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.