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THE GREAT 8 be its own satellite store." The staff has grown, too. Opened with just three employees, today Next Adventure employees 158. Heykamp says his employees are the font of the store's success. "We are so blessed with staff that really cares," he says. And as their staff has grown, so have their civic obligations. "We take our responsibility seriously, and whether that's supporting underserved communities or being on steering or planning committees, you've got to put your time where you mouth is," Heykamp says. He adds that engagement with staff and with the Portland outdoor community will be critical in keeping the store relevant as competition – especially online – increases. "I don't think the internet will outsell brick-and-mortar," he says. "But it certainly keeps us on our toes. There are people who were used to business coming to the door and that's not going to work for any of us." Heykamp, in fact, is bullish on brick- and-mortar. "You can read all the specs you want, you're still never going to get a ski boot fitted over the internet," he says. "And humans are social beings: We need and want a place to go interact. It's our job to make that as easy and friendly as possible." That commitment hasn't wavered since day one, Heykamp says. "Gear is complicated and it can be so intimidating. But this is a safe place to come and learn," he says. "It's not the most profit- able way and it's not the quickest or easiest, but our customers appreciate how we've made them feel." O "I don't think the internet will outsell brick-and-mortar. But it certainly keeps us on our toes." "Humans are social beings: We need and want a place to go interact. It's our job to make that as easy and friendly as possible." "Everyone who has come though and worked for us has put their mark on it and we're a better compa- ny for it." "Bryan and I came from very humble means, and we were accustomed to look- ing for used gear and making the best of what we could find." QUOTABLE THE NEXT GENERATION SORBOTHANE ® INSOLE Ultra PLUS SORBOTHANE ® PERFORMANCE INSOLES EXCLUSIVE RUN WITH STABILITY & COMFORT insoles-sorbothane.com sorbothane.com 800.838.3906 July 2018 • Outdoor Insight • 43 outdoorinsightmag.com