..embodies the concept of the award. Perhaps supporting more "Brads" in this biz will raise the bar of the industry and of who we recognize.

[Johnny Bravo]

My comments were not directed personally towards Brad, Kirk or Jeff. All 3 are very good people and are notable in their careers and in the industry. We should celebrate them in one way or another.

My comments are more directed toward Hugelmeyer and his BoD lemmings to search the cracks and crevices for true out-of-this-world innovation.

But, you all have good points in that Brad and his agency are doing great things with the Iclinic and his podcasts - his enthusiasm is contagious. Kirk was underappreciated at Nike but now has the world at his feet with Keen - and he's such a good guy; Jeff continues to lead the way with the Timberland and all footwear companies should take a hard look at what TL is doing on many different fronts.

[Arbys]

Thanks, Johnny Bravo, for your clarifications. I hear what you are saying about the mucky-mucks that presumably advocate and lead for our industry. I'm not close enough to the OIA to follow your concern, but I certainly have felt similar feelings on a regional level. My regional trade shows are, well, maintaining at the very most...and that's being diplomatic. There is little value for me to attend, other than the value of presence for whatever that's worth, and there's no added value to me to even be part of the organization. New ideas and questions are met with menacing, "What do you know about anything" looks and comments such as "We tried that in 1985." In fact, our beloved executive director once said to me when I was considering becoming a rep, "Don't do it!". And that person wasn't joking. What the hell kind of advocate for the industry (not to mention said person's livelihood) is that?

Getting to my point... how then can we encourage or demand the type of innovation and leadership that the aforementioned industry good guys are displaying? It occurs to me that if these guys are that good, these are the kinds of minds we want leading our industry as a whole. No?