Passion, Perseverance, and Red Pepper Flakes: Starting and running an outdoor recreation business with Lloyd Vogel of Garage Grown Gear

In this episode, we sit down with Lloyd Vogel, founder and CEO of Garage Grown Gear, to explore the evolution of ultralight outdoor gear and the growth of his Minnesota-based company. From its humble beginnings in a basement to an 8,000-square-foot warehouse in Saint Paul, Garage Grown Gear has become a leader in the ultralight outdoor gear space by focusing on small, innovative manufacturers.

Episode Highlights

• Lloyd's journey from "merman" and outdoor educator to retail entrepreneur
• The origin story of Garage Grown Gear and its evolution from The Big Outdoors
• What "ultralight" really means in backpacking (spoiler: base weight under 10 pounds)
• How the outdoor retail landscape is changing in Minnesota and the Midwest
• The future of innovation in outdoor gear and the importance of finding your niche

Key Topics Covered

• The definition and philosophy of ultralight backpacking
• The challenges of growing a small outdoor retail business
• The impact of Midwest Mountaineering's closure on the Minnesota outdoor community
• How online communities are reshaping outdoor retail and education
• The role of small manufacturers in driving outdoor gear innovation

Guest Bio

Lloyd Vogel is the founder and CEO of Garage Grown Gear, a specialty retailer focused on ultralight outdoor gear from small, innovative manufacturers. With a background in outdoor education and a passion for paddling sports, Lloyd has grown Garage Grown Gear from a basement operation to a significant player in the ultralight gear market. His approach to business emphasizes adding value over chasing profits and maintaining a focused niche over broad expansion.

Credits:
Producers: Randolph Briley
Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty
Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake