Outdoor Industry MBA students head to Outdoor Retailer

During the Jan. 27 to Feb. 1 trip, students will engage with one another, network at the OR show and meet with industry leaders.

“This immersion experience provides an opportunity for students to be able to develop deeper relationships with their cohort,” said Pete Sherman, dean of the School of Business.

All Western MBA candidates will be staying together at one of two houses downtown and dining at different Denver restaurants each night. Students’ tuition covers the OR pass, meals and lodging.

“They will have an opportunity to hear from leaders from the industry who will address the relevant and contemporary issues they are facing within the outdoor industry,” Sherman said. “This will be an opportunity not only to be able to listen to their expertise, but also to be able to develop a greater network within the outdoor industry.”

One such leader, Director of the Office of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Luis Benitez, will help kick off the immersion by talking about the importance of teams on Everest and at work. Western alumnus Nick Sargent ‘93, President of SnowSports Industries America will also be meeting with the cohort.

Other guests include:

• Jennifer McClare, Smartwool CEO
• Marc Berejka, REI Director of Government and Community Affairs
• José Gonzales, Found of Latino Outdoors
• Auden Schendler, SVP of Sustainability at Aspen Skiing Company
• Davidson Lewis, CEO of Eco Brands Group
• Sara Brownlee, Talent Development Manager for Vail Resorts Eagle County and CBMR
• Anita Graham, VP and Chief Human Resources Office at VF Corporation

“The students walk away from this immersion experience with in-depth knowledge of what is currently occurring in the outdoor industry as well as the future challenges,” Sherman said. “They will have deeper and more meaningful relationships with the other students in the program. They will have developed additional contacts they can reach out to you in the event of future challenges.”

Western’s Outdoor Industry MBA program will have a booth at OR as well. Plus, all Western MBA application fees will be waived through Feb. 1, 2019 when using the code: OUTDOORRETAIL19.

Photo provided by Outdoor Retailer.