July 2013 – Alpine Shop Blog

July 23, 2013

10 Questions with Meghan Izaguirre

Meghan “Mae Mae Fazio” Izaguirre is the wonderful store manager of our Chesterfield Alpine Shop. Her experience out on the slopes and need for adventure has landed her an important role in the Alpine Shop’s family circle. Starting in our Chesterfield location almost seven years ago she has continued to be a great representation of the customer service we strive to uphold everyday. Here’s a quick way for you to meet one of our very best!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one

Mae Mae

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I am the store manager at the Alpine Shop in Chesterfield. I enjoy meeting new people who come into the shop and help them with their travel/adventure needs!

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

I was born in Los Angeles, Calif. Raised in St Louis, Mo. Adventured/lived in Salt Lake City, Utah & Islamorada, Fla., and am currently back in St Louis (obviously) I enjoy the outdoors. I love the snow.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?

Hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking. Working at Alpine for the past few years has definitely broadened my love for the outdoors.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

In St Louis: Castlewood State Park, Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Forest Park, Current River, Jack’s Fork and Upper Limits Climbing Gym. Just because we live in the Midwest, doesn’t mean we don’t have beautiful places to Get Outside. Outside of St Louis, I enjoy snowboarding at Brighton Resort in Salt Lake City and Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore., as well as deep sea fishing in Islamorada, Fla!

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I still haven’t done a full out backpacking trip yet, I would love to hike Mount Whitney in California or Zion National Park in Utah.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)

I find myself wearing at least ONE piece of clothing/footwear to work each day from Alpine Shop. Right now I am really digging my Salomon XR Missions. These shoes are great for trail running, or just wearing to work for the support/comfort. I also enjoy Mervin Snowboards (GNU & LibTech) for my winter necessities!

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)

Imagine working with a group of people who all love the same things, who get to gear up customers for trips that we could only dream to go on. Imagine working with people who invite you out after work to all go skiing/snowboarding or rock climbing. That’s what it is like to work at Alpine Shop. I also love that it is a locally owned business and we stay true to our customer service.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

I am the only girl out of four children in my family, and we were always active growing up! Whether it was soccer games, field hockey practice or snowboarding everyday in the winter, I was ALWAYS doing something. When I started working at Alpine Shop at the age of 16, I knew this place was perfect for my adventure needs.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I got married to my fabulous husband in April of this year at Chandler Hill Vineyard… We just bought a house, and move in 2 days! No kiddos yet, still have a lot of adventure & travel left in these bones of mine…

July 16, 2013

10 Questions with Brennan VanMatre

Brennan “BV” Van Matre has been the store manager at our Columbia, MO store for five years, he is the backbone to one of our great stores and brings a delightful element of outdoor culture to our company everyday. A true outdoors-man who loves an extensive array of activities from kayaking, mountain biking, ice climbing… just to name a few!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one

“BV”

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I have been the store manager of Alpine Shop Columbia for 5 years now. I have enjoyed developing the kayak instruction, hiking trips, backpack adventures here in our Columbia location. It is a great community and very fitting for the outdoor culture.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

Mexico, Mo.: A little town in central Missouri, blossomed on the brick industry, filled with good folks and a strong sense of community.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?

I really enjoy kayaking slow river and whitewater, mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, hiking, did I mention all things outdoors? I have always loved being outdoors. I spent several years living out west and I grew personally and spiritually with nature. I lived in the Rockies, the western desert, Alaska, spent time in all states surrounding and appreciated every moment.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

I really like the water. And I really like the mountains. I must say the Pacific Northwest is the place that all of that comes together easily for me. The contrast of waves, rocky coast, and mountains that climb right out of the surf. That is the macro view. Locally, I find myself in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Finger Lakes State Park or Mark Twain National Forest. I can hike, bike, kayak and disappear for a while.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I would love to see what the world looks like atop of Mt. Rainier. I am very interested in mountaineering, love the Pacific Northwest, and would love to accomplish this summit. It is on my short list right now. I have seen many tops in the Rockies and I can’t begin to describe the feeling. It is deep.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)

I have several pieces of gear I really use and appreciate. First, a fantastic rain shell. If I could have one piece of apparel, it may be a GoreTex shell. I own a Marmot Minimalist and have trusted it for years. I am a fan of Salomon footwear for trail running and honestly, everyday comfort. My backpack gear is very Marmot and Osprey.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)

I can say working in the outdoor industry is a real luxury. It is the leisure time for most and I see the excited, nervous state in the trip planning stage. To play a part in that activity or adventure is really cool to share on a personal level. But best when they come back through the door to share the experience with me. Alpine Shop is a great place to live out the day-to-day involvement. Columbia is a very cool place with a lot of great folks who enjoy the great outdoors.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

I appreciate the little moments where nature sings its song. Leaves rustle, birds sing, water runs, and I can hear everything and nothing at all. I feel connected and humble while in the outdoors.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I have an incredible wife and son. I couldn’t ask for more when it comes to my family. I live life by the moment and take nothing for granted.

July 12, 2013

10 Questions with Russ Tamm

The Alpine Shop is full of awesome people who help make this place the best it can be! Russ Tamm has been gracing the floor of the Kirkwood location for almost four years and he will soon be leaving us for his home state of Washington! Here’s a quick way to meet him and join us in giving him a warm farewell.

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one
Russellmania!

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
I do a little bit of everything here! I’m currently working as our training manager, coordinating both vendor and in house clinics on new product and general outfitting. I love hiking, kayaking, and snowboarding. If folks are getting geared up for outdoor adventures, I can usually get them pointed in the right direction. If you need a pack fit, wanna get the lowdown on down sleeping bags (har har) or are trying to figure out the right board or skis for you, I’d love to help out! I’m also one of the Shop’s ACA certified kayaking instructors, so summer time means I get to go play on the water.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Seattle, Wash. The mountains and ocean (and coffee!) are the things I love the most about the Pacific Northwest. I always take at least one trip back in the winter to snowboard at Stevens Pass or Crystal Mountain. Kayaking the San Juan Islands is an incredible adventure, definitely worth the trip. I also try to work in a trip to my favorite college hangout, Cafe Solstice in the U-district, for blueberry cream cheese coffee cake and the world’s best straight espresso!

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activites you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?
My parents had me out of the house as much as possible when I was a kid! I loved reading about and practicing survival techniques and native american woodcraft. In high school, I got my Eagle Award and was involved in search and rescue ground team ops with the Civil Air Patrol.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
I love paddling the Meramec and Missouri Rivers for quiet beauty and fun with friends. Johnson’s Shut-Ins for easy family camping and cool fun in the summer. Hidden Valley Ski Resort gives us a chance to go skiing and snowboarding right in our back yard. Love to catch midnight sessions after work with a mob from the shop!

I’m probably the most “me” hiking and camping in Olympic National Park, Wash. Wandering mossy damp forests of evergreen, canoeing the glassy waters of Lake Ozette, or hiking the kelp littered coastline to booming breakers and the cries of gulls.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
Week-long sea kayaking tour through the San Juan Islands in Washington’s Puget Sound! Beautiful protected inlets, challenging open water, and quaint laid back island communities. The San Juans sit in a triangle between Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Harbour seals, orca whales, and bonfires on the rugged coast make paddling in the Pacific Northwest pure magic.

That or heli snowboarding in Alaska. Maximum gnar.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
Marmot, Arc’teryx, Wilderness Systems, Burton, and Lib Tech are some of my favorite brands at the shop. These guys are pros when it comes to making stuff that works great, and looks cool while doing it! Here are some of my personal favorites:

Marmot Aura 2P Tent. Expertly constructed, great in wind and rain, and still fairly lightweight. Roomy vestibule space and double entry make this tent a no-brainer for 3 season backpacking.

Arc’teryx S220LT Climbing Harness. This harness offers simplicity, light weight, and crazy comfort that belies its minimalist design.

Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145. This versatile kayak has the carrying capacity to take you on touring daytrips and overnighters, for casual paddling or an expedition! Easy to handle and predictable, but will also perform more advanced techniques.

Burton Barracuda Snowboard. Amazing powder and free ride board, with one of the best graphics I’ve seen in a while.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)
I love hearing about and helping folks get ready for awesome adventures! We have a great community of people who love the outdoors here at the Alpine Shop and it’s truly a privilege to be a part of it. Going to work inspires me to learn more every day, and to get myself back out there!

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
Mind, Body, and Spirit. They are one. The outdoors refuel me wholly.
What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?
Playing and listening to music! Guitar, banjo, penny whistle. Anything I can make some noise with.
Provide any personal family information you wish to share.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?
I have an amazing wife and two great little girls. We’re learning how to be an outdoorsy team! We also have a pug. He’s pretty lame in the wild. I just completed my Masters of Divinity at Covenant Seminary here in St Louis. I enjoy seeing the outdoors open people’s eyes to bigger things. I’d like to bring those two loves together, inspiring people to find meaning, purpose, and hope in this often crazy world.