Hello!

I’m often asked, “How did you get into this” when I speak about my job.  I think that’s a good place to start when telling you about me.

I was working full time with Special Education students and part time at Duluth Pack Store when I realized I really liked the outdoor biz.  I got excited about showing people new gear.  I went full time with the Pack Store and got sucked in.  In 2000, ownership changes at the store lead me to figuring out how to stay in Duluth and how to stay in the industry.  I called up the dynamic duo of Cindy & Jim Holton for advice.  They put me to work selling socks at events so that I could network and the rest is history. I started out with some crummy lines in 2001 and some of them have grown to be great lines.  I still have a bit of that “I won’t sell anything I can’t get behind” mentality left in me and I when that is gone, I’ll move on to other things.

Mike Fowler, buyer for Uncle Dan’s in Chicago, once constructively observed that I get too attached to my brands.  While it can be a weakness, passion is what drives me.  (Mike is no dummy so I am currently seeking balance.)

I wish that I could tell you some magic philosophy that I have about being a rep but it’s constantly changing.  The industry is changing and I’m always finding out that I have so much to learn.  There are some core, guiding values that drive me, however.

• Love your business:  We’re not selling hearts & lungs.  It’s business, it’s important, but it should be fun.
• The straight poop:  During times when it’s not fun, honesty, fairness, and straight forwardness are essential.
• No bologna: I will not sell you something you shouldn’t be selling.
• Partnership:  I walk the fine line of being an advocate for my vendors and and advocate for my dealers.  The best results for all come when we realized that we’re all in this together.

Life as a rep is not glamorous but its pitfalls also reveal some great peaks.  Where else can I wear Chacos (perferably a clean pair) to a trade show as part of my professional attire?

Northstar Outdoor was started out of ambition and passion.  With no “How to be a rep” book out there, it’s been a lot of learning the hard way.  That’s often the best kind.  I figured out early on what my guiding principles were, my north stars, and no matter how much the business climate changes, those remain the same. If you see me on the road in my blue Toaster, please honk.  I probably need to be startled to make sure I’m not falling asleep.

-mk